Many elderly and low-income homeowners struggle to pay their utility bills, which are often a disproportionately high portion of their income. These individuals are forced to choose between paying their utility bill or buying needed medicines or food and are experiencing sub-standard living conditions in one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. A recent survey of low-income households found that during the prior five years, due to their energy bills, 57% of non-elderly owners went without medical or dental care, 25% could not make their rent or mortgage payment, and 24% went without food for at least one day.
The 1 House At A Time program develops community partnerships and generates matching funds from public/private entities to complete the transformation of homes. Currently, there are organizations that provide assistance to the elderly and low-income community as well as education, technology, and local and federal government resources for making homes more resource efficient. We join forces with these existing organizations, manage all stakeholders, and recruit volunteers to go into the homes and complete the renovation process. Using this approach we are able to efficiently complete the individual home projects at a below market cost per home.
Each home is first renovated to be energy efficient through weatherization. We then install utility efficient appliances, new or upgraded HVAC systems, low flush toilets and low-flow water fixtures, rain barrels, and energy saving devices such as programmable thermostats, compact fluorescent bulbs, and power strips to reduce phantom loads. Additionally, we train and educate homeowners to make the best use of their newly transformed homes. During this phase, utility bills are reduced 30-50%. In addition, we improve the quality of life for the homeowners and obtain a measurable environmental impact reduction. To obtain up to 70% reduction in utility bills, renewable energy technologies may be installed in the second phase of our assistance such as solar panels, water heaters, etc.
Background
Buildings, including homes, have been identified by the US Energy Information Administration as the largest contributor to global warming, accounting for almost half of the annual US energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Housing also represents one of the top three areas of consumer spending in the United States and costs consume a disproportionate amount of the salaries of low-income families. These costs are keeping many families at or below the poverty level. Our program represents a great opportunity to reduce global warming in communities across the United States.
A Nurtured World is a practical, educational and research 501(c)(3) non-profit that is in action in the community and dedicated to a global change in thinking such that people live prosperous lives as well as conserve and restore our natural resources. Our programs, designed by engineers, educators, architects, economists, and financial specialists result in significant measurable reductions in global warming emissions as well as personal and organizational financial savings. Each unique program is designed to provide for experiential learning, development of partnerships between diverse organizations, and delivering cost-effective outcomes that can be replicated across social structures, educational institutions, and public and private entities in a non-partisan, inspiring, action-oriented manner. More information can be found at Www.NurturedWorld.Org.
Comments are closed for this post.
