The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) has partnered with CarbonfreeDC in an effort to green 20 homes in the Deanwood and Shaw neighborhoods.

DDOE already offers a wide range of services geared toward helping low-income residents green their homes. In addition to assistance in procuring energy-efficient appliances and improving home weatherization, DDOE offers free energy audits, rebates for renewable energy systems and more.

"CarbonfreeDC is grateful for this partnership with the District Department of the Environment," said CarbonfreeDC Executive Director Rhys Gerholdt. "This project mirrors DDOE's dedication to helping Washington families reduce their energy costs while making their homes healthier and more eco-friendly."

Read more on the DDOE partnership with CarbonfreeDC.

CarbonfreeDC's "Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover was chosen by a panel of judges. One of those judges was Dave Haft, the Group Vice-President for Sustainability and Productivity at Frito-Lay.

Dave released some post-contest observations and look what he said about our proposal:

My top pick is 'Launch Green Extreme Neighborhood,' which would upgrade 20 homes to be more energy efficient in a low income Washington, D.C., neighborhood. For a relatively small investment we can reduce environmental impact and educate people on how they can reduce their personal environmental footprint while reducing household expenses. Expanding this concept to broader community education can have a 'pebble in the pond' effect where hundreds or even thousands become interested and engaged in environmental sustainability.

His top pick! Thanks Dave.

You can read more about Dave Haft on the Green Effect website

CarbonfreeDC is super excited to announce that the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover will take place in the neighborhoods of Shaw in eastern Northwest and Deanwood in Northeast DC.

Thanks to Pastor and Mrs. Newell of the New Covenant Evangelistic Center and Commissioner Sylvia C. Brown for their compelling nominations that lead to our decision to choose these neighborhoods.

We can't wait to announce the deserving families from Shaw and Deanwood. Keep an eye on this blog for more information on these neighborhoods!