Thanks Ed Norton! - CarbonfreeDC

Thanks Ed Norton! 08/03/2009

CarbonfreeDC's “Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover” was one of five proposals out of 2,500 submitted to win a $20,000 grant from National Geographic’s “Green Effect” competition, co-sponsored by Sun Chips. CarbonfreeDC is a local grassroots environmental initiative recently incorporated as a 501(c)(3).

The “Makeover” will renovate 20 low-income homes in the District to make them more energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective.

CarbonfreeDC’s proposal was selected by a five-judge panel, consisting of Actor Edward Norton, Green For All CEO Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, Head of Frito-Lay Sustainability Dave Haft and more. A fifth winner was chosen through online voting.

CarbonfreeDC and its 750 members, along with local government, businesses, and organizations, are already taking action by identifying the 20 homes to renovate. Next, each home will receive an energy audit to determine the scope and nature of the needed work. The selected families are then invited to help with the renovations, which will be undertaken by CarbonfreeDC volunteers with donated materials from DC-area businesses. Continuing with its successful outreach and education strategy, CarbonfreeDC will hold a series of workshops in the selected communities to help neighbors learn how to make similar changes in their own homes.

After the work is done, CarbonfreeDC will track the energy, money, and carbon savings of the participating families to show the impacts of its work. The project aims to wrap up in 6-8 weeks, culminating in a final celebration for all families, volunteers, and supporters. Stay tuned for frequent updates as the project progresses!

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User Rich Coast