Helping residents achieve sustainable solutions

The San Diego Foundation has granted $42,000 to the Center for Sustainable Energy for expanding a program that provides one-on-one home energy advising as part of the foundation’s “Building Regional Resilience” program that addresses climate issues in partnership with the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative.

“Like many locations globally, our region is facing challenges from the impacts of climate change,” said Emily Young, the foundation’s vice president of community impact. “These grants represent a regional commitment to ensure San Diego maintains its healthy climate and economy for future generations.”

The CSE grant, one of six awards countywide announced on July 23, 2015, will support a home coaching program about water- and energy-saving measures for municipal employees in Escondido, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Encinitas and Del Mar. The grant was made possible by the foundation’s Climate Initiative.

CSE’s specially trained home energy coaches have developed a program that provides customized, in-depth water and energy conservation guidance designed to deepen community awareness about the drought, energy efficiency and resilience to potential climate change conditions. So far, CSE has conducted the program with several large employers in the region.

“This grant will allow us to expand our home energy coach program to guide more residents in making significant water and energy upgrades and finding out how to secure relevant rebates,” said Lindsey Hawes, CSE’s senior manager for building performance.

More information about home energy performance, rebate programs and financing for energy improvements is available at the CSE home upgrade website.