| Become an “Energy Coach”to help those in need |
| SARASOTA COUNTY – Learn to help low-income residents save energy, water, and money at home while making Sarasota more equitable and sustainable, by becoming a Sarasota County “Energy Coach” volunteer. Registration is now open at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com for this program, which includes 12 hours of training on home energy systems,energy and water saving techniques, conducting virtual consultations with community members and more. |
 “As an Energy Coach volunteer, you can help underserved community members in Sarasota County and protect the environment while you do it,” said Alia Garret, energy program specialist with Sarasota County’s UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability office. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lower-income residents in our community spend up to 19 percent of their annual income on energy expenditures. For higher-income residents, though, that annual cost is just 2-3 percent. Often, the inefficient construction and older appliances found in older, more-affordable housing units combine to inflate energy bills. Energy Coach volunteers take key steps to tackle this issue by receiving extensive training from the county’s UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability department. The volunteer training prepares coaches to directly assist families in saving money while conserving our planet’s natural resources in the process. Energy Coaches must attend all four training sessions: March 2, 9, 16, and 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. The last session includes socially distant, on-site, hands-on training and demonstrations, and a graduation and celebration. Note that COVID-19 safety guidelines might result in changes to the on-site training day. Training topics include::Low and no-cost energy upgrade strategiesEnergy equityFinancial assistance for energy improvementsHow to perform remote energy evaluationsIndoor healthHow to install devices & more Other Energy Coach volunteer roles include assembling kits and organizing supplies, presenting the Energy Upgrade webinar, dropping off kits to residents, consultations with community members, events and more. If you have another skill set you think may benefit the program, please contact us (SustainableSarasota@scgov.net). The $20 workshop cost includes educational training and materials, a required background check, and, upon workshop completion, an Energy Coach T-shirt. Interested individuals with concerns about the fee or any physical requirements can inquire by email to SustainableSarasota@scgov.net. For more information about Energy Coach training, the Energy Upgrade program, or other sustainability topics, contact Alia Garrett, Energy Program Specialist, at agarrett@scgov.net or 941-861-9829. An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA. |