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Projects

Our four main levels of audits and upgrades are:

1. (1) Basic - includes an energy audit and low-cost upgrades, such as more efficient lighting and plumbing fixtures and weatherization.
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3. Average Cost and Payback = $1000/home - 10% reduction
   
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5. (2) Standard - includes basic items as well as more extensive upgrades such as insulation, radiant barrier and HVAC.
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7. Average Cost and Payback = $2500/home - 20% reduction
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9. (3) Premium - includes Standard items as well as more indoor air quality measures, gardening, rainwater harvesting and more extensive insulation.
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11. Average Cost and Payback = $7,500/home - 30% reduction
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13. (4) Advanced - this type of project involves extensive, comprehensive and integrated improvements that could include renewable energy, replace inefficient appliances, air purification and more as applicable.
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15. Average Cost and Payback = $10,000+/home - 50%+ reduction
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Model Projects

April 2010, Charlotte, NC

We are planning a “Lets get it started” project in April in the Belmont neighborhood in Charlotte. Belmont has median income far below the poverty line, 44.8% of the households are of single mothers and the neighborhood has three times the amount of high school drop outs compared to Charlotte at large. However, it is a thriving neighborhood where multiple initiatives are rising up internally, seeking to improve the livelihood of the people that live here.

Our project will focus on gathering people from the neighborhood together to do something good for someone else in the neighborhood while learning about sustainable living practices to improve their own lives as well. The volunteers will work together with certified professionals to do weatherization work for a household that is in real need of help. Services include changing inefficient gadgets such as light bulbs and faucet aerators, doing basic renovations for energy conservation and indoor living environmental safety, and weatherizing windows, doors, and attics.

Our goal is to promote social, economic, and environmental justice in the Belmont neighborhood by giving the poor an opportunity to reduce monthly energy expenses, getting involved in environmental issues and practices, and strengthen their positive impact on the environment and society at large.

Needs:

 - Building supplies (specific items TBD based on audit findings).

 - Loaned tools for use on day of event.

 - Experienced home maintenance skills – window repair, faucet replacement, caulking, insulation.

 - Willing-to-learn “pair of hands” – light bulb replacement, maintenance assistance (Pick up some valuable skills you can use on your own home.)

 - Money to pay for any labor and materials not donated. (Full audit and weatherization services would be ~$1200 without in-kind support.)

To arrange a donation or find more information, contact us!

September 2008, Washington D.C.

Our founder provided a free energy audit for a low-income home on the outskirts of Washington D.C.  The improvements recommended from the audit were implemented together with other local companies and about 30 volunteers.   This project helped a family create a healthier and more sustainable home with utility savings estimated between $1,000 and $1,500 a year. This project serves as one of the models for Nation Sustainable’s work.

To read the full story of this project visit the gazette: http://www.gazette.net/stories/09302008/
prinnew182709_32497.shtml