Common Ground on Green Schools

Matt Pearce
Campaign Specialist
U.S. Green Building Council

Earlier this year, USGBC launched seven new advocacy campaigns designed to highlight our organization’s public policy priorities. And local advocates sure have responded. Most recently, USGBC South Carolina hosted a day-long summit inspired by USGBC’s Common Ground on Green Schools Campaign which brought together Palmetto state educators, government officials and legislators to discuss ways to put every South Carolinian child in a green school within a generation. Nate Allen, advocacy lead at the Center for Green Schools, wrote up a blog recapping this event. You can read the original post at centerforgreenschools.org

USGBC South Carolina Greens Veterans’ Homes With Energy Efficient Homes for Heroes Program

Melissa Le Roy
Executive Director
USGBC South Carolina Chapter

This fall, USGBC South Carolina launched Energy Efficient Homes for Heroes, a community engagement program that aims to reduce energy demand in the homes of local veterans through weatherization. In households where utilities account for three percent of monthly income, improved insulation means significant reductions in heating and cooling costs.

In the program’s first endeavor, USGBC-SC partnered with the Sustainability Institute, University of South Carolina Service Day volunteers and Energy Conservation Corps to green the home of Vietnam veteran Leon McFaddin in Columbia, SC. Supported by Lowe’s Home Improvement, the weatherization will provide a projected annual savings of $480.

Energy Conservation Corps members pose with Leon McFaddin and Melissa Le Roy in front of Mr. McFaddin’s weatherized home.

By engaging Mr. McFaddin and local citizens, the Energy Efficient Homes for Heroes program educated the homeowner and other community stakeholders on the benefits of energy efficiency and its role in sustainable living.

To learn how to get involved with Energy Efficient Homes for Heroes or start a similar program in your region, contact Melissa Le Roy, USGBC-SC Executive Director, at (843) 329-3121 or execdir [at] usgbcsc.org.