GCCDS participated in the Powering Renewal Energy Open Houses on Saturday, October 6th at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and USM’s Gulf Coast Research Lab.  Powering Renewal is a program working to bring more clean energy to the Gulf Coast and to raise awareness about everyday energy efficiency opportunities for coastal residents, businesses and communities.

Did you know utility bills represent the 4th highest expense in the American family’s budget?  GCCDS was able to share information about household energy costs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and energy efficiency tips, programs and policies available to help residents save money.  The research was part of the studio’s regional planning work for the Plan for Opportunity.  See our Get ENERGY SMART handout.

In addition, GCCDS will soon be able to test homes for energy efficiency thanks to a Department of Energy grant!  Staff members are currently being trained under the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and will be able to rate a home’s energy usage, energy loss and costs.

GCCDS is also partnering with Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and The Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation on two unique programs aimed at creating more energy efficiency in existing homes.  More updates to come!