SARASOTA COUNTY – Learn how to cut your energy and water use at home and empower others to do the same by training to be an “Energy Coach” with Sarasota County.
Registration is now open for a free, 3-hour introductory Energy Coach workshop set for August 09. Participants will receive professional instruction on and hands-on training in energy- and water-efficiency strategies, device installation, financial incentives for home upgrades, and public outreach. Training takes place at the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: Twin Lakes Park, Green Building 6700 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34241
“Community-centered support for reducing energy and water bills makes a real difference for Sarasota County households already working hard for safety and stability,” said Casey McCabe, energy program specialist with Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. “Our focus on weatherization and efficiency is especially relevant as we experience increased extreme heat and storm activity in our area.”
Nearly half of Sarasota County households are cost-burdened, meaning residents pay more than 30% of their annual income on housing costs. Utility and water bills are a large contributor to this disparity, with some low-to-median-income households in our region paying up to 19% of their annual income on energy costs.
From 2020 through 2024, the Energy Upgrade team has reached nearly 7,000 people with energy-efficiency education and upgraded 310 households. They’ve helped residents save more than $182,000 in utility costs and upward of 4 million gallons of water annually.
The Energy Coach training will run from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by a light lunch. Training will cover energy- and water-conservation techniques, energy equity, local utility bill payment assistance, efficiency-related financial incentives, and more. Learn more and register at eventbrite.com/e/1342471040019.
Whether you have a busy weekday schedule or simply prefer weekend learning, this training is designed and scheduled to ensure that everyone can participate. If you would like to join the training but require accommodations or cannot make the specified time, please contact SustainableSarasota@scgov.net.
For more information and to register, visit the registration page or call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 311 (or 941-861-5000 outside Sarasota County).UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County partners local, state, and federal resources to translate research into community initiatives, classes, and volunteer opportunities related to 4-H youth development; agriculture; gardening and landscaping; natural resources; nutrition and healthy living; and sustainability. Learn more at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota.
