Community Energy Solutions is pleased to announce that we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County to bring solar thermal hot water to two future homeowners in Suquamish.
The first house to be built is located at 18534 4th Ave NE in Suquamish. Volunteers will build the home alongside the future homeowner, who will contribute at least 400 hours of "sweat equity" on her home during construction. The future homeowner, Felicia Oliver-Johnson, mother of five young children will purchase the house at cost with a zero-interest mortgage financed by Kitsap Habitat upon the completion of construction. On July 18th at 10:00 am a groundbreaking ceremony will be held. All are welcome to come to this empowering event.
The project is part of Community Energy Solutions' Renewable for All Program. We are responsible for fundraising for the home's solar hot water heating system. In addition, we will be providing training to interested pipe fitters and electricians during the installation. Because water heating is one of the largest uses of electricity in a home, the new system will provide substantial long-term savings for Felicia's family on their electricity bill.
The home itself is being sponsored through the fundraising efforts of a group of Kitsap County lawyers calling themselves the Gavel and Hammer Society. Bainbridge Island architectural firm Wenzlau Architects generously designed the home pro bono.
In other news, members of Community Energy Solutions joined with other volunteers of the Bainbridge Island Energy Challenge to celebrate the 4th of July. Close to 200 individuals have signed up to express their interest and support of the Challenge. The goals of the Challenge are simple:
Save energy, save money
Strengthen the local economy
Reduce CO2 emissions
In the coming month, the group will be focusing on the details of the Challenge, which includes energy efficiency, smart grid technology and distributed generation. Community Energy Solutions will be heavily involved.
To stay informed, you can send us an email and we will add your name to the growing list. If you know someone who may be interested to learn more about the Bainbridge Island Energy Challenge, please forward this email to them.
With Special Thanks to HumanLinks Foundation and Grace Episcopal Church, the first Renewables for All project is within 90% of our fundraising goal.
Your contributions will bring renewable energy to those who normally are out of reach.
