Getting Started Challenge 1: Be a Power Saver! Learn about it: Read the Power Saver Brochure Visit the Power Saver web page Take the Challenge Pre-Survey  Attend a Powerware Party. Register Online, or download and mail in the GHC Registration Form  Become Informed, Take Action & Meet the Power Saver Challenge! Contact Sabrina Harder Green Homes Program Coordinator Ph: (301) 600-7414 Lisa Orr Sustainability Program Coordinator   Ph: (301) 600-6864

Overview
A sustainable  community starts at home and the Green Homes Challenge helps residents take action at home to reduce energy use and utility bills, adopt green lifestyle practices, and use renewable energy.

Three challenges and certification programs make up the program:



Challenge 1: Be a Power Saver!
Save Our Energy, Bank Your Money!
Learn more here! Meet Two Power Savers!


Challenge 2: Be a Green Leader!
Green Your Lifestyle, Protect Our Resources!
Learn more here!


Challenge 3: Be a Renewable Star!
Renew Your Energy, Clear Our Air! 
(Launching in 2012) 



Who's Joining  the Challenge?
More than 500 households across Frederick County have joined the Challenge! Check out our map! (Select 5th item in tool bar, Layer Manager, then click on "Green Homes".)

Volunteers
Interested in volunteering with the Green Homes Challenge? Visit the Volunteer & Leadership Opportunities sub-page.

Concerns
If you are concerned about:

• Rising energy costs or utility bills,
• Declining quality of life for your children and grandchildren,
• The impacts of climate change or environmental degradation, or
• Our national energy supply and security,

then it is time to turn that concern into personal action right in your own home. The Challenge will inspire you to do just that!

How was the Green Homes Challenge Developed?
Watch this short presentation about how the Challenge was developed and why certain strategies were selected to help participants overcome barriers.



Government Funding
The Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources is targeting the residential sector with programs to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve natural resources. The Green Homes Challenge initiative is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy through an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant award and an EPA Climate Showcase Communities grant.