StopWaste.Org, the local government agency leading Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County, announced this week that the San Leandro Education Foundation has raised $2,300 through its innovative school fundraiser, Energize for the Prize.
From September 2011 through April 2012, Alameda County public and private schools, PTAs, and education foundations earned financial incentives for every home they signed up for an energy upgrade through Energy Upgrade California, the statewide rebate program that helps homeowners save money on energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. The schools and organizations earned $100 per upgrade with additional awards for the top five schools with the most sign-ups.
"The money awarded to SLED through Energize for the Prize will go directly toward funding needed enrichments in our public schools,” said Deborah Cox, president of San Leandro Education Foundation. “We are grateful for the opportunity we were given to participate in the program this year and are looking forward to building on our success in the future by continuing to spread the word about home energy upgrades in our community."
Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement (BAHIA), was the leading energy upgrade recruiter and earned $5,700 through the program. Rosa Parks Elementary School PTA in Berkeley received $3,500, and three district-wide education nonprofits tied for third place, each receiving $2,300: Alameda Green Schools Challenge, Pleasanton Partners in Education and San Leandro Education Foundation. School organizations are able to use the funds in any way they choose.
Schools will have another opportunity to participate in Energize for the Prize during the 2012-2013 school year, and can sign up beginning in May 2012.
“We hope to get even more schools and homeowners involved next year by providing more ways for schools to participate and raise money,” said Wendy Sommer, principal program manager at StopWaste.Org.
An energy upgrade can increase a home’s efficiency by 10 to 40 percent through basic improvements such as attic insulation and duct sealing, or more advanced improvements like installing an energy-efficient furnace or double‐paned windows. Rebates of up to $4,000 are available through Energy Upgrade California to help homeowners pay for these improvements.
Schools and school organizations can learn more about Energize for the Prize and sign up for the program by contacting an Energize for the Prize Outreach Coordinator at (510) 891-6528 or visiting EnergizeForThePrize.org. Information for homeowners about energy efficiency upgrades, rebates, and Energy Upgrade California Participating Contractors can be found online at EnergyUpgradeCA.org.
# # #
About Energy Upgrade California
Energy Upgrade California is a statewide program that offers rebates and incentives to help homeowners save money on energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. Funding for Energy Upgrade California comes from multiple sources, including federal stimulus funds (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act), the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Program and the California Energy Commission. In the Bay Area, Energy Upgrade California is led by an alliance of the Association of Bay Area Governments, county and city agencies and PG&E.
About StopWaste.Org
StopWaste.Org is the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board operating as one public agency. StopWaste.Org’s mission is to achieve the most environmentally sound solid waste management and resource conservation program for the people of Alameda County. The agency offers many programs in the areas of public education, green building, recycled product procurement, waste reduction, and market development.
