The Toledo-Lucas County Sustainability Commission, in partnership with the Lucas County Land Bank, is launching Living Green, Saving Green, a program to provide energy audits to Lucas County residents and to make energy efficiency more accessible. This income-based program will provide homebuyers with the opportunity to have an energy efficiency audit performed on the property that will provide recommendations for making the home more energy efficient.

There are two tracks for individuals to take advantage the Living Green Saving Green program:

For those who are above 150% of the federal poverty level, they will be directed to the NeighborWorks Community Connections Program. They will receive an audit--free of charge--and may be eligible for upgrades such as insulation, and new appliances.

For those who are below 150% of the federal poverty level, they will be directed to Columbia Gas Ohio Home Performance Solutions Program for their energy efficiency improvements. They will also be eligible for a home energy audit for $50.

The audit will outline what types of home improvements could be made, costs, and how long it will take for a resident to make their money back by having the improvements done. The Lucas County Commissioners are offering the first 50 audits through the Lucas County Land Bank, free of charge. This program is also in partnership with existing NeighborWorks and Columbia Gas programs designed to lower energy costs and reduce energy use for home owners in Lucas County.

Please visit http://www.lucascountygreen.com/current-projects.html for more information.