They say it takes a village to raise a child. Or, in other words, children are not solely brought up by their parents, but by the communities they live in as well. According to this proverb, everyone is responsible and plays a role. I think this principle is also very fitting when it comes to global sustainability. Sustainability and environmental stewardship are not solely the responsibilities of big businesses and government agencies. Like other social issues, it requires the involvement of an entire community to be successful.

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority’s (TLCPA) newly established BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio program is an excellent model for community-wide sustainability improvement. Through this unique program, individuals, businesses, and governmental entities are eligible for low-cost financing to pay for high-efficiency improvements to their facilities and building systems. TLCPA’s overall goal for the initiative is to make cost-effective energy practices and technology more accessible to local entities.

The program is open to nearly every building type, including municipal, residential, commercial, industrial, and educational buildings. Both the City of Toledo and City of Oregon are taking advantage of the program and are using BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio resources to investigate ways of reducing their energy consumption.

Several other companies and organizations are getting involved in the initiative. SSOE is acting as a technical advisor for the program and is providing program management for the required energy audits. Numerous other local contractors are providing energy assessment and installation services.

Columbia Gas of Ohio has partnered with the TLCPA to help Northwest Ohio residents increase their energy efficiency. As part of their Home Performance Solutions program, Columbia Gas is conducting home energy audits and providing residents with a list of recommended improvements and rebate options. The home energy audits cost just $50, and are reimbursed once the recommended improvements are implemented. Nearly 8,000 audits have been conducted so far with an average annual savings of $300 per home.

For more information on BetterBuildings Northwest Ohio and Home Performance Solutions and see if your home or building(s) is eligible checkout the following websites:

http://www.toledoportauthority.org/Programs/BetterBuildingsNWO.aspx

http://www.columbiagasohio.com