Join the USGBC-SC Lowcountry Branch and Brian Sheehan – LEED AP, Director of Sustainability – Department of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability, City of Charleston

Topic of discussion:
Charleston Energy Efficiency Program (CHEEP)

WHEN: February 11, 2010 6:00-7:00pm
WHERE: Best Western 146 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403 GET DIRECTIONS
COST: $10: Includes program, light refreshments provided by Amalfi’s Restaurant

RSVP Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010 to Donna Gilmore donnagilmoresc@yahoo.com

What is the issue?
The CCL has been working with the City of Charleston and the Charleston Green Committee to develop a cutting edge approach for offering residents and business owners access to the capital they need to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient. Buildings represent a major source of energy demand and SC is currently one of the least efficient states in the country. Creating a kind of “one-stop-shop” that provides financing, contractors, and retrofit opportunities in an easily accessible package is critical for achieving a low carbon future for Charleston.

How would it affect South Carolina?
One of the most effective ways for SC to reduce energy consumption is to offer residents and business owners easy access to the tools they need to make their homes and businesses more effective. The Charleston Energy Efficiency Partnership (CHEEP) will be a model for other municipalities and counties around the state. By demonstrating the viability of this approach to energy efficiency in Charleston, the stage will be set for expanding a new template for energy savings and job creation across the Palmetto state.

What can you do about it?
When CHEEP is established in the Spring of 2010, Charleston residents and business owners will have an opportunity to take advantage of the program and make their home or business more energy efficient while saving money at the same time. The next step will be exporting this model to other places in SC, and we’ll need your support to convince elected officials around the state to develop their owner energy efficiency partnership.