an equity, engagement ... - florida energy...

Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability

Energy Upgrade: An Equity, Engagement, Environmental, and

Affordable Housing Strategy

Sara Kane, Sustainability Program Coordinator Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability


Outline

• Equity Issues in Sarasota County• Residential Energy Engagement

Programs• Non-Profit Energy Engagement

Programs


Sustainability

Economic

EnvironmentalSocial

Optimal Decision

A balanced approach


What is Equity?

Source: “Interaction Institute for Social Change | Artist: Angus Maguire.”


History of Inequity

• Segregated African American residents lived in Overtown, then Newtown.

• Despite segregation, racism, and menial jobs, they played a major role in the development of Sarasota.

• They educated children, developed their own business district, built churches and organized social activities with family and faith at the core.

• Currently: While only 6% of kids live in concentrated poverty, 48% are black.

Source: https://www.visitsarasota.com/get-know-newtown-through-its-history

http://www.equality-of-opportunity.org/neighborhoods/

https://www.visitsarasota.com/get-know-newtown-through-its-history


Sarasota County Demographics

Source: Sarasota School District Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-year estimates

Prepared by: Sarasota County Planning and Development Services

https://www.scgov.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=34224



Source: United Way Suncoast

Federal Poverty Level $11,880 $24,300

http://www.uwof.org/sites/uwof.org/files/18UW%20ALICE%20Report_COUNTY_FL_10.31.18.pdf


Housing Affordability

Cost Burdened Households in Sarasota County :• 76,613 total• 73% low-

income families

• 54% renters• 53%

households under 45

Prepared by: Sarasota County Planning and Development ServicesSource: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2009 ACS 5-year estimates and 2012-2016 ACS 5-year estimates



Source: DOE, Grid Modernization Lab Consortium Electricity Affordability Metrics

Energy Inequity

Percent Households with Unaffordable Electricity Costs


Energy Inequity

Energy Bills13%

Energy Bills3%

Energy Bills19%

Energy Bills2%

Source: DOE LEAP data

Renters

Homeowners

Low Income Median Income+% of Annual Income on Energy Bills in Sarasota Co.

ENERGY COSTS

Energy Cost Vs. Home Value Get Energy Smart Retrofit Program Participants

Energy Inequity

• 2018 Ave. household annual energy costs: $1,245 ($104/mo)

• Renters face “split incentive”


Residential Energy Efficiency Education

• Started in 2012 with DOE grant• Energy Efficiency workshops• DIY Kits distributed• Educational materials created • Refocused to low-income groups in

2016• Salvation Army, United Way,

Children’s First, Habitat for Humanity• In 1st year: 9 workshops reached 190

low income households.


2017

Total

Residential Energy Efficiency Education


Energy Upgrade Volunteer Training

• 2018 Started Energy Coach Volunteer Program• 5 class training series covering:


• Offers programs in six core areas:1. In-home installations and evaluations

Advise clients on energy improvements on-site

o Apply hands-on knowledge of in-home energy improvements

o Record and submit evaluations

Volunteer Roles:


PHASE 1 – Sarasota Housing Authority

PHASE 2 – non-profit referrals to other low income homes

Bertha Mitchell duplexes McCown

Towers

Volunteer Roles: 1. In-home installations and evaluations


2. Provide Energy Upgrade Education + DIY kits

Educating on energy improvements and behavioral change in a workshop setting

Volunteer Roles:


• Offers programs in six core areas:3. Offer 1:1 Consultations + DIY KitsVolunteer Roles:

Advising clients on energy improvement during 1:1 consultations at ‘help desk’ in non-profit partner locations


Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Program

• Started in 2019 with Partners for Places grant ($350,000)

• Collaboration between Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota, and the Gulf Coast Community, Sarasota Community and Charles and Margery Barancik Foundations


Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Program

Environmental and human-service nonprofits get:• Energy, water, and solar audits of facilities• “Energy roadmaps” for future investments• Improvement projects funded

Client Energy Education & Referrals

Non-profits impacted: • 3 pilots, ~15 total


Sara KaneEmail [email protected]

scgov.net/sustainability

Questions?

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