Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County homeowners looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and their monthly energy costs have a free opportunity coming up to reap ideas and professional advice.
The County of Marin’s Climate and Sustainability Office is partnering with the Bay Area nonprofit Acterra to present the in-person and self-guided Marin Green@Home Tour on Saturday, August 29. Several Marin homes will be featured between 11 AM and 3 PM to showcase environmentally conscious home upgrades and appliances. On Saturday, August 15, the addresses will be shared with those who register to attend.
Those considering energy friendly upgrades sometimes have questions or concerns that hold them back. As with past Green@Home Tours in Marin, the goal is to inspire conversations between neighbors about the steps they can take to move away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable, resilient homes. The event provides valuable insights from tour hosts on appliance selection, contractor decisions, installation processes, and incentives, making the transition to electric living informed and cost-effective.
Since the launch of Electrify Marin, the County has seen growth in permits for electric appliances, particularly electric heat pump water heaters. Over the seven years of Electrify Marin’s rebate program, the County saw 1,524 gas appliances replaced with efficient electric alternatives for heating, water heating, and cooking, demonstrating strong momentum in home electrification.
The fifth annual Green@Home Tour reflects that growing interest. The tour was held online for its first three years, gathering hundreds of viewers. Video recordings of the event are available online, along with other County resources for home electrification. The in-person tour August 29th offers a unique opportunity to see electrified equipment firsthand and speak directly with homeowners about their experiences.
Marin’s buildings are responsible for about one-third of local greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable adaptations to homes and other buildings result in cleaner air, improved comfort, and lower environmental impact. Acterra, based in Palo Alto, traces its roots to 1970. It creates local solutions for a healthy planet in the face of daunting environmental challenges.
Sponsors of the tour include Marin Clean Energy, Marin Water, and Resilient Neighborhoods. Acterra is looking for volunteers to help with registration check-in, support for the tour hosts, sharing of resources, and public education on electrification products. Contact Acterra to help.
The Climate and Sustainability Office, a division of the Office of the County Executive, supports healthy, safe, and sustainable communities through programs that address climate change, encourage green building, recognize green businesses and implement energy efficiency projects throughout Marin County.
Climate and Sustainability personnel maintain a webpage that includes steps to get started with home electrification. Stay connected with the office on Facebook and Instagram, the event webpage for workshops and community events and the quarterly newsletter. Contact the office via email with questions on our programs or to request more information.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-2797 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the Sustainability Team at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.