Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA – Many Marin County residents pondering home improvements are looking to reduce not only their ongoing expenses but also their carbon footprints. A great way to explore “green”-flavored technology around the home is to participate in the third annual online Marin County Green Home Tour, scheduled for Thursday, October 24.
Registration is open now for the free virtual tour, which begins at 6 PM and will showcase five local homes that include components of clean energy, water conservation, and added climate resiliency. The tour will feature major remodels, gradual retrofits, and low-cost, low-tech “do-it-yourself” solutions for both homeowners and landlords/renters.
The tour wills serve as a prime chance to see working examples of things like heat pumps, induction stoves, solar and battery systems, greywater systems, rainwater harvesting, and recirculation pumps, said event organizer Mark Chhabria, a program coordinator with the Marin County Community Development Agency’s Sustainability Team.
“Climate change is bringing more heat, drought, and fire risk to Marin, and that can be overwhelming,” Chhabria said “The homes featured here are great examples of how homeowners can transition away from fossil fuels and make their homes more resilient. A lot of people have thought about making these upgrades but had questions or concerns that held them back. This tour provides those answers.”
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to look for opportunities to make a home more energy-efficient because Marin’s buildings are responsible for about one-third of local greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable-minded adaptations to homes result in cleaner air, healthier conditions, improved comfort, and smaller energy bills. Participating experts will share information about rebates and other financial incentives for those installing climate-friendly home improvements.
Last year, over 400 people logged in to the Marin tour, and several hundred more viewed the video recordings afterward (they remain online). In addition to being webcast, this year’s tour will be uploaded to YouTube. Each 10-minute video home tour is followed by a live Q&A with a homeowner or landlord/renter.
The virtual tour is offered by the nonprofit Sustainable Marin and sponsored and promoted by the County Sustainability Team. Other partners in the home tour include Marin Climate and Energy Partnership (MCEP), Marin Water, MCE, Bidirectional Energy, Rock Rabbit, Ongaro & Sons, SolarCraft Services, and many more.
Stay connected with the County’s Sustainability Team via on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter), 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.