April 19 & May 17: Home Energy Seminars

The City of Aurora is offering two more opportunities to help residents get the best return on their home’s energy efficiency.

The home performance seminar series provides residents with information to help reduce their home energy costs, increase comfort and maintain the structural integrity of their home. The program is part of the Aurora GreenWorks Community Education Workshop series and is funded by an U.S. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block federal stimulus grant.

The remaining seminars will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at the Aurora Public Library Eola Branch, 555 S. Eola Road and Thursday, May 17 at the Aurora Police Department, 1200 E. Indian Trail Road.

Attendance at the seminars is free, but pre-registration is requested. To register, call Karen Zilly, Neighborhood Redevelopment Division Development Coordinator, at 630-256-3323 . Registration also can be completed online by visiting www.aurora-il.org, clicking on the “Community Services” tab, selecting the “Neighborhood Redevelopment Division” link and then choosing the “Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program.”

Nov. 28: Deadline for Home Energy Modifications

AURORA, IL—November 9, 2011—The success of September’s energy efficiency program for Aurora residents, Green Home House Calls, by Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA) and the City of Aurora will bring a second opportunity on December 3, 2011. The September event provided 66 homeowners with the tools and volunteers to perform energy modifications to their homes. In 2011-2012 RTA plans to provide 180 homeowners with the tools kits and knowledge to make their homes more energy efficient.

On December 3^rd, RTA will have a special Green Home House Calls event that focuses entirely on serving seniors and individuals with disabilities. Homeowners who register by November 28^th with Rebuilding Together Aurora will have trained volunteer Green Teams come to their home to perform minor energy modifications valued at $130 in materials, and even more in reduced energy costs. Applications may be obtained online at www.rebuildingtogetheraurora.com, at the RTA office, or by phone (630-585-7510.)

In addition, Rebuilding Together Aurora will be providing free wall and/or attic insulation in 30 homes in 2011-2012. To qualify, the applicant must: reside within Aurora city limits, own and live in their home, have homeowner’s insurance, and meet the HUD low-income guidelines. Priority will be given to seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families with small children. Applications may be obtained at the RTA office or by calling 630-585-7510.

Mark your calendars now for the next Green Home House Calls program on September 8^th, 2012. This event will provide able-bodied homeowners a free do-it-yourself efficiency upgrade workshop and energy efficiency tool kit with all necessary materials. Volunteer Green Teams will once again be available to seniors and individuals with disabilities to provide the modifications for them.

Sept 15 & Ongoing: Home Energy Workshops

The City of Aurora is offering monthly seminars to help residents get the best return on their home’s energy efficiency and promote water conservation.

The first workshop series provides residents with information to help reduce their home energy costs, increase comfort and maintain the structural integrity of their home. The program is part of the City’s Aurora GreenWorks Community Education Workshop series and is funded by an U.S. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block federal stimulus grant.

Seminars will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on the following Thursdays:

• Sept. 15, Customer Service Center, 3700 McCoy Drive;
• Oct. 20, Fred Rodgers Community Center, 501 College Ave. (presented in Spanish only);
• Nov. 10, Eola Road Branch Library, 555 S. Eola Road;
• Dec. 15, Fred Rodgers Community Center;
• Jan. 19, 2012, Aurora Police Department, 1200 E. Indian Trail Road;
• Feb. 16, Fred Rodgers Community Center;

Another GreenWorks workshop series will focus on reducing water consumption to save money and protect the environment. Seminar topics will touch on how to conserve water, time and money in the backyard with water efficient landscapes, rain barrels and other green tips. Remaining sessions will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Fred Rodgers Community Center and Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Customer Service Center.

Attendance at the seminars is free, but pre-registration is requested. To register, call Karen Zilly, Neighborhood Redevelopment Division Development Coordinator, at 630-256-3323. Registration also can be completed online by visiting www.aurora-il.org, clicking on the “Community Services” tab, selecting the “Neighborhood Redevelopment Division” link and then choosing the “Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program.”

Future dates for both programs will be announced in the spring.