EOS Alliance is helping Seattle residents go green one block at a time through the Green Blocks Pilot Project. The Green Blocks project provides home efficiency assessments and conservation upgrades free of charge to participating Seattle residents. Residents submit applications and are selected based on the number of applicants received from the same city block. All Seattle homeowners are eligible for this program.

From July 6 through August 21, 2009, participating residents will receive free home environmental performance assessments. Each assessment will be conducted by professionals certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). These are the same professional assessments that cost $400 to $600 and include evaluations of home energy, water, fossil fuel, solid waste, and landscaping efficiencies. Each participating home owner will receive a report outlining home performance; recommended improvements; available services and training; applicable grants, rebates, and tax incentives. Download information packet (PDF).

Example of green blocks integrated with a public school

Environmental performance measures installed as part of the Green Blocks program may include smart electric meters, weather-stripping, door sweeps, gap sealant, low-flow sink aerators, low-flow showerheads, programmable thermostats, CFLs, hot water tank insulation, attic and wall insulation, efficient appliances, rain barrels, sheet mulching, drought tolerant landscaping, storm water infiltration swales, and vegetable garden beds. Once the conservation upgrades have been made to the home, EOS Alliance will track energy, water, and fuel usage for at least one year to note the benefits and changes in consumption. Individual and household information will remain confidential and only generalized data will be used to assess the program.