Island Institute Fellow Grace Carrier works with Brooklin’s Climate Response Committee to reduce residents’ carbon footprints and prepare for the ongoing effects of climate change. Central to their work is the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program which aims to make residents feel more comfortable in their homes while reducing energy costs. Grace and committee members spend 90 minutes getting to know residents and their homes before they prepare a report with suggestions for improvements, including contractors to do the work and rebates and tax incentives to help with the cost. In the first year of her fellowship, Grace conducted 28 home visits in Brooklin, coaching homeowners on how to cut energy costs and their carbon footprints.
On top of her home visit program, Grace is connecting with the community, running educational forums and community events, accessing state and national technical assistance programs, and working to lower municipal costs through the installation of heat pumps and electric vehicles at town-owned buildings. With Grace’s support, the committee has more than doubled their reach in the community.
Join Our Community
Since 1983, Island Institute has tackled the most pressing issues facing Maine’s island and coastal communities. Join us!
