To date, more than 300 volunteers have been trained and performed thousands of hours of community service to improve the lives of more than families living in affordable housing in Arlington and Alexandria. In 2020, Energy Masters celebrated completing upgrades in our 1,000 unit!

“Energy Masters is a flagship program of EcoAction Arlington and its partners, which started thirteen years ago in Arlington County and expanded to Alexandria in 2015. The program addresses environmental justice by reducing the “energy burden” of tenants living in affordable housing through installing devices that lower the carbon footprint of those served. The program fosters understanding between the tenants and volunteers, deepening feelings of satisfaction and appreciation among all concerned.” says Jill Barker, Energy Masters volunteer and Board of Directors Chair, EcoAction Arlington.

Working through a 25-point checklist, volunteers:

• seal air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts and insulate outlets and switches
• install energy efficiency devices like LED light bulbs and smart power strips
• install water-saving devices like low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, and toilet tummies
• educate residents on how they can help reduce their energy and water usage and utility costs

Between 2011 and 2021, volunteers have installed:

• 4,817 energy efficiency light bulbs
• 13,832 outlet and light switch gaskets
• 1,129 faucet aerators
• 440 low-flow shower heads
• 315 toilet tummies
• 484 power strips and smart power strips

With estimated savings of more than $165 per year on electricity and water bills for a typical household, affordable housing residents enjoy …

• concrete savings on their monthly utility bills
• increased comfort in their homes
• the satisfaction of doing their part to combat climate change

You, too, can play a role in this important work

• Learn more about the Energy Masters program and application requirements.
• Feed our hard-working and hungry volunteers: donate food for our training sessions and for our work days
• Donate supplies or funds to purchase supplies

Contact us for details at bill@ecoactionarlington.org

Energy Masters provides an equal opportunity to volunteer to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex or age, or other status protected by law.