Baltimore Energy Challenge

The Baltimore Energy Challenge (BEC), which began in 2009, teaches low to no cost ways to save energy to Baltimore City residents, businesses and nonprofits through a grassroots effort in neighborhoods and schools. We ask everyone to sign a pledge committing to reduce their energy use through behavior change and for that, we thank them with a kit of energy saving products (CFL light bulb, draft stoppers, toilet tank bank, fridge/freezer thermometer and informational materials).

The resources we provide along with consistent energy saving behavior on behalf of the participants have helped communities reduce their energy usage from 4-13%, helping Baltimore City achieve its goal of 15% reduction in energy use by 2015. Beginning fall 2013, the BEC will introduce its Energy Efficiency Program to include installation of energy conservation equipment in the homes of Baltimore residents (i.e., programmable thermostats, energy-efficient light bulbs, water-saving fixtures, pipe wraps, etc.).

The Baltimore Energy Challenge is a program of the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability in partnership with Civic Works, Inc. and the Baltimore Community Foundation.