“Maine is moving forward toward a green economy,” reports Evergreen Home Performance founder and CEO Richard Burbank. He will share that good news, tell stories from the field, and answer questions about energy efficiency at the Energy Efficiency Forum hosted by the Midcoast Green Sneakers Project this week. Everyone is invited to attend the Forum at Rockland City Hall, Thursday, April 18, from 7-8:30 p.m.

“Weatherization has already made a significant impact on energy savings in Maine, and the results keep building,” says Burbank. Evergreen Home Performance grew out of Burbank’s personal experience as a landlord seeking high-quality insulation services for his apartment building. In his quest to learn enough to tackle the project himself, Burbank became one of the first Mainers certified by the Building Performance Institute, and began offering home performance services and training to others. Seven years later, Evergreen employs a few dozen people and serves homeowners from Portland to Belfast. “This industry has really blossomed,” says Burbank, “and that’s good news for Maine’s people, economy, and environment.”

Following Burbak’s keynote address, local nonprofit organizations and homeowners will share stories of their success with weatherization and energy efficiency projects that are saving energy and money while also bolstering the local economy.

Topics and speakers will include:

• The Midcoast Green Sneakers Teen Project — Nancy Glassman
• Tightening Up Island Homes — Island Institute Energy Team
• Thermal Windows: Low-cost, big savings solution — Window Dressers
• Solar Energy Opportunities — ReVision Energy
• Happy Homeowners Saving Energy/Saving Money — Midcoast residents

All participants will be entered in a drawing for a gift certificate worth $100 off a home energy audit. For more information please contact the Sierra Club Maine Chapter office at 761-5616 or 939-2634.