Coalition offers incentives for Brookline residents to weatherize homes

By Brock Parker, Town Correspondent

A coalition of Brookline businesses and community leaders announced the launch of a effort Tuesday that will provide new incentives for residents to make their homes more energy efficient and shop locally.

The town-sponsored Green Homes Brookline energy efficiency program is teaming up with the Brookline Local First independent business initiative to launch the “Weatherize Brookline” contest.

Brookline residents living in single family, two, three or four-family home who sign up for a free energy assessment by March 1 and complete the assessment by April will be entered into drawing for a chance to win up to $500 in gift cards to Brookline businesses, according to a press release from the town, Green Homes Brookline and Brookline Local First Tuesday.

For every 100 Brookline home energy assessments completed by March 1, the Boston-based Next Step Living energy efficient company will donate an additional $1,000 in prize money.

“The Weatherize Brookline contest will extend the benefits of the holiday shopping season for local businesses, help residents stay warm by insulating their homes, and give several lucky winners the chance to invest in Brookline,” said Chobee Hoy, chair of Brookline Local First, in the press release announcing the contest.

A Weatherize Brookline thermometer showing the progress toward the campaign’s energy assessments goal is being placed in Brookline Town Hall and posters will be in businesses around town.

More information about the Weatherize Brookline contest rules and eligibility for program incentives can be found at www.greeenhomesbrookline.org. For more information about the assessments or to enroll, call Next Step Living at 866-867-8729.