Partners for Green Places recently awarded $161,379 in matching funds to 10 local environmental and human service agencies to implement water and energy efficiency upgrades at their facilities. Upgrades will help conserve natural resources while freeing up funds that nonprofits can redirect to their important missions.

The organizations receiving funds are the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Forty Carrots Family Center, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mothers Helping Mothers, Project 180, Save Our Seabirds, Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida, and WSLR and Fogartyville. All participating organizations received audits to identify areas of opportunity in their energy and water usage and utility cost savings. Improvements include LED lighting and occupancy sensors; energy efficient A/C systems; programmable thermostats; solar window film; smart power strips; metered faucets, water tanks and heaters; and reflective roof shingles. Six of the nonprofits also signed up for FPL SolarTogether. These nonprofits will reduce their impact on the environment by lowering their energy and water consumption, while also sourcing part of their energy from a clean, renewable source. To learn more, click here.