Registration is now open for Sarasota County's "Energy Coach" program, which includes 12 hours of training on home energy systems, energy and water saving techniques, conducting virtual consultations with community members, and more. The county provides this training through its UF/IFAS Extension and its sustainability department. Energy Coaches must attend all four training sessions: March 2, 9, 16, and 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. The last session includes socially distant, on-site, hands-on training and demonstrations, and a graduation and celebration. Note that Covid-19 safety guidelines might result in changes to the on-site training day. The $20 workshop cost includes educational training and materials, a required background check and, upon workshop completion, an Energy Coach T-shirt.

Training topics include low and no-cost energy upgrade strategies; energy equity; financial assistance for energy improvements; how to perform remote energy evaluations; undoor health; how to install devices and more. Other Energy Coach volunteer roles include assembling kits and organizing supplies, presenting the Energy Upgrade webinar, dropping off kits to residents, consultations with community members and events.