Green Light New Orleans
In 2006, Andreas Hoffmann founded Green Light New Orleans to assist in the sustainable rebuilding of New Orleans and offset the pollution of his touring band. What began as one man's "light bulb moment," Green Light New Orleans now operates one of the largest energy efficiency programs in New Orleans. Green Light's free-CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and installation program is arguably the most successful large-scale, direct-CFL installation program in the country.
The free CFL and installation program has reached 10,000 New Orleans residents since 2006, with volunteers installing almost 250,000 energy efficient bulbs. This combined impact reduces our community's carbon footprint by 110 million pounds of CO2. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 sequestered by 14,700 acres of pine forests or by reducing gasoline consumption by 7.7 million gallons. By participating in the Green Light program, residents conserve 100 million kWh of electricity and save $12 million dollars on utilities.
In addition to the free CFL and installation program, Green Light has expanded its outreach in an effort to engage all New Orleanians. Green Light teaches school-age youth through its SPARK environmental action and education program, partners with local high school and university student groups to develop youth leaders through community service, and implements an energy efficient lighting program for small businesses and churches. In 2010, Green Light New Orleans launched an initiative called Tip-the-Block to increase neighborhood impact and connect residents to an array of local resources specific to their needs.
Green Light New Orleans invests energy in people by assisting New Orleans residents face-to-face, one household at a time. Our volunteers install free energy efficient to demonstrate that a mass movement of individual actions creates a significant impact on our environment and community. We connect New Orleans residents to relevant, local opportunities and encourage individual actions so that everyone can benefit fro a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community.
