Columbia Students Improve Home Energy Efficiency

USC students engage in hands-on efforts to improve home energy efficiency.

News Summary

USC students Tina-Maria Sandoval and Ella Michel launch an initiative to enhance energy efficiency in Columbia homes. With a grant from the city, they aim to help local families reduce energy costs by implementing simple solutions like sealing doors and adding insulation. Their project focuses on community involvement, training volunteers while addressing energy burdens faced by low-income residents. The initiative kicks off in the Meadowlake neighborhood with plans to expand through partnerships. Sandoval and Michel continue to advocate for sustainability in their community.

Columbia Students Are Making Homes Cozier While Lowering Energy Costs

Students Team Up to Tackle the Energy Burden

In a heartwarming effort to help residents in Columbia, a pair of passionate students from USC have launched a remarkable initiative aimed at boosting energy efficiency in local homes. Tina-Maria Sandoval and Ella Michel recently received a grant from the City of Columbia, allowing them to set their plans in motion to combat the high energy costs that often weigh heavily on the shoulders of many families.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

Even though South Carolina boasts relatively low energy prices compared to other states, the reality is that many low-income residents find themselves facing a staggering energy burden. In some instances, households can end up spending an eye-popping _45%_ of their monthly income just to keep the lights on and stay comfortable during those sweltering summer months. Columbia’s warm climate, paired with older, less efficient homes, often leads to a significant increase in electricity usage, making this issue a top priority for local residents.

Simple Solutions for Better Living

Sandoval and Michel’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. They believe that improving energy efficiency doesn’t always have to involve complicated upgrades or high-tech solutions. Their initiative focuses on simple yet effective measures, such as caulking windows, sealing doors, adding much-needed insulation, and switching to energy-saving LED light bulbs. By making these adjustments, they aim to help families lower their energy bills while also creating a more comfortable living environment.

Making a Community Impact

The planned project will kick off in the *Meadowlake neighborhood*, where Sandoval has deep roots traced back to the 1980s. The goal is to retroactively enhance energy efficiency in at least _seven homes_ in the area. What makes this project even more impressive is the involvement of USC student volunteers who are being trained to assist with these retrofitting efforts.

Working alongside the _USC Office of Sustainability_ and the _Sustainability Institute in Charleston_, Sandoval and Michel are creating an excellent platform for students to engage with sustainability in a hands-on way. Their initiative not only benefits residents but also provides students with invaluable skills and experience in the field.

Learning from the Best

The spark for this incredible initiative ignited during an Energy and Water Equity course offered by dedicated USC professors. These educators emphasized not only the technical aspects of sustainability but also the importance of community engagement. Field trips to organizations like the Sustainability Institute provided students with insights into effective weatherization practices that they now bring back to Columbia.

A Bright Future Ahead

Sandoval and Michel are eager to complete their home retrofitting project by year’s end, but they’re not stopping there. They are actively seeking additional funding to expand their reach and make an even larger impact on the community. Future aspirations include partnering with _Habitat for Humanity_ and _Dominion Energy_ to implement broader improvements, addressing energy insecurity comprehensively.

As they look ahead, Michel plans to research energy challenges in the Southeast and delve deeper into policy development. Meanwhile, Sandoval has her sights set on becoming a professor herself, intent on inspiring future generations of sustainability leaders.

Both students are wholeheartedly committed to making _energy efficiency_ an ongoing priority within the USC Office of Sustainability. With their passion and determination, Columbia homes are set to become warmer and more energy-efficient, benefitting everyone in the long run.