Tag: energy efficiency

Fire burning underbrush during a controlled burn at Ordway Swisher Biological Station.

Can A Landscape Be Fire-Wise, While Still Achieving Other Goals?

by BLOGS.IFAS
May 15, 2026

As we reach the peak of the springtime dry season in Florida, it is a time to be extra-aware of wildfire risks. Pasco County Fire Rescue's social media page recently reminded residents of the importance of being fire-wise around our homes and ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Forests, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Drought, Energy Efficiency, Fire-wise, FireWise, Landscape, Landscaping, Water Conservation, Water Wise, Wildfire
17th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop

Workshop to foster a sustainable community by “Advancing Climate Solutions”

by Alia Garrett
February 11, 2026

Registration is now open for Sarasota County's 17th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop on Nov. 01. This day-long, first hybrid (in-person and online) event showcases strategies for healthy, resilient, thriving communities. About the workshop Under ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources
Tags: Adaptation, Agriculture, Carbon Sequestration, Climate, Climate Change, Conference, Energy Efficiency, Equity, Event, Gardening, Hybrid, Mitigation, Networking, Pgm_Sustain, Renewable Energy, Resiliency, Speakers, Sustainable Communities Workshop, Youth
Featured image of volunteers and sustainability staff performing energy upgrade installations

Energy Upgrade Installations: Helping Diamond Oaks to shine

by Devin Beede
February 11, 2026

As the summer heat returns, residents of another Sarasota Housing Authority property will receive some relief from high utility bills, thanks to a team of dedicated specialists and volunteers. Sarasota County Sustainability staff and a team ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Money Matters
Tags: Conservation, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Upgrade, Pgm_Sustain, Saving, Sustain, Sustainability, Utility, Water, WaysToSave
a young woman cools down after a workout in florida heat. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Beating the Heat in Sarasota

by Samantha Sliger
February 11, 2026

Cities often feel significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Urban heat islands are caused by the concentration of surfaces that retain and absorb heat, such as buildings, roads, and pavement. ... READ MORE

Category: Work & Life
Tags: Climate, Cooling Centers, Energy Efficiency, Extreme Heat, Florida Heat, Heat, Heat Awareness, Heat Safety, Nature, Pgm_Sustain, Seasonal Sustainability, Sustainability

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): What Can You Do About Your IAQ!

by Devin Beede and Kate AlbertusAvatar photo
February 11, 2026

Did you know the air inside your home can cause health issues? Sometimes our indoor air can affect our health more than the air outside. Especially because Americans spend an average of 90% of their days inside. We’ve created a list of ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Health & Nutrition, Home Management, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Energy Efficiency, Healthy Living, Indoor Air Quality, Pgm_Sustain, Sustainability

National Energy Awareness Month: Bright Ideas for a More Affordable Future

by Devin Beede
February 11, 2026

  The United States has celebrated National Energy Awareness Month every October since 1991, when President George H. W. Bush encouraged our country to be conscious of our nationwide energy usage. We still honor this presidential ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Money Matters, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Climate, Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Pgm_Sustain, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
Six Energy Coaches stand smiling in front of an office with an American flag behind them.

Training for Impact: 2025’s Energy Upgrade Program Evolves

by Casey McCabe
February 11, 2026

A Short History of the Energy Upgrade Program The Energy Upgrade program was established in 2012 to educate homeowners in Sarasota County on energy and water efficiency. In 2016, based on community research, the program expanded to include ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Home Management, Money Matters, Professional Development
Tags: Assistance, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Learn, Pgm_Sustain, Professional Development, Sustainability, Training

Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories