Frederick County Green Homes Challenge

The Green Homes Challenge
makes it fun and easy to save energy,
adopt environmentally-friendly practices,
and use renewable energy.

Learn about actions you can take
Set goals and track your progress
Join a Green Team to stay motivated

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Sign up for an account
Add actions to your To Do List
Earn points and medals for completing actions
Become a Certified Challenge Taker

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Get Social!

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Post to Green Stories
Invite your friends to join

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Green Homes Challenge Receives Climate and Energy Leadership Award! In 2015, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) awarded Frederick County with a Climate and Energy Leadership Award for the Green Homes Challenge. This award recognizes outstanding efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency.

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Congratulations to all of our Certified Households! Since Frederick County launched its Green Homes Challenge in January 2011, more than 950 households have met one or more of the three Green Homes Challenges: Be a Power Saver, Be a Green Leader, or Be a Renewable Star! Each year, certified households are recognized at our Green Homes Challenge Recognition Event!

Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Application

Challenger of the Week

The Cottingham-Orr Household

POWER SAVER

certified (122)

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50
GREEN LEADER

certified (142)

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50
RENEWABLE STAR

certified (44)

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10

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Action of the Week

Households: 148

Use low-VOC paints

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Indoor air is often three times more polluted than outdoor air. A major contributor to poor indoor air quality is the use of paints, stains, and finishes in homes. Oil-based paints are particularly dangerous, as they contain VOCs. Many VOCs have been shown to cause cancer, nervous system damage, and allergic reactions. While water-based paints are generally taken to be safer, they may also pose health risks, particularly to children. Many water-based paints contain propylene glycol and glycol ethers, which have been shown to increase asthma and other respiratory problems in children. To learn more, check out these articles on the health impacts of oil-based paints and water-based paints.

To reduce negative health effects, choose low-VOC paint and use caution while painting; ventilate by opening windows, use protective gear specified by the label, keep pregnant women and young children away from freshly painted rooms, close paint cans tightly when not in use, and eliminate all sources of flame when using solvent-based paints. Learn more about safer paint choices and reducing health effects while painting.

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