News
April 22, 2009: Project 20/20 has been recognized for an
EPA Merit Award!April 21, 2009: Project 20/20 has changed the light bulbs in 3,000 homes.
February 28, 2009: Project 20/20 has changed the light bulbs in 2,500 homes; we're halfway there!
December 30, 2008: Project 20/20 has changed the light bulbs in 2,000 houses.
November 25, 2008: Project 20/20 has changed the light bulbs in 1,500 houses.
October 3, 2008: Project 20/20 has changed the light bulbs in 1,000 houses.
The Basics
Project 20/20 was started in 2008 by Brown University students to retrofit lighting in low-income Rhode Island residences, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions in the greater Providence community. At no cost to residents, students install compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which generate immediate savings on monthly utility bills. Project 20/20 is funded through Wal-Mart and
Community Carbon Use Reduction at Brown (CCURB). Through this project, Brown University shows commitment and leadership in combating climate change through reducing carbon emissions in the community.
The Strategy
Normally the CFLs cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, and have been harder to promote to families of limited resources. Project 20/20 helps to overcome this problem by providing CFLs free to these families, while educating the community about the economic and environmental benefits of adapting CFLs. Families stand to save $10 to $15 each month on their electricity bills. Brown University benefits by taking credit for the reduction in greenhouse gases.
The Program
Brown University students have partnered with professors, Roger Williams University students, Bay View High School students and East Bay Community Action Program volunteers in order to visit the homes of those who have signed up for this service. Having completed a pilot program in the spring and summer of 2008, working tirelessly through the fall, we are now ready to work towards the completion of our goal of 5,000 Rhode Island homes. In preparation for each installation we call up the resident to set up an appointment, at a time when an adult will be home. A pair of Project 20/20 team members arrive at the home, discuss the benefits of the light bulbs, and proceed to change
every incandescent light bulb that the resident guides us to.
The CFLs we install are not appropriate for use on dimmer or three-way circuits.
