The U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA), has partnered with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to launch the BuildSMART Trailer Tour, bringing experiential education and innovative technologies directly to residents in the City of Los Angeles, starting with Council District 2, and beyond. The Tour emphasizes the need for awareness and accessibility to resources in Los Angeles communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. The BuildSMART Trailer Tour addresses this critical need by providing a mobile and hands-on experience for neighborhood residents to learn and engage with technology, sustainable building materials, and energy-saving programs to promote occupant health.
 
 
 
The Tour is part of a long-standing partnership between USGBC-CA and LADWP to holistically support residents and businesses in the triad goals of energy and water conservation through carbon reduction in buildings, promoting healthy communities, and energy cost savings to Angelenos. The BuildSMART Trailer Tour is supported by lead funding from the LADWP Community Partnerships Grant as well as by Southern California Edison and SoCalGas, and it has been incorporated into the USGBC-CA’s Green Homes program.
 
 “As we work to bring communities everywhere into a more sustainable future, it is critical that we meet people where they are at, creating opportunities for direct engagement to raise awareness on the agency everyone has to improve their living environment and reduce their utility bills,” says Ben Stapleton, Executive Director for USGBC-CA.
 
 The Tour utilizes an experiential learning model that allows residents to immerse themselves in a hands-on green learning experience, increasing knowledge retention and encouraging the implementation of green innovations in their homes. The BuildSMART Trailer, which was originally envisioned and designed by the USGBC Central Coast Chapter, will showcase technological innovations supporting the latest in green building decarbonization and electrification, including electric heat pumps, induction cooktops, heat-reflective paint, smart home systems, insulation techniques, low-flow water hardware, sustainable flooring, recycled countertops, anti-microbial wallboards, solar PV systems, EV charger systems, demand response technologies, and many more. Companies may apply here to have their products included in the trailer Tour.
 
 USGBC-CA expects to directly engage more than 5,000 people per year for 2024-2026 as the trailer tours throughout events and communities across California to raise awareness on energy efficiency and green building best practices. Instructional videos and other media will be displayed at the trailer and USGBC-CA staff, along with sustainability professionals and volunteers will inform and explain the benefits of the included technologies and solutions.
 
The team members and materials included on the BuildSMART Trailer Tour will be in both English and Spanish speakers to reduce barriers to resident engagement and optimize educational attainment on climate impact and resource acquisition. The Tour also provides direct access to local programs, vendors, funding, and rebate opportunities for residents to begin their Green journey.
 
 “LADWP is proud to work with the USGBC-CA to bring information about energy efficiency and conservation to all Los Angeles communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change,” said Martin L. Adams, LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer. “Bridging the information gap about environmental solutions is a critical step in ensuring all Angelenos take an active role in our sustainable water and energy future, while helping better manage water and electric costs.”
 
To learn more about the BuildSMART Trailer Tour, including how to request a Tour Stop in your neighborhood, click here or contact Fernanda Zuin at fernanda@usgbc-ca.org. To apply to have your product installed in the trailer, click here. To contribute to these programs in any way or to inquire about providing any other funding support, email ben@usgbc-ca.org.