Collaboration with the Institute for Market Transformation and the City of Orlando aims to increase community engagement in equitable climate action.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Alexandra Laney, (202) 525-2883 x301; alexandra.laney@imt.org
Jackie Elisa Smith, (989) 576-1996; jsmith@poderlatinx.org
The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing high-performance buildings, has selected Poder Latinx, a Florida-based civic and social justice organization, to engage Orlando residents in the development of the City of Orlando’s future energy, building, and utility programs.
“Buildings can and must do more to support both climate action and environmental justice. Their role in our lives is often critical to our health, finances, and productivity, ” says Lotte Schlegel, Executive Director of IMT, which is advising the City of Orlando on its building-related policies. “It is essential that local communities be engaged in program and policy development, and Poder Latinx is exactly the type of community-focused grassroots organization that we want to be part of building improvement strategies in all jurisdictions.”
“Many of Orlando’s residents are struggling right now to pay their rent and their energy bills, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. We need to modernize our approach to energy efficiency and ensure all voices are heard as we take action to lower carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and create a more inclusive city. We are proud to be partnering with IMT and the city in this project to help improve the livelihood of our community here in Orlando. “ said Poder Latinx’s Co-Executive Director, Esteban Garces.
“We believe that we can simultaneously address the need for environmental and social action, while producing a vibrant economy that better serves all our residents.” said Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience at the City of Orlando. “We’re looking forward to supporting the PoderLatinx and IMT teams, as well as learning more about the unique solutions proposed by our community.” Poder Latinx is holding a series of related community meetings this summer in East Orlando. Residents can register to join and find upcoming events at poderlatinx.org/ecopoder.
About IMT
The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that catalyzes widespread and sustained demand for energy-efficient buildings. Founded in 1996 and based in Washington, D.C., IMT leverages its expertise at the intersection of real estate and public policy to make buildings more productive, affordable, valuable, and resilient.
A trusted, non-partisan leader, IMT focuses on innovative and pragmatic solutions that fuel greater investment in energy-efficient buildings to meet local market priorities. IMT offers hands-on technical assistance and market research, alongside expertise in policy and program development and deployment and promotion of best practices and knowledge exchange. Its efforts lead to important policy outcomes, widespread changes in real estate practices, and lasting market demand for energy efficiency—resulting in greater benefits for all people, the economy, and the environment. Visit us at www.imt.org and follow us on Twitter @IMT_speaks.
About Poder Latinx
Poder Latinx’s mission is to build a political wave of voters where the Latinx community, immigrants, and people of color play a key role in the transformation of the country and become decision-makers in our democracy. Through innovative partnerships, issue-based organizing, and leadership development, Poder Latinx is rapidly expanding the U.S electorate with new and low-propensity Latinx voters.