Climate Action Evanston’s Energy Action Team has launched a program called Climate Coaches, a group of volunteers who can help Evanston area community members make plans to electrify their homes, reduce their carbon footprint, and save energy. Through a range of education and outreach efforts, Climate Coaches engage with community members at the Evanston Farmers’ Market, the public library, public events, presentations, and in residents’ homes to provide information, support, and personalized advice on how to live more sustainably. Advice can range from how to subscribe to community solar to energy efficiency upgrades to planning installation of heat pump equipment. Coaching is available for both homeowners and renters.
Climate Coaches connect with community members in four main ways, each designed to meet people at different points in their climate action journey and to ensure that every member of our community has access to the knowledge and tools they need. All coaching is free. Residents can access services in any of the four ways described below, or contact T. Manning at tmanning@climateactionevanston.org to set up a time to talk one-on-one or schedule a presentation or event.
Tabling at Public Events
Climate Coaches’ tabling efforts meet people where they naturally gather— at farmers’ markets, art fairs, resource fairs, and street festivals around Evanston. At these events, attendees can find welcoming and informative booths staffed by Climate Coaches. These interactions introduce programs such as Solar Without Panels (SWP), which explains how residents can participate in community solar without installing rooftop panels, and the Energy Efficiency Consultation (EEC) initiative, which offers basic advice on home energy savings. Coaches can follow up selectively with individuals interested in learning more.
Presentations
Climate Coaches are available to make presentations at schools, churches, community centers, and community meetings. These 45- to 60-minute talks reach audiences ranging from 10 to 50 people and are designed to educate and inspire action. A key feature of these presentations is our Save the Planet by Making Your Home Greener (SPMYHG) program, which offers a deeper dive into weatherization, efficient lighting, water-saving devices, electrification, and solar energy. Each presentation is led by a trained volunteer, and they are often followed by responsive outreach to interested attendees.
Coaching Sessions at the Library
For those looking for more personalized guidance, Climate Coaches offer scheduled sessions at the Evanston Public Library. Community members can sign up to meet with trained Climate Coaches for direct, one-on-one support. These coaching sessions offer more personalized Energy Efficiency Consultations, helping participants better understand their energy usage, read their utility bills, and plan practical steps toward a more energy-efficient home. Session dates and sign-up opportunities are listed on the Evanston Public Library’s events page. Library sessions will take place in November and December of 2025.
Advising Homeowners Inside Their Homes
Climate Coaches can meet with homeowners in private homes and apartment buildings to provide customized planning advice tailored to the specific needs of the residence. These free consultations, usually lasting one to two hours, are led by a knowledgeable coach who offers hands-on support for planning to meet the residents’ sustainability goals in a practical and achievable way.
Whether the goal is to go all-electric or just get started with LED bulbs and water-saving fixtures, Climate Coaches can help empower community members with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to reduce their carbon footprint.