2025-096-E-County Mgr-Solar Equity-Solar on St Joseph CME Church

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a new pasture to better graze their cattle and need a well to provide fresh, clean drinking water. This project involves installing a solar‐powered water pumping system, complete with a water storage tank, a concrete pad, and a protective housing structure. Project Benefits: Consumers will potentially benefit as the farm would have more beef to sell and more low‐cost beef could be sold to PORCH. This could also be a great example of how sustainability and conservation can easily be integrated into production agriculture. Reviewer Comments: The CFE noted that while the solar pump would benefit the farm, its impact on local economic development and GHG reductions in Orange County would be limited. The HRC acknowledged that the project would collaborate with Porch to provide affordable, locally grown beef but pointed out that there was minimal engagement with marginalized groups. #22 Ranked Project – Blawesome – Shade for Energy Efficient Cold Storage Applicant (Collaborators): N/A Funding Requested: $15,000 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 11.9 Project Description: Blawesome, a unique flower farm and design studio is owned and co‐operated by a young farmer with autism and, as such, sets a powerful example of inclusion, demonstrating how all individuals, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully to environmental stewardship and community well‐being. This proposal is for the construction of a protective structure around an existing cold storage unit to enhance its functionality, energy efficiency, and reduce its climate impact. The cold storage is currently exposed to direct southern sun, which leads to higher energy consumption and decreased operational efficiency. By building a structure that shields the unit from harsh weather conditions, it will save energy, reduce maintenance costs, and improve performance. Project Benefits: This project has the potential to benefit community members from Orange County and the surrounding counties, particularly the estimated two and a half million people with disabilities in North Carolina and the approximately 13,000 in Orange County. Blawesome aims to be a model of the incredible outcomes that can be achieved through inclusivity and diversity by fostering a community that values and honors all its members. Reviewer Comments: The CFE praised the farm’s mission and noted that the application was well written. However, they recommend reaching a broader audience to increase the project's impact on local economic development and enhance its effect on Orange County’s GHG emissions. The HRC acknowledged the environmental focus of the project but pointed out the limited engagement with marginalized communities, especially those with disabilities, who are often underserved in the County. #23 Ranked Project – The ArtsCenter – Sustainable Landscape Project Applicant (Collaborators): N/A Funding Requested: $33,000 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 11.2 Project Description: This grant would enable The ArtsCenter to launch its educational sustainable landscape initiative. This plan includes preparation and planting of a 20' x 30' pollinator garden, installation of two commercial grade rain barrels, a tri‐section compost bin, and a locally crafted migratory bird feeding/observation station. The purpose of this project is to: 1) provide a model sustainable landscape for enjoyment and education and 2) provide nature‐based solutions, reduce waste, improve soil, and reduce the campus’s carbon footprint. Project Benefits: The ArtsCenter provides 75,000 arts experiences annually and they anticipate a sustainable park‐ like campus and sculpture garden to draw tens of thousands more people every year. They especially hope to impact children who will learn about sustainable living practices such as water capture methods, pollinator plants and 17Docusign Envelope ID: 257985C7-FC41-4937-8E64-B610C38DBA58