GALLOWAY – The Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Jersey Shore is sponsoring a workshop 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 and repeating it 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 to showcase state and federal programs place aimed at helping residents reduce pollution and save money on utility bills by saving energy.

The Unitarian Universalist Center has built an environmentally friendly building that is economical to light, heat and cool, according to member Victor Maene.

“We want to show you how you can do the same at home, as some members and friends already have,” he said. “We’ll start by showing you how to access the NJ Clean Energy Program, which offers generous rebates plus as much as $5,000 in incentives that can pay up to half of your energy-related improvements, with zero percent financing for the other half, as you make your home green and save money too.”

The state has set aside almost $200 million to upgrade insulation, heaters and air-conditioners, he said.

“We’ll explain why you’ll need a certified energy audit of your home, how to get one, and why you should focus first on the low-hanging fruit the audit identifies, like plugging air leaks and improving insulation to save the most energy at the highest rate of return,” Maene said. “We’re also inviting a small number of experts from local green businesses, who can provide information on some of the additional technologies we were able to employ here.”

These include rooftop solar-electric systems and geothermal heating and cooling systems. “Federal and state incentives, combined with newly emerging creative financing programs, can make these technologies cost-free or better for many homeowners,” Maene said. “But one size doesn’t fit all. We’ll point you to resources to help find out if it makes sense for you.”

The workshop will feature information about tankless water heaters, energy-efficient windows and doors, lighting and more.