Baltimore Energy Challenge's (BEC) mission is to educate Baltimore residents about little to no-cost methods of energy conservation by training schools, communities of faith and neighborhood groups through demonstrations and energy-saving material. As the initial step to teaching energy awareness, BEC is able to forward community members to greater opportunities to save energy, such as having their homes retrofitted by their close affiliate, Civic Works. BEC began in 2009 through a partnership between the Office of Sustainability and the Baltimore Community Foundation. During its nine month pilot, it reached out to eight different neighborhoods across the city to provide resources and behavioral tips, which reduced utility bills by as much as 12.8%. It has since expanded into 20 different additional neighborhoods, communities of faith, schools and citywide events. Participants reduced utility bills by 4.9% on average. In 2012, BEC has partnered with nine schools to teach students, staff, parents and neighbors about energy conservation. These “Energy Hub Schools” are provided a grant and get special access to information and materials for energy conservation awareness activities.