Sustainable Living in Action: bringing "warmth without pollution" to a 1911 home

Meet Jeff Fucigna and Ellen Smith, recipients of a 2026 City of Piedmont Sustainable Living Award. Jeff explains how, during a seven-month period in 2025, they rocketed their 1911 home into the future, enjoying their first warm winter in 23 years. By adding a central heating heat pump, water heater heat pump, solar panels, battery and upgraded electrical panel, they were able to meet their goal of "warmth without pollution." Jeff and Ellen also took advantage of Piedmont’s Electrification Incentive Program to offset project costs. The Sustainable Living Awards recognizing community members whose commitment to greener living helps pave the way toward a more resilient future.