Pat Shingleton for May 21, 2012

The Home Energy Efficient Team is based in Cambridge, Mass. Its mission is to organize free energy-upgrade work parties to teach volunteers how to lower energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The Home Energy Efficient Team, or HEET, models its work parties on the “barn raisings” commonly held in the 18th and 19th centuries. Local residents join construction experts to insulate pipes, install weather stripping and weatherize homes. Homeowners purchase materials and refreshments. Organizers educate residents on maintaining environmentally healthy homes. Fastcast: Hot! Hot!