ST. GEORGE – The Southern Utah Home Builders Association is seeking a grant for $25,000 from the Pepsi Refresh Project. The grant will allow SUHBA to provide education to local residents and building professionals on green building practices, as well as retrofitting existing structures.

According to Mari Smith, Director of Operations with SUHBA, educating building professionals and the general public on green building practices will help conserve energy, reduce waste and preserve our precious resources.

SUHBA is a not-for-profit trade association, much like a Chamber of Commerce, that assists business professionals with continuing education on matters related to the building industry. There are over 430 members of SUHBA, ranging from professions that not only encompass building contractors, but also encompass mortgage lenders, title companies, insurance agencies, and many more that are either directly or indirectly involved in the building industry.

Residents of the local communities will readily recognize a SUHBA supported event – the Parade of Homes. According to Smith, over 24,000 people attend the Parade of Home event each year. SUHBA has been active in local community service, too, raising funds for and building of the Doctors Free Clinic, Habitat for Humanity Homes, Fire Safety Training House, Dove Center and Children’s Justice Center.

Currently, the “Help Paint Our Red Rocks Green – Promote Sustainable Living in the Desert” grant proposal is ranked 101st . The top 10 grants with the most votes in the category will receive funding. SUHBA is seeking support from the local community and “encourages people to go online daily and participate.” Voting ends on Oct. 31, Smith said.

There are several ways to cast your vote. You may visit www.refresheverything.comand register. You can vote by texting “12870” to “73774” every day. Facebook fans can search Pepsi Refresh App and vote. For further information or questions, you can also visit www.suhba.com.