FAIRHOPE. Gov. Bob Riley has awarded a grant to support a conference encouraging builders and homeowners along the Gulf Coast to save energy and help the environment by building green.

The $5,000 grant will help the non-profit group Smart Coast produce promotional materials for its GreenCoast Conference April 9-10 at the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center in Mobile.

The conference will focus on design and construction techniques that make buildings more energy efficient and reduce their impact on the environment.

“Building energy efficient structures not only saves residents and businesses money on utility bills, it also helps conserve our state’s natural resources,” Riley said. “I am pleased to support this effort to educate builders and homeowners about the benefits of energy conservation.”

Smart Coast will use the funds to produce brochures, newsletters and a Web site to promote the conference. GreenCoast will feature interactive sessions to help participants understand the benefits of using energy efficient materials and appliances. Speakers from around the country will highlight technologies that increase the energy efficiency of commercial and residential buildings.

For more information about the conference, visit www.greencoastonline.com.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant which Riley awarded from funding made available by the U.S. Department of Energy. Riley informed Wendy Allen, executive director of Smart Coast, that the grant had been approved.