On October 5, 2010, Commissioner Doug Coward, St. Lucie County Commissioner presented to the Martin County Commission the beginning discussions of the benefits and objectives of the St. Lucie County Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF). The fund, available in St. Lucie County, will provide long term, low interest loans for residents of St. Lucie County to improve the energy conservation aspects of their residences and businesses through a variety of means, including; insulation, new windows, caulking, new air-conditioners, solar hot water and solar photovoltaic electric generating systems to mention only a few. Tom Cooper, AIA, also spoke to the Commission in support of SELF since he is currently the Secretary to the Board of Directors for SELF.