Monday, October 30, 2006 is being celebrated as National Weatherization Day around the U.S. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program increases the energy efficiency of dwellings occupied by low-income Americans, thereby reducing their energy costs, while safeguarding their health and safety. The program prioritizes those households with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Weatherization serves every city, town and county across America and represents the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive residential energy efficiency program in the U.S.
The program was created in 1976.
Services provided include sophisticated energy audits, blower door testing, duct diagnostics and repair, heating system safety inspections, heating system replacement and repair, carbon monoxide testing, pressure diagnostics, insulation services, blower door directed air-sealing, appliance and lighting replacement, and energy education. These measures result in an average of 30% energy savings per household and a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by an average of one ton per weatherized house. For every dollar invested by DOE, the program leverages an additional $3.39 from other federal, state, local, and private sources. The program has an almost 2 to 1 benefit-cost ratio and has pioneered measures and applications that are the foundation of the green building movement in this country.
For more information about the program visit the DOE website at www.eere.energy.gov
AECP AND DHCD CONDUCT SUCCESSFUL WEATHERIZATION INTERCHANGE
AECP and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), with the assistance of D&R International recently held a statewide Weatherization Interchange during the week of September 18-21, 2006. The event was held on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA. Weatherization programs from around the state spent the week attending administrative workshops, crew and staff trainings, crew competitions, and were able to network and relax with a variety of social activities.
The competitions featured several crews competing against each other in a variety of events that included weatherization estimating and auditing, water heater wrap, truck rigging, door sealing, sidewall insulating, preparing attics properly before insulating, and duct sealing and repair. Each competition was followed by a training. The competitions were judged and awards were given on the last day of the event. Weatherization staff from West Virginia assisted in the judging and training and provided consultation in the development of the event. Other trainings included Lead Safe Weatherization Practices and Equipment and Tool Maintenance. There were guest speakers at the opening and closing plenary, dances, a cookout, and an opportunity for everyone to network with people from other parts of the state. Over 160 people attended and went home at the end of the week with new knowledge and the continued belief that the important work they are doing is impacting not just the homes that are being weatherized but also the greater community. WEATHERIZATION WORKS and is helping to make the world a better place in which to live.
AECP’S WILL HOST ITS 7TH ANNUAL GREEN LIVING AND ENERGY EXPO
AECP will host the upcoming Green Living and Energy Expo on December 1 and 2, 2006 at the Roanoke Civic Center. The event will provide educational opportunities to the general public in the areas of energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building, and sustainability. This is accomplished thru a wide variety of exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops. Admission is free.
SPREAD THE WORD and make every effort to attend. The Expo will inspire, inform, and enable people to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
SLEC HAS SEMI-OPENING
AECP’S Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC) hosted the monthly meeting of the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. The meeting served as an “unofficial” opening of SLEC, which features exhibits, working systems and demonstrations, and displays on a variety of sustainable topics and concepts. SLEC is still a work in progress but is close to fruition and represents AECP’s continued commitment to energy education and advocacy.
AECP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERVES ON STATE ADVISORY BOARD TO DEVELOP VIRGINIA ENERGY PLAN
AECP Executive Director, Billy Weitzenfeld, is currently serving on a state advisory board to develop a 10-year Virginia Energy Plan. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has asked that the plan be on his desk for signature by July 0f 2007. The Board is comprised of 25 public and private stakeholders, businesses, and organizations.