THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release

August 26, 2010

Vice President Biden Announces 200,000 Homes Weatherized Under the Recovery Act

Manchester, N.H. – At an event with homeowners and workers who benefited from the program, today in Manchester, New Hampshire, Vice President Joe Biden announced a major Recovery Act milestone – the weatherizing of 200,000 homes under the Recovery Act.  As a result of the Administration’s unprecedented commitment to energy efficiency, more than 200,000 low-income families have been able to save money on their energy bills while saving energy, and thousands of people have been put to work.

“Thanks to the Recovery Act, thousands of construction workers across the country are now on the job making energy-saving home improvements that will save working families hundreds of dollars a year on their utility bills,” said Vice President Biden.  “From replacing windows and doors to adding insulation, these are small changes that are making a big difference for American workers, manufacturer and consumers.  We’ve hit the accelerator on the weatherization program, making over 200,000 homes more energy-efficient already, and are now full speed ahead to meet our original target of weatherizing 600,000 homes nationwide. ”

“The weatherization program under the Recovery Act – one of our signature programs – is successfully delivering energy and cost savings for hundreds of thousands of American families while creating thousands of clean energy jobs in local communities,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

Vice President Biden today visited the Manchester, New Hampshire home of the Dumont family to announce the milestone.  The Dumont family is expected to save over $600 a year on their utility bills once their weatherization project is completed and Southern New Hampshire Services, the local organization weatherizing their home, has already hired 7 new full-time employees and an estimated 68 subcontractors as a result of the Recovery Act weatherization funding.

New Hampshire has been one of the nation’s weatherization leaders, ramping up quickly and effectively to reach their goals ahead of schedule.  Through June, New Hampshire has weatherized a total of more than 1,000 homes under the Recovery Act.  New Hampshire was also recently selected to receive an additional $3.1 million to complement and expand their existing weatherization program, drive innovation, and deliver even greater energy bill savings for local families.

New Hampshire’s efforts are contributing to the success of the program nationwide.  After ramping up last year, the Weatherization Assistance Program is now weatherizing homes at its optimal rate – approximately 25,000 homes per month.  With 200,000 homes weatherized nationally, states are more than a third of the way to reaching the President’s goal of weatherizing nearly 600,000 homes under the Recovery Act.  This summer alone, more than 80,000 homes are being weatherized nationwide versus 3,000 last summer.  Including homes weatherized with annual program funding, more than 300,000 homes have now been weatherized since the Recovery Act began.

The weatherization program is also creating thousands of jobs locally – putting carpenters, electricians, and factory workers back to work installing insulation, upgrading appliances, and improving heating and cooling systems.  According to state reports, the Recovery Act Weatherization Assistance Program supported more than 13,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2010, including approximately 120 jobs in New Hampshire. These workers are receiving training in energy upgrades that will help form the foundation for a sustainable energy efficiency industry in America that can extend to the more than 100 million middle-class homes that stand to benefit from weatherization.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps lower-income families save energy and money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.  According to a recent study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, weatherization services save families an average of more than $400 in energy costs during the first year after home retrofits are installed.  Overall, the Administration is investing about $90 billion through the Recovery Act in clean energy and energy-efficiency projects that cut costs, reduce energy use and create new jobs.

Posted by Annie Maxwell on August 27, 2010 at 05:29 PM EDT

Responsibilities:

* Conduct home energy audits in customers’ homes which include:
o Determine insulation levels.
o Visual check of age and condition of HVAC equipment and ducts.
o Visual check of windows and weather-stripping.
o Install compact fluorescent bulbs and hot water savings devices.
o Complete a Home Energy Review form to capture home data and track compact fluorescent bulbs or water saving devices that are installed.
o Encourage homeowners to undertake recommended specific energy saving measures based upon home energy audit.
o Explain applicable incentives, loans, and tax credits for energy efficiency improvements.
o Establish effective communication with other departments in order to ensure that projects are completed in a timely and effective manner.
o Educate customers on other applicable programs such as Home Performance with Energy Star and encourage them to participate in other programs.
o Inspect work performed on multifamily buildings to ensure compliance with building codes and Home Energy Solutions’ specification manual.

Additional duties as assigned and determined by program needs.

Qualifications:

* Applicants must have knowledge of and/or a strong interest in residential energy conservation.
* Experience or knowledge of residential construction and design, and building methods and materials preferred.
* Must have strong customer relationship skills and experience. Outreach and/or sales experience desirable; must be detail oriented, and self motivated.
* Availability to work some evenings and Saturdays.
* Proficiency in basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet).
* Must be capable of lifting and carrying boxes weighing up to 30 pounds, as well as a six foot fiberglass ladder, and the physical ability to inspect small, confined spaces.
* Must have a reliable motor vehicle for daily business use, a good driving record, and ability to store and transport a six foot ladder and other equipment.
* Education in Building Materials, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Energy Management, or related field preferred.
* Experience with blower door, duct blaster and other energy use diagnostic equipment a plus.

This position will require frequent travel within Bainbridge Island and occasional travel to other parts of Washington. Mileage will be reimbursed at a set rate per mile.

Compensation package includes paid holidays, 80% paid medical, 50% paid dental, paid life & AD&D and paid STD & LTD insurance coverage, plus employer matching retirement plan

Please apply online at: http://jobs-csg.icims.com

CSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) will be hosting a series of Webinars that will support projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act under the State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The Webinar series will address key issues and challenges that state, local, and tribal energy practitioners may face when implementing their projects.

Some of the more common challenges include developing low-to-no-cost strategies for energy efficiency in public buildings, encouraging residents to invest in energy efficiency upgrades in their own homes and the use of energy service performance contracts to finance energy conservation measures without upfront capital.

The Technical Assistance Program provides states, cities, and tribes with the tools and resources needed to implement successful, sustainable renewable energy projects and deploy cost-effective, clean, and reliable energy-saving technologies in buildings and infrastructure nationwide.

Announced in July, TAP—which is jointly-funded with EECBG and SEP Recovery Act funds—accelerates project execution, improves program performance, and increases the return on Recovery Act investments. This effort is another way that the Department is creating green jobs, making homes and businesses more energy efficient, and installing renewable energy systems across America.

For Webinar schedule see below:

Low-to-No Cost Strategy for Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings
Carolyn Sarno, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
September 14, 2010
2:00 – 3:00 EDT

Stretch/Reach Building Codes Isaac Elnecave, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
September 15, 2010
2:00 – 3:00 EDT

Loan Loss Reserves: Lessons from the Field
Merrian Fuller, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
September 20, 2010
2:00 – 3:15 EDT

Taking Advantage of Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Mark Zimring, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
September 22, 2010
3:00 – 4:30 EDT

Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Basics
Meg Giuliano, ICF International
September 23, 2010
1:30 – 2:30 EDT

“Green” Building Codes and Programs
J.C. Martel, Southwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
September 24, 2010
2:00 – 3:00 EDT

Designing Effective Renewables Programs
Cheryl Jenkins, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
September 28, 2010
2:00 – 3:00 EDT

Driving Demand for Home Energy Improvements: Lessons from the Field
Sarah Busche, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
September 29, 2010
3:00 – 4:15 EDT

Webinar session details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information and presentation material, please visit the Solution Center Webcasts page. If you don’t see a Webinar for a topic you’re interested in please send your suggestions and any questions to solutioncenter@ee.doe.gov.

EERE News: DOE Announces Fall 2010 Technical Assistance Program Webinars.

13th Annual
Green Design and Construction Symposium
October 22-24, 2010

For the first time ever, the Symposium is open to EVERYONE!

As a NWEBG member, you get a $25.00 – $50.00 discount on your registration fees. Not a member yet, but want to take advantage of the discount? Join the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild first and then register for the symposium.

Online registration is underway. You can also register by downloading a registration form and mailing it in. For detailed information go to: symposium announcement.   Press “control” and click on the blue, underlined text.

The 2010 Symposium kicks off with a keynote address by David Eisenberg, director and founder of the Development Center for Appropriate Technology.

Session topics include:

• Green Remodeling
• Building Salvage and Deconstruction
• Thermal Bridging and Airtight Construction
• Net-Zero Energy Houses
• Mechanical Engineering for Houses
• Passive House Carbon Footprint

• And MORE!!!

Join us at lovely Pilgrim Firs Conference Center   in Port Orchard, WA on the Olympic Peninsula.

Contact EcoBuilding2010@ecobuilding.org with any questions.

Northwest EcoBuilding Guild

www.ecobuilding.org

This position generates and takes full responsibility for construction jobs from marketing, pre-construction services, subcontractor relations, estimates and construction, through project close out. Qualified candidates will have a track record demonstrating a complete understanding of project management responsibilities, including supervision, customer relations, procurement, fiscal and contract management, and estimating.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelors degree in construction or contract management.

Experience and skills required:
• Minimum 5 years experience in managing and bidding construction projects

• Minimum 3 years experience in the Seattle market with proven record of successful relationships and marketing skills
• Excellent people, communication and negotiating skills
• Knowledge of construction codes and methods
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand construction drawings and contracts
• Experienced in preparing bids and writing proposals
• Strong computer skills – Excel, Word, estimating software, Outlook

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and multi-task to deliver quality end results
• Detail orientated with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively with employees, customers and vendors
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize projects and be timeline orientated

Responsibilities include:
• Marketing & building profitable jobs
• Decision making responsibility concerning project cost, time and performance
• Accountability for project planning, execution, job cost tracking, and job closure
• Provide monthly status detail and per cent complete reports
• Schedule and direct workflow

• Maintain the purchasing schedule in order to provide materials and subcontracts on time for each project.
• maintain the project schedule in order to schedule crews and coordinate with clients
• Act as liaison between Clients and subcontractors, suppliers and Superintendent. Update schedule, conduct occasional project inspections, and coordinate on-site cost and labor requirements with Superintendent.
• Maintain quality to company specifications.

ECOFAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

If interested, please send resume to:                  info@ecofab.net

Learn how to ensure that your next building project meets the most recent code changes by following the time tested methods of the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Program. We will review the Top 10 changes to the Energy Code and explain just what this means for builders and trade partners. By working with Code officials at the State Energy Office we can show you just how ENERGY STAR can help. Changes in requirements as well as new opportunities will be covered. This will include discussions on the Building Envelope and High Efficiency Equipment.

Join us and learn how Northwest ENERGY STAR can help you meet code NOW and address upcoming changes to the ENERGY STAR Program.

Dates and Locations:

Bellevue – September 8, 2010
Bellingham – September 14, 2010
Vancouver – September 16, 2010
Boise – September 21, 2010
Tacoma – September 23, 2010
Tri-Cities – September 28, 2010
Coeur D’Alene – September 30, 2010
Billings – October 5, 2010
Missoula – October 7, 2010
Tacoma – October 19, 2010
Spokane – October 21, 2010

Northwest ENERGY STAR 2010 Fall Training Series.

“There is a shortage of formal training programs in energy efficiency, and an extremely high demand right now, thanks to the infusion of funding for energy efficiency from the growth in ratepayer-funded utility programs and federal and state budgets devoted to efficiency,” says Charles H. Goldman, a scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Environmental Energy Technologies Division. Because of this growth, Berkeley Lab researchers decided to examine whether education and training programs were adequate to meet the next decade’s workforce needs. The study began in 2008, before the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The new report defines an energy-efficiency services sector (EESS) that consists of several distinct occupation types. They include:

1. Program administrators who plan and manage energy-efficiency projects and programs;
2. Energy-efficiency consulting firms who assess facility energy use and recommend efficiency retrofits, implement energy-efficiency programs, or design homes and facilities to be energy efficient;
3. Construction and installation firms and tradespeople who build new structures, or retrofit existing homes and buildings for energy efficiency; and
4. Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) who develop and construct comprehensive energy-efficiency projects and monitor and verify that energy-efficiency retrofits deliver energy savings.

Environmental Energy Technologies Division News.

Audit helps farmers save on energy.

Today Efficiency First, founded 18 months ago, is proud to announce we are 1,003 members strong. The association is composed of the Home Performance Workforce including contractors, energy auditors, training providers and nonprofit entities and other companies who have come together to create new business opportunities by retrofitting America’s homes.

Residential efficiency improvements create American jobs, deliver improved homeowner comfort and increase property values while decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and reducing building-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Upon hearing the news, Efficiency First Chairman Greg Thomas said “I would like to thank all of the members who have participated in our ten working groups, stepped up to form 20 state and local chapters tackling issues in the community and all of those who have voiced their support for HOME STAR.”

The industry is composed of small businesses in all 50 states. The 1,000 member is Lynn Benander, of Co-Op Power, in Greenfield, MA. Co-Op Power is a full-service energy efficiency and renewable energy cooperative. Co-Op Power has 15 employees.

Efficiency First represents other small businesses; such as Michael Tanesky in Fort Wayne, IN whose company Tanesky Construction employees four people. Michael has been in residential construction for two decades, promoting greener living and energy efficiency. His commitment is strong as Michael paid his own travel to join us in Washington, DC to let his senators know that HOME STAR will impact the local economy.

Efficiency First member Berenice Lopez from Home Energy Life Performance Group, Inc. in Portland, OR – a founding member from a company of four people – has helped create an Oregon Chapter composed of 33 members that is working both in the city of Portland and in the Capitol of Salem.

ABOUT US
Efficiency First is a national nonprofit trade association that unites the Home Performance workforce, building product manufacturers and related businesses and organizations in the escalating fight against global warming and rising energy costs. Efficiency First represents its members in public policy discussions at the state and national levels, to promote the benefits of efficiency retrofitting and to help our industry grow to meet unprecedented demand for quality residential energy improvements.

–
Jared Asch, National Director
415-728-9755
jared@efficiencyfirst.org
www.efficiencyfirst.org

Welcome to the Building Technologies Publication and Product Library. This library will allow you to find publications and products provided by the Building Technologies Program specifically for our constituents.

The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes the enormous potential that exists for improving the energy efficiency, safety, and comfort of existing American homes. This series of Retrofit Techniques and Technologies describes approaches for homeowners and builders working on existing homes. This guide will help homeowners identify ways to make their homes more comfortable, more energy efficient, and healthier to live in. It also identifies the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution. Contractors can use this document to explain the value of these air sealing measures to their customers. The references in this document provide further explanation of air sealing techniques and technologies.

Studies show that the measures described in this guide can typically achieve whole-house energy savings of 10% to 20% over pre-retrofit energy usage. In older homes or homes with greater levels of air leaks, savings may be much higher.

These practices are based on the results of research and demonstration projects conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DOE. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR offers a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving the energy efficiency and comfort of existing homes and requires a test-in/ test-out to test combustion products (www.energystar.gov/homeperformance).
DOE’s Building America has worked with some of the nation’s leading building scientists and more than 300 production builders on over 41,000 new homes. Building America’s research applies building science to the goal of achieving efficient, comfortable, healthy, and durable homes.