Energy Corps Training Components
Below are the training components used by CCE-Tompkins to train over 50 interns to perform home energy assessments as part of the Tompkins Energy Conservation Corps leadership education program. For a detailed sample schedule of training activities, view our summer 2010 training schedule.
1) Overview of program and introductions
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Program coordinators present an overview of the program including structure, goals, and intern expectations. Each intern introduces his or herself and participate in several ice breaker activities.
Resources:
2) Introduction to Building Science and Energy Efficiency
Estimated Time: 2-3 hour presentation + independent reading time
Through readings and presentations, Energy Corps interns gain a thorough understanding of basic residential building science necessary for performing energy assessments. Topics include: heat transfer, the thermal stack effect, air sealing, insulation, lighting, low cost / no cost measures, and heating and cooling systems. Readings also cover the importance of energy efficiency as a carbon reduction and economic development strategy.
Resources:
Data Collection Form Blower Door Form, Safety Guidelines, and Asbestos Pics Follow-Up Report Template Quick Guide
3) Initial Visits + Report Creation Process
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Interns receive training on how to conduct energy assessments and write follow-up reports. Data collection and blower door forms are used to collect data during the initial visit. The report template and quick guide for home energy report creation are used to quickly create reports. All materials are presented and discussed as a group.
Resources:
4) Field Visits
Estimated Time: 2 hours for each visit (2 minimum) and 2 hours for follow-up discussion
Interns conduct practice home assessments using materials presented in the report creation process training. Interview technique, roles of team members and blower door safety are emphasized. After the field visit interns work in pairs to complete a practice home energy report. The full group discusses recommendations and discusses questions that arise during the report creation process. A local BPI certified contractor is invited for a portion of the discussion to answer building science questions and share his or her experience working in the field as a home performance contractor.
5) Building Science Certification Quiz
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Interns are given a written quiz to test their knowledge of building science concepts from the presentations, readings, and field visits. For a copy of the quiz e-mail Shawn Lindabury at scl36@cornell.edu.
Resources:
Energy Efficiency Path and Educator Guide Deck of Cards and Educator Guide Certified Contractors and Educator Guide Home Energy Savings CD and Educator Guide
6) Follow-up visit materials training
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Follow-up visit visit materials, including the path to energy efficiency, deck of cards, list of contractors, energy saving CD, and leadership talking points, are presented. Effective presentation techniques are emphasized. Educator guides are forthcoming and will be posted as they become available.
7) Follow-up visit role-plays
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Interns are given time to study and practice presenting follow-up visit materials. Each intern then performs a mock follow-up visit with the program coordinator. Interns receive individual feedback and evaluation from the program coordinator.
8) On-going Training and Evaluation
Following the completion of the role-plays, interns are ready to perform energy assessments and follow-up visits. Program coordinators should occasionally shadow visits to make sure interns are following safety guidelines and are effectively communicating educational materials to participants. On-going trainings including presentations from local contractors, experts in market demand, workforce development, or financing are scheduled to provide ongoing training.
