Energy Leadership Model
"The Home Energy Test was a great kick-in-the pants for us to stop just talking about doing something in the future to reduce our energy consumption and actually take some key steps to address the problems identified."
– Alita Howard, community member (more feedback)
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The Leadership Education Model was initiated to raise awareness about the potential economic value of energy efficiency by engaging and educating community leaders – starting with their home. Trained interns conduct in-home energy tests with nominated local leaders, compile reports & recommendations, and follow up to explain recommendations and educational materials. The report includes visual inspection, assessment of appliances and lighting, heating systems, blower door test, infrared camera scan, and utility bill analysis. Care is made to stress the process is for educational use only and the findings are examples of the kinds of things an accredited BPI contractor might find if they were to go ahead with a professional audit. Employee benefit / resident educational materials are shared.
Partnering Organizations & Programs
RSVP of Chemung County – This recently funded program will recruit individuals ages 55 and over as Energy Stewards. The volunteers will be trained by Extension staff to conduct basic home energy audits that include identification of air leaks, and visual inspections of insulation, heating/cooling equipment, and lighting. They will also refer homeowners to resources designed to help minimize or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses related to energy upgrades or improvements.
The Place of Chenango County – This program recruits and trains teens and young adults (17-25) as stewards of their environment. The participants make a positive contribution to the natural environment, community and local economy through service learning and 'hands on' conservation projects. This program also serves as a mentoring and community building project that joins participants from disadvantaged and troubled backgrounds with adult volunteers and interested youth from the larger community.
