AgdaPkt 2009-06-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

88 Page 8 energy audits to Redwood City residents. Before meeting with residents, each volunteer receives at least seven hours of free training by Green@Home on how to install simple energy conserving devices, how to perform a basic household energy audit, and how to inspire residents to conserve energy. Follow-up contacts further encourage the residents to take additional actions. The Green@Home program offers its services to renters and homeowners free of charge. During scheduled household visits, known as HouseCalls, volunteers look for ways that residents can save on their utility bills. With resident permission, the volunteers are trained to carry out the following energy efficiency upgrades: . Install a retractable clothesline . Install up to three compact fluorescent Iightbulbs (CFls) . Install a low flow showerhead and faucet flow restrictors (supplied by City of Redwood City) . Install power strip and advise on its use . Install electric socket insulating gaskets . Test for appropriate hot water and refrigerator temperatures and adjust as needed . Teach the resident how to properly pump up their car tires to improve gas mileage In addition, volunteers perform a basic home energy audit using an extensively researched checklist. Participating households also receive free energy-saving devices to achieve measurable results. Residents work with the volunteers to create a personalized Energy Savings Plan that lists the upgrades that have been made and makes specific energy-saving suggestions that the residents agree to implement on their own. Talking with the resident for 20-30 minutes to develop this personal Energy Savings Plan is a key element of the HouseCaU. Social science researchers have found that such one-on-one conversations are the most effective method in creating behavior changes; written materials, media campaigns and internet-based information are helpful, but much less effective than giving people an opportunity to talk with others. During the HouseCall, the volunteer reviews the resident's utility bill and, based on what's been seen in the home, recommends further energy-saving retrofits such as insulation, power strips or new appliances, as well as suggests changes in habits such as washing clothes in cold water. Residents are then asked to make a written commitment to follow through with the recommendations - another proven social marketing technique. To further encourage follow through, Green@Home volunteers phone residents two months after the HouseCall to check on their progress. Data from these calls, including information about C02 reductions that result from the follow up actions, is presented to the city. In addition to the specific measurable benefits achieved at each HouseCall, Green@Home is also a community awareness program. Social scientists have found that people are more likely to adopt environmentally positive behaviors when they perceive that others are doing 50, too. Therefore} Green@Home distributes colorful yard/window signs that say, "We're saving energy - and money, toO!" to all HouseCall recipients. The sign invites others to participate and, although the results are 5