[Archived] Volunteers Sought for Energy Masters Program

For Immediate Release: September 2, 2014 

Interested in learning more about energy efficiency while giving back to your community? The City of Alexandria is joining with the Arlington Alexandria Offices of the Virginia Cooperative Extension and ACE (Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment) to promote the 2014-15 Energy Masters program. The City is partnering with these organizations to expand awareness of the program, explore opportunities to serve City properties in the coming year, and further the goals of and commitment to the Eco-City Alexandria initiative in promoting the conservation of energy and resources.

Energy Masters, modeled after the widely known Master Gardener program, is a 15-month program that will run from October 2014 to December 2015. Over a five week period during October and early November, candidates will receive comprehensive energy efficiency training in four classroom training sessions and one hands-on field work session.  Specifically, candidates will learn how to:

• seal air leaks around doors, windows, and electrical switch plates with foam adhesive and caulk;
• install gaskets behind light switch and electrical outlet plates;
• install faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads;
• replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with more efficient, long-lasting CFLs;
• install flow restrictors in toilets; and
• provide energy efficiency and water conservation education and outreach in schools, to community groups, and to individual residents and families in affordable housing apartments.

After the initial training, candidates will volunteer for service projects that will provide them with opportunities to hone their skills and develop their expertise so they may comfortably and confidently educate a range of audiences.

For more information, or to register for the upcoming training session, visit the ACE website. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 15, or until all spaces are filled.

For information on this and other residential energy efficiency initiatives, contact Shane Cochran, Program Implementation Division Chief, Office of Housing, at 703.746.4990 or shane.cochran@alexandriava.gov.