We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 76°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

ECA prepares contractors for $25 million worth of Green Jobs in Metro Philadelphia

Greg Gibson's photo
Philadelphia Green Architecture Examiner

photo: Greg Gibson AIA

About one hundred people gathered Thursday morning at the Knight Green Jobs Training Center, a rehabilitated building near Front and Allegheny Avenue. They came to hear about the region’s first Residential Energy Efficiency Retrofit Ramp-up Program. The Energy Coordinating Agency(ECA), program administrator of Philadelphia’s Home Energy Works program, sponsored the information session for contractors. Attendees learned what the program is and how local businesses can participate. The energy conservation project is funded by a $25 million grant from the U. S. Department of Energy. ECA is briefing the building industry in anticipation of a “hard start” in September of this year.


photo: Greg Gibson AIA

The presentation included an overview of the ECA Energy Works Program, a summary of home-performance metrics, and the business implications for contractors providing the services. Also discussed was a way to find qualified workers and secure auditing or retrofit training for existing employees. PECO representatives added more information about available rebates for retrofits resulting in energy conservation. The audience was mostly mechanical, insulation, air sealing, general contractors, and energy auditors. When asked for a show of hands, the auditors were overwhelmingly BPI certified (versus RESNET). Auditors must be BPI certified for ECA's program (similar to the upcoming HomeStar initiative).


L to R: Eden Harvest (PECO), Liz Robinson (ECA), Jack Strong (Smart Enegy Solutions), Walter Yakabosky (ECA). photo: Greg Gibson AIA

Liz Robinson, Executive Director of ECA said the process (still being improved) begins when the homeowner contacts ECA and requests an energy audit. Then ECA will schedule an initial audit with the homeowner and a contracting auditor. The auditor collects an audit fee from the owner up-front, then performs a BPI conforming audit. The auditor can also perform a solar audit at the resident’s request for an additional fee. The auditor recommends energy-related renovation activities and provides a rough estimate of the prices that can be expected. A report is provided to the homeowner which ranks the approximate return on investment for energy efficiency improvements such as air sealing, insulation, and heater or A/C replacement. He sets an appointment with at least two certified contractors who will follow-up with hard quotes. The auditor also provides guidance on tax incentives, utility rebates and loan options.

 After an ECA approved contractor performs the work authorized by the owner, a third party Quality Assurance auditor inspects the finished retrofitted elements of the home. ECA anticipates that the initial audits would be priced at $400. ECA will reimburse the owner $300 per audit for a standard sized home, after at least $1000 worth of retrofit work is complete (not including the audit). Thus, the owner should be prepared to pay at least $1400 before being allowed to participate and receive the $300 reimbursement. As additional incentive, a low interest loan will be offered to help spread the home-improvement cost over time. 
 
Field Manager for PECO, Eden Harvest reviewed the utility company’s many Smart Home Rebates available for these retrofits. They vary from a $25 rebate for replacement of the water heater with a high efficiency version (.95 Energy Factor or higher), to a $400 rebate for retrofitting the home with an Energy Star Air-source Heat Pump with an SEER of 16.
 
Ms. Robinson cautioned business owners to consider the frugal nature of these Pennsylvania incentives, particularly in relation to the well-funded New Jersey energy programs. This new ECA effort is being called a Ramp-up Program, because it is only expected to “jump-start” private contractors into providing green audit and retrofit services in an unsubsidized marketplace. It is hoped that they will become leaders in a network of professionals trained to help lower income homeowners adjust to the rising cost of energy. With the $25 million provided by DOE, ECA expects about 2000 homes in the five-county Philadelphia Metro region, to be retrofitted under the Residential Energy Efficiency Retrofit Ramp-up Program.
 
Questions about the new program may be directed to: Annie Mroz (215.609.1040) anniem@ecasavesenergy.org or you can visit either the City of Philadelphia or ECA’s website to learn more. More information (including photography and video) about the session is available at DesignDeliverables.Com
 
Advertisement

, Philadelphia Green Architecture Examiner

While a "passive house" specialist for AIA/RC (HUD Solar Program) Greg began writing about solar applications. Since then he has designed hundreds of buildings, both residential and commercial. ReModel! An Architect's Advice on Home Renovation (Wiley) distilled his experience with American homes....

Comments

  • John H 1 year ago

    Informative article, keep 'em coming.

  • TM48 1 year ago

    I know that there is a company, CleanEdison that does similar things. They provide BPI Certification training programs. At the end of the day, it is about making opportunities for jobs. Getting certified as an energy auditor through CleanEdison does just that. I think it is great that different companies are working with local and state governments to provide grants and funding to train as many people as possible. CleanEdison is a national company, they have training courses across the country and they are established. If anyone is interested, you should check them out at cleanedison.com and find the nearest course. Great news for our country, becoming more environmentally responsible while creating jobs. Bingo!

  • Mr. Energy Engineer 1 year ago

    What a fantastic article!

    Just to clarify on TM48's comments, Clean Edison only provides training. However, ECA provides business opportunities to those trained or looking to enter the residential home energy efficiency market. ECA also provides training at its Philadelphia training center. ECA has obtained a grant of $25 MIL to allow homeowners to take advantage of energy efficiency measures while at the same time delivering green jobs that have been a long time coming. Best of luck to all in this energy conservation revolution.

  • Johnatan Smith 6 months ago

    I also wanted to express my opinion about CleanEdison Inc. Since researching and reading comments about their service I decided to give them a try. I am glad, they were nice, the instructor was very knowledgeable and the course was exciting. I thought I wouldn't learn much new stuff, but I actually did. It is a different experience when there is someone who you know has the field experience and can easily relate it to the course material Great Job CleanEdison!!!

Add a new comment

Join the conversation! Log in here or create a new account if you've never registered before.

More information about text formats

Got something to say?

Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!

Don't miss...