BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION & WEATHERIZATION

Project BLACC's Weatherization & Electrification Program trains rural minority individuals to help homeowners and businesses save money through energy efficiency. Weatherizing a home minimizes household energy use through the installation of user-friendly measures, ultimately reducing energy burden in the communities we serve. This program provides comprehensive training, including installing, insulating, and repairing heating and cooling systems, ventilation, storm windows and doors, and energy-efficient appliances.

Participants will also learn to conduct safety tests, assess fire hazards, evaluate moisture risks, and replace appliances with energy-efficient models. This program addresses the frequent environmental changes impacting rural buildings, aiming to mitigate health risks and costly bills through effective weatherization practices.

The best part is that you get paid as soon as you start the program. 

Participants will gain insights into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, emphasizing regular maintenance and system upgrades. They will explore different types of lighting and their energy efficiency, focusing on the benefits and applications of LED lighting. In the Appliances segment, the importance of selecting energy-efficient appliances is highlighted, along with guidance on identifying and choosing the best options. Building Health and Safety covers indoor air quality, ventilation, and the use of non-toxic building materials. Participants will discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy home environment and share experiences. The Stakeholder Engagement section underscores the importance of engaging building owners, tenants, and community groups, offering strategies for effective communication and collaboration. Role-playing activities will allow participants to practice stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

Our Weatherization and Building Electrification program begins with an introduction to weatherization and its significance. Participants will learn about the importance of energy efficiency, its benefits, and gain an overview of the program's objectives. In the Building Energy Efficiency module, key concepts are explained, highlighting how energy efficiency can reduce utility bills and environmental impact. Participants will explore energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances, as well as practical techniques for sealing air leaks and improving insulation. A hands-on activity will help identify air leaks and insulation gaps in a mock setup.

The Building Envelope section delves into the components of walls, roofs, windows, and doors, emphasizing the importance of reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Techniques for adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and installing weather-stripping are covered, with practical exercises to seal windows and doors effectively. The Weatherization segment focuses on principles and hands-on techniques, including installing weather stripping, caulking, and insulation on a sample window or door. Finally, the Funding and Incentives section navigates financial incentives and tax credits, offering insights into various local, state, and federal incentives available for BIPOC and low-income communities. Group discussions encourage participants to share experiences and strategies for securing funding.

 Participants will explore building automation systems and learn how automation can optimize energy usage. They will engage in practical demonstrations of advanced weatherization techniques like blown-in insulation and air sealing. The importance of using non-toxic building materials is highlighted, with guidance on identifying and selecting these materials for weatherization projects. 

Participants will review successful weatherization projects in BIPOC and low-income communities, discussing common themes and best practices. They will assess individual needs and resources, creating a prioritized list of weatherization projects for their homes.