Green Weatherization Pilot Program
By far, the program to which
we’ve devoted the most energy in New Orleans is our “Green Weatherization Pilot Program.” The idea for
this program grew from discussions with Pam Dashiell, director of The Center for Sustainable
Engagement & Development, about residents' needs in the Lower Ninth Ward.
We developed the Pilot Program in partnership with Mercy Corps, Global
Green, Green Coast Enterprises, and The Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development.
The aim of this green-rebuilding program is to produce lasting social,
economic, and environmental changes that generate enduring improvement in residents' quality of
life. Since the program tackles the problems that make communities vulnerable to
disasters, it may well serve as a model for sustainable redevelopment around the world.
The six-month Pilot Program is providing green-building materials and expertise to 30 low-income
homeowners. With a generous grant from Mercy Corps, we are (1) assessing homes and recommending
cost-effective green repairs and upgrades, (2) working with homeowners to demonstrate proper
installation and repair methods, and (3) training interns for “green-collar” jobs.
Given that there is relatively little building-science research that's appropriate for New
Orleans, the first step in the Pilot Program was to undertake extensive research to identify the
most-cost-effective measures for the city's hot, humid climate and historic housing stock.
Through research, we discovered that:
- In a typical New Orleans' low-income household, heating and cooling account for two-thirds
of annual energy use, and
- Leaky building envelopes and duct stytems account for the lion's share of
energy waste.
Modeling suggests that by sealing building envelopes and duct sytems, we're saving clients
an average of $500 a year in utility bills. Given that some of our clients must forgo
buying food and
medicine in order to pay their energy bills, this sustainable-redevelopment program is
producing far-reaching economic and social impacts.
We'll be using "before" and "after" utility bills to measure program outcomes. Those findings,
and our building-science research, are being incorporated in the "New Orleans Green
Weatherization Guide: Be Green. Be Cool. Save Money." that we're currently developing. The Guide will help residents and
contractors know which green-repairs and upgrades are most cost-effective and appropriate
for New Orleans.
If you'd like a copy of the "Green Weatherization Guide" when it's published early next year, please email us.
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