Draft proposal for KEYS region proposal to Efficiency Maine for a project funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants

 

Background

 

The recent focus on energy efficiency by both the Obama administration and the state of Maine has highlighted the potential for significant energy savings, emissions reductions and a major new growth industry for the state and region. In York County, the recent Bi-state Green project highlighted the relationship between energy efficiency and economic development. That project and others have noted that in the short term there is much to be gained both economically and environmentally from working with our existing building stock. Maximizing energy efficiency in older buildings represents a huge opportunity in terms of reducing energy costs, reducing CO2 emissions, and creating new jobs.

 

Over 40% of the buildings in York County were constructed prior to 1970. Most of these buildings will remain in use for many years to come. In addition, the amount of new construction which may occur immediately following this recession will be extremely small compared to the existing building stock. So while new buildings may include the latest energy efficiency standards and technology, we still need to address our older, inefficient housing and commercial building stock.

 

Similarly, solar energy technologies can be easily incorporated into new construction. Adding these technologies to existing structures and heating and cooling systems is often more complex. Yet, if our region is to fully benefit from the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy we will need to develop cost effective methods for retrofitting existing structures with solar systems. We will also have to develop an infrastructure of skilled solar installers, service facilities, distributors and manufacturers.

 

Many of the new jobs in energy efficiency and solar technology could be developed within the construction industry - an industry which is now battered by the recession. Within York County, the construction industry has often accounted for much of the regionÕs employment and job growth. As in previous recessions that sector is now feeling the brunt of the housing market collapse.

 

In addition, York County has experienced the loss of nearly 1,400 manufacturing jobs within the last six months. The energy efficiency industry offers tremendous opportunities for the retraining of individuals. Businesses that design and install energy efficiency retrofits will benefit as well as those that sell insulation, thermal windows, co-generation systems, lighting and solar hot water systems. Individuals will be needed to not only develop these systems but install and maintain them as well.

 

Finally, energy efficiency retrofits can save 25-50 per cent in the energy costs of in older buildings. These savings can then be used by individuals and/or business owners to invest in other needed capital items, grow their business or, in the case of individual homeowners, free up finances for other needed items. In addition to reducing energy use, the energy efficiency project that we propose will bring multiple sustainable economic development benefits including job retraining; job creation; affordable housing; and business growth - all with a modest investment.

 

Within the southern York County sub-region known as the KEYS region (Kittery, Eliot, York and South Berwick), grass roots efforts regarding energy efficiency and emissions reduction have been underway far in advance of both stimulus funding and other sources of funds being made available for energy programs and projects. Each town has formed its own Energy Committee. These committees have been engaged in a number of activities at the local level from completing energy audits of municipal structures to writing wind and solar power ordinances. Now, the energy groups, joined in this initiative by the towns of North Berwick and Ogunquit, have been meeting jointly to discuss regional approaches to energy efficiency and the role of solar technologies to reduce energy costs, cut GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions and develop a program of training and job development centered around focused on energy efficiency.

 

The following is a project outline based on the discussions of these energy committees, and other interested parties, and from data and studies conducted in the region itself.

 

Project goals: (bulleted list?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project description:

 

The proposal consists of three interrelated initiatives:

 

Project participants:

 

The town of Kittery is the prime applicant. Co-applicants are the towns of Eliot, North Berwick, Ogunquit, South Berwick and York. The project will be administered by the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission. The revolving loan fund will be managed by the Biddeford Saco Economic Development Commission. The educational components will be managed by York County Community College (YCCC).

 

The revolving loan fund (RLF)

 

The RLF will make loans available to segments of the population that are essential to (1) the success of energy efficiency and GHG reduction strategies and (2) the establishment of a viable alternative energy industry in southern York County. Loans will be available to homeowners and small business owners in all income categories not already covered by existing programs such as MaineHousingÕs Weatherization Program and Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) and York CountyÕs Energy Assistance Program. Loans will be made on an Òall fuelsÓ basis.

 

Loans will be structured so that repayment is based on the energy savings realized by the homeowner or small business owner. Interest payment at below-market rates, currently anticipated to be 3 %, will cover administrative costs. The average loan will be $8,000, with a cap of $10,000.

 

To ensure that the funds are used most efficiently, applicant properties will be required to undergo an energy audit by a BPI certified energy auditor. The energy audit will identify efficiency projects and priorities for the applicant property. The energy audit will note when and if solar energy technologies, specifically solar thermal, is appropriate. As an incentive to participate in the program, audits, which typically cost between $500 - $800, will be subsidized at a rate of 50 per cent of the cost of the audit. If the property owner agrees to make the changes recommended by the audit and qualifies for a loan from the RLF, the cost of the audit will be included in the loan.

 

All loans will pay for energy efficiency retrofits such as improved insulation, sealing doors and windows, efficient lighting (my understanding is that Eff. Maine is not interested in funding CFL conversions, their feeling has been that this is a very low cost endeavor that should be borne wholly by the occupant) and insulating hot water pipes and heating ducts. Ten percent of the loans issued will be reserved for the installation of Solar Thermal systems for potable hot water. Solar Thermal loans will be made to properties that have been certified through BPI audit to be already are proven to be energy efficient and can maximize the benefits of solar thermal technology.

 

The loan program will be administered by the Biddeford Saco Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit agency with considerable experience running an RLF. Applications will be available at local town halls in the participating communities. After the initial processing, loan applications will be reviewed by an advisory board consisting of representatives from the member towns, SMRPC and Biddeford Saco EDC. Loan applications will be reviewed for their potential to reduce fuel and electricity use and GHG emissions and provide business development opportunities for local solar energy companies and energy efficiency installers.

 

Each installation will be reviewed by a BPI Certified Auditor upon completion to verify the quality of the work and quantify the economic impact. Ten percent of the installations will be monitored one year after the installation to measure energy use and GHG emissions reductions.

 

The training program

 

This program, centered at YCCC, is a vital part of creating a sustainable economic infrastructure in southern Maine to support energy efficiency and GHG reduction efforts in the residential and small business sectors. YCCC will offer training that is currently unavailable in York County. All courses will be designed to prepare students to be certified by standards set by the state of Maine. Courses will be offered in the following areas:

 

Each course will be offered twice a year over a two year period.

 

YCCC will build on its existing partnership with Goodwill Workforce Solutions, a careers center for laid off workers, to offer retraining to people who have lost their jobs in the economic recession or due to industrial dislocation in York County. The project will offer hands-on training opportunities by partnering with local building contractors and trade unions for training and apprenticeship opportunities.

 

Marketing, outreach and education

 

SMRPC, working with local energy committees will develop a marketing plan to introduced homeowners and small business owners to the RLF and training program, and to promote the benefits of energy efficiency and the potential for energy efficiency related economic development to benefit revive? promote? the local economy. This The marketing strategy will include web material, printed material, press releases and informational meetings and seminars. To further promote the program, a region-wide energy efficiency competition for homeowners and small business owners will be organized and publicized in via? a variety of media.

 

Local energy committees will work with their respective towns to set up establish? Develop? an intake procedure that includes applications to the RLF, as well as a comprehensive catalogue of incentives such as federal tax credits, Maine energy rebates and private sector loans and grants, and advice on how to access funding from these various sources.

 

Project Specifications. Provide the following information (estimated, if necessary) in separate, titled, numbered paragraphs:

 

1) The amount of expected total annual energy savings and the projected lifetime energy savings in kWh and BTUs. (Appendix D sets forth conversion factors for use where applicable.)

 

Data compiled from residential and small business energy efficiency projects undertaken in similar climatic regions indicate that a 25% reduction in heating oil and a 20% reduction in electrical consumption can be expected. Research further indicates that annual baseline heating oil consumption averages approximately 1,000 gallons and electrical energy consumption approximately 1,300 kWh. To achieve these savings levels, project costs averaged at approximately $7,200.

 

As shown in the appendix (??), a model of the proposed revolving fund was created based on an initial $400,000 funding and a pay-from-savings contract. Although the model is necessarily simplified to work with projects based on the above average cost and savings, it is envisioned that solar thermal measures and similar longer term payback projects will be undertaken during the first few years in order to accommodate the associated longer repayment period. The model assumes that a large group of projects are funded at the outset and that additional projects will continue to be funded, annually, utilizing the repayment stream. To be conservative, the model assumes that additional projects will be funded for the first eight years only and that the continuing accrued repayments from earlier project savings may be leveraged to cover some of the longer payback projects.

 

Based on the model, projected lifetime savings from the total projects implemented are 83,907,000,000 BtuÕs and 3,146,000 kWh. This assumes a life expectancy of twenty years during which savings will be realized. By the nature of a revolving fund, annual savings vary with the number of projects completed. Accordingly, average annual savings are calculated as the lifetime savings divided by the twenty year life expectancy or 4,195,000,000 BtuÕs and 157,300 kWh.

 

 

2) For those applicants submitting a regional proposal, please provide any information regarding the expected impact of the project on the electric load of the local utility or utilities. 

 

Electric demand savings will be achieved primarily through improved efficiency of lighting, electric hot water heating, electric space heating/cooling and through appliance replacements. Although total demand reduction will depend on the mix of efficiency opportunities that are found in the participating facilities, it is estimated that these efficiency improvements may reduce utility demand by an average 30 kW.

 

3) The amount of expected annual greenhouse gas emissions reductions in metric tons per year, measured in CO2 equivalents, and the projected lifetime greenhouse gas emissions reductions in metric tons also measured in CO2 equivalents.

 

Based on the estimated Btu and kWh savings set out in Paragraph 1 and the conversion factors provided in the Appendix to the Block Grant RFA, lifetime greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 7,607 metric tons, and average annual emissions will be reduce by 380 tons.

 

4) The expected annual economic benefit to the applicant and/or to the State of Maine, including the number of jobs created or retained because of the project, the value of any reduced energy consumption, and the value of any renewable energy credits resulting from the project.

 

There will be primary and secondary positive economic impacts that will occur through funding this grant application. The primary economic benefit that will be induced by the grant funds are the creation of jobs through the initial funding of revolving loan fund projects.

 

We anticipate that a total of eight jobs will be created in the first year as a result of the revolving loan funds. Two independent estimates of job creation were used to calculate the results. It should be noted that both came to the same conclusion.

 

While estimating job creation is not always an exact science, some tools are now available to refine job gains through energy efficiency projects. In Arizona, the state has recently set up an RLF for 2 million dollars in energy efficiency and renewables. The goals are 200,000 in costs savings (rather conservative estimate), 2 million in kWh annual savings and emissions reductions of 2 million lbs. of CO2. They estimate the creation of 40 jobs in the first three years. Using those figures as a base we could estimate the creation a minimum of eight jobs in the first year Ð if the $400,000 of loan funds were expended.

 

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) published a jobs calculator for estimating the employment impacts of energy efficiency projects funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Although geared for larger projects on a greater scale the calculator also provides some estimates of job created on the local level. Based on a $400,000 input of revolving loan funds, the jobs calculator indicated that a total of eight jobs will be created in the first year.

 

In addition to primary economic impacts there will be secondary economic impacts as a result of the revolving loan fund. It is important to note that with the revolving loan fund aspect of this project, funds will continue to be cycled through the region once after other stimulus funds run out. This will result in additional job creation into the future. A good indicator of this is that the ACEEE jobs calculator shows continued job growth into Year 10 after the initial infusion of cash. From Year 2 to Year 5 the job calculator shows additional job growth of 2 jobs per year, ending at 1 new job a year at year 10. Thus the total job growth that will occur as the result of the revolving loan funds will be 20 new jobs. It should be noted that this job estimate is for a one time injection of funds and not for a continued revolving injection of funds. We anticipate even larger numbers of job growth that will result from funding this grant application.

 

5) The expected improvements in energy efficiency in building, transportation, and other sectors.

 

6) The grant amount requested and a budget for its expenditure.

 

SEI is requesting $500,000. With six towns participating, SEI meets the threshold for requesting the maximum amount.

 

The two year budget is as follows:

 

1. Revolving Loan Fund*

 
  1. Initial set up/program development

(developing forms, setting up program guidelines, working with underwriting services, developing uniform closing documents, etc)

$8,000

b. Audit incentive program (see program description)

$10,000

c. RLF Funding

$425,000

RLF Total

$443,000

2. Administration/Outreach/Website Development/Monitoring and Reporting

 
  1. Promotional materials (design and printing)

 

$1,000

b. Website development

$3,000

c. Community relations, including initial assistance to applicants, working with local Energy Committees and Steering Committee and working with energy vendors in the region.

 

$7,200

d. Energy modeling and quality control of completed work

$13,000

e. Grant Administration (reporting to Efficiency Maine and ARRA requirements

$7,000

Total for Administration, Outreach, Monitoring and Reporting

$31,200

3. Training** (BPI certified where appropriate)

 

a. YCCC Training for weatherization technicians (four courses over two years)

$6,000

b. YCCC Training for energy auditing

$6,000

c. YCCC Training for Solar Thermal installation

$6,000

d. YCCC Training for Photovoltaic installation training

$6,000

e. Syllabus for weatherization technician training

$1,400

Total for Training (not including match)

$25,800

 

Total Budget = $500,000 from Efficiency Maine

 

Matching Dollars = $79,000

 

*Costs of operating the RLF long term will be covered through:

 

á       1.5% of interest payments will go towards administering the loan repayments, sending out payment notices, notifying borrowers of late payments, making deposits and monitoring bank statements, etc.

á       Underwriting costs will be covered through an application fee of $100

á       Closing costs will be covered through a closing cost of 2% of loan cost or $200 whichever is higher

 

SEI will review this cost structure on a yearly basis to ensure that it reflects the costs of the program and provides the maximum benefit to borrowers.

 

** York County Community College is providing an approximate 50 % match to the training initiative as described in the next section.

 

7) The source of matching funds equal to at least 10 percent of the overall grant amount requested and a description of whether proposed match funds are cash or in-kind.[1] Applications should include signed original letters of commitment on appropriate letterhead from each organization or person who will be a source of matching funds. Applicants should describe any other funds leveraged for their project.

 

SEI will have the following match on hand for the training portion of the project:

 

 

It is anticipated these classes will contain 16 students and half the students will be covered through the training grant supplied by Goodwill Industries.

 

 

8) A project timeline including the schedule for completion as well as any anticipated milestones.

 

 

 

9) A set of performance targets for energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions and measures of achievement of these goals from which the overall feasibility of the project can be evaluated.

 

The expected annual energy savings described in paragraph one are the performance targets.

 

Energy audits, a vital first step in any energy efficiency project, will include monthly baseline consumption data and calculated savings estimates for the recommended efficiency measures. Upon completion of the projects, the savings calculations will be updated to reflect as-built conditions. Where savings are based on reduction of measurable parameters such as temperatures and flow rates, wherever feasible, these quantities will be measured and the measured quantities used to update the savings calculations. All weather dependent efficiency measures will base estimated savings on 30 year average NOAA weather data or Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data. These savings calculations, updated to reflect the actual installation, will provide a basis of overall project performance.

 

To supplement the results from the energy audit savings calculations, further program evaluation will be performed using a detailed utility billing analysis of a random sample of 10% of the typical buildings. Site visits will be done to confirm that the efficiency measures remain in place and determine if there are other factors that may be affecting energy consumption besides weather. At the end of the first yearÕs savings, oil and electric utility bills, as adjusted for weather and any changes in building usage patterns will be compared with the baseline bills in order to determine verified savings. This protocol reflects industry standards as set out in Option C in the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocols (IPMVP).

 

The billing analysis will provide the average percentage savings for the sample projects. These percentages will then be applied to the total population to yield a second supporting measure of the total project verified savings and overall project achievements.

 

 

10) A work plan outlining tasks to be completed, who will perform each task, their qualifications, competence and experience, and the estimated compensation to be paid to each person, if applicable.

 

 

The work plan will be broken up into

1. The RLF

2. Community Outreach and Coordination

3. The Training Initiative

 

1. The RLF

 

The following process was based on the process employed by similar RLFÕs for energy efficiency in Montana and Arizona. More importantly, SMRPC and BSAEDC have used a similar process for the EPA funded Brownfields RLF administered by SMRPC with BSAEDC as the portfolio manager and underwriter. The Brownfields RLF is now funded at 2.7 million dollars with over a million dollars in existing grant and loans distributed to projects in York County. It is anticipated this fund will operate in a similar manner (and in fact the EPA Brownfields RLF was noted by the Department of Energy as a useful model for setting up local or regional RLFs).

 

The value of an RLF as part of the stimulus package was also highlighted with guidance documents laid out as part of the ARRA funding.

 

ARRA Revolving Loan Fund Encouragement.

 

Section: 4.1 ARRA Overview. (Page23, DE-FOA-0000052)

 

o States are encouraged to use their ARRA funding not only to support current energy efficiency and renewable energy projects but also to seed sustainable programs and put in place long-term funding mechanisms such as revolving loans and energy savings performance contracting that will provide lasting benefits and lead to long-term market transformation.

 

Section: 5.5 Cost Sharing and Resource Leveraging. (Page28, DE-FOA-0000052)

 

o To increase the impact of these stimulus funds, DOE encourages plans which achieve a high degree of leveraging, and/or projects that extend the impact of the funds. Examples of programs which provide high leverage are revolving loan programs and performance contracting.

 

Section: 9.5 Optional Program Activities. (Page34, DE-FOA-0000052)

 

o Programs for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy capital investments, and programs, which may include loan programs and performance contracting programs for leveraging additional public and private sector funds, and programs that allow rebates, grants, or other incentives for the purchase and installation of eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in public or nonprofit buildings owned and operated by a state, a political subdivision of a state or an agency or instrumentality of a state, or an organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including public and private non-profit schools and hospitals, and local

 

The Steering Committee envisions the following process and implementation program for the RLF.

 

Setting up the RLF

 

1. Towns appoint members to RLF Committee (possibly from existing Energy Committees). This Committee might also be designated as the Steering Committee for the project.

 

2. RLF/Steering Committee formulates goals and guidelines for the projects/loan applications - particularly regarding the types of projects, greenhouse gas reductions, energy savings, geographic distribution, allowed and prohibited uses, and other issues that we have discussed.

 

3. RLF/Steering Committee meets with BSAEDC/other contractor to discuss financial terms and conditions that may apply to loans. Loan applications, fees and processing of loans to be developed. Make firm determination on administrative needs.

 

4. Set up system for tracking and monitoring loans both on the financial end and the performance end.

 

5. Market and promote the program via Energy committees, RLF/Steering Committees and others.

 

6. Provide loans and technical assistance to borrowers (see below) via staff and

Coordinator.

 

7. Monitor finances (BSAEDC) and track performance (Steering Committee/Coordinator)

 

 

Terms and Conditions for Loans

(these are preliminary at the present time)

 

1. Loan Terms

 

Maximum length

5-8 years for energy efficiency/weatherization, up to ten years for solar thermal

Maximum and minimum loan amounts

Minimum of 3,000

Maximum of 10,000 for energy efficiency projects

Maximum of 25,000 for solar

Administrative Fees

Application fee (credit report)

Underwriting fee (at closing)

 

$100

2% of loan or $250 whichever is higher

Interest rates

3.5%

Repayment

Monthly principal and interest

% of project that loan can be used for

Negotiable with RLF Committee

 

 

Processing of Loans

 

The following would represent the process by which an energy efficiency project would be approved for a loan.

 

  1. Applicant and SEI Coordinator discuss energy needs and application. Coordinator refers applicant to auditors and other resources in area.
  2. Applicant makes application to the Steering Committee. Committee reviews the projects technical merit and sends the application to BSAEDC for financial review and approval.
  3. BSAEDC examines financial information and requests any additional information if needed.
  4. BSAEDC makes recommendation on application and refers application back to Steering Committee.
  5. Steering Committee makes final recommendation. If no funds are available application will remain active for up to a year and applicant will be notified when funds do become available.
  6. Applications that are not approved will be notified of reason behind disapproval.
  7. On approval you receive a commitment statement listing the items needed before closing such as permits and bid documents.
  8. Loan funds will be issued after loan documents are signed (a percentage of funds will be withheld until certification of work is complete).

 

 

Sustainability of Loan Fund

 

One of the major benefits to establishing an RLF is that it is sustainable Ðonce other stimulus funds have been spent on fixed projects, the RLF will continue to fund energy efficiency for the foreseeable future. The table in Appendix provides the anticipated portfolio performance and cash flow for the initial investment.

 

The chart illustrates that the SEI effort will result in energy efficient homes being created over a ten year period with money continually being recycled into the fund.

 

The following individuals and agencies are proposed to set up the RLF, implement the RLF, and perform the underwriting financial aspects of the program.

 

Will Armitage

Jon Berg

Paul Schumacher

Chuck Morgan

 

2. Public Outreach and Coordination

 

???????????????????????

 

3. Training Initiative

 

The training initiative with York County Community College in the lead consists of 4 courses developed and then taught twice per year over a period of two years (eight times in total). The courses are as follows:

Weatherization Technician

This is a 3-day basic technician course which earns a BPI certification after passing an examination.   The course covers the basic installation of a typical space heater and energy saving measure on small buildings (defined as single to four-family homes of up to three stories).  Emphasis will be placed on specific weatherization task methods, and will include practice at hands on installations.

Residential Energy Auditor

Becoming a BPI Certified Energy Auditor involves completing a two-week training course and successfully passing a two-part exam. The training course is made up of two components Ð theory and field/hands-on training.  Each component ends with an exam.  For successful completion, it is necessary to receive a passing grade on each component.

Introduction to Solar Thermal

Solar hot water systems must be installed by licensed plumbers who have been qualified to install such systems by Maine Public Utilities Commission, or by licensed plumbers working with someone who has been qualified to install such systems by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.  This three-day course meets the requirements for this training.  At the conclusion of the course, students will be given a written exam.  Students who successfully complete this exam will be listed on the approved list of certified installers.

Introduction to Photovoltaics

This we hour workshop, which has been approved by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) for the National Photovoltaic Entry Level Certificate  of Knowledge, will cover a wide variety of topics.  Topics will include: Overview of Photovoltaics, Photovoltaic electric principles, solar resource, electric load analysis, PV modules, batteries, and much more. 

 

More coming here on apprenticeships etc.

 

 

 

11) A letter from the applicant on official letterhead, signed by the person in authority, with a statement supporting the application and the project.

 

12) A list of the permits required, if any, and a timeline for permitting. (NOTE: Funding may not be released until all necessary permits have been approved.)

 

No permits are needed for this project. Individual projects funded by the RLF will go through necessary permitting procedures at the local level.

 

13) An explanation of how financial savings from reduced energy consumption will benefit the community.


Our long-term vision is to greatly enhance affordability, ecological sustainability, and green economic development. The energy audit component of the KEYS proposal will create sorely needed work for BPI certified Maine energy auditors and BPI certified Maine weatherization technicians. Our comprehensive plan is to create high quality, career-track employment that offers family-supporting wages and benefits to Maine residents for which there will be demand over several decades.

 

Building trades will experience sustained year round employment and the local economy will strengthen.

 

By specifying that audits and weatherization work be performed by Maine citizens for RLF projects, the funds paid to these professionals will stay in Maine and support MaineÕs local economy - an important consideration where the KEYS region is so close to New Hampshire and Massachusetts. State treasury coffers will realize sales tax and payroll tax revenues, residents will waste less money to be comfortable, fuel oil consumption will shrink, and carbon emissions will be reduced.

 

When the economy recovers, we know oil prices will climb. The value of and demand for properly weatherized structures will appreciate more than inefficient homes.

 

The savings will generate a greater demand for solar thermal and photovoltaic systems because the resulting properly weatherized structures with their lower energy requirements will require smaller, less expensive, more affordable, renewable/alternative energy systems.

 

Reduced carbon emissions realized by reduced fuel oil consumption will improve local and global atmospheric quality, and consequently reduce respiratory aggravation.

 

 

 

14) Optional: A description of the potential of this project to be replicated in other communities. This information will not be used in scoring applications.

 

For other communities researching successful energy efficiency solutions, the KEYS region website provide real world answers. Our website will be linked to each townÕs website and we shall also optimize our website so that individuals and community leaders searching for ÒweatherizationÓ, Òbuilding efficiencyÓ, Òenergy efficiencyÓ will be directed to our website.

 

The KEYS website will contain multiple case studies of RLF projects, will document the variety of specific action steps that various buildings required, the specific benefits in terms of energy savings and reduced carbon emissions, the jobs created, and incomes realized. It will also document the most effective products, will outline sensible weatherization steps, and will generate a critical mass of those interested in the benefits of weatherization regardless of their RLF award status.

 

As best weatherization practices are refined, our next step will publicize the most effective strategies for the Catch 22 of landlord-tenant weatherization dilemma. Solutions created in this arena would result in a major breakthrough in reducing the annual waste in heating inefficient structures and break the cycle of the cash strapped tenant who looks to community charity to make ends meet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


[1] ÒIn-kindÓ funds are those goods, services or equipment used in the completion of the project other than cash funds.