lessons learned from performing hot climate weatherization in georgia

Lessons Learned from Performing Hot Climate

Weatherizationin Georgia

Georgia’s Wx Network State Office

Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority

Cherry Ivey, Program ManagerDebbie Smiley, Asst. Program Mgr.Katherine Moses, Program Asst.

Georgia’s Wx Network Serve 159 Counties

22 Sub-grantees 19 Community Action Agencies 2 Local Government 1 Non-profit Agency

“A New Era in Georgia” Topics Covered Today:

History/Introduction of Hot Climate Lessons Learned Challenges encountered Future Directions

History

2005 mandate from DOE to undergo “Hot Climate Training”

2006 Georgia mandate Whole House techniques for all sub-grantees

The Result? A New Era in Georgia’s WAP

What Changed After Hot Climate?

Weatherization Approach Training Monitoring Technical Assistance

ApproachPre Hot Climate Post Hot Climate

Windows & Doors Principles of Building Science

Standard measures applied Measures applied based on priority

Mechanical systems treated as afterthought

Mechanical systems treated as top priority

Single funding source Combined funding sources

Summary Reporting Detailed Reporting

Crew viewed as workers Crew viewed as professionals

Training Changes Increased Training Opportunities

Variety in training approach

Proficiencies introduced in training

Monitoring ChangesPre-Hot Climate Post-Hot Climate

Subjective, based on monitor’s observations

Objective, based on Monitoring Protocol & Levels of Agency Performance

Verify work done Verify work done right

Field Monitoring to assess agency performance

Multi-layered monitoring—desk monitoring, field monitoring, fiscal monitoring

Sub-grantee approached monitoring visits with trepidation

Sub-grantee view monitoring visits as learning opportunities

Technical Assistance Changes

50-60% increase in Technical Asst. calls

Technical questions more challenging

Lessons Learned

1. Training-building block for success

• Emulated training techniques• Re-programming• Empowerment

2. Get buy-in of Weatherization Network

• Crews• Coordinators• Executive Directors

Lessons Learned

3. OSHA – An Unexpected Opportunity

• Sub-grantee cited by OSHA

• State certify all 22 Sub-grantee Wx Coordinators and several Executive Directors as OSHA designated “Competent Person”

Lessons Learned

Challenges Funding

Challenge: Increased Cost

Solution: Utility partnerships leveraged additional $$ into the program

HVAC Contractors--mechanical work not completed to wx standards

Solution:•Coordinators Council share best practices

•Training offered to contractors

Challenges

Increased fieldwork and documentation requirements

Solution:•Training to provide skills•Wx Coordinators Council share experiences and best practices

Challenges

Resistance—Less than 10% saw no value to new approach

Solution:•Monitoring consequences & specialized training

Challenges

Next Steps Increased technical training

Mechanical Systems Specialized training

Additional funding resources/partnerships State Funding Partnership with EMC