The following is a reprint of the 1988 article [reformatted]. Back to The National Conservation Guild
By Michael Wright
DRAFT
The purpose of this article is to outline my proposal for instituting a nationwide coalition of weatherization manufacturers and installation organizations, (CAP weatherization programs and "spinoffs"), qualified to do reliable weatherization work, with predictable results.
It is self evident, to the people receiving this letter, that a stronger energy conservation program, nationwide, serves the interests of all, consumers, taxpayers, recipients and the weatherization industry itself. You too, because of your involvement in this industry are concerned with its future.
Please consider this a position paper, subject to discussion and change, whereby a common resolve is formed. It is not my intent to ask you to do a lot of
work on this concept but I am asking you for the use of your name, if you agree with the finished product. Also, you may see opportunities opened for yourself if this coalition becomes a reality. I think results are possible simply by establishing a common consensus and willfully promoting these ideas, when appropriate, to a widening circle of interested participants.
In private conversations it seems accepted that at least a certain amount of bureaucratic effort is anxiously directed toward its own self perpetuation. It is my contention that if this effort is redirected toward weatherization excellence, the results, (better cost/energy consumption reduction ratios), would ensure continued funding, and open other avenues of endeavor in line with the opportunities inherent in the spirit and intent of these programs.
Another, less obvious, but politically attractive aspect of a new emphasis on technically correct and productive energy conservation practices, is that a truly skillful work force could be developed. Using quality equipment and procedures would inspire pride in both workmanship and social position. As you may be aware, we, (the U.S.) have now entered an era of skilled, and even unskilled labor shortages. This has now become a reality on the East coast and will not change in our lifetime.
While the above mentioned benefits of a more highly charged weatherization industry could stabilize funding, I think the biggest advantage of a nationwide guild would be to help establish a vigorous and viable consumer weatherization industry and conceivably expand current funding.
A common consensus is that during the "energy crisis", the energy conservation industry acquired a poor reputation in the public mind. Too many promises of "Save 45% off your heating bills!" gave the entire industry a charlatan "fly by night image".
Now that energy conservation is somewhat out of season, and we have a history to assess, we are able to diagnose the results. Assuming that energy prices will again enter an inflationary period, (almost inevitable due to free market and political influences), this is the time to organize and prepare for the next wave.
The guild or industry association will be based on quality with predictable and consistent results. This standard would have to apply to both materials used and installation workmanship. The.association would have to be "inclusionary", accepting and promoting any organization or products meeting the standards, albeit high standards.
Although this association would have no official or or binding status, it aim, to promote high quality weatherization, should be well received and cultivated by weatherization programs. (In actuality it is these programs that have served as a breeding grounds for the products and techniques that have surfaced as superior) Also, it should be recognized that spinoffs represent economic advantages and opportunities, again reinforcing the programs themselves.
The Plan:
1.) Establish a national guild consisting of professional weatherizers, manufactures and technical trainers, acceptability based on proven results. The Network and PROfile magazine being two readily available vehicles to kick off this promotion.
2.) Advance a national advertising campaign, funded by association manufactures, explaining the benefits of current energy conservation technology. This campaign, in respected publications, would be designed to alleviate the "fly by night" image and assure predictable results. The cornerstone of the campaign would be to explain blower doors, other current diagnostic technology, and the benefits thereof. The association would then route inquiries to the closest available qualified weatherizer. The campaign would also incorporate and promote weatherization programs vis a vis a correlation between NASA spinoffs and CAP weatherization spinoffs. (Facilitating the desirable byproduct of programs.)
3.) Promote rapid advancements of weatherization program results by demanding that weatherizers, in order to qualify to receive leads, establish documented results. (i.e. know how to use blower doors and scanners.) Again, the results will be two-fold. (Strengthen programs and establish a nationwide network of reliable weatherizers.)
In short, I believe these concepts can strengthen both the public and private sectors of this industry; focus on excellence, stabilize funding, alleviate some anxiety, elevate standards, soften and create a consumer market for weatherization.
The following people, with possibly one exception, have authorized the use of their names in conjunction with these concepts. A separate mailing list is being established to further define and advance this guild. If you would like to have your name included and/or offer suggestions, please contact Michael Wright
Ken Gadsby
Gadzco, Inc.
209 Vetterlein Av.
Trenton, NJ 08619
Mr. Gadsby is a Princeton University professor and one of the principals of Princeton Energy Partners, (PEP). The original "HouseDoctors". An acknowledged leader regarding air infiltration detection. Developed the 1st blower doors.
David Morris
220 W. King St.
St. Paul MN 55107
Mr. Morris is a former co-director of the Institute for Local Self Reliance, Wash., DC and is author of the books Self Reliant Cities and Be Your Own Power Company. Understands and effectively communicates the economic and social advantages of energy conservation on local and National levels.
James Masters
Center for Community Futures
PO Box 5309 / 3032 Claremont Av.
Berkeley, CA 94705
Mr. Masters is the Director at the Center for Community Futures and has produced and developed several national program seminars including Marketing; Your Services to Utilities and Profits for Nonprofits. He gets things done.
Ed Block
NA CAA
1775 TSt.
Washington, DC 20009
Mr. Block is Executive Director of the National Association of Community Action Agencies.
Jim Walsh
Project Warm
2S2 S .Shelby St.
Louisville, KY 40203
Mr. Walsh heads Project Warmth, a weatherization project funded by Louisville Gas & Electric and local government. He has been a featured speaker at national conferences; a graduate of Charlie Wing's Cornerstone Energy School, Brunswick, ME. His program has produced documented energy consumption savings of 16% over a 6 year period using volunteers and $75 worth of materials.
Jim Kleyman
Energy Research & Design Assocs.
Po Box 31 77
Jackson WY 83001
Mr. Kleyman is a former weatherization director for the Jackson, WY CAP. He is now a consulting engineer and has done training work for DOE. His specialty is mobile homes.
Roger Minter
MAC'S
Broken Arrow OK 740I4
Mr. Minter has over 20 years experience in mobile homes. He has done consulting work for weatherization programs. His company specializes in mobile home parts.
Bruce Davis
EOA WC
2325 N. Gregg St.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Mr. Davis directs the Fayertville weatherization program. He is quality oriented and knowledgeable in infiltration detection techniques.
Jerry Clark
Editor
PROfile Magazine
PO Box 280
Wisner, NE 6879I
Mr. Clark is the Editor of Profile Magazine a National Journal for the Human Services Professional. An advocate of greater cooperation, on a national basis, by CAPs.
Carl Kolb
Wayne Home Equipment
PO Box 2257 / 89,1
Glasgow Av.
Ft. Wayne · 46801
Mr. Kolb is the National Account Representative for Blue Angel oil burners. (A Scott Fetzer company) He has been supportive of this project.
Gary Anderson
The Energy Conservatory
920 W. 531-d Street
Mpls. MN 55419
Mr. Anderson is the inventor of the Anderson Pulley Seal and a partner in Minneapolis Blower Door.
Cal Steiner
CA & D,
652 W. Villard
Dickinson, ND 58601
Mr. Steiner is the Weatherization Director for the Dickinson CAP. A leader in North Dakota.
Linda Wigington
Region X
2 Gateway Center / 9th FI.
Pittsburgh PA I5222
Ms. Wigington coordinates the Affordable Comfort Conferences.
Earl Rogers
Urban Coalition
3737 3rd Av S
Mpls., MN 55409
Mr. Rogers is the Executive Director of Minneapolis Urban Coalition. His agency weatherizes over 2000 homes per year.
Lester Shen
Underground Space Center / U ofM
500 Pillsbury Dr SE
Dr. Shen has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and is a Research Associate at the Underground Space Center, University of Minnesota. His studies include an
evaluation of Minnesota Weatherization Program Practices and heat loss calculations of building foundations.
Charlie Poole
Rehabilitation Services
PO Box 42I0
Helena, MT 59604
Mr. Pooie has 'been a keynote speaker at National weatherization conferences. He was influential in promoting use of Blower Doors by all Montana Agencies. He has developed both a computer energy audit system and a priority by consumption weatherization system.
John Buckstead
PenBuck
2409 Tunlaw Rd. NW
Washington, DC 2000
Mr. Bucksteads involvement in energy conservation dates back to the 1973 Federal Energy Office with duties at the CSA Energy Policy Committee, and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. He was one of the planners of the original weatherization programs.
Dennis Penland
PenBuck
2409 Tunlaw Rd. NW
Waslti·t·tc·rt. DC 2nnn
Mr. PenIand was aIso one of the peopIe who heIped build the weatherization programs in Washington over 15 years ago. He has a great deal of experience with weatherization materials, having also operated a comprehensive energy conservation retail store. He is currently a principle, along with John Buckstead, of PenBuck systems.
Gary Nelson
The Energy Conservatory
920 W. 53rd Street
Minneapolis MN 55419
Mr. Nelson has earned an international reputation as a researcher and teacher in the field of energy conservation and building science. A Minneapolis Blower Door
partner.
Mel Williams
Weatherization Training
1306 Donaghey Bldg.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Mr Williams is a State Trainer. He has promoted many of these same ideas in the Arkansas Weatherization community.
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