Tuesday, September, 30, 2014, Tower Grove Neighborhoods CDC hosted an Energy Conservation Workshop at 4168 Juniata. This event was funded by HUD and the St. Louis Community Development Administration. The speaker line up was impressive, as five professionals from the sustainability industry presented.
Johanna Schweiss, Volunteer Coordinator at the US Green Building Council, Gateway Chapter, provided a context by explaining a Carbon Footprint and reasons it should be reduced – air pollution, health implications, climate change. Johanna illustrated personal choices pertaining to food, transportation, water use, landscaping, and household chores have a tremendous collective impact.
What is Carbon Footprint-Why reduce
Richard Reilly, Residential Energy Programs Manager, Missouri Botanical Garden, shared how energy is produced in our region. Each of our households use the equivalent of 2100 pounds of coal each month. Richard explained ways energy is wasted in our homes and provided ways to save energy and live in greater comfort.
Resources for Improving Comfort and Saving Energy
Marc Bluestone, owner of Smart House Home Performance Experts, described a professional energy audit, common findings, DIY and professional remedies. Smart House offers energy audits, insulation, heating and cooling systems, duct work, and energy consultations.
Scott Keating, proprietor of Apex Midwest, the flat roof specialists, provided details on the types of white roof products and how they differ. Acrylic, Urethane, Solvent, Silicone base are all the roof coatings available. Silicone base was described as most durable, providing the best solar reflectivity, and resists water ponding.
Melissa Davenport, intake specialists at the Urban League St. Louis, shared details on their free weatherization program for low income households. Income must be verified, property taxes paid, be current on the utilities, and current on the mortgage or rent in order to qualify. The Urban League’s energy auditors evaluate ways to achieve better energy efficiency for each client’s home. Applications for the program were accepted at the workshop.
Thanks to all the participants and the speakers who made it an successful event!
