Independent Brooks Project
The Independent Brooks Project (iBrooks) is a ground-breaking approach to widespread improvements in energy efficiency that moves beyond the individual household and addresses energy economics at a regional scale. The Project comprises the weatherization of the 530 homes within the Town of Brooks, Maine, thereby helping its residents to stay warmer, improve indoor air quality and reduce heating fuel costs by more than 25%. In conjunction with the Town of Brooks and the Newforest Institute, Build Green Maine was awarded an $85,000 Conservation Block Grant from Efficiency Maine Trust, as well as $48,000 in private investment and in-kind donations.
The project comprises three parts:
1) Subsidized Whole-house Performance Evaluations - Brooks residents receive a [whole-house energy audit] (link to Energy Audit webpage) and indoor air quality screening for only a $50 co-payment. Audit results, energy model and recommendations are summarized into a written report and reviewed around the kitchen table at a follow-up visit with the homeowner.
2) Certification Training for Green-collar Jobs - As an Affiliate of the Building Performance Institute, Build Green Maine offers [certification training] (link to webpage) to both Brooks residents and non-residents alike. The town’s housing stock serves as a real world “weatherization lab” for retrofit delivery models, from DIYers to Efficiency Maine’s participating contractors. Certifications make possible participation in Efficiency Maine’s [Home Energy Saving Program] (link to Efficiency Maine’s HESP webpage).
3) Building Science Implementation Classes for Residents - Across the board, once homeowners review their home evaluation and discussed the specific health and energy dynamics, are hungry for options and “how-to” knowledge. iBrooks tailors a 4-part education class to the needs to each group of evaluated householders. Evening and weekend workshops provide a learning venue for those who do not want to make a career out of Building Science.
Project Goals:
• Weatherize all 530 homes in Brooks over five years
• Achieve 25% across the board energy use reduction
• Improve Indoor Air Quality
• Create Green Collar Jobs
• Save residents over $400,000 per year in energy costs
• Reduce carbon emissions by 1,600 tons annually
• Grow the local economy by reductions of imported energy
Stay tuned as the project unfolds and the results tabulated…
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