1 Virginia’s Building Science Outreach Programs Bobby Grisso, Ph.D., P.E. Biological Systems Engineering Virginia Tech Martha A. Walker, Ph.D. Community.

1

Virginia’s Building Science Virginia’s Building Science Outreach ProgramsOutreach Programs

Bobby Grisso, Ph.D., P.E.Biological Systems Engineering

Virginia Tech

Martha A. Walker, Ph.D. Community Viability SpecialistVirginia Cooperative Extension

2

Virginia: State AgenciesVirginia: State Agencies Virginia Department of Mines,

Minerals & Energy http://www.mme.state.va.us/de

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/HOUSING/HEE/

default.htm Community Housing Partners

http://www.communityhousingpartners.org

http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/de/residentframe.html

3

Virginia Agencies . . .Virginia Agencies . . . Virginia Building America Program

Organized by Virginia Housing & the Environment Network (VaHEN) and partnered with Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy, Virginia Housing Development Authority, and Home Builders Association of Virginia

Virginia Home Energy Rating Organization, Inc. (Virginia Hero)

4

City Engineering/Housing Inspection OfficeCity Engineering/Housing Inspection Office

Offers training in lead and mold abatement. Partners with Department of Occupational &

Professional Regulations for training approval. Engages Department of Housing & Community

Development to conduct training.

Operates under Virginia’s Energy Efficiency Code and the International Energy Conservation Code.

5

Virginia: UtilitiesVirginia: Utilities

Partners with Extension Agents, contractors, and state agencies.

Provides programs for community groups, contractors, and businesses/manufacturers

Serves as a point of contact for key accounts.

Communicates with public on issues related to utilities.

Offers on-line resources Provides shirt patches for

contractors “Ask me how to save energy”

Wants to provide energy education for students

Sees need to work with low-income individuals and secure landlord buy-in.

6

Virginia TechVirginia Tech Dean’s Task Force on Energy

Security and Sustainabilityhttp://www.research.vt.edu/energy/index.html

Curriculum: Building Constructionwww.bc.vt.edu

Virginia Center for Housing Research

Virginia Cooperative ExtensionEnergy Resource Guide for VirginiaExtension Agents

7

Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Cooperative Extension Publications

How to prevent and remove mildew in relation to the house and household furnishings (#356-643)

Evaluation of household water quality in Halifax and Mecklenburg Counties, Virginia (#442-943)

Firewood for Home Heating (#420-003) Programs

Rent Smarts, Prince William County Buying a Home, Prince William County

Utilized Resources A brief guide to mold, moisture, and your home, U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gove/mold/moldguide.html) Safely saving energy in buildings

(http://healthandenergy.com/energy_efficient_buildings.htm) Energy efficient homes

(http://healthandenergy.com/energy_efficient_homes.htm)

8

Agent Responses on Energy Related Agent Responses on Energy Related QuestionsQuestions

9.8% home energy sources 65.9% mold & mildew 24.3% mold, mildew, and energy issues

9

Community Residents Ask . . .Community Residents Ask . . .

I’m on a limited income, it’s difficult to pay the electric bill plus the oil/gas bill and then have food. What can I do to save money on my utility bill?

My home is moist, and I have mold and mildew. What can I do to get rid it?

We cut trees near the house (or wood was given to us). Can we burn this in our stove?