AECP RECEIVES STATE AWARD

AECP received an award from the Virginia Sustainable Building Network on June 15, 2005. AECP was the recipient of the first annual Virginia Green Innovation Award under the category of Green Business and Organizations. AECP was recognized for its long history of energy legislation advocacy and energy education.

AECP PROVIDES EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR SERVICES

AECP is subcontracting with Community Housing Partners to provide initial assessments for emergency home repair services for low-income individuals and families. AECP will also line up contractors to make repairs and do final inspections.

AECP INSTALLS WIND AND SOLAR SYSTEMS AT OFFICE

On August 6 and 7, 2005 Chesapeake Renewable Energy, AECP, and students from James Madison University installed a 42-ft. tall, 1000 watt wind generator, a 102-watt solar panel and a small rainwater collection system at AECP’s Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC). These working systems will be part of SLEC”s interactive educational demonstrations.

AECP UNSUCCESSFUL IN EFFORTS TO OBTAIN REGULATORY CHANGE

AECP made its case for a home energy performance specialty contractor’s classification before the Virginia Board for Contractors on November 16, 2005. AECP was advocating for a competency level in the industry to not only protect consumers but to also establish a benchmark within the industry that would promote growth and professionalism. The Board decided not to act upon our recommendations.

AECP CONDUCTS BLOWER DOOR TEST FOR VIRGINIA TECH SOLAR HOUSE

AECP conducted a multi-point blower door test on the Virginia Tech Solar House before it traveled to Washington, D.C. for the national Solar Decathlon. AECP member Anthony Cox supervised the test and also did a presentation on blower door diagnostics for the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council who met at the solar house during the test. This test helped the students and faculty identify air-leakage issues and determine the proper settings for their heat recovery system. The test also gave them points in the indoor air quality segment of the decathlon competition. The Virginia Tech solar house placed fourth out of eighteen entries in this international event.

AECP HOLDS 6TH ANNUAL GREEN LIVING AND ENERGY EXPO

AECP conducted its 6th annual Green Living and Energy Expo at the Roanoke Civic Center on October 21 and 22, 2005. The event was a great success with more exhibits and better attendance then ever before.

STRAW BALE STRUCTURE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT SLEC

AECP will provide oversight to a 400 square foot straw bale structure being built as part of AECP’s Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC). Leon Davis, an architecture student form Virginia Tech has designed the building and will lead the construction team. The building will be used by the Jacksonville Center as a functioning space and will also be a demonstration of green and alternative building construction and design.

AECP SPONSORS AND CONDUCTS CONTRACTOR LICENSE CLASSES

AECP will conduct several classes on how to obtain and successfully complete the exam for a Virginia Contractor’s License A and B and a Virginia Tradesman Master Card in HVAC.

AECP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO POLICY COUNCIL

AECP Executive Director, Billy Weitzenfeld has been appointed to the Virginia Weatherization Policy Advisory Council. This group will provide oversight to state weatherization staff in areas of weatherization policy.