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Greene County to accept federal EECBG funds for residential energy-auditor training; program will train local technicians and deliver free home audits
Summary
Everblue Training Institute outlined a 20-week Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program that will certify up to five local energy auditors, provide on-the-job training, and deliver roughly 25 residential energy audits with no local financial match required.
Everblue Training Institute presented a federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) workforce-development program to Greene County supervisors.
Velvet Nelson, Everblue business development lead, said the program — part of a federally funded EECBG opportunity administered through the Virginia Energy Office — will train up to five participants who will earn three nationally recognized certifications for residential energy auditing (building science, building analyst technician, and building analyst professional). The 20-week program includes classroom training, field work, and on-the-job training opportunities; Everblue will supply instructors, equipment and outreach support.
Nelson said the EECBG funds (discussed in the meeting as $199,888) cover certification costs and outreach and that the program requires no local financial match. County staff confirmed there is no local matching obligation and that the county’s role would primarily be outreach and possibly providing space for a training session.
County questions focused on enrollment, who would employ graduates, and how auditors would obtain clients. Everblue said graduates commonly work as independent contractors, for community-based weatherization agencies, or for local HVAC/utility contractors; lead-generation can come from utility programs, community action agencies, or entrepreneur outreach. Everblue also said training will occur in-county and that the program will provide follow-up dashboards to track certifications and community audits (an estimated 25 homes to receive audits).
What was decided: the grant resolution was on the consent agenda and was approved with the consent items. The board will accept the grant and Everblue will move forward to schedule training and outreach.
Quote: "This is about a 20 week program... once we get started, we'll be pushing this forward relatively quickly," Everblue's Velvet Nelson said.
Next steps: staff will execute grant paperwork, support recruitment and host training sessions as requested; Everblue will provide contact information and outreach materials.
