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

2 Virginia: State Agencies  Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy  Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development ult.htm ult.htm Community Housing Partners 

3 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 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: 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 Tech  Dean’s Task Force on Energy Security and Sustainability   Curriculum: Building Construction   Virginia Center for Housing Research  Virginia Cooperative Extension  Energy Resource Guide for Virginia  Extension Agents

7 Virginia Cooperative Extension  Publications  How to prevent and remove mildew in relation to the house and household furnishings (# )  Evaluation of household water quality in Halifax and Mecklenburg Counties, Virginia (# )  Firewood for Home Heating (# )  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 (  Safely saving energy in buildings (  Energy efficient homes (

8 Agent Responses on Energy Related Questions  9.8% home energy sources  65.9% mold & mildew  24.3% mold, mildew, and energy issues

9 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?