The next in a series of Weatherization Skillshops will be offered on Saturday, September 11, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro. The Weatherization Skillshop is a statewide educational program created by the Central Vermont Community Action Council to expand energy efficiency training opportunities for Vermont homeowners. The Skillshops are designed to help Vermonters improve energy efficiency in their homes through hands-on skills training for simple home weatherization projects.

"We need to bridge the gap between low-income weatherization and full-service energy renovation contracting,” said Paul Zabriskie, CVCAC's Weatherization Program Director. “There are a lot of Vermonters who are committed to working on their homes themselves, and we want them to be able to make these improvements safely. The Weatherization Skillshop program gives folks the knowledge they need to achieve real energy savings – and they'll save money, too. "

Skillshop participants receive instruction from a certified building performance contractor. The all-day session is held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the topics covered include Attics & Air-Sealing, Windows & Doors, and Foundations & Basements. Cost for the Skillshops is $150, which includes efficiency tools and materials, safety gear, and a copy of The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi.

At each Skillshop, participants will get the opportunity to sign up for the DIY Home Energy Efficiency Pilot Program, a new program launched to help do-it-yourselfers work under the guidance of a certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor and gain access to home performance incentives.
CVCAC has partnered with Efficiency Vermont to ensure that the homeowner's work meets efficiency standards and thus qualifies for incentives. All work done in the pilot program must be completed by December 1, 2010 to qualify for access to incentives.

Interested homeowners are invited to visit the Weatherization Skillshop website, at www.weatherizationskillshop.com, or call Laurie toll free at (888) 514-2151 to register.

Previous Skillshops have been held in Barre, St. Johnsbury, Rutland and Essex, with positive feedback received from participants. Noted one attendee, Tom Stevens of Waterbury, “This is giving me the skills I need to tackle my old house myself.” A flyer and schedule of fall Weatherization Skillshops is attached.

About Central Vermont Community Action
Founded in 1965, Central Vermont Community Action Council helps people achieve economic sufficiency with dignity through individual and family development. CVCAC is part of the nationwide network of Community Action Agencies; a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency and a Community Development Corporation. The Weatherization Program has been operating since 1978, and has weatherized over 10,000 homes at no cost to the residents. www.cvcac.org