The objective of the program is to help homeowners reduce household energy cost, water consumption and the use of toxic cleaning products with the overall goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in residential areas. The homeowners actively participated in the assessments through discussions on a variety of topics such as furnace efficiency and home comfort. During the visit the assessors supply two meters of insulating pipe wrap on the domestic hot water pipe and water efficient showerheads. After the assessments, the participants receive a detailed report with suggestions and recommendations about what can be done to reduce energy loss in their homes. Although the main objective of the program is to help home owners reduce energy loss, many of the people seeking enviro home assessments have concerns about the effects of poor air quality on their health, especially the health of their children, says David MacKay, manager of the program.
Many people now realize that the home is a major factor in contributing to one's well being.
In response to the concerns of clients and with support from Holland College and Island businesses, additional resources have been obtained to provide information and educational material around air quality. Ms Leona Arsenault has been appointed by the Network as assessment supervisor for the project. Ms Arsenault is a recent graduate of Holland College's Environmental Technology program. We are quite pleased to have Ms Arsenault as part of our team. We have received great support from both levels of government as well as Holland College.