Press release here:

Asheville, NC - City employees recently completed a week-long Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) Program training focused on evaluating and improving building energy efficiency. During the training, 20 employees learned how to utilize powerful diagnostic equipment and software to conduct energy analyses. Participants also learned practices for increasing energy efficiency.

This is the first project the city completed with Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds awarded in October 2009 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The training was held at Warren Wilson College as part of an ongoing partnership between the city and the college aimed at combating climate change with a focus on energy efficiency. The college is now considered a certified training host site.

The 16 building inspectors who participated in the training can now serve as energy efficiency ambassadors as they work with the building and construction community throughout the city. The four building maintenance employees who participated will be able to help reduce municipal energy expenditures by applying the practices they learned.

Please visit http://www.ashevillenc.gov/green to learn more about the City of Asheville Sustainability Program.