In taking my own advice, given to those wanting a green career, I’ve just spent the last three months taking classes in building science.
My journey began at the Center for Training and Careers, in San Jose, CA, with a class in construction basics. This included construction math, tools and equipment, building materials and a ten-hour course in OSHA requirements.
We then launched into a class on solar installation, taught by a 30-year veteran in the industry, which literally made my brain hurt. The teacher was great, but I never had algebra in high school and never tried to understand electricity before now. For those contemplating a career in solar, this class is well worth the time and effort, but consider yourself forewarned: It isn’t as easy as it looks! Unless you already have a basic understanding of electricity and algebra, the formulas required to determine load requirements, size a system, evaluate performance and position the solar array correctly, the math can be daunting. I’m happy to say that I finally get it!
Then we began our class in residential energy, taught by building scientists, from the California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services (CHEERS). Here I found myself loving every aspect of the classes. I could picture myself auditing/rating homes and businesses, providing owners with concrete steps to lower their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint and improve the comfort of their space. I’d like to work with a partner or with an auditing company, with contractors, homeowners, business owners, real estate agents, as well as others on building energy efficiency/conservation. Finally we took the whole-house analyst classes, taught by the Building Performance Institute. These were more technically intense than the energy rating classes and very fascinating. I’ve passed the written exam and I’m now preparing for their field exam. I’ve already performed audits for two of my neighbors, at no cost to them, just for practice. *UPDATE – I’ve also completed a lighting audit in partnership with a local solar company, for a rather large home. I’m happy to say this homeowner decided to replace quite a few of their lights with LED lamps, which will save them thousands of dollars in just a few years’ time.
In my mind only a few things take precedence over transitioning this country, our economy and the rest of society over to alternative energy. Let’s keep it up. My goal is to work in some capacity to expand alternative energy and to help others, preferably in a full-time position with a non-profit or an alternative energy company.
Your sunny, transitioning to solar gal,
Linda Siegel, Linda.siegel85@gmail.com
My web pick this time is a fun quickie that provides green info in small bits: Green Fact of the Day.
