Maine Partnership for
Environmental Stewardship (MPES), an AmeriCorps program coordinated by Maine
Campus Compact, is organizing new community initiatives around the state in an
effort to increase energy efficiency and cost savings through weatherization
services and education. MPES works in partnership with college campuses and the
communities in which they serve. The efforts of the initiative are for all
individuals but are especially geared towards those facing low income status or
financial difficulties.
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| Heather Craig measures for a window insert |
For the communities of
Windham and Raymond, Saint Joseph’s College is the host
site for this AmeriCorps program and individuals in the area are encouraged to
participate in the energy efficiency initiative by obtaining window inserts and attending energy education events. Raymond Village Community Church is one of the
community organizations that are working in conjunction with MPES and Saint
Joseph’s College.
“Window inserts provide
an energy efficient way to help keep your home warm as well as lowering energy
costs,” explained Heather Craig, Energy Efficiency Coordinator with MPES, who
will be coordinating the efforts between the college and the community. “A person can save up to one gallon of fuel per
every square foot of insert, so if
you have 20 square feet of inserts you will save 20 gallons of fuel.”
A window insert is a
wood frame that is wrapped in durable plastic on both sides and is sealed with
foam around the edges. Each frame is custom measured to the specific window in
order for the insert to fit properly.
According to MPES, Maine
has one of the oldest housing stocks in the country and much of the carbon
dioxide emissions are from residential heating sources. It is their intention
to be a leader in energy efficiency and providing window inserts as an option
will contribute to lowering not only energy costs but keeping Maine homes warm
while contributing to environmental health. To assist those who may not be able
to afford ways to cut cost, MPES offers a limited amount of window inserts for
free for qualifying individuals.
“Those who
qualify for any sort of government assistance such as Liheap (Maine Low Income
Energy Assistance Program), disability,
or veterans’ benefits, etc. will qualify for five free window inserts,” stated Craig. “Individuals
can contact me to see if they are eligible.”
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| The making of an energy efficient window insert |
Craig stated that they
are looking for 20 low income families who may be interested in participating
in the initiative. As of the time of this printing, four families have applied
and been accepted. “It is our goal to have all 20 families signed up and accepted
by October 20th,” Craig said.
Families can also
purchase the window inserts at a cost of roughly
$25 per window.
Craig also mentioned
that one does not need to own their home, nor do they need a landlord’s
permission to install a window insert.
It is important to note
that not only does the MPES program support energy efficiency through
weatherization and education, but it also encourages community efforts by
working together.
“Those who
receive window inserts will be asked to help build
them on one of the community build days set for December 3rd through
7th” explained Craig. “Raymond Village Community Church is
collaborating with us and is offering their space to build the inserts. The
event is always lots of fun, with a potluck meal and music. There are a range
of tasks for people to do and no experience is necessary.”
Craig will be also
providing educational opportunities to learn more about weatherization and
energy efficiency through classes at the Windham and Raymond Adult Education.
To learn more about these classes or about the window inserts, contact Craig at
hcraig@sjcme.edu or by phone at 314-520-5447.
About Maine Campus
Compact (MCC)
MCC is a statewide
coalition of colleges and universities whose purpose is to further the public
purposes and civic mission of higher education. They seek to transform campuses
in a way that develops better informed, active citizen problem-solvers,
stronger communities and a more just democratic society. MCC manages the MPES
program.
About AmeriCorps
It is a program of the
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). CNCS, the grantor, is an
independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen
communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
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