Second Generation Energy LLC partners with YouthBuild Boston for 7th annual Neighborhood Housewarming

YouthBuild Boston enlisted Second Generation Energy’s expertise in energy auditing and weatherization services. December 11, 2009, Second Generation Energy will assist YouthBuild Boston in implementing the recommended weatherization measures as a partner for the annual Neighborhood Housewarming event.

Roxbury, MA, November 25, 2009 – YouthBuild Boston, a non-profit organization based in Roxbury, Massachusetts, has partnered with Second Generation Energy, LLC of Hopedale, MA, in an effort to bring energy efficiency to low-income households in Boston. Gearing up for YouthBuild Boston’s annual Neighborhood Housewarming weatherization/winterization service project on December 11, YouthBuild Boston enlisted Second Generation Energy’s expertise in energy auditing and weatherization services. Second Generation has added to the effort, donating a comprehensive energy, which was conducted on Friday. YouthBuild Boston students and staff, who are currently being trained with advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, attended the audit to learn about the various methods for measuring a home’s energy efficiency — and more importantly, how to improve them. Second Generation Energy will assist YouthBuild Boston in implementing the recommended weatherization measures needed at a future date.
Ed Whitaker, owner of Second Generation Energy, accepted the invitation to join YouthBuild Boston without hesitation. He noted, “It’s an honor to be able to share our expertise and state of the art equipment to join an effort that will result in years of future benefits to the home owner, the students and our planet.”
Neighborhood Housewarming started seven years ago with volunteers using window wrapping film and weather stripping to seal out drafts. As the program progressed so did the services it has been able to offer — all at no cost to the elderly and disabled, low-income residents. This year’s goals are:
• serve 100+ households
• engage 200 volunteers
• winterize 1,000 windows with window film
• install 40+ new windows (in 3 homes)
• provide a detailed energy audit
• perform a comprehensive, energy-saving retrofit
With the help of Second Generation Energy LLC of Hopedale, MA, comprehensive energy audits, retrofitting and weatherization will be the latest addition to the effort. The contribution will add valuable insights to students into a rapidly growing industry and the most compelling solutions to homeowners during our nation’s biggest effort to reduce energy consumption.
Ken Smith, Executive Director of YouthBuild Boston, commented on the service project. “YouthBuild Boston has a duty to participate in service projects like Neighborhood Housewarming. This is our community, and it’s important to help out and engage our young people in the process,” he said. We’re looking to do a lot of this kind of work in our community, and equipping our young people to get jobs doing it. Getting Second Generation Energy and other partners on board in the process is essential to the training and the overall impact.”

About Second Generation Energy, LLC
Second Generation Energy LLC of Hopedale, Massachusetts, is a solar integrator and efficiency services contractor serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut. SGE currently provides both residential and commercial clients with energy solutions including; comprehensive energy audits, weatherization services, design, installation and service of photovoltaic systems (solar electric) and solar thermal (solar hot water). Additional information about SGE can be found at www. sgegroup.com.
About YouthBuild Boston
YouthBuild Boston (YBB) is a nonprofit organization based in Roxbury, Massachusetts that serves young adults of Boston. Established in 1990, YouthBuild Boston provides opportunities for students to build career and life skills via their hands-on, innovative programs in areas such as construction training and sustainable landscape design. YBB has completed more than 80 units of housing and more than 800 students have graduated. For more information about YBB, please visit www.youthbuildboston.org.