FAQs for Volunteer Eco Auditors in the Green Heart Community Initiative
How do I know if I'd make a fabulous Eco Auditor?
A fabulous Eco Auditor is someone who has a lot of enthusiasm and some time to spare. They are the kind of person who likes interacting with people and who wants to help their neighbors learn how to save money, reduce their environmental impact, and improve their quality of life. Great Eco Auditors are willing to learn how to present some of these ideas and solutions in a fun and nonjudgmental way that encourages action but doesn't criticize. They're also not intimidated by a little technical stuff here and there, and by the same token won't blush if they have to say the word "heart" (as in Green Heart Community Initiative.)
What does an Eco Auditor do?
An Eco Auditor focuses on three objectives:
1. Educating their neighbors about sustainability;
2. Sharing customized reports about homeowners energy usage and lifestyle; and
3. Providing solutions that lower energy consumption and carbon footprints.
How is an Eco Audit Completed?
After your "official" volunteer Eco Auditor training you will be assigned a short list of homeowners who have already entered their data into the system and are ready to go. You'll make an appointment with each of them for a meeting at their house. When you arrive you'll show them a short educational video, conduct a walk-through to recognize any problem areas, determine what they've already done, and point out any easy solutions. Then you'll discuss the reports that were generated from their initial data entry and help them understand what their first next steps might be to achieve the best energy savings. The final step is to answer any questions they might have, show them how to access their reports online, and then enter in their monthly data.
What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Eco Auditor?
Eco Auditors become a recognized face in the community as a knowledable person who is taking positive action around climate change and sustainability. You'll be getting to know your neighbors, building a sense of community, and feeling empowered because you're making a difference on these issues right here at home. In addition, you will be automatically enrolled in the program yourself and receive an Eco Audit from a Certified Green Heart Institute Eco Auditor, along with the $300 Energy Conservation Incentive. Additional compensation and awards may become available.
Do I have to be a computer expert?
No. Some familiarity with computers is helpful since you will be showing homeowners how to enter their ongoing data into a software program, but you don't need to be a technical wizard.
What if I'm not a sustainability poster child and still have a lot to learn myself?
Then you'll be just fine as an Eco Auditor because reducing our environmental impact is an ongoing process and the people you will work with are learning too. The training you receive will give you the resources to get you started, and you'll have the support of the GHI staff to help with questions along the way. Remember you'll be cooperating with your neighbors to create solutions to climate change, so consider trying to set a positive example by taking personal actions to improve whenever possible.
How long is the training and what's involved?
There's a two-day Eco Auditor basic training on a Saturday and Sunday (9am-5pm), followed by an afternoon or evening Eco Audit "fieldtrip" done in smaller groups (6pm-9pm) to practice what you've learned, and then a few follow-up sessions via phone conference or small groups if needed. We also ask that you attend the two-hour orientation class for the Green Heart Community Initiative Participants in your first few months as an Eco Auditor. You'll learn the basics of sustainability, how to encourage change, and what recommendations to make. The software program will be available for review and practice as well.
How long does an Eco Audit take?
Eco Audits take between one and two hours depending upon questions and the amount of discussion that occurs. Some homeowners may have questions you'll need to follow-up on or will call you for help, and typically, this will only add about five hours a month.
How many Eco Audits will I do?
Because of the extensive training involved we ask that volunteers commit to at least 10 Eco Audits (ideally, one a week). Of course, if you absolutely love it and want to do more, we'd be thrilled.
Still have more questions?
Contact Betsy Burton Lyons Community Coordinator at (303) 823-5839 or by email.
