Local Students Explore STEM Careers

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A home energy audit is the last thing on the summer bucket list for most high school students, but that’s just what Jessie Knight found herself doing last month.  Knight shadowed Evergreen Home Performance Energy Advisor Liza Wheeler as part of a pilot program developed at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center.  The two-credit college course encouraged high school juniors and seniors and first-year college students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The eleven students who participated in the program conducted scientific research in Hutchinson Center labs, job-shadowed in local STEM-related jobs, and honed their math and language skills to communicate scientific ideas.

“The students really enjoyed their job shadow experiences,” said Molly Schauffler, the program director.  “Many knew they were interested in science but had no idea what jobs were available.”  Schauffler asked students to articulate areas of interest, then reached out to local businesses. Evergreen was a perfect fit for students interested in alternative energy and energy efficiency.

Energy Advisors like Wheeler specialize in building science, from the physics of air movement to the relationships between the home’s structure, heating system, and use.  They assess homes as systems and engineer comprehensive improvements that slash energy costs while improving comfort and building durability.

Knight shadowed Wheeler for the series of diagnostic tests that make up a home energy audit and give Energy Advisors the information they need to engineer comprehensive energy efficiency projects.  “The most interesting and surprising part of the job shadow with Liza was her favorite part: the blower door test,” said Knight.  In a blower door test, a large calibrated fan blows air out of the house, depressurizing the space and measuring the airflow through leaks in the thermal envelope.  “Once the fan was on, we went into the basement and you could feel the air being pulled in from every crack.  I had no idea how much air was being transferred and the vast areas of improvement that small changes could make.”

Wheeler, who is certified as a Building Analyst by the Building Performance Institute, was delighted to share her job with Knight.  “I’ve always had an interest in the practical application of science,” said Wheeler, “and I really enjoyed explaining the physics of home performance.”

The experience may have helped Wheeler recruit a future colleague, too.  “An energy auditor combines engineering, people skills, and energy efficiency, so it is definitely a career that is possible on my current career path,” said Knight.

In addition to Evergreen Home Performance, students shadowed professionals at Waldo County General Hospital, Searsport Veterinary Hospital, Front Street Shipyard, Ingredients Solutions, Inc., Penobscot Marine Museum, and Lotic, Inc. Environmental Consulting.

Contact us today to learn more!

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We couldn't be more pleased with the easy, professional, high-value service from Evergreen. Having purchased an older home that had been in our family for generations, we needed multiple upgrades, including insulation throughout. Evergreen insulated our attic with blown-in cellulose, built a new, super-insulated attic hatch, sealed off the old one (which was just a piece of plywood in a closet ceiling), and also talked us through our best options to upgrade our heating system given the plans we have to add onto the house.

Tom G.

South Thomaston

Working with Brian and with Nate and the rest of the crew was a pleasure. They made everything very easy and understandable. This was a major renovation and they were always at the ready with a lot of information. We had an extensive renovation on the basement which was a dirt basement and it came out beautifully. We can already tell from all of the insulation work what a difference it's made in sound and temperature. Brian worked with me on the rebates that are available when you do this kind of work. I would highly recommend this company to…

Valerie L.

Rockland

Nothing but good things to say. The guys that came and did the actual work were extremely nice and did a great job. The energy audit was thorough and I was presented with multiple improvement options, I was even given ideas for improvement that Evergreen didn't offer. I never felt like I was being "sold".

Ryan Adams

I waited a year to write this review. Evergreen finished our job late last winter. Terrific results!!! we've gone from 12-day propane deliveries to 30+ day propane deliveries. The house is noticeably warmer. The Evergreen crew was/is professional, prompt, thorough, scientific, gracious and immaculate with respect to keeping our house clean. Money well spent.

John E.

Boothbay

We initially contacted Evergreen through Efficiency Maine for an energy audit, which was conducted promptly and professionally by Justin McEdward, one of their Energy Advisors who is BPI-certified. After a thorough inspection of our newly purchased home, Justin explained in great detail what we needed and did not need. It was agreed that Evergreen would remove all of the existing attic insulation, which was not adequate, and replace it with blown in cellulose, to a rating of R-60.

Thomas W.

Scarborough

First we have Evergreen do a BIG project worth about $20K (windows, basement, insulate & rebuild an entire wall, a door, attics, and air sealing). They were so great we had them come back later when we decided we did want to do our other door. They are professional and do great work. They take care of your home and are trustworthy, and on top of all that friendly! I highly recommend you call them!

Garreth C Debiegun

Evergreen did an amazing job insulating our historic home. Their professional staff worked hard to ensure the tough areas in the attic were covered, and clearly communicated their progress. We are seeing the results with our discounted heating bills. Thank you, Evergreen!

Melissa Knoll

Portland

From start to finish, our experience was incredible. Justin was extremely helpful. The crew was fast, friendly, and efficient. And most importantly, our home is WAY warmer and our heating is less costly. I'd highly recommend evergreen to anyone looking to upgrade their home!

John S.

South Portland

I never leave reviews, but had a great experience with Evergreen and wanted to spread the word! In short, we worked with them to insulate our roof this winter and have noticed surprising immediate results. The constant ice dams I have wrestled with are completely gone, and the home is noticeably more comfortable. It's a little too early to tell if our oil bill is going to reduce, but I imagine we will see an impact there as well.

Joel W.

Portland

I had gotten estimates from several other companies, but Evergreen was in another league entirely with their professionalism. If you want the job done correctly, I couldn't recommend this company enough.

Rayna Mayo

Freeport

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

Our house still the most efficient home we’ve ever lived in. And we have you folks to thank for that! A special howdy to Brian Robinson please!

Bruce O’Donal and Eva Butler

Our basement was the eyesore of the house. I wanted to make improvements, but first needed to make structural, insulating and moisture mitigation improvements. Evergreen was professional and competent in taking on a complex project of not only encapsulation and insulation of basement and crawlspace, but completed needed improvements to the structural integrity of the wood floor platform above a crawlspace and brought in a concrete contractor to pour where there was once a rotting, tiered wood platform - replacing that area with a more functional and tight tiered concrete area.

Duane B.

East Boothbay

From beginning to end – that is from the moment Justin McEdward stepped into our home to assess our energy conservation needs until the crew left – the Evergreen Home Performance process went absolutely smoothly. Justin made a thorough inspection and took pictures with an infrared camera. His proposal described the scope of work in detail, and he explained what we could expect the proposed work to accomplish. Our proposal was forthcoming within a couple of days, and Justin was available to discuss it and answer questions.

Adrienne Harkavy

The Evergreen team was amazing from initial assessment and planning to the crew that came to complete the work. Our basement encapsulation is the best money we've spent on our house by far. The work was thorough and high quality. And what a wonderful group of people to work with. I highly recommend Evergreen!

Martha Bracy

Portland Buy Local
Efficiency Maine
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
Building Performance Association
BPI Certified