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Energy Center conference prepares workforce to retrofit millions of homes
900 professionals expected as Wisconsin retrofit market potential grows to $4 billion
Madison, Wisconsin (February 2, 2010)—In preparation for growing opportunities to retrofit homes, more than 900 residential builders, remodelers and contractors are expected to attend the annual Better Buildings: Better Business Conference, March 3-5, 2010 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., hosted by the Energy Center of Wisconsin.
With Wisconsin's residential retrofit market potential alone estimated at $4 billion, up to 20,000 jobs will be needed in the home performance industry. These are jobs in the building sciences, renewable energy systems, HVAC technologies and all aspects of home remodeling. Retrofit potential is high in much of the nation as well.
Ultimate home enthusiast Steve Thomas, former host of the PBS show This Old House, will headline the event. Steve is currently host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation where he works alongside homeowners and builders to explore eco-friendly design trends and sustainable home renovations.
Matt Miotke, president and CEO of The Builder's Journal said, "The Better Buildings Conference is hands down the best regional building-related conference in the country. Builders come here to learn and do not leave disappointed."
The conference's theme, Green Tools, focuses on providing the information the home construction industry needs to make cold climate houses energy efficient and help building professionals develop sound business strategies. The conference features more than 60 workshops and 70 speakers from across North America addressing challenges and solutions for the home building and remodeling industry.
"Remodeling is definitely the trend now because many homeowners are staying put," said Marge Anderson, associate director of the Energy Center. "As homeowners invest in their existing homes rather than trading up, energy efficiency becomes a more value-laden segment of the remodeling market. Contractors need the latest in money-saving designs and technologies to remain competitive, and the Better Buildings Conference helps prepare the local workforce to provide retrofit services."
The Energy Center estimates the average home retrofit for cold climate houses to be around $5,500 per home. Funding through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act is aimed at developing markets for these retrofits, which will create local jobs and save energy.
The eighth annual Better Buildings conference debuts six new workshop tracks covering weatherizing homes, high performance strategies and business survival tactics among other topics. The conference also debuts a building clinic with live demonstrations featuring detailed construction strategies for creating long lasting energy efficient homes. The complete program is available at www.ecw.org/betterbuildings.
Contact: Dave Vigliotta, Communications Manager, Energy Center of Wisconsin
608.238.4601 x143 | dvigliotta@ecw.org | www.ecw.org
The Energy Center of Wisconsin is an independent nonprofit that explores ideas and solutions to energy challenges. Based in Madison, the Energy Center conducts objective research to better understand how consumers use energy and to identify barriers that may prevent more efficient use. Initiatives include design services and continuing education for architects, engineers and builders and field research to improve the performance of new and existing buildings.