Diana Biggs

ENSC 195

10/5/12

Scope of Work For Internship with Allan Bullis

at Common Sense Energy

Interning for Common Sense Energy presents a variety of approaches to being involved in green energy. First and foremost Allan makes it clear that the first step to reducing one’s energy impact is not investing in a solar field, but rather lessening one’s load through conservation and efficiency. As an intern of Allan, we will accompany him on initial meetings with clients were Allan explains the importance of conservation and markets the importance of energy efficiency in a building. Then we accompany him on audits in which a visual inspection of the building is done, identifying areas of air leakage with IR guns, etc. Lastly there is a hands on component where we get in crawl spaces, insulate roofs, doors etc. This is a very holistic view of what is involved in the process of making a residence/ commercial building more energy efficient. Education is one of the most important factors in energy systems and Allan makes a conscious effort to try to explain to clients and his interns the significance of all of the steps he takes. For instance, the R-values associated with windows and insulation is the thermal resistance and the higher the rating, the less heat transfer (heat loss from house), thus increasing efficiency.