What is GEC?
Green Energy Corps (GEC) is a green-building crew that specializes in weatherization project for low-income clients.
Green Energy Corps’ projects focus on energy-efficiency, sustainability, water conservation, and handicap accessibility.
Services Provided by GEC
- Complete Energy Assessments
- Blow Dry Cellulose Insulation
- Construct and Install Solar Screens
- Install Rain Water Collectors
- Install Ridge-Cap Vents
- Xeriscaping
- Sealing Penetrations with Caulk and Weather-Stripping
- Dry-Wall Installation (Tape and Float)
- Install Metal Roof
- Construct ADA Approved Ramps
- Other Minor Home Repairs
Completed Texas Ramp Project
Projects and Partnerships
Since its inception in the Summer of 2009, American Youth Works’ Green Energy Corps continues to make a tremendous impact in the community.
GEC partners with many organizations: Casa Verde Builders, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and More, A Nurtured World, One House at a Time, Texas Ramp Project, and ReEnergize Texas. Through these partnerships, GEC completes many service projects while developing a diverse set of skills.
Casa Verde Builders
GEC works hand-in-hand with Casa Verde Builders, performing many weatherization tasks:
· Blowing dry cellulose fiber insulation
· Sealing gaps and penetrations in interior walls
· Xeriscaping
Austin Habitat for Humanity
GEC has worked on many service projects with HFH’s “A Brush with Kindness” program, performing general construction duties as well as various weatherization tasks:
· Constructing and installing solar screens
· Installing ridge vents
· Sealed exterior leaks around windows
Meals on Wheels and More
Through Meals on Wheels’ “Handy Wheels” program, GEC performs projects, ranging from construction of handicap accessibility ramps, to installion of A/C window units.
A Nurtured World: One House at a Time
GEC’s participation in a consumer education seminar with A Nurtured World facilitates educating the general public about the importance of energy-efficiency and sustainability in the home.
Additionally, volunteer efforts with 1House at a Time affords GEC the opportunity to help low-income residents reduce their energy bills and weatherize their homes.
· Installing energy-efficient appliances
· Replacing older light bulbs with CFLs
· Sealing penetrations around A/C registers and around outlets
Texas Ramp Project
GEC helps the Texas Ramp Project complete handicap ramp assignments for low income families in the Austin area. GEC is trained in ADA codes and regulations applies this knowledge to other handicap accessibility projects.
ReEnergize Texas
This past August, GEC played a large role in ReEnergize Texas’ Summer of Solutions campaign. GEC received training from ReEnergize Texas on effective communication techniques and applied that training by canvassing the Montopolis neighborhood on behalf of Austin Energy and their low-income weatherization program.
