Conservation Volunteers Will Help Community Prep for Winter

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2021) — UAlbany is teaming up with the city of Albany this fall to help people prepare their homes for the winter season.

The University is providing volunteer teams of students, faculty and staff to provide free basic weatherization services to homes and apartments, such as installing weather stripping, plastic window covers, door sweeps and energy efficient lightbulbs. Volunteers will receive training in advance of the home visits, and student groups will be accompanied by a staff or faculty mentor. Transportation is available.

It's all part of the city’s Operation Weatherize Albany and the University’s community engagement efforts. Volunteers become part of the Albany Clean Energy Conservation Corps, and embark on weatherization services on Saturday Nov. 6, 13 and 20. You can sign up for one day or multiple days.

The benefits of the program are many. Volunteers provide a service that community members may be unable to do for themselves, helping people save money and reduce energy usage and carbon emissions. Volunteers will gain weatherization and energy conservation skills while building connections between the University and community members.

“We are happy to partner with the City of Albany's Sustainability Advisory Committee to help residents prepare their homes for this winter season, especially in light of the expected increase in fuel costs,” said Mary Ellen Mallia, UAlbany’s director of sustainability. “Operation Weatherize Albany will save homeowners money, reduce energy consumption, provide students life skills and allow us to work collaboratively on cutting carbon emissions in our region.”

Before participating in a service day, volunteers must complete one hands-on training session, which will be offered on three consecutive Saturdays — Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6. Training is at Hudson Valley Community College; transportation will be provided, if needed. To sign up for a training, fill out this form. 

The program is a collaboration between City of Albany Sustainability Advisory Committee, the University of Albany & HVCC. For more information on the program, contact Jenina Guzman, program manager, at [email protected].