Cooperative Extension Program for Kentuckys Building Systems Energy Needs

Under this proposed activity, the UK Cooperative Extension Service (UK-CES) and the Kentucky Division of Energy (KY -DOE) will partner resources to provide energy efficiency and renewable energy education to Kentucky's consumers, homeowners, and the state's residential and light commercial building industry. A wealth of information exists from KY-DOE related activities, and past efforts by UK-CES. Available web-based materials, such as those at these web sites: • http://www.energy.ky.gov/energyhelp/ • http://www.energy.ky.gov/publications/ • http://www.energystar.gov/ would be augmented with the efforts of a full-time extension energy associate with training in energy engineering and strong communication skills. Under this proposal, additional educational programs would be developed to extend this information to stakeholders. Successful implementation will require one or more qualified individuals with solid engineering and energy training, support for program development including both traditional cooperative extension outreach activities, as well as short-course development, web site and distance learning methodologies, and interaction and training with county cooperative extension offices (agriculture, family home and consumer sciences, and 4H agents in particular). Funds are requested to develop and conduct outreach activities related to energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in the Commonwealth.