Last Thursday, NJPIRG officially launched their new project, Energy Service Corps at a launch party with students, staff and guests. 

A joint project with AmeriCorps, Energy Service Corps is working to increase energy efficiency in local communities through education and outreach.  At the launch party last week, guest speakers including Rowena Madden, Executive Director of the NJ Commission for National and Community Service, and Matt Elliot, advocate for Environment New Jersey, spoke about the importance of working on energy issues.  Rowena encouraged all attendees to continue to be involved with service especially on such an important issue.  She stated that Energy Service Corps is the only project of it's kind in New Jersey so there's an opportunity to do really great things.  Matt Elliott spoke to everyone about how global warming and climate change are affecting New Jersey and how working with local residents to decrease their use of energy will actually help stop some of the devastating effects of global warming like rising sea level and air pollution.  A representative from Congressman Pallone's office was also there to read a letter that he wrote.  Everyone got to enjoy snacks and meet people involved with the project across the state.
   

The Energy Service Corps team with Executive Director Rowena Madden.

The following day, Energy Service Corps volunteers from Rutgers New Brunswick weatherized three off-campus students houses.  15 volunteers taught the residents how to caulk their windows, install weatherstripping and wrap hot water pipes in foam insulation just as the weather began to turn cold in New Jersey.  Teaching people how to do these simple things can help to save up to 30% on their utilities bills.

Read the articles below to find out more about the weatherization projects!

http://www.dailytargum.com/news/groups-weatherize-houses-to-save-energy-1.2025971

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910160343