Green Newton is inviting local residents to participate in a short training to become Home Visit Volunteers as part of an initiative to evaluate the feasibility of a networked geothermal system in the Countryside School neighborhood. The first volunteer training will take place on October 8, at 7PM at Auburndale Builders (151R Adams Street, Nonantum). This volunteer opportunity allows participants to help gather essential data that will determine whether this innovative clean energy solution is a viable option for heating and cooling homes in the area.
Networked geothermal technology uses a series of heat pumps connected to underground wells, providing an efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems. Green Newton is exploring the possibility of implementing a system near Countryside Elementary School and seeks community involvement to collect important information about local homes’ heating and cooling characteristics.
Volunteers will receive training in October. During the training, they will learn how to conduct home visits and collect basic data about residential heating and cooling systems. No prior expertise is required — volunteers need only the ability to recognize heating and cooling systems. After training, volunteers will begin visiting homes in the neighborhood, gathering data over the course of several months. Home visits will be scheduled at the convenience of both volunteers and homeowners.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up for the October 8 training session at greennewton.org/home-volunteer. If the October training date is not feasible, alternative sessions will be arranged. For more information, or to express interest in the program, residents are encouraged to contact Judy Lehrer Jacobs at judy@greennewton.org.
