October Climate Leader: Team LEAP
(Left to Right: Kara Chipiwalt, Chris Meyer, Ross Wood, Wilson Ratliff, Jamal Freeman, and Erin Morgan)
Since 2010 the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) has been empowering central and northern Virginia home and business owners with energy efficiency and solar solutions. They provide energy assessments, weatherization, and solar incentive programs. Their team was the perfect fit for the Energy Awareness Month October Climate Leader. Thanks to Kara Chipiwalt, Client Relations Coordinator; Ross Wood, Technical Assessor; Heather Eggleston, Building Analyst; and Chris Meyer, Executive Director for taking the time to share their perspectives with us.
1. Tell us the background into energy efficiency of your LEAP team -- how did they get into this work?
Team summary: The LEAP team comes from a range of backgrounds - some pursued environmental and energy-related degrees in college, while some have just recently entered the field by way of other degrees and professions. No matter how we got here, we are all excited to be helping people - saving them money, making their homes more comfortable, and reducing their climate impact.
Kara - I studied environmental science in both my undergraduate and graduate careers. I focused my studies on climate change, particularly mitigation, adaptation, resource impacts, and individual/local community impacts. Energy efficiency is a tremendously controllable and effective way to help mitigate the climate crisis at a local level - smaller, more localized efforts collectively create larger, positive changes!
Ross - I actually have no background in energy efficiency. I was a Communication Studies major in college and attended seminary after. Upon completion of my first year, I realized that my call in life was elsewhere. I continued working at a job I held since high school and was fortunate enough to get to intern with LEAP, which led to a full-time position as a Technical Assessor. They brought me on, and I have been able to learn from LEAP’s amazing energy auditors and training partners ever since.
Heather - I have a degree in Environmental Studies, I have construction experience, and I have been tree-hugging dirt worshiper for a long time! I am also a science nerd and I love all of the diagnostic tools!
2. What is your team hopeful or excited about right now?
Team summary: On the LEAP front, we are excited about the opportunity that seems to be being recognized - on legislative and general education levels - for energy efficiency and our clean energy future. Growth and expansion seem to be on the horizon for our organization, and we can’t wait to provide services and relief for more of our neighbors and continuing our collective impact on the planet.
Kara - I am hopeful that the world is moving toward more earth-friendly decision making and excited to see where that will take LEAP in the future.
Ross - Expansion. Growth shows just how much our services are needed. Being able to serve more homeowners is beyond a blessing and something I am excited about.
Heather - I am with Ross on this one - Expansion!
3. What is one thing that is holding the state or local business community back from greater progress on implementing climate solutions?
Team summary: Unfortunately, we don’t think there is one single issue, but many, that need addressing to move things forward. The top of mind ideas from us that we believe would make the biggest impact are taking the ‘politics’ out of climate solutions, making sustainability more accessible from both a general awareness/understanding and affordablilty standpoint, and putting a price on carbon or other emissions.
Kara - One thing I feel that holds many state leaders back is the ‘politics’ behind climate solutions. Their decision making, in turn, affects how local businesses may or may not be able to implement solutions. Additionally, I think the more local support businesses have, the more they will be able to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their businesses. Moving toward being more sustainable can be costly for our local businesses.
Ross - Something I believe that is holding many businesses back is the lack of publicity and conversations about climate solutions in the media. Energy efficiency and weatherization are not glamorous topics and are rarely talked about in-depth. Most weatherization work is not seen in the finishes of a home or business. Compare, for example, solar and weatherization work. Solar power is fantastic and is the most talked-about climate solution. When you see solar panels, you know that person or business values decreasing their carbon footprint. The same can be said for someone who lowers their electricity and gas usage by air sealing and insulating a home or business. Both are solutions that benefit the climate. One is widely seen and talked about while the other is hardly mentioned.
Chris - Put a price on carbon or greenhouse gas emissions. That will bake the cost of pollution into our unconscious decision making processes, making it a lot easier to make the better climate decisions! :)
4. What is a climate action personally or professionally that the LEAP team is proud of?
Team summary: We are collectively proud of our first project, our office, the ECOremod, the differences we are able to make in a growing number of families’ lives, and our determination to continue to help as many people as possible. On a personal level, Chris is most proud of his family’s switch from gas to a gorgeous and efficient induction stovetop in their kitchen.
Kara - The ECOremod, of course!
Ross - I am proud of our single-family home retrofits. All homes are different, but when you’re able to save thousands of kWh with upgrades that the LEAP crew did, it is pretty incredible.
Heather - I am proud of the team's drive to help as many people as we can to become more energy efficient.
Chris - Switching my gas stovetop to an electric induction stove top. It is a beautiful thing.
5. What is one thing we could do as a community to build a more equitable climate movement?
Team summary: LEAP would like to see resources made more widely and equitably available, support for organizations that encourage and enable more people to get out into and love nature so they are motivated to help preserve it, and being mindful and intentional about hiring to ensure inclusivity and diversity in the movement.
Kara - We need to make sure resources are readily accessible to everyone in our community.
Ross - Climate solutions are expensive. Something that could help is to develop/ continue to develop programs that target low-income households and small businesses interested in energy efficiency work.
Heather - Support organizations that get more people in nature. When people are able to spend time outdoors, they will be able to love the places that they spend time in. It is a short trip from love to preserve!
Chris - Be mindful of the people we hire to ensure they’re participating in this new economy and its benefits.
6. This is challenging work. What is the LEAP team's favorite way to recharge and rejuvenate?
Team summary: The LEAP team all share a love of nature. Aside from activities like hiking, playing sports, exploring, and other outdoor activities, there is also a common thread of being creative. A number of team members have creative outlets including playing music, cooking, seeing comedy and other shows around town, and creating with our hands.
Kara - NATURE! Spending time outside and exploring new places. I also like to create (painting, drawing, writing, photography).
Ross - I love doing side projects and working outside. I also play around with my dog, Archie, to help recharge.
Heather - I love spending time in nature, hiking, kayaking, backpacking. I spend a lot of time working on my rabbitry and chicken coop lately!
Thanks, Team LEAP for all you do to make energy efficiency and solar easier for homes and businesses!