The popularity of JEA's Home Energy Evaluation Kit Backpack program has spurred the utility to add a water-use evaluation kit to the tools offered to homeowners to help them reduce their utility bills.
The kits were first offered Nov. 1, 2010, through a pilot program where JEA partnered with Jacksonville Public Libraries to distribute the backpacks like they would a book.
A library card allows people to check out a backpack stocked with a step-by-step audit guide and worksheet, infrared thermometer, three "Kill A Watt" meters, hygro-thermometer to measure temperature and humidity, ruler and tape measure, calculator, compact disc with JEA energy and water fact sheets, Consumer Reports' "Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs" and a water-flow bag.
The backpacks are made by Jacksonville's Burro Bags.
Without the water kit, the backpack and its contents cost about $250 to assemble.
"The program has been so successful that we have decided to update the kit with a water-usage kit. The update should be available by the end of July, early August," said David Reed, JEA conservation and efficiency specialist who helped develop the backpack program.
The water kit likely will include a shower timer; an irrigation-catch can to evaluate an irrigation system and instructions on how to calculate water consumption.
The program has grown from 16 backpacks during the pilot program to 154 backpacks in area public libraries. JEA also has provided 13 backpacks for area Girl Scout troops to use.
"We even had a Girl Scout troop who checked out one of the packs and did a YouTube video using the backpack to perform a home evaluation," said Jane Upton, JEA director of communications and community outreach, during a June 18 JEA board of directors meeting.
The kits have been checked out 2,143 times since the pilot program started in 2010.
The backpacks are available at all Jacksonville public libraries and the Bartram Trail Library in St. Johns County, because it is in the JEA service area.
"Prior to the backpack program, customers would have to schedule an appointment with a technician who would visit the home, but the backpack allows them to get started with conservation on their own," said Reed.
The hardest part about developing the kit was the instruction manual, Reed said.
"We wanted to make sure it was functional, yet understandable," said Reed.
Kits can be checked out for three weeks and are available on a first-come first-served basis, unless customers attend a JEA workshop.
The next workshop is from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Southeast Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.
To register, visit greenteamproject.org and click on "upcoming events," or email Ellen Leroy-Reed, Green Team Project program administrator, at [email protected].
Participants will learn how to use the kits, which will be available for checkout after the hour-long workshop.
The JEA home evaluation program was honored with the "Green Initiative Award" at the fourth annual North Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council's Green Building awards May 23.
The award recognizes activities, initiatives, programs and concepts that have made a significant impact on sustainability in North Florida.
Another JEA employee was recognized by the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Bruce Doueck was given the "Green Hero Award" for making a significant impact on sustainability in North Florida. Doueck is manager of customer conservation and efficiency at JEA and has worked at the utility for 37 years.
"He is always, first and foremost, a champion of our customers and doing what's right for the community and sustainability," said Upton.
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