CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP) has been selected to receive the 2010 EmPOWER Clean Energy Communities Grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to provide energy efficient audits, weatherization, and retrofits to Prince George's County residents' homes. UCAP will provide additional training to twenty participants who have completed the Green Industry Certification Program (GICP). GICP is the only program of this type in the county, which is a collaborative green workforce initiative between United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP), U.S. Green Building Council, and Prince George's Community College. The graduates of the GICP program have earned the following certification: 10-hour OSHA, CPR, First Aid, Weatherization, Flagging and LEEDs Level I. The additional training will give the GICP graduates training in Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification which will allow participants the opportunity to become energy auditors. Once the participants complete UCAP Clean and Green Communities Program and receive their BPI certifications, they will perform energy audits, weatherization and retrofits to at least 61 homes in Prince George's County. To qualify for this FREE program you must live in target zip codes (20710, 20743, 20746, 20747, 20748, 20772, 20782, and 20771). All work will be at no cost to homeowners. This is a joint partnership with Taurus Renovation and Construction, who will inspect heating and cooling equipment, check for air-leakage using a blower door test, and provide opportunities that will improve the home's insulation, windows, appliances and lighting. Homeowners will receive an explanation of what improvements can be made, and information which may qualify homeowners for a federal tax credit.
