Environmental Impact in East Austin: Hispanic Austin Leadership and Green Collar Operations Upgrade Home
From left to right: Gene, Rob, Carolina and Andrew
On Friday, March 26th, a team from Green Collar Operations visited the residence of Paco and Carolina Guajardo to conduct a comprehensive energy audit and provide energy-saving upgrades at no cost. The Guajardo family, consisting of five members, faces financial challenges as Carolina serves as a Training Specialist at ACE (A Community for Education), focusing on parent programs, while Paco, a construction worker, has experienced inconsistent employment for over a year and a half. They are parents to three children: Francisco (7 years old), as well as twins Isaac and Gabriel (two years old). Residing in a 1970s-era two-bedroom bungalow lacking central air and heat, they endure high monthly electric bills ranging from $200 to $400 for their modest home, placing significant strain on their finances.
Carolina's connection to the Hispanic Austin Leadership (HAL) program, through the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC), proved pivotal. A member of the HAL class of 2010, Gabriela Garcia, who was part of the Environmental team, recognized the challenges faced by Carolina's family and seized the opportunity to direct her team's efforts towards assisting them. This not only aimed to alleviate the burden on the Guajardo family but also shed light on the needs of the East Austin community, showcasing how collaborative efforts can make a positive impact.
In a heartwarming effort to support a deserving family, the Team at Green Collar Operations went above and beyond. Upon the team's arrival, they wasted no time in weatherizing the home and implementing energy efficient upgrades, transforming it into a cozy sanctuary.
Their meticulous work included upgrading the attic insulation from an R-Value of 2 to an R-38 rating, skillfully sealing plumbing penetrations, weather-stripping every door, and repairing a wall hole with Solar Board, and various other upgrades.
Within just two days, Carolina's home was transformed and her delighted comments spoke volumes about the team's impact. She marveled at the sturdy windows and absence of chilly drafts, expressing immense gratitude for the transformation. The HAL Environment Team, comprised of Edward Olmeda, Gabriela Garcia, and Paul Betancourt, not only helped in the procuring of Green Collar Operations to execute the practical upgrades, but also imparted valuable knowledge of energy conservation to the family. Going the extra mile, the HAL Team assisted in installing a High-Efficiency Toilet for water preservation and a dozen compact fluorescent bulbs, further elevating the family's newfound comfort and environmental consciousness.
