Energy Efficiency in Buildings

August 18, 2020

On August 18, 2020, WUCCP and UMSL partnered to host the next event in the Missouri Climate Dialogues series: a webinar about energy efficiency in buildings.

Event Panelists

Emily Andrews

Executive Director, USGBC Missouri Gateway Chapter

Claire Santoro

Energy and Climate Data Analyst, Washington University

Michael Collins

Weatherization Manager, Community Action Agency – Greater Kansas City

Gretchen Waddell Barwick

Interim Chapter Director, Sierra Club Missouri Chapter

Questions asked (by category)

Spreading awareness

Where can we find current building codes improvements in the works/ model building codes we can advocate for in our communities?

How can awareness be spread for homeowners or developers to understand the importance of energy efficiency?

Options for homeowners

Which of these would have a greater environmental impact (as a first step): improving a house’s efficiency or going solar?

If you have an old home in St. Louis with forced-air electrical heating, do you recommend replacing it with an air heat pump system?

Does having ductwork cleaned help energy efficiency?

Options for tenants

I work with a volunteer group that helps people with their utility bills. Michael, is your service through CAAGKC available for people who rent?

What is the best approach for talking to landlords (and yes we have some awful slumlords in mid-Missouri!)?

Energy providers/sources


What is one thing energy service providers can do to help each of your organizations reach your goals?


What is the current financial and regulatory climate for ground source heat pumps?

When you do an energy audit, what actually happens?  

Building codes/designs

Where can we find current building codes improvements in the works/ model building codes we can advocate for in our communities.

When you do an energy audit, what actually happens?  

I would like someone to explain LEED certification.

Does having ductwork cleaned help energy efficiency?

Is the ideal home air flow still 0.35 home volumes per hour?