On August 30th, HUD's three Tennessee offices partnered with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to cosponsor a Tennessee Energy Workshop for Public Housing Authorities in Tennessee. The event was hosted by the ORNL. The U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program (Rebuild America Technical Assistance) sponsored ORNL's involvement in this workshop.

An enthusiastic crowd of about 50 persons, mostly representing East and Middle Tennessee Housing Authorities, remarked at how many new savings techniques were learned. The fact that 20 percent of the electric bill is generally for lighting expenses helped attendees appreciate the savings that using energy efficient lightbulbs that can last up to 8 years and the savings that other products can generate over time.

HUD spends over 4 billion in utility costs a year - when paying attention to energy saving techniques, a lot of costs can be saved. One speaker talked about how careful examination of your monthly utility bill can result in savings; and simple conditions that can exists such as air ducts being installed backwards can be the cause of heat/air loss or inconsistent cooling and heating.

Speakers included Jim Chaplin, Region IV Energy Coordinator, HUD Public Housing and local housing authority representatives, and ORNL and DOE reps. Bill Dirl, Nashville HUD Field Office Director, gave closing remarks.

The conference inspired and motivated everyone attending to look for ways to pay attention to energy and water efficiency technologies.

Mark Ternes, ORNL

ORNL Oak Ridge facility

Jim Chaplin, HUD

Bill Dirl, HUD FOD Nashville