Net-Zero Ready Homes Could Help Lower Carbon Footprint, but More Skilled Workers are Needed to Build Them

Heidi McCullough is working on her computer in the lobby of the Glenwood Hot Springs Athletic Club on a snowy November morning, but it’s a lot noisier than usual — mainly, due to construction. The whirring noise of some equipment interrupts our interview — and at my confused expression, she smiles.

“I can tell you what it is,” she said. “It's a specific type of little saw. It's for cutting drywall.”

Even though McCullough is not working on this particular job, she’s familiar with all kinds of construction. She’s a building specialist for Clean Energy Economy for our Region, or CLEER.

“I provide technical support for people looking to build high efficiency or high performance buildings, as well as people who’re looking to improve or upgrade the buildings they already have,” she said. She also helps people and businesses find grants and rebates to make these changes and upgrades.

One of the biggest sources of carbon emissions in our region is our built environment — including infrastructure, buildings and neighborhoods.