The Sustainability Institute

Randy, a resident of North Charleston, graduated from R.B. Stall High School and is currently attending Trident Technical College; he has been participating in the program since October of 2009. Before joining the Corps, Randy worked at New York's Menswear, and, in conjunction with his duties at the ECC, he also assists his congregation at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church. Specializing in insulation techniques, specifically those related to attics and crawl spaces, Randy hopes to pursue a career in home repair or ‘green building’ upon completion of the ECC program. A veteran member of the program, Randy explains, “I love the experience I’ve gained, and the program has benefited me because I’ve taken what I’ve learned here and used it in my own home.” To be specific, Randy has insulated his floors, sealed plumbing and electrical penetrations in both the crawlspace and attic, repaired weatherstripping throughout, and is currently creating a bathroom vent that extends outside for better ventilation.

Erica Johnson (senior member since fall of 2009)

Erica, a resident of Charleston, earned her high school diploma from the Garrett Academy of Technology in North Charleston and has been a corps member since October of 2009. Prior to working with the ECC, she was a cashier at Wal-Mart but now focuses on her experience with weatherizations and conservation techniques – an experience that she hopes will help launch her career in either ‘green building’ or new construction. Erica’s specialty lies mostly in insulating crawl spaces as well as air sealing and reparations of faulty duct work. In fact, she has applied spray foam sealant in and around her own home, and she plans to next install energy-efficient CFL bulbs throughout and add additional insulation to her attic. Commenting on the value of the ECC program to her needs, Erica says, “The hands on experience with insulation and installation has been the best. Being a part of this program has helped me build a better resume’ and meet future clients.”

Dyquan Caldwell (senior member since fall of 2009)

Dyquan, a resident of the North Charleston area, graduated from North Charleston High School and has been with the ECC program since the fall of 2009. Prior to his engagement with the ECC, Dyquan held a job at the local Hardee’s, but, now, he hopes his hands-on experience with weatherization work will offer him an opportunity to be a Home Energy Rating System Rater (H.E.R.S.), a weatherization specialist, or an air sealing technician. While Dyquan works in all aspects of the weatherization process, he specializes in floor insulation and air sealing as well as appliance repair; he has even installed insulation in the floor of his own home. Referring to the benefits of the ECC program, Dyquan claims, “I enjoy going into the houses and making a difference, and all the work helps me in one day getting my own business.”

Daniel Phillips (senior member since October 2009)

Daniel, who lives in the North Charleston area, earned his diploma from the Miami Carol City Senior High School in Florida, and he now attends classes at Benedict College. Before participating in the ECC program, Daniel, a corps member since October of 2009, once worked at L’s Records as a sales associate, and, with his ample experience in applied weatherization, he now hopes to enter the field of new construction as an insulation technician or installer. Daniel’s specialty lies in the insulation and sealing of crawl spaces areas in homes, and, in his own home, he has installed energy-efficient light bulbs and other fixtures and improved the air sealing in rooms throughout his house. Defining some of the highlights of the program, Daniel says, “I like how we use recycled material and parts on some of our jobs. Green building is new to me, but I’m quickly learning how it works.”

Dontay Bennett (new member since spring of 2010)

Dontay, who also resides in the North Charleston area, graduated from North Charleston High School and currently attends Trident Technical College; he has been a corps member since the spring of 2010. Before joining the ECC program, Dontay worked with the City of Charleston Parks Department, and he aims to utilize his experience in weatherization work to pursue a career in home repair, weatherization, or green building in the near future. Dontay has the most experience with floor insulation; in fact, he plans to insulate the floor of his house and his attic and turn down his water heater as measurable ways to reduce energy consumption. Commenting on the perks of the program, Dontay attests, “I have liked everything so far. Being a part of this program has benefitted me by allowing me to save up money for school.”

Jeremy London (new member since spring of 2010)

Jeremy, a resident of nearby Summerville, earned his diploma online from Adison High School and has been with the ECC program since the spring of 2010. Before working with the ECC program, Jeremy held a job at the Smokey Bones Restaurant in North Charleston, but, upon earning his Insulation and Air Sealing Technician certification, he plans to focus on home repair or ‘green building.’ Jeremy specializes in all four areas of weatherization work: air sealing, insulation, duct repair, and efficiency; he hopes to install necessary upgrades and retrofits of this kind in his own home. Simply evaluating the ECC experience, Jeremy says, “The whole thing is a great opportunity for me.”