Rocket Science Meets Building Science at U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Nexus Energy Center created an energy exhibit for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville as part of the AlabamaWISE community energy program to help families reduce energy waste. Space Center CEO Dr. Deborah Barnhart unveiled he interactive exhibit during an Energy Huntsville meeting Tuesday. The exhibit demonstrates the concept of building science, a strategy that uses a systems analysis to identify home improvements that save energy and reduce climate change.  The Huntsville Times profiled the non-profit and its AlabamaWISE program this week on AL.com 

U.S. Space and Rocket Center CEO, Dr. Deborah Barnhart, left, unveils a new energy education kiosk created by Nexus Energy Center. The interactive exhibit demonstrates how the buildings we occupy consume 40% of America’s energy and offers advice for reducing energy bills and climate change. Nexus Energy Center director Ruchi Singhal and AlabamaWISE program manager Daniel Tait look on during the event during an Energy Huntsville meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Brian Brainerd)

The AlabamaWISE program was launched in 2010 with stimulus grants to help homeowners reduce energy waste and grow green jobs for home energy upgrades with insulation, air sealing, heating, air conditioning and energy audits to existing homes, collectively known as home performance contracting. Home performance contractors have received special training in building science so they understand how energy related home improvements can maximize energy savings.