Source: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
HOUSING EFFICIENCY, RESEARCH, AND OUTREACH FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS IN LOUISIANA (HEROES LA)
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1032034
Grant No.
2024-69016-42193
Cumulative Award Amt.
$299,812.00
Proposal No.
2024-03714
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
May 1, 2024
Project End Date
Apr 30, 2025
Grant Year
2024
Program Code
[A1712]- Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems
Recipient Organization
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE,LA 70803-0100
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Winter storms are disruptive to society and the economy, and they cause significant injuries and death. Despite the inherent dangers posed by severe winter weather, particularly in the South where citizens may generally be unprepared, building technologies play a crucial role in safeguarding against the potential impacts of extreme cooling events. These advancements not only protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents but also shape the trajectory of homes built in the future. However, the stark reality of homes in Louisiana, where people are currently residing, reveals persistent limitations despite policy-driven advancements. The overarching goal of this Research and Extension Strengthening Standard Grant proposal is to foster Energy-Efficient, Resilient, and Healthy Housing across Louisiana through two key objectives. Firstly, we propose a comprehensive research initiative, with a primary focus on developing critical information crucial for the extension component of the project. This initiative not only generates innovative solutions but rigorously will address critical questions surrounding material selection, practices, and the evaluation of benefits and costs in both retrofitting existing structures and implementing new construction projects. Secondly, we are committed to enhancing extension capabilities and ensuring the implementation of impactful education and outreach strategies grounded in robust scientific data. This will be achieved through a multifaceted approach encompassing training programs, demonstration projects, development of youth weather-preparedness curricula, 4-H volunteer and club leader training initiatives, and the dissemination of educational and outreach publications. This initiative directly relates to the Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems program priority area. By equipping citizens with the resources and knowledge, we aim to facilitate more informed decisions regarding energy-efficient and resilient housing. We believe that his informed decision-making process will contribute to the widespread adoption of sustainable practices, thereby enhancing the overall resilience of communities in the face of winter storms and related challenges. Furthermore, the reciprocal and collaborative relationship with citizens and stakeholders developed through this community-engaged program will better meet community needs and improve program effectiveness.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
8076099302050%
7236050207025%
9030420310025%
Knowledge Area
807 - Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery; 903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery; 723 - Hazards to Human Health and Safety;

Subject Of Investigation
0420 - Weather; 6099 - People and communities, general/other; 6050 - Communities, areas, and regions;

Field Of Science
2070 - Meteorology and climatology; 3020 - Education; 3100 - Management;
Goals / Objectives
Overarching Goals:The overarching goal of this Research and Extension Strengthening Standard Grant proposal is to foster Energy-Efficient, Resilient, and Healthy Housing across Louisiana by:Integrate Applied Research: The project aims to leverage research findings and practical knowledge to enhance housing quality, energy efficiency, and resilience.Establish Mutually Beneficial Relationships with Community: This project aims to develop strong, collaborative relationships with community partners and key stakeholders to increase the effectiveness of research and extension efforts.Expand Extension Capacity: The project aims to develop educational resources and training to improve housing quality, energy efficiency, and resilience across Louisiana.This goal will be achieved through several supporting objectives aimed at enhancing extension capacity to swiftly fortify wind resilience across Louisiana. The objectives include:Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA):Conduct a thorough LCCA to analyze energy savings and resilience effectiveness.Quantify performance of diverse building upgrade measures.Customize assessments for Louisiana's unique requirements.Consider long-term benefits using metrics like Net Benefit and Payback Period.Develop Collaborative Relationships:Engage stakeholders (extension agents, industry professionals, government officials).Regularly and continuously discuss program objectives, benefits, and limitations through stakeholder focus groups.Refine project deliverables based on stakeholder feedback.Create Extension Educational Materials and Training Programs:Craft community training on risk assessment and mitigation planning.Emphasize Louisiana state law supporting tax credits for energy-efficient homes.Refine materials based on stakeholder feedback.Deliver courses to small groups and extension agents.Increase certified weatherization and energy-efficient home providers.Incorporate "Energy-Efficient and Healthy Homes & Families" into 4-H Programs:Collaborate with Louisiana 4-H for youth curriculum.· Align with Louisiana Department of Education standards.Train club leaders and youth volunteers.· Teach youth best practices in energy efficiency and family resiliency.· Make curricular materials accessible online for user-friendliness.Evaluate program impact.
Project Methods
For Objective 1, our focus is on developing information that is critical for the extension component of the project. The salient research questions that Objective 1 aims to answer include: (1) What materials and equipment should be adopted in practice? (2) What are the costs and benefits of retrofitting existing structures, considering the long-term and short-term impacts? To accomplish this a comprehensive Life-Cycle Cost Assessment will be conducted to thoroughly quantify the energy savings and resilience enhancement performance of various building upgrade measures (1.1-1.3), and the costs associated with those building upgrade measures customized for the State of Louisiana (1.4). The analysis will culminate in a thorough consideration of long-term benefits, utilizing metrics such as Net Benefit and Payback Period. In Subtask 1.1 a Baseline Building Energy Simulation Suite will be developed and specifically tailored for the unique characteristics of Louisiana. This suite will encompass a wide range of Energy Plus-based residential building models, each carefully configured with inputs that mirror the most representative building construction in the state. Parameters such as construction area, floor numbers, building plans, and building vintage will be considered. Reference will be made to the Residential Building Prototype Models provided by the DOE's Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) to ensure the baseline's accuracy and representativeness. Additionally, a meticulously calibrated Energy Plus model will be generated using the LaHouse Building as the basis, representing the most advanced and sophisticated scenario. In Subtask 1.2 simultaneously, an extensive literature review will be conducted to identify prevalent building upgrade measures suitable for the Louisiana climate, e.g., the installation of high-insulation construction materials, energy-efficient low-e glass, reinforced attic and balcony structures to improve airtightness, transitioning to higher-efficiency heating systems, and the adoption of smart thermostat technology, etc. From the findings of the literature review, the most relevant building upgrade measures will be selected, and a comprehensive simulation plan will be compiled to incorporate the various building upgrade measures individually and collectively. In Subtask 1.3 the simulation plan will be systematically integrated into the baseline energy simulation suite via a large-scale simulation infrastructure deployed on the supercomputing cluster Super Mike II of LSU. Based on the parametric simulation results, a comprehensive analysis will be conducted to quantify the energy savings and resilience enhancements using a set of key performance indicators (KPIs), such as energy consumption reduction, peak demand reduction, and the duration of thermally uncomfortable conditions experienced during extreme weather events. In Subtask 1.4, the team will assess the associated costs of implementing energy-efficient measures, covering material and installation costs for a comprehensive financial overview. The long-term analysis will span a 30-year horizon, evaluating cumulative benefits over time and considering durability and efficiency factors. In consideration of the Net Benefit representing the overall advantages derived from the adoption of energy-efficient materials and equipment, and the Payback Period, denoting the years necessary for recuperating the initial investment, the project team will determine, informed by a detailed understanding of financial metrics and the long-term implications of various features. Once Objectives 1 have progressed significantly, Objective 2 will design and execute a community-engaged statewide education and outreach campaign, fostering equity through a multifaceted approach including training programs, demonstration projects, youth curriculum development, and 4-H volunteer and club leader training. This initiative will focus on addressing the needs of underserved communities. The following strategic steps will guide our efforts:Developing Collaborative Relationships:To ensure the program meets community needs, we will establish collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including extension agents, developers, contractors, realtors, appraisers, mortgage lenders, insurance agents, financial planners, architects, engineers, and construction managers. This collaborative approach involves inclusive discussions and focus group sessions covering program objectives, accomplishments, benefits, limitations, and cost comparisons.Working with local industry professionals on resilient building practices aims to increase certified weatherization and energy-efficient home providers in Louisiana, benefiting all citizens by reducing the need to search for building providers elsewhere. Partnerships with government officials will enhance their understanding of program objectives and outcomes, allowing them to better advocate for constituents.Community-engaged discussion sessions will identify community needs regarding resilient energy-efficient construction practices. Stakeholder education will be evaluated through pre- and post-feedback surveys and reflections. This process aims to better meet community needs, inform government officials, increase certified providers, and strengthen relationships with community officials, enhancing the overall effectiveness of our program.Developing Extension Educational Materials and Training Programs:Led by the extension educator, the project team will craft a comprehensive community training program addressing disaster risk assessment, winter storm hazard mitigation planning, and accessing funding for mitigation projects. Extension publications and in-person course materials will be developed, emphasizing Louisiana state law supporting tax credits on energy-efficient homes. The materials will also include side-by-side comparisons of scenarios with and without energy-efficient home construction. Materials, including side-by-side scenario comparisons, will undergo continuous refinement based on stakeholder feedback. Courses will be initially delivered to small groups and extension agents before launching a state-wide educational campaign.Incorporating "Energy-Efficient and Healthy Homes & Families" into 4-H Programs:The project team will collaborate with Louisiana 4-H to integrate a youth preparedness curriculum into the Louisiana 4-H School Enrichment Initiative. A statewide train-the-trainer program for club leaders and youth volunteers will be established, and presented at key conferences, webinars, and events.The youth training and curriculum will incorporate service learning, focusing on activities that involve locating community resources. Comprehensive evaluation, including pre-and post-program questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups, will guide continuous improvement. All curricular materials will be converted into a user-friendly online format for accessibility.Program reach will be assessed through tracking interactions with extension materials, email communications, and attendance at training events.This program will undergo comprehensive evaluation for overall outcomes and effectiveness using pre- and post-program questionnaires, formative and summative reflections, interviews, and focus groups conducted across all audiences. The evaluations will capture changes in knowledge, behavior, and overall improvements in economic outcomes. Once refined, all curricular materials will be converted into a user-friendly online format accessible to the target audience. Program reach will be assessed by tracking interactions with extension materials across LSU AgCenter and EDEN websites, counts on email communications, and attendance at training opportunities. Online audiences will have the opportunity to provide feedback and recommend changes through an online survey, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptability.

Progress 05/01/24 to 04/30/25

Outputs
Target Audience: The HEROES initiative (Home Energy Resilience Outreach and Education Strategy) focused on a broad and diverse range of target audiences across Louisiana to promote energy-efficient, resilient, and healthy housing. By tailoring program efforts to meet the needs of each of these groups, and prioritizing accessibility, relevance, and hands-on learning, the HEROES project was able to significantly expanded statewide awareness and engagement around energy-efficient and resilient housing practices. Key audiences included: 1. Homeowners and Underserved Communities: Emphasis was placed on reaching low-income, rural, and otherwise underserved populations. Educational efforts focused on energy conservation, weatherization techniques, and financial incentives for home upgrades. Residents were empowered with knowledge to make practical improvements to their homes that support health, safety, and financial resilience. 2. Construction and Housing Industry Professionals: Contractors, builders, architects, REALTORS®, inspectors, appraisers, mortgage lenders, and insurance agents were engaged through more than 70 in-person and virtual educational programs. These included tax-credit guidance, resilience case studies, and scenario-based learning tools to help integrate resilient and energy-efficient practices into residential construction and sales practices. 3. Local and State Government Officials: Policy makers, mayors, emergency managers, and municipal planners were key participants in educational roundtables and workshops. By emphasizing local governance and hazard mitigation strategies, the program fostered the integration of energy-efficiency tools into parish-level resilience planning. 4. Extension Professionals and Educators: Twenty-two LSU AgCenter extension agents across 25 parishes piloted the HEROES curriculum and/or training. Training focused on increasing their capacity to provide accurate, timely, and practical information to communities on energy resilience, tax credits, and home improvement techniques. 5. Youth Audiences via Louisiana 4-H: The project developed and piloted a six-lesson, hands-on STEM curriculum aligned with Louisiana Department of Education standards for grades 4-8. Youth were reached through school enrichment programs, 4-H clubs, STEM camps, and livestock shows across 64 parishes. More than 10,000 youth participated in activities such as insulation challenges and biomimicry-inspired home design projects. 6. Media Audiences and General Public: A robust media push including social media, press coverage, public radio, and educational articles amplified HEROES messages to an additional 140,000+ Louisianans. These campaigns translated complex energy and weatherization concepts into accessible, household-level actions. 7. Research and Academic Partners: The HEROES project connected with academic institutions such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and leveraged professional conferences to broaden its impact within disaster resilience and sustainable building research communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The HEROES project provided rich and multi-faceted opportunities for training and professional development that extended far beyond its initial scope. Throughout the duration of the project, team members, Extension professionals, industry partners, and youth educators engaged in a dynamic learning process that deepened technical expertise, expanded professional networks, and strengthened Louisiana's capacity to support energy-efficient and resilient housing practices. Training efforts were thoughtfully embedded into every stage of program development and delivery. Early in the project, Extension staff were trained on energy efficiency standards, winter hazard mitigation practices, and effective methods for translating technical information into accessible, community-centered messaging. This foundational training included structured workshops and peer-led sessions designed to equip agents with both content knowledge and delivery tools. These agents played a critical role in refining program materials through feedback loops and then served as local champions to deliver HEROES content across the state. Project staff also participated in experiential learning opportunities that provided hands-on exposure to emerging building technologies and best practices. For instance, the team engaged directly with a builder constructing Louisiana's first Zero Energy Ready Home. This real-world experience provided valuable insights into construction testing protocols, energy certification standards, and design decisions that support long-term resilience and efficiency. These lessons were brought back into Extension programming, strengthening the authenticity and accuracy of the tools shared with communities and professionals alike. At the national level, HEROES staff presented findings and approaches at multiple high-profile conferences and professional gatherings, including the Extension Disaster Education Network conference and the Natural Hazards Workshop. These engagements fostered professional growth through dialogue with peers and subject-matter experts working in energy, housing, and disaster resilience. Presenters received critical feedback on their methods and curricular strategies, which further informed program evolution. Likewise, attendance at specialized industry summits offered opportunities to build connections with leaders in energy-efficient building and integrate emerging national trends into local practice. Beyond external conferences and technical site visits, professional development also occurred internally through weekly coordination meetings, debriefs, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. These sessions allowed staff to share insights, compare outreach methods, and continuously improve messaging and delivery formats. This built a culture of reflection and professional learning within the HEROES team, ensuring both consistency in outreach and responsiveness to audience needs. Moreover, youth development professionals, 4-H agents, and school enrichment staff received targeted professional development tied to the newly developed "Energy Heroes" curriculum. Through train-the-trainer models, staff gained the confidence and tools necessary to teach complex energy science concepts using hands-on, experiential methods suited for diverse learning environments. The dissemination of these lessons not only increased youth STEM engagement but also equipped Extension educators to integrate energy resilience themes into broader youth development programming. In total, HEROES fostered professional growth at every level, from Extension agents gaining confidence in delivering energy content, to researchers expanding their networks, to local professionals enhancing their technical and instructional skill sets. These training and development efforts contributed not only to the quality of the HEROES program but also to Louisiana's broader workforce readiness in the fields of energy efficiency, sustainable housing, and community disaster resilience. . Training Activities: 1. Field-Based Technical Training: Project staff visited and observed the construction of Louisiana's first Zero Energy Ready and ENERGY STAR-rated home, built by Clare Homes in Lafayette, LA. During these site visits, staff engaged directly with builders and energy raters to gain firsthand knowledge of required standards, testing protocols, and quality benchmarks. Regular updates from Clare Homes provided valuable insight into high-performance construction, which was then incorporated into HEROES curriculum content and professional development workshops. 2. Stakeholder Skill Development through Extension: Extension agents participated in pilot trainings, hands-on demonstrations, and scenario-based energy simulations. These sessions focused on: Conducting home energy assessments; Applying Louisiana's Act 472 tax credit guidelines; Teaching resilient building strategies (e.g., FORTIFIED roofing, window upgrades); Facilitating local government workshops to embed HEROES tools into parish mitigation planning. Extension educators were also trained to use pre- and post-evaluation tools to measure learning gains and guide continuous improvement. 3. Curriculum Deployment Training: Twenty-two Extension agents and numerous youth development professionals were trained in delivering the HEROES six-lesson youth preparedness curriculum. Materials were provided in multiple formats (print, online, and demonstration kits), and club leaders were supported through train-the-trainer webinars, peer discussions, and regional briefings. These trainings ensured effective dissemination across 64 parishes and contributed to an eventual reach of over 10,000 youth. Professional Development Activities: 1. Conferences and Knowledge Exchange: Project staff presented HEROES findings, methods, and educational materials at several national conferences: Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Annual Meeting - Salt Lake City, UT Presented resilience curriculum and networked with national disaster education leaders. Natural Hazards Workshop 2024 - Boulder, CO Presented the HEROES evaluation framework and curriculum co-design methods to a research audience focused on disaster risk communication. Energy Efficient Builders Association Summit - Boston, MA Attended by Claire Scott, who completed workshops on sustainable housing, net-zero strategies, and state-level energy code advancements. These events contributed to professional growth, allowed feedback from national experts, and opened pathways for inter-state collaborations. 2. Statewide Outreach Events: Team members regularly participated in conferences and outreach events where they: Provided continuing education units (CEUs) for REALTORS®, insurance agents, and emergency managers; Facilitated hands-on demonstrations (e.g., insulation comparisons, winter-prep kits); Shared energy-efficiency upgrade guidance and HEROES publications with 1000s of attendees. 3. Peer-Learning Opportunities and Internal Staff Development: Weekly internal debriefs and planning meetings were held to share lessons learned, refine delivery techniques, and ensure fidelity across regions. Staff continuously iterated presentations based on local feedback and evaluation data, ensuring the program remained responsive and effective across diverse communities. Summary of Training & PD Outcomes: Visited Louisiana's first Zero Energy Ready Home for hands-on field training. Over 22 Extension agents trained in HEROES curriculum delivery. Three national conference presentations by project staff. CEU-accredited training provided for multiple professional sectors. Workshops facilitated for youth development professionals, including 4-H club leaders. Staff reported increased competency in energy efficiency education, community engagement, and youth STEM curriculum delivery. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The HEROES project implemented a comprehensive, multi-platform dissemination strategy to ensure that energy efficiency and resilience information reached diverse communities across Louisiana--including those historically underserved or unfamiliar with extension-led research. Through community events, youth programming, media campaigns, and industry partnerships, HEROES materials and tools were shared with over 17,000 individuals through direct engagement and an estimated 140,000 additional residents via digital and broadcast media. 1. Localized, Face-to-Face Dissemination: Over 70 in-person events were conducted across 34 parishes, including parish fairs, Extension field days, livestock shows, school visits, resilience roundtables, and policy forums. Activities were tailored for homeowners, youth, educators, local officials, and industry professionals. AgMagic Baton Rouge: Reached 7,200 students and 350+ teachers with hands-on energy efficiency activities. Livestock Show (Gonzales): Engaged 350 youth with demonstrations on insulation and efficiency. Helix Aviation School & EBR Schools: Delivered biomimicry and insulation activities to over 200 students. Home & Remodeling Expo: Staff hosted a booth attended by 4,600 individuals. Real Preparedness for Real People (Lake Charles): Presentation on hazard mitigation and winter readiness reached 44 attendees. Greater Baton Rouge Realtor Association: Staff shared HEROES upgrades and tools with 347 REALTORS® and 64 CEU participants. Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana: Parish officials requested HEROES workshops for resilience planning. 2. Youth-Focused Dissemination through 4-H and Schools: Through school enrichment programs, summer camps, and community events, HEROES engaged over 10,300 youth with curriculum-aligned STEM content focused on insulation, biomimicry, and energy conservation. Camp Grant Walker (Pollock): 138 youth attended biomimicry and efficiency presentations. AgMagic on the River (Violet): 500 youth and 200 adults participated in hands-on activities. Ocean Commotion (Sea Grant): 94% of participants correctly identified energy efficiency strategies after participating in HEROES activities. Eva Legard Center: 19 students built model homes to test insulation concepts post-LaHouse tour. Helix Aviation School Family Day: 223 youth and 100 adults completed the insulation challenge. Post-program evaluations show strong behavior change intent among youth: 97% pledged to turn off lights more often. 91% said they'd unplug electronics and discuss efficiency at home. 88% would close doors/windows during HVAC use. 3. Media and Digital Dissemination: Strategic radio, press, and social media campaigns extended HEROES' reach far beyond event participants. Radio Features: Claire Scott promoted winter weatherization tips in Lafayette; average audience 9,000. News Coverage: Press releases and interviews were featured in outlets such as The Advocate, St. Mary Now, and Franklin Banner Tribune, reaching 120,000+ readers. Social Media: LSU AgCenter channels regularly posted HEROES tips, tools, and stories, engaging approximately 140,000 residents statewide. Online Access: Publications, one-pagers, and instructional guides were uploaded to the LSU AgCenter and EDEN websites. Media messaging focused on: Seasonal energy tips. Tax incentives for homeowners. Simple, low-cost upgrades for renters and income-limited households. 4. Professional Partnerships and Continuing Education: HEROES was embedded into professional development programs and CEU-certified courses for industry and government stakeholders. CEU Offerings: Adopted by Greater BR REALTORS®, Innotech Windows, and Entergy. Insurance Agents: 56 professionals attended HEROES presentations on cost-saving upgrades. Louisiana Housing Corporation Events: Staff led sessions and hosted booths at the LHC Conference and Think Tank, engaging over 300 participants. EDEN National Presentations: HEROES strategies and findings shared with national resilience and disaster preparedness audiences. 5. Outreach to Historically Underserved Communities: Special attention was given to rural, low-income, and marginalized populations: Homesteader's Conference (Bossier City): Staff presented to 800 attendees on emergency preparedness and home energy practices. Cuisine De Jardin (Lafayette): Activity demonstrated insulation benefits to 20 youth and 14 adults. School visits in Maringouin and East Baton Rouge Parish: Activities and presentations served small schools with limited access to energy literacy resources. New Roads Outreach: Community meetings explored localized implementation of energy-efficiency education. 6. Lasting Tools and Legacy Materials: Publications: 13 practical, plain-language resources, including DIY guides and curriculum materials. Handouts: Region-specific and tax-credit-focused materials were made print- and web-friendly. Curriculum Access: 4-H "Energy Heroes" curriculum aligned with education standards and distributed via Extension networks. Online Hosting: All resources remain publicly accessible and are maintained for future use and updates. Key Outcomes of Dissemination: Reach: Over 157,000 Louisianans engaged across all platforms. Knowledge Gain: Participants showed a 66.95% increase in understanding LaHouse resources and a 62.95% increase in energy-efficiency knowledge. Behavior Change: Over 90% of youth and adult participants committed to energy-saving actions. Systems Impact: HEROES content embedded into CEU offerings, Extension programming, youth curricula, and local government planning. Conclusion: The HEROES project's extensive dissemination efforts created measurable changes in knowledge and behavior across a wide spectrum of stakeholders. By blending accessible education, multi-channel outreach, and institutional partnerships, HEROES effectively translated research into real-world impact--empowering communities to adopt resilient and energy-efficient practices and inspiring future interest in science, housing, and sustainability. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact Statement: The HEROES initiative significantly advanced energy-efficient, resilient, and healthy housing practices across Louisiana through applied research, collaborative outreach, and educational programming. By translating research into community-informed tools and delivering engaging content to more than 17,000 individuals directly--and over 140,000 through media--the project achieved measurable increases in knowledge, behavioral intent, and action across sectors. Stakeholders, including homeowners, builders, government officials, and youth, reported enhanced understanding of energy efficiency, strong intentions to adopt recommended practices, and increased use of Extension and LaHouse resources. The HEROES project now serves as a statewide model for integrated research and extension that addresses climate resilience, energy affordability, and household safety. Objective 1: Conduct Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) Major Activities: Developed Louisiana-specific life-cycle cost comparisons and disseminated them via small-group trainings, printed guides, and digital campaigns. Data Collected: Performance and cost data on energy upgrades including insulation, windows, and HVAC; stakeholder feedback on clarity and usability. Summary of Results: Visual tools clearly conveyed ROI and payback periods; tax-credit guidance was included for actionable next steps. Key Outcomes: Participants demonstrated increased understanding of sustainable home decision-making. Survey data showed a 62.95% increase in knowledge and a 58.74% increase in intention to apply energy-efficient strategies--marking significant changes in knowledge and intended action. Objective 2: Develop Collaborative Relationships Major Activities: Conducted focus groups, stakeholder roundtables, and co-design sessions with over 100 professionals across housing, finance, and policy sectors. Data Collected: Stakeholder feedback on project materials and implementation strategies; records of professional and government engagement. Summary of Results: Feedback led to culturally and regionally relevant content. Relationships were leveraged to expand reach and embed HEROES tools into local planning. Key Outcomes: 22 Extension agents integrated HEROES content into programs; 3 private-sector partners adopted the materials into CEU offerings; parish governments (e.g., Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana) requested HEROES workshops as part of resilience planning--demonstrating changes in action and condition. Objective 3: Create Extension Educational Materials and Training Programs Major Activities: Created seven publications, one-page homeowner guides, cost comparison tools, and demonstration kits. Delivered 67 adult training sessions. Data Collected: Pre/post-evaluation data on LaHouse tool awareness, knowledge retention, and behavioral intent. Qualitative feedback from agents. Summary of Results: Trainings covered FORTIFIED roofs, insulation, floodproofing, and weather readiness. Needs assessment resulted in simplified visuals and updated tax-credit summaries. Key Outcomes: 66.95% increase in awareness of LaHouse resources; 58.74% increase in intent to act; participants indicated strong willingness to share knowledge and apply tools in their homes and professions--clear changes in knowledge and action. Objective 4: Incorporate "Energy-Efficient and Healthy Homes & Families" into 4-H Programs Major Activities: Developed and delivered a six-lesson, STEM-aligned curriculum across 25 parishes via 4-H clubs, schools, and camps. Data Collected: Pre/post-assessments from over 130 youth; activity-specific surveys; behavior commitment checklists. Summary of Results: Activities included insulation challenges, biomimicry design, and energy audits. Youth engagement exceeded 10,300. Key Outcomes: Youth showed large gains in knowledge: insulation (+26.4%), biomimicry (+30.2%), LaHouse program familiarity (+42.7%). 100% committed to sharing knowledge; 90%+ adopted energy-saving behaviors (e.g., turning off lights, unplugging electronics)--demonstrating changes in knowledge, action, and household-level condition. Summary of Project Outputs and Outcomes: Publications: 13 unique adult/youth educational materials created Events Delivered: Over 110 formal events (67 adult, 43 youth) Reach: 17,000+ people directly; 140,000+ via radio, press, and social media Stakeholder Adoption: Tools integrated into CEU courses, government resilience plans, and 4-H curricula Behavioral Change: Statistically significant improvements in energy efficiency knowledge and practice across all audiences Institutional Impact: Expanded Extension reach and trust; enhanced capacity for climate-informed housing outreach Societal Impact: Broader awareness and action for energy affordability, resilience, and environmental stewardship across Louisiana communities

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Franks, M., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R. B., Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Maximize Your Homes Efficiency: Measure Your Insulation. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1732306340199
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Franks, M., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R. B., Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Do-It-Yourself Window - Improvements for Extreme Temperatures. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1732207976813
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Franks, M., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R. B., Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Do-It-Yourself Energy-Efficient Upgrades. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1732205169112
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Franks, M., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R. B., Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Choosing Energy Efficient Windows. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1732202044764
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Franks, M., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R. B., Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Check Your Home Energy Usage: DIY Versus Professional Home Energy Audit. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1731952024482
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Franks, M., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R. B., Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Prepare your home for extreme temperatures. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1731959361939
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2025 Citation: Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Derbes, C., Scott, D. 2024. Energy Heroes: Youth Leading the Charge, Lesson 2: Watts Up? Tips for Reducing Energy Use. LSU AgCenter. Forthcoming.
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2025 Citation: Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Derbes, C., Scott, D. 2024. Energy Heroes: Youth Leading the Charge, Lesson 3: Energy Heroes: Powering Down to Power Up Out Planet. LSU AgCenter. Forthcoming.
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2025 Citation: Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Derbes, C., Scott, D. 2024. Energy Heroes: Youth Leading the Charge, Lesson 4: What is Insulation? The Basics of Insulation: How It Works and Why It Matters. LSU AgCenter. Forthcoming.
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2025 Citation: Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Derbes, C., Scott, D. 2024. Energy Heroes: Youth Leading the Charge, Lesson 5: Surviving the Elements: How Animals Use Insulation to Conserve Energy. LSU AgCenter. Forthcoming
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2025 Citation: Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Derbes, C., Scott, D. 2024. Energy Heroes: Youth Leading the Charge, Lesson 6: Maximizing Home Energy Efficiency: Energy Audit. LSU AgCenter. Forthcoming
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Pinheiro, L., Wang, Z., Pang, Z., Mostafiz, R.B., Al Assi, A. (2025). A Longitudinal Analysis of Residential Electricity Costs and Social Equity Implications in Louisiana. 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference, Orlando, FL. February 8-12.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389352419_A_Longitudinal_Analysis_of_Residential_Utility_Costs_and_Energy_Burden_Implications_in_Louisiana
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Franks, M., Derbes, C., Al Assi, A., Mostafiz, R. B., Kleinpeter, S. (2024). Insulation Options and Their Benefits. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1731952710370
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2025 Citation: Franks, M., Diaz-Laguna, S., Derbes, C., Scott, D. 2024. Energy Heroes: Youth Leading the Charge, Lesson 1: What Is Energy? Energy Exploration. LSU AgCenter. Forthcoming.