Obama aide visits UAF professor's energy-efficient home

September 30, 2015

Tom Marsik's world record-setting, energy-efficient home in Dillingham has drawn a lot of attention, but he never expected someone from the White House to stop by for a tour.

In August, presidential communications officer Tyrone Pinkins visited Marsik's home, dubbed the "world's tightest." Pinkins was in the Southwest Alaska town preparing for President Barack Obama's visit.

Marsik, a UAF Bristol Bay Campus professor of sustainable energy, and his wife, Kristin Donaldson, built their home in 2011. The 1,150-square-foot house is less than half the average size of new U.S. homes, which hit an all-time high of 2,306 square feet in 2012.

“I had a few moments with President Obama during his visit to Alaska to put in a plug for energy efficiency and renewable energy,” Marsik said. “Clean energy is good for our environment, our pocketbooks and future generations. It’s clear by the actions taken by President Obama and his administration that he understands sustainable energy is one of the most important issues facing Americans.”

Marsik and Donaldson's home, despite running entirely on electricity, uses less than a quarter of the kilowatt hours consumed annually by the average American home (2,610 vs. 10,908). The annual electric bill is about $740, which includes about $100 in heating costs.

The design saves his family thousands of dollars each year and reduces their carbon footprint.

“Your home doesn’t need to win a world record to save energy,” Marsik said. “Lowering your thermostat by one degree saves 3 percent on your heating bill. You can save even more by installing a programmable thermostat and keeping the temperature 10 degrees cooler when you are not at home or sleeping.”

October is National Energy Month, designated to promote ways to increase sustainable energy use and cut energy waste. In August, Obama announced actions his administration is taking to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to American households. His administration is also investing in solar, wind, geothermal and hydro power projects that create jobs and help build an economy based on sustainable energy.

“Sustainable energy is a growing industry nationally and in Alaska,” said Marsik, who helped Bristol Bay Campus save almost a third of its energy costs with simple changes such as removing the soda vending machine. “Students taking Sustainable Energy classes learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy, which may lead to job opportunities."

BBC’s Sustainable Energy program prepares students for entry-level clean energy jobs, such as weatherization and renewable energy technicians, and count toward a sustainable energy occupational endorsement, environmental studies certificate or associates degree.

Students also have research and outreach opportunities throughout Alaska providing technical assistance to individuals and organizations that want help installing renewable energy systems or need help making their businesses or homes more energy efficient.

Marsik teaches Home Energy Basics, a one-credit distance education class that explains how to save money by making homes more energy efficient. The class is offered at 5:30-9 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 5-26, and is open for registration. Some of the topics covered in the class include basic building science for energy-efficient homes, home retrofits and renewable energy and lighting.

For more information or registration, contact Marsik at 907-842-5109 or tmarsik@alaska.edu or visit www.uaf.edu/bbc.