Women’s Work: Claire Betze
PHOTO: LINDY ALLEN
WHAT IS YOUR JOB AND WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I am a HERS Rater and engineer. I own BuildingWorks, LLC in Freeport. We specialize in residential energy consulting, working with owners, builders and architects to develop holistic solutions for improved performance, comfort, indoor air quality, and durability.
HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK? WHAT INSPIRED YOU?
It was quite a route to get here! I have always been curious about how things are built and studied engineering in college. After 20 years, I left engineering and enrolled in the preservation carpentry program at North Bennet Street School in Boston. When I came back home after school, I worked for a builder that specialized in high performance, healthy and sustainable homes. The builder worked with a HERS Rater (Wes Riley, who is now retired), who provided independent, third-party certification for all new homes. I learned a ton from all those experiences and, collectively, they helped created the path to my current job.
DID YOUR BACKGROUND AND UPBRINGING IMPACT YOUR CHOICE OF CAREER? AND IF SO, HOW?
My curiosity about building (and a dislike for English) sent me in the direction of engineering. Little did I know how much writing of reports would be involved! Engineering really helped me understand all aspects of a project and the importance of bringing the entire team together and respecting the skill sets of everyone involved.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB? WHAT IS MOST CHALLENGING?
I love the variety of my work and the opportunities to learn from the uniqueness of each project. The most challenging part for me is finding balance between work and play.
IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR INDUSTRY GROWING OR CHANGING IN MAINE?
Residential construction has changed dramatically in the last decade. Materials and construction practices continue to evolve in new directions. Climate change and the need for action is forcing us to think differently about our choices and the impact of how we design, build and live.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT MORE WOMEN IN THE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SECTOR?
Maine is lucky to have a large number of talented women in our industry. We should support programs that offer young girls and women opportunities to participate and learn more about sustainability and building sector careers through job shadow or mentoring programs.
DID YOU FEEL THERE WERE ANY BARRIERS TO ENTRY FOR YOU AS A WOMAN IN YOUR CAREER?
I feel fortunate that I have always felt supported and encouraged throughout my professional career.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES, AND/OR OPPORTUNITIES, FOR SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN MAINE?
Training and education is a big priority. Designing and building new homes is an incredibly complex process now, with new materials and technology constantly entering the market. It takes a team to bring all that knowledge together. A training program rooted in the basics of building science principles, construction practices and associated environmental impacts, and an understanding that our buildings operate as systems, would provide a great opportunity to expand the knowledge base of our building professionals. There are many skilled, knowledgeable professionals and organizations here in Maine that could share their experience, and many are already doing it. A program that pulls it all together would be huge.
WHEN NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
I love the Maine outdoors and try to get outside and enjoy it as often as I can!
This article appeared in the Fall 2020 edition of Green & Healthy Maine HOMES. Subscribe today!