4 | 2 0 1 7 N O R A A N N U A L R E P O R T NORA’s activities are
varied...all with the goal of improving
the oilheat product for it’s consumers
To that end, Mr. Huber is deeply
involved in NORA’s research and
development projects; working
with Dr. Butcher to define research
priorities, develop projects, attract
industry partners and others in the
industry to ensure meaningful R&D.
Equally important is NORA’s
commitment to having the best
trained technicians in the field
through education and its Certified
Technician program. NORA
is also committed to bring new
talent into the industry. To that
end, maintaining and supporting
the Bronze entry level certification
program is vital.
NORA has an online testing system
for technicians which is supplemented
with paper test taking
and grading. Technicians are in a
position to monitor their account,
obtain CEUs in an on-line portal and
improve their skills. Additionally,
NORA has an advanced program
for technicians who have shown
excellence and are committed to
taking additional courses. These
certification programs are focused
NORA’s central office in Alexandria,
VA and its research laboratory in
Plainview, New York have had a very
active 2017.
The primary goals of the central office
are to maintain a strong research
and development program and to
ensure that education of the industry
is easily accessible and of the highest
quality.
To accomplish this, NORA opened
a joint lab and training facility in
Plainview, New York headed by Lab
Director Dr. Thomas Butcher. NORA
added two interns from the State
University of New York at Stony Brook
to assist in research. In the summer
of 2017 these interns were replaced
with two new interns who subsequently
became full-time employees.
The NORA central office, located in
Alexandria, VA is led by John Huber,
NORA’s president whose primary
roles are to ensure the efficient
administration of the Alliance, translate
the wishes of the Board of Directors
into action and provide support
for each aspect of the program.
on providing the oilheat customer the
best service possible.
The research and development
program is led by Dr. Tom Butcher.
Dr. Butcher is a part time employee
with NORA and splits his time at
Brookhaven National Laboratory.
At NORA he supervises two full
time employees, who have degrees
in engineering. NORA’s research
program revolves around three main
program areas, development of
biofuels, improvements in the energy
efficiency of appliances, and evaluating
the performance of current fuels
and equipment.
NORA recognizes the challenges of
greenhouse gases and their impact
on the planet and the need for this
industry to respond aggressively and
reduce emissions for home heating.
Thus, developing a path to a renewable
fuel is key.
NORA has worked with the National
Biodiesel Board on the development
of standard fuels including B-5
Bioheat® and B-20 Bioheat® Plus®
(the 5 and 20 represent the amount