Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions manages more than 20 federal- and state-sponsored weatherization and utility-sponsored energy efficiency initiatives. The manual, paper-based processes they relied on to collect job data were tedious, time-consuming, and hard to keep track of. In addition, inconsistent processes led to inconsistent reporting. To improve accuracy and efficiency, CHP needed a data capture and workflow automation solution that would standardize and streamline processes and reporting, so their crews could focus on what really matters.
CHP adopted GoFormz to standardize data collection processes and simplify field workflows. Features like Image fields, Conditional Logic, Barcode Scanning, templated language, and automated workflows allow the organization to streamline audits, improve reporting accuracy, and ensure consistent documentation across programs.
Data Collection Form
Installation Form
National QA Form
Multifamily Audit Form (Form H)
CHP Energy Solutions is a Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) appointed weatherization service provider. The nonprofit organization services 47 out of 92 localities across the state, providing nearly half of Virginia with critical federal and state weatherization services. Thanks to utility-sponsored initiatives, they can reach up to 90% of Virginia’s population, helping to reduce energy costs and make homes more comfortable.
Headquartered in Christiansburg, Virginia, CHP maintains regional offices in Waynesboro, Winchester, and South Hill, with a satellite office in Virginia Beach.
As CHP expanded its service territory and programs, manual documentation and data collection processes made management increasingly difficult. “We run a portfolio of programs and send jobs out to subcontractors with different program requirements,” explains Erik Garcia, Director of Support Services for CHP Energy Solutions. With over 20 active programs each requiring unique documentation, maintaining consistency became nearly impossible. CHP relies on this documentation to receive funding, so getting it right is crucial. “The information we need depends on where the client lives and what they qualify for,” Garcia says. “Our subs were trying to capture this data properly, but they couldn’t. We would often have to send people back out to get the right pictures so we could submit for funding and reimbursement.”
Ongoing inefficiency created a major roadblock in CHP’s daily workflow. “That’s the main problem—and it’s always going to be a challenge—because we’ll keep adding more and more programs to support our clients,” says Garcia. “GoFormz helps us address this challenge, enabling us to tailor our forms to each client’s eligibility. If a client only qualifies for programs A and B, not C, D, and E, then the form only prompts the subcontractor to collect relevant pictures and data.”
Flexible user management was also a key reason CHP chose GoFormz. “In the past, we had some challenges around security layers when working with our subcontractors,” explains Garcia. GoFormz’s advanced user management and permissions presented a critical turning point for CHP, enabling their team to configure unique user groups for each subcontractor, with defined permissions and platform visibility.
“GoFormz helps by tailoring forms to the client’s eligibility. If a client only qualifies for programs A and B, not C, D, and E, then the form only prompts the subcontractor to collect the specific pictures and complete the relevant measures."
– Erik Garcia, Director of Support Services, CHP Energy Solutions
Since implementing GoFormz, CHP has transformed their field operations, tailoring documentation and data capture to meet the needs of each program.
Data collection and installation forms top the list of impactful changes. Before, members of the CHP team often burned a lot of time entering redundant data into multiple forms. Using GoFormz, CHP configured a seamless automation that allows users to reference data collected within another form. “What’s really cool is our Installation Form actually pulls in client data, pre-photos, and other details directly from the Data Collection Form, so there’s no need to re-enter information,” explains Traci Vargas, Business Solutions Specialist for CHP. Not only does this eliminate redundant data entry, but it also ensures they capture a consistent and complete data set for every job. The team also praised GoFormz’s list view functionality, which simplifies navigation on mobile devices. According to Vargas, “The list view makes our forms so much easier to use in the field, especially when the screen space is limited.”
With GoFormz, CHP has also digitized compliance-heavy documents like their National Quality Assurance Form and the state-mandated Multifamily Form H. Previously, they had to create these forms in Excel or PowerPoint, resulting in costly inefficiencies and reporting inconsistencies. With GoFormz, CHP’s forms include Database Fields, Automated Calculations, and even templated language that adjusts based on selected inputs. This makes data entry quick and easy, while protecting data integrity. “We used to do this in PowerPoint—adding photos, typing in data—it was kind of crazy,” Vargas admits. “Now, it’s all automated. GoFormz tells you what to say and ensures the same language and photo requirements are met every time.” For regulated work, this consistency is critical. “When the stakeholder gets our reports, everything they need is already there. There’s no more back-and-forth,” said Meghan McMillen, Director of Weatherization Programs, CHP Energy Solutions.
“When the stakeholder gets our reports, everything they need is already there. There’s no more back-and-forth.”
– Meghan McMillen, Director of Weatherization Programs, CHP Energy Solutions
Meeting state and funder requirements is non-negotiable for CHP—and GoFormz has become an essential tool in simplifying that process. “Ultimately, our packet is a combination of forms we create, but also forms that the funders would give us and say, ‘We need this one,’” explains Garcia. Using GoFormz, CHP can replicate even the most cumbersome state forms as smarter digital workflows that include templated language, Conditional Logic, and Image fields. These documents often have specific language requirements that must be met. “Now, when we check a box,” says Garcia, “our form will make sure our users adhere to the exact wording officials are looking for.” By simplifying compliance, CHP has also accelerated approvals. “When the state receives these forms, they’re going to see the language they want and the four pictures they want every time. So they can just process it the first time,” says Vargas. What used to require back-and-forth reviews and manual corrections is now streamlined, with GoFormz automatically generating uniform, audit-ready reports.
While CHP has integrated GoFormz with systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SharePoint, GoFormz delivers everything most weatherization agencies need, right out of the box. “GoFormz by itself is incredibly effective. It gives agencies the ability to capture the right data, follow program-specific requirements, and streamline fieldwork—all within the same tool,” explains Mark Jackson, Vice President of CHP Energy Solutions. “And the value extends beyond weatherization programs; you can tailor the solution across utility initiatives as well.”
“GoFormz by itself is incredibly effective. It gives agencies the ability to capture the right data, follow program-specific requirements, and streamline fieldwork—all within the same tool.”
– Mark Jackson, Vice President, CHP Energy Solutions
CHP has unlocked substantial time savings, efficiency gains, and improved data quality by adopting GoFormz as their field data capture and workflow automation platform.
Most importantly, GoFormz has freed up time for CHP’s technical and client teams to focus on the critical work they do for families and communities. “It lets our energy auditors audit and assess, project managers move on, and contractors focus on insulation and installations,” Garcia explains. “We want our technical folks doing technical things, not paperwork—and GoFormz makes that possible.”
“We want our technical folks doing technical things, not paperwork—and GoFormz makes that possible.”
– Erik Garcia, Director of Support Services, CHP Energy Solutions
Beyond streamlining workflows and automating complex processes, what truly sets GoFormz apart for CHP is the platform’s customer support and partnership. “The support that we receive from GoFormz is outstanding… It’s one of the reasons we chose GoFormz,” noted Vargas. That hands-on guidance has made implementing efficiencies easier and faster across teams. “It’s a simple tool that does what we need it to do—and on top of that, we get the support on the back end from GoFormz. Why wouldn’t everyone want to use this tool?”
“It’s a simple tool that does what we need it to do—and on top of that, we get the support on the back end from GoFormz. Why wouldn’t everyone want to use this tool?”
– Traci Vargas, Business Solutions Specialist, CHP Energy Solutions
CHP intends to extend GoFormz internally across additional departments and programs, with plans to incorporate its workflows into maintenance inspections and heat pump evaluation processes. The organization is also eager to share the benefits with other agencies and encourage wider adoption. “Ultimately, my goal is to show other agencies that they don’t need a fully loaded solution to be successful. What we’ve built with GoFormz is reliable, efficient, and gets the job done,” explains Garcia. “It proves that agencies don’t have to overspend to implement an effective system.”