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Offer homeowners multiple types of assessments

Several successful residential energy efficiency programs offered multiple types of home energy assessments to appeal to a wider spectrum of homeowner interests and needs. These ranged from online home assessments to brief walk-throughs to full diagnostic testing. A comprehensive evaluation of over...
Tips for Success

Leverage the many complementary benefits of energy efficiency programs to broaden your organization’s reach and partnership opportunities

Home energy assessments and upgrades can offer more than just energy savings benefits. They can make homes safer, enhance home value, and reduce health risks for residents. Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that emphasizing the full range of benefits that upgrades offered helped...
Tips for Success

Maintain a sufficient workforce from program launch into program maturity

Your program will rely on its contractor base in order to succeed, so take steps to ensure that the capacity of the workforce is sufficient to launch your program and to maintain it as it grows. An evaluation of over 140 programs found that successful programs fostered and maintained relationships...
Tips for Success

Provide information to help customers pick the right contractor

Early on, many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners focused on providing customers with a range of contractors to choose from, while providing contractors with access to customers. Customer feedback received by some programs, however, indicated that customers were confused or overwhelmed...
Tips for Success

Recognize and reward good contractor performance

Many programs used the information they gathered through their quality assurance efforts to recognize contractors that deliver consistent, high-quality work. Rewarding good contractor performance can help you build trust, strengthen partnerships, and boost workforce morale. You can incentivize...
Tips for Success

Ask customers about their program experience and for feedback on how your program can improve—and listen to their responses

Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that conducting surveys of program participants that focus on tangible, easy-to-answer questions, such as the timeliness of service and the quality of work, resulted in better feedback. By including open-ended questions and questions about non...
Tips for Success

Establish collaborative partnerships with contractors and communicate with them early and often

Contractors are more likely to serve as program champions when the program engages with them throughout program design, delivery, and improvement. Your contractors are the primary contact points with your customers, and the quality of their interactions and services strongly influences how customers...
Tips for Success

Invest in information and communications technology

Paper-based or spreadsheet-based information collection processes can be low cost to develop and easy to roll-out, but more often than not, they become cumbersome to aggregate and store the data from many sources. Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that investing in...
Tips for Success

Measure and evaluate performance at key points in the process

Measuring performance at key points in the upgrade process (e.g., assessments, conversion rates, and financing applications) has helped programs understand where their processes are working smoothly and where they are not. This information has helped them continuously improve their program design...
Tips for Success

Set realistic expectations for launching and scaling up your program

Many program administrators have found that launching and scaling up a program often takes longer than planned for, especially when forming partnerships with contractors and lenders. New energy efficiency programs often need at least 2-3 years to launch and become fully operational. Across programs...
Tips for Success

Incentivize the action you want your customer to take

Successful programs know that it is not enough to get customers interested in their services. They know that homeowners that receive assessments but don’t undertake upgrades don’t receive the benefits of energy efficiency—and programs don’t get credit for energy savings. Instead of emphasizing...
Tips for Success

Design your financing activities to enable long-term sustainability

In order to overcome lenders’ concerns over the risk associated with energy efficiency loans, many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners offered credit enhancements to lenders (e.g., loan loss reserve funds) to attract lender participation and to mitigate lender losses in the event of loan...
Tips for Success

Keep the program simple for your customers

Given all of the other things that compete for your audience’s attention, it is critical that program participation steps are straightforward and easy to understand. Many programs have found that complexity makes it harder for interested homeowners to complete upgrade projects. These programs have...
Tips for Success

Provide customers with a single point of contact to help them through the upgrade process

While homeowners may be interested in the benefits of an energy upgrade, many are deterred from completing an upgrade project because of the complex and unknown process. Often, a significant portion of homeowners who receive energy assessments do not continue with the upgrades. As part of the Better...
Tips for Success

Tap into secondary market investors to provide lending capital

Historically, energy efficiency financing have required two sources of funding: credit enhancement funds to mitigate risk and support attractive financing, and senior capital to fund the majority of the loan principal. Some residential energy efficiency programs have successfully assembled loan...
Tips for Success

Consider tiered financing or rebates to encourage deeper upgrades

Without an incentive, homeowners and contractors may limit themselves to smaller upgrade projects. Programs in search of more energy savings have found that some homeowners already interested in an upgrade are amenable to a bigger upgrade when coupled with better financing terms or larger rebates...
Tips for Success

Hire staff with financing skills and knowledge

Financing can be a complicated topic for programs, and having staff with financing knowledge and expertise can be very valuable. Financing program administration involves working with lenders and understanding how they operate as well as understanding financial regulatory issues and loan product...
Tips for Success

Speak about financing in ways that resonate with homeowners

Many programs struggle with communicating the value of financing to homeowners. Financing can be a complicated topic, and ensuring that homeowners understand how their loans work and the benefits they will realize is important for converting interest into action. Many Better Buildings Neighborhood...
Tips for Success

Help contractors understand the program’s financing options and benefits, so they can communicate to homeowners

Homeowners do not benefit from access to financing if they don’t know about or understand options available to them. Contractors are often the primary transaction point for selling upgrades, and many programs have found that ongoing collaboration with contractors through sales training, regular...
Tips for Success

Streamline the financing process with easy loan applications and quick approvals

Complicated loan and program application processes have deterred many potential customers from following through with an upgrade. Delays and overly burdensome requirements raise barriers to participation. Many programs have successfully employed strategies to reduce the number of requirements that...
Tips for Success

Motivate action through financial incentives and time-limited offers

Incentives can be the easiest approach to overcome motivation barriers and attract customers’ and contractors’ attention, as long as the upgrade and reimbursement processes are kept simple and easy to follow. Successful programs have found incentives help entice customers to complete upgrades...
Tips for Success

Concierge Programs for Contractors - They're Not Just for Consumers Anymore

Author(s)
Jonathan Cohen, U.S. Department of Energy,
Ryan Clemmer, Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit),
Melanie Paskevich, NeighborWorks,
Jay Karwoski, ICF International
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad

This webcast includes slides and information on programs' use of concierge programs to support contractors. It highlights two program examples: Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) and Vermont NeighborWorks.

Resource - Webcast

Concierge Programs for Contractors - They're Not Just for Consumers Anymore

Author(s)
Jonathan Cohen, U.S. Department of Energy,
Ryan Clemmer, Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit),
Melanie Paskevich, NeighborWorks,
Jay Karwoski, ICF International
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad

This webcast includes slides and information on programs' use of concierge programs to support contractors. It highlights two program examples: Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) and Vermont NeighborWorks.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Making the Grade: Innovative Approaches to Improving Quality

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Consumers Energy

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on innovative approaches to increase contractors' work quality through feedback reports and contractor ranking, decrease quality assurance costs through remote quality assurance, and improve contractor engagement. It features speakers from Consumers Energy, Enhabit, and DOE.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Bonneville Power Administration,
Snohomish County Public Utility District,
Puget Sound Energy,
Clark County Utilities
Publication Date
2013

This presentation describes behavior-based energy efficiency programs and the results of the implementation of pilots from the Snohomish County PUD, Puget Sound Energy, and Clark Public Utilities. These program design features included home energy reports, web portals, and social media platforms.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Diversifying Funding Sources and Building New Revenue Streams (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Energize Connecticut

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how organizations can diversify and grow new revenue streams and types of financing approaches used to make resources stretch further and help homeowners finance upgrades. Speakers include Connecticut Green Bank, Sealed, and Craft3.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Top Lessons Learned for Residential Energy Efficiency Program Design

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2)

The Better Buildings Neighborhood Program featured 41 competitively selected grantees that developed sustainable energy efficiency upgrade programs across the U.S. from 2010-14. This presentation covers what worked and what didn’t, and key success factors identified by an independent evaluation.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Lessons for Improving Home Upgrade Programs – Better Buildings Accelerator

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
Build It Green

Better Buildings Home Upgrade Program Accelerator partners, Build It Green, Enhabit, and NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, discussed steps for streamlining program processes, and strategies to improve data management, contractor relationships, and customer experiences. Tools and resources were presented as examples of how these ideas can be implemented in programs across the country.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Driving Change in Residential Energy Efficiency: Electric Vehicles (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how home energy upgrades can support electric vehicle adoption.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Training: How to get Results - What Matters, What Doesn't

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
New Mexico Energy$mart,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Community Power Works

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on strategies for contractor training.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Think Again! A Fresh Look at Home Performance Business Models and Service Offerings (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
SaveGreen Project,
Enhabit

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on changing an organization's home performance business model and expanding the services offered.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Community Organizing and Outreach

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart,
Bend Energy Challenge,
Energy Upgrade California

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on community-based outreach and organizing strategies to market home energy assessments and upgrades.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Trends in Multifamily Programs: What's Working and What's Challenging

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
MPower Oregon

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on introducing and building interest in multi-family energy efficiency.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Loan Performance Data and Communication

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Maine,
Indianapolis Better Buildings Program,
Enhabit

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on gathering and communicating loan performance data.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Lender-Based Revenues and Cost-Savings

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This peer exchange call summary focused on lender-based fees and sharing costs with lending partners.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Effective Incentive Structures

Author(s)
Megan Billingsley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This presentation provides lessons to ensure effective incentive structures.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Better Buildings Residential Network Social Media Toolkit

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Nova Scotia,
Enhabit,
EnergyFit Nevada

The Better Buildings Residential Network Social Media toolkit can be used to help residential energy efficiency programs learn to engage potential customers through social media. Social media can build brand awareness concerning home energy upgrades and the entities working on them, which can lead to more energy upgrade projects taking place in the long run. This toolkit will help program managers and their staff with decisions like what social media works best for various program needs. When aligned with other marketing and outreach efforts, social media can be a useful tool in attracting home energy upgrade customers. Note that social media changes constantly, so users of this toolkit need to regularly reassess their methods and review results to ensure goals are being met.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Green for All Energy Efficiency Toolkit

Author(s)
Green For All
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC),
EnergyWorks KC,
Baltimore Neighborhood Energy Challenge,
BetterBuildings for Greensboro,
Green and Healthy Homes Initiative,
Working Partnerships USA,
NYC Apollo Alliance,
Community Power Works,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
RePower Bremerton,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
RePower Bainbridge,
Better Buildings Near Eastside Neighborhood Sweeps Program,
RePower Kitsap,
Michigan Saves,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
EnergySmart,
Efficiency Vermont,
Long Island Green Homes,
Energy Impact Illinois,
Energize Bedford,
reEnergize

This practitioner-focused Toolkit for Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrade Programs was created by Green For All to assist new, established, and future energy efficiency programs launch and scale initiatives that can deliver the full promise of the green economy. It is intended as a practical resource that offers examples, tools, and templates that a program manager can deploy to implement a variety of aspects of their program including best practice briefs and summary documents, RFPs, contracts, and other program design and implementation templates that communities nationwide have used to create their own efficiency programs.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

MPower Toolkit

Author(s)
Green For All
Publication Date
2013

The MPower Toolkit provides templates, resources, and lessons learned to address the barriers faced by the affordable multifamily housing sector when accessing energy efficiency upgrades. The toolkit is also intended for all stakeholders involved in efficiency programs, including efficiency program administrators, state and local leaders, utilities, energy consultants, and financial partners. MPower's core model is useful for all building types. In addition, the toolkit’s chapters are broken out into segments that highlight information and innovations that many efficiency programs are incorporating into their own models. The toolkit is a resource for all practitioners involved in implementing MPower and also serves to assist practitioners of other established efficiency programs. The MPower Toolkit draws from the experience of MPower Oregon, although it differentiates between the core MPower model and how MPower Oregon implemented this model.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

ResStock State Fact Sheets

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
2017

Each ResStock fact sheet presents the potential for residential energy and utility bill savings for the state. The top ten energy savings home improvements are highlighted.

Resource - Publications

Saving Watts to Save Drops: Inclusion of Water Efficiency in Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2018
Organizations or Programs
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Focus on Energy,
Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO),
Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company,
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E),
NV Energy

This study provides an overview of practices for quantifying and reporting avoided energy-water costs from demand-side measures. It also summarizes the regulatory guidance for incorporating water savings into cost-effectiveness screening for energy efficiency programs.

Resource - Publications

Residential Behavior Based Energy Efficiency Program Profiles

Author(s)
Bonneville Power Administration
Publication Date
2011

This report summarizes research assessing national and regional residential behavior-based energy efficiency (BBEE) programs and activities to identify best practices. The report emphasizes that a basic foundation for behavior change is providing energy consumers with feedback on their energy consumption, with customer engagement strategies and tactics employed to get customers to take action and drive greater levels of energy savings.

Resource - Publications

Enhancing State Energy Efficiency Efforts Through Information and Outreach to Consumers

Author(s)
National Governors Association
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
TakeCharge! Challenge,
Enhabit,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Many states have adopted policies intended to overcome the barriers that limit the more efficient use of electricity. Yet because such efforts have not addressed the lack of consumer information and motivation to improve efficiency, many opportunities for energy efficiency remain untapped. To help address that problem, states, utilities, and other energy efficiency service providers have begun to develop new approaches to informing and motivating customers based on behavioral economics and psychology research. This report describes three broad strategies that states can use to engage consumers' participation in energy efficiency programs: provide direct consumer information and feedback on energy use, influence social norms; and match messages and messengers to target audiences. Recommendations for actions that governors can take within the context of each of those three strategies are provided.

Resource - Publications

SEE Action Guide for States: Guidance on Establishing and Maintaining Technical Reference Manuals for Energy Efficiency Measures

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2017

This guide supports the development, maintenance, and use of accurate and reliable Technical Reference Manuals (TRMs). TRMs provide information to estimate the energy and demand savings of end-use energy efficiency measures associated with utility customer-funded efficiency programs. This guide describes existing TRMs in the United States and provides recommendations for TRM best practices. It also offers related background information on energy efficiency; evaluation, measurement, and verification; and TRM basics.

Resource - Publications

Sustainable Funding and Business Case for GHHI Home Interventions for Asthma Patients

Author(s)
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
Publication Date
2016

This report identifies sustainable funding sources for asthma-related home interventions. It examines the business case and return on investment for interventions that remedy triggers that can exacerbate asthma.

Resource - Publications

More Savings for More Residents: Progress in Multifamily Housing Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2017

This report updates ACEEE's 2013 assessment of multifamily energy efficiency programs in US metropolitan areas with the most multifamily households. Using housing, policy, and utility-sector data from 2014 and 2015, this report documents how these programs have changed in the context of dynamic housing markets and statewide policy environments. The report also offers an analysis of the number, spending, offerings, and targeted participants of current programs and their potential for further expansion.

Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Jobs in America

Author(s)
E4TheFuture,
Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
Publication Date
2016

The report, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and a survey of tens of thousands of businesses across the country, provides detailed breakdowns of clean energy jobs not available previously, and it was developed and released in connection with a major U.S. Department of Energy study of all energy jobs in America.

Resource - Publications

Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Air-Source Heat Pump Market Transformation Strategies Report

Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2016

Residential air-source heat pumps (ASHP) are a heating and air-conditioning technology that use electricity to provide a combination of space heating and cooling to homes. A new generation of ASHPs has come to market over the past five years. This report evaluates the key market barriers as well as potential opportunities to leverage. Based on an assessment of the regional ASHP market, it is clear that while ASHPs have established a viable and growing market, there remains a significant opportunity to further accelerate adoption of the technology and in the process achieve energy and cost savings to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Resource - Publications

Putting Your Money Where Your Meter Is: A study of pay for performance energy efficiency programs in the United States

Author(s)
Natural Resources Defense Council
Publication Date
2017

This report examines the history of pay-for-performance (P4P) energy efficiency approaches. As the report describes, there is a diverse spectrum of pay-for-performance programs but, at the most basic level, these programs track and reward energy savings as they occur, usually by examining data from a building's energy meters -- as opposed to the more common approach of estimating savings in advance of installation and offering upfront rebates or incentives in a lump-sum payment. The report finds that P4P has some important opportunities for increasing energy savings, but also key limitations that will need to be better understood through piloting and experimentation.

Resource - Publications

Behaving Ourselves: How Behavior Change Insights Are Being Applied to Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Kira Ashby, Consortium for Energy Efficiency,
Monica Nevius, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
Bruce Ceniceros, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Pepco Holdings' Home Performance with Energy Audits Program,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Public Service of New Hampshire,
PSE&G Whole House Energy Efficiency Program,
FortisBC’s 20/20 Challenge Program,
Focus on Energy

This paper describes a wide variety of behavior change insights potentially applicable to the energy efficiency program context, provides examples of efficiency programs that have applied these insights, and explores some untapped opportunities to achieve energy savings through behavior change.

Resource - Publications

Lending for Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Low- to Moderate-Income Communities: Bank of America's Energy Efficiency Finance Program

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy,
Enhabit

This paper analyzes Bank of America's $55 million initiative to provide low-cost funding and grant support to advance energy efficiency investment in low- to moderate-income communities. The funding supported community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in developing and enhancing efficiency programs for residential, commercial, and multifamily buildings. We report on loan performance, energy savings, and the degree to which the savings offset the cost of the energy efficiency investment.

Resource - Publications

Building Better Energy Efficiency Programs for Low-Income Households

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This report details opportunities for scaling up program activity and increasing savings from programs reaching the people who need it most. It discussed best practices from existing programs for overcoming many of the key challenges that program administrators face, including how to address housing deficiencies that prevent energy efficiency upgrades, how to address cost effectiveness challenges, and how to serve hard-to-reach households.

Resource - Publications

Lifting the High Energy Burden in America's Largest Cities: How Energy Efficiency Can Improve Low-Income and Underserved Communities

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016

Energy burden is the percentage of household income spent on home energy bills. In this report, ACEEE, along with the Energy Efficiency for All coalition, measures the energy burden of households in 48 of the largest American cities. The report finds that low-income, African-American, Latino, low-income multifamily, and renter households all spend a greater proportion of their income on utilities than the average family. The report also identifies energy efficiency as an underutilized strategy that can help reduce high energy burdens by as much as 30%. Given this potential, the report goes on to describe policies and programs to ramp up energy efficiency investments in low-income and underserved communities.

Resource - Publications

Big Savers: Experiences and Recent History of Program Administrators Achieving High Levels of Electric Savings

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Arizona Public Service,
Northern States Power,
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComED),
Efficiency Vermont,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Eversource Energy,
Fort Collins Utilities,
Narragansett Electric,
National Grid Massachusetts,
Otter Tail Power,
Pacific Gas and Electric,
Southern California Edison,
Seattle City Light,
Tucson Electric Power

Energy efficiency savings have grown substantially in the past ten years, and national leaders in program administration have emerged as savings levels have increased. This report reviews annual program performance for 14 leading energy efficiency program administrators, with a focus on costs, electricity savings, cost effectiveness, and portfolio design.

Resource - Publications

Reaching More Residents: Opportunities for Increasing Participation in Multifamily Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Focus on Energy,
National Grid Rhode Island,
DC Sustainable Energy Utility Low-Income Multifamily Initiative,
Bay Area Regional Energy Network Multifamily Building Enhancements,
Con Edison Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program,
Con Edison Multifamily Low Income Program,
Puget Sound Energy,
Xcel Energy,
Elevate Energy,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Public Service Electric and Gas Multifamily Program,
Pacific Gas & Electric Company,
Arizona Public Service (APS) Company,
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Vermont,
CenterPoint Energy,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

The multifamily sector can be hard to reach when it comes to energy efficiency programs. Besides being diverse and complex, the sector presents a unique set of challenges to efficiency investments. The result is that multifamily customers are often underserved by energy efficiency programs. Drawing on data requests and interviews with program administrators, this report summarizes the challenges to program participation and identifies best practices that programs can use to reach and retain large numbers of multifamily participants.

Resource - Publications

The Market Valuation of Energy Efficient and Green Certified Northwest Homes

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Built Green Washington,
Energy Trust of Oregon

This study documents the market valuation associated with the predominant green and energy efficiency home certifications used in the Northwest. Regional markets with a track record of including green building and energy efficiency information in MLS databases have lacked a recent, thorough, locally relevant analysis of the potential value of “higher performing” homes in current market conditions. Real property appraisers require a reliable, localized, granular analysis they can use in their home valuation calculations. The analysis contained in this report addresses this identified market need.

Resource - Publications

Better Buildings Residential Network Lessons Learned: Peer Exchange Calls No.4

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart,
Bend Energy Challenge,
Mass Save,
Focus on Energy,
Enhabit

This document summarizes top marketing and outreach takeaways shared by Better Buildings Residential Network members during spring 2015 Peer Exchange Calls.

Resource - Publications

A Policymaker’s Guide to Scaling Home Energy Upgrades

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Enhabit,
Mass Save,
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA),
Manitoba Hydro,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Michigan Saves,
Warehouse for Energy Efficiency Loans,
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Vermot,
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
Illinois Home Performance with Energy Star,
Build It Green,
Earth Advantage,
Elevate Energy,
Arizona Public Service (APS),
Pacific Gas and Electric Company,
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad

This Guide is designed to help state and local policymakers to take full advantage of new policy developments by providing them with a comprehensive set of tools to support launching or accelerating residential energy efficiency programs. The Guide focuses on four categories of policies that have proven particularly effective in providing a framework within which residential energy efficiency programs can thrive: incentives and financing, making the value of energy efficiency visible in the real estate market, data access and standardization, and supporting utility system procurement of energy efficiency.

Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Collaboratives: Driving Ratepayer-Funded Efficiency through Regulatory Policies Working Group

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2015

Energy efficiency collaboratives vary greatly and are typically designed for a specific jurisdiction, making them hard to compare side by side. This guide seeks to highlight a few common elements and draw conclusions on the overall effectiveness of specific characteristics of collaboratives. This guide defines and examines four different types of collaboratives in terms of their origin, scope, decision-making method, membership, duration, available resources, and how they interact with and influence their respective commissions.

Resource - Publications

Verifying Energy Efficiency Job Creation: Current Practices and Recommendations

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA),
Energy Right Solutions for Buisness,
Energy Right Solutions for Industry,
Efficiency Nova Scotia,
National Grid Energy Efficiency Program,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs,
Enhabit,
District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility,
BC Hydro,
Ontario Power Authority Industrial Accelerator Program,
Elevate Energy

Among the many benefits ascribed to energy efficiency is the fact that it can help create jobs. Although this is often used to motivate investments in efficiency programs, verifying job creation benefits is more complicated than it might seem at first. This paper identifies some of the issues that contribute to a lack of consistency in attempts to verify efficiency-related job creation. It then proposes an analytically rigorous and tractable framework for program evaluators to use in future assessments.

Resource - Publications

Certified Home Performance: Assessing the Market Impacts of Third Party Certification on Residential Properties

Author(s)
Earth Advantage Institute
Publication Date
2009

The report presents an analysis of the market performance of third-party certified sustainable residential properties in the Portland and Seattle metropolitan areas. In each location, a sample of third-party certified homes was selected and comparable homes were found. The author documents that certified homes in the Seattle metro area sold at a price premium of 9.6% when compared to noncertified counterparts.

Resource - Publications

Is Energy Efficiency Capitalized into Home Prices? Evidence from Three US Cities

Author(s)
Resources for the Future
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy

This study looks at evidence of capitalization of energy efficiency features in home prices using data from real estate multiple listing services (MLS) in three metropolitan areas: the Research Triangle region of North Carolina; Austin, Texas; and Portland, Oregon. These home listings include information on Energy Star certification and, in Portland and Austin, local green certifications. Our results suggest that Energy Star certification increases the sales prices of homes built between 1995 and 2006 but has no statistically significant effect on sales prices for newer homes.

Resource - Publications

Ratepayer-Funded Low-Income Energy Programs: Performance and Possibilities

Author(s)
APPRISE Inc.
Publication Date
2007

The purpose of this study is to furnish comprehensive information on ratepayer-funded low-income energy programs. This study includes information on and analysis of the energy needs of low-income households, the legal and regulatory framework supporting ratepayer-funded programs, program design options, and the findings from evaluations of program effectiveness.

Resource - Publications

Energy and Environment Guide to Action: State Policies and Best Practices for Advancing Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Combined Heat and Power

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2015

The Guide to Action provides in-depth information about over a dozen policies and programs that states are using to meet their energy, environmental, and economic objectives with energy efficiency, renewable energy, and combined heat and power. Each policy description is based on states’ experiences in designing and implementing policies, as documented in existing literature and shared through peer-exchange opportunities provided to states by EPA’s State Climate and Energy Program.

Resource - Publications

Local Climate and Energy Program Model Design Guide

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2015

This guide was developed for local climate and clean energy (i.e., energy efficiency, renewable energy, and combined heat and power) program implementers to help create or transition to program designs that are viable over the long term. The guide draws on the experience and examples of EPA’s Climate Showcase Communities as they developed innovative models for programs that could be financially viable over the long term and replicated in other communities.

Resource - Publications

Discussion of Consumer Perspectives on Regulation of Energy Efficiency Investments

Author(s)
National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
Publication Date
2009

This report considers consumers' perspectives on policy and regulatory issues associated with the administration of energy efficiency investments funded by ratepayers of electric and natural gas utilities.

Resource - Publications

Guide for Conducting Energy Efficiency Potential Studies

Author(s)
National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
Publication Date
2007

This report provides guidance on determining the efficiency potential in a utility footprint, state, or region; evaluating efficiency as a supply-side resource; and developing detailed efficiency program plans.

Resource - Publications

Guide to Resource Planning with Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
Publication Date
2007

This report describes the key issues, best practices, and main process steps for integrating energy efficiency into resource planning on an equal basis with other resources.

Resource - Publications

Setting Energy Savings Targets for Utilities

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2011

This report helps policymakers understand how electric and natural gas utilities can achieve greater efficiency by establishing numeric energy savings targets and goals for energy efficiency programs.

Resource - Publications

Using Integrated Resource Planning to Encourage Investment in Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2011

This report describes how utility planning processes that allow demand-side resources to compete with supply-side resources can promote cost-effective energy efficiency.

Resource - Publications

Who Should Deliver Ratepayer-Funded Energy Efficiency? A 2011 Update

Author(s)
Regulatory Assistance Project
Publication Date
2011

This report identifies and discusses factors that should be considered in evaluating model choices for administering and implementing ratepayer funded energy efficiency programs.

Resource - Publications

Scoping Study to Evaluate Feasibility of National Databases for EM&V Documents and Measure Savings

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2011

This report presents the results of a scoping study to assess the need for national databases that can support best practices in energy efficiency program evaluation, measurement, and verification (EM&V).

Resource - Publications

Financing Energy Improvements on Utility Bills: Market Updates and Key Program Design Considerations for Policymakers and Administrators

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014

This report provides an overview of the current state of on-bill programs and provides actionable insights on key program design considerations for on-bill lending programs.

Resource - Publications

Northwest Residential Building Stock Assessment

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Publication Date
2014

This report is a comprehensive research study of energy efficiency in Northwest residential buildings. It includes a metering study, a single-family report, a manufactured homes report, and a multi-family report. In addition, it includes state-by-state energy use reports, as well as end-use consumption data.

Resource - Publications

Oregon Single-Family Homes: State Summary Statistics

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Publication Date
2014

Developed as part of the Residential Building Stock Assessment (RBSA), this report provides overall housing utility and energy statistics for Oregon, and details the type and efficiency of various components such as windows, insulation, appliances and type of heating fuel used in homes with each region of the state.

Resource - Publications

Reactions to the Residential Retrofit Roundtable Recommendations

Author(s)
Richard Faesy and Chris Kramer, Energy Futures Group (Prepared for the Energy Foundation)
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Michigan Saves,
BetterBuildings for Michigan,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
Energy Works,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Efficiency Maine,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This report explores the approaches and research needs identified in the Building Retrofit Industry and Market (BRIM) Initiative through in-depth discussion with residential energy upgrade experts including a discussion of Marketing & Outreach and the program/contractor interface.

Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Financing: Models and Strategies

Author(s)
The Energy Foundation
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Maryland Clean Energy Center Home Owner Loan Program,
Texas LoanSTAR,
Colorado ENERGY STAR Homes,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Energy Efficient Mortgage Program,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) PowerSaver,
Community Preservation Corporation Green Financing Initiative,
New Resource Bank,
Sempra Utilities,
United Illuminating

Reviews and summarize energy efficiency financing models and strategies. Models are analyzed according to funding sources, program structures, limits to scale, repayment vehicles, and project risks. Strategies consider applicable building sectors, models, levels of establishment, growth potential, advantages, and disadvantages.

Resource - Publications

Key Findings and Recommendations From the Process Evaluation of Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)

Author(s)
Energy Trust Oregon (Prepared by Johnson Consulting Group)
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This report presents key findings and recommendations from the process evaluation of Clean Energy Works Oregon's (now Enhabit's) energy efficiency financing program. Table 1 provides a good list of key process evaluation research questions which may help others scope comprehensive process evaluations.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Pilot Process Evaluation Report

Author(s)
Research Into Action, Inc.
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This report describes the process evaluation of a pilot project in Portland Oregon that informed the refinement and expansion of the program statewide into Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit).

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

High Road Outcomes in Portland's Energy Efficiency Upgrade Pilot

Author(s)
Stacy Ho and Jeremy Hays, Green For All
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This report highlights the impact of investment for Portland, Oregon in terms of high-quality job creation, equitable hiring, inclusive business opportunities, standardized training, and energy conservation.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Working with Financial Partners - Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)

Author(s)
Brian Alfano, Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

Presentation describing how Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) works with financial partners.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Information on Consumer Segmentation

Author(s)
Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) developed consumer profiles based on research the program conducted on its target audience.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Oregon Residential Energy Awareness and Perception Study

Author(s)
Research Into Action, Inc.
Publication Date
2014

Energy Trust of Oregon analyzes customer perceptions about energy efficiency.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Clean Energy Works Portland: Data Collection & Analysis

Author(s)
Marlowe Kulley, Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability
Publication Date
2011
This presentation is a tour of the project evaluation and data collection system that Clean Energy Works Portland uses to survey its participating residents.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

"One-Stop-Shop" Home Energy Remodel

Author(s)
Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This presentation from Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) covers their "One-Stop Shop" Home Energy Remodel process where customers were guided through a four-step process: apply, assess, finance, and transform. This simple process gave customers access to a comprehensive package of services that included assistance from an independent energy advisor.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Request for Proposals for Phase V (Neighborhood Phase) of Clean Energy Works Portland (now Enhabit)

Author(s)
Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This is an example of an RFP for workforce development and other program elements. The RFP covers recruitment, outreach and marketing oriented to homeowners and workers, and service delivery of energy assessments and upgrades.

Resource - Program Materials

Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) Marketing Plan

Author(s)
Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

A marketing and communications plan from Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) outlines the program's marketing vision and objectives, as well as the strategies the program planned to undertake to meet these goals.

Resource - Program Materials

Selling an Energy Efficiency Loan Portfolio in Oregon: Resale of the Craft3 Loan Portfolio to Self-Help Credit Union

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This policy brief provides insight into the transaction of an on-bill energy efficiency loan portfolio between two mission-oriented lenders, Craft3 in Oregon and Self Help in North Carolina.

Resource - Case Studies

Alternative Underwriting Criteria: Using Utility Bill Payment History as a Proxy for Credit: Case Study on Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit)

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This case study highlights Clean Energy Works Oregon's (now Enhabit) low interest, on-bill financing and alternative underwriting practices which have achieved a low rejection rate while also maintaining a low loan default rate.

Resource - Case Studies

Spotlight on Portland, Oregon: Making the Program Work for Contractors

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This case study discusses the strategies Clean Energy Works Oregon's (now Enhabit's) used to actively engage contractors to make the program successful (e.g., balancing contractors' work priorities, enforcing quality standards).

Resource - Case Studies

Spotlight on Portland, Oregon: Use Incentives to Get Attention and Encourage Deep Savings

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit

This case study discusses how Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) used performance-based incentives, limited-time bonus rebates, early financing approvals, and seasonal advantages to broaden its program reach and increase home upgrade completions.

Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (70)
  • Tips for Success (21)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (19)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (48)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (15)
  • Marketing & Outreach (22)
  • Financing (19)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (14)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (12)
  • Strategy Development (67)
  • Planning (70)
  • Implementation (63)
  • Evaluation (25)

States or Territories

  • Alabama (19)
  • Alaska (5)
  • Alberta (1)
  • Arizona (37)
  • Arkansas (21)
  • British Columbia (3)
  • California (169)
  • Colorado (85)
  • Connecticut (65)
  • (-) DC (1)
  • Delaware (14)
  • District of Columbia (2)
  • Florida (36)
  • Georgia (28)
  • Hawaii (10)
  • Idaho (11)
  • Illinois (76)
  • Indiana (13)
  • Iowa (8)
  • Kansas (14)
  • Kentucky (10)
  • Louisiana (18)
  • Maine (47)
  • Manitoba (1)
  • Maryland (55)
  • Massachusetts (73)
  • Michigan (58)
  • Minnesota (33)
  • Mississippi (7)
  • Missouri (29)
  • Montana (8)
  • Nebraska (7)
  • Nevada (17)
  • New Hampshire (26)
  • New Jersey (31)
  • New Mexico (6)
  • New York (89)
  • North Carolina (23)
  • North Dakota (2)
  • Nova Scotia (2)
  • Ohio (43)
  • Oklahoma (7)
  • Ontario (1)
  • (-) Oregon (90)
  • Pennsylvania (54)
  • Rhode Island (31)
  • South Carolina (16)
  • South Dakota (3)
  • Tennessee (14)
  • Texas (56)
  • U.S. Virgin Islands (3)
  • Utah (16)
  • Vermont (59)
  • Virginia (36)
  • Washington (88)
  • Washington D.C. (3)
  • Washington DC (20)
  • West Virginia (3)
  • Wisconsin (36)
  • Wyoming (4)

Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (51)
  • Austin Energy (10)
  • EnergySmart (9)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (7)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (7)
  • Michigan Saves (6)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (6)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (5)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (5)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (5)
  • Community Power Works (4)
  • Efficiency Maine (4)
  • Efficiency Vermont (4)
  • Elevate Energy (4)
  • Focus on Energy (4)
  • Be SMART (3)
  • EnergyWorks (3)
  • NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (3)
  • RePower Bainbridge (3)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (2)
  • Bend Energy Challenge (2)
  • Build It Green (2)
  • Efficiency Nova Scotia (2)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (2)
  • EnergyWorks KC (2)
  • Long Island Green Homes (2)
  • Mass Save (2)
  • RePower Kitsap (2)
  • Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) (2)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (1)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (1)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (1)
  • emPowerSBC (1)
  • Energize Bedford (1)
  • Energize Connecticut (1)
  • Energize New York (1)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (1)
  • Energy Upgrade California (1)
  • Illinois Home Performance with Energy Star (1)
  • Indianapolis Better Buildings Program (1)
  • Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) (1)
  • MPower Oregon (1)
  • New Mexico Energy$mart (1)
  • Public Service of New Hampshire (1)
  • reEnergize (1)
  • RePower Bremerton (1)
  • SaveGreen Project (1)
  • ShopSmart with JEA (1)
  • Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) (1)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (1)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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