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Directly install measures during the assessment

Programs that enabled contractors to install energy saving measures during the home energy assessment were more successful than those that did not. Based on a comprehensive analysis of over 140 programs across the United States, programs that provided direct installation of some low-cost measures...
Tips for Success

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

Establish data sharing relationships as early as possible

Though potentially challenging, establishing relationships for sharing energy consumption data is critical for evaluating program impact on energy and cost savings. Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found success by approaching utilities during the program planning phase, or at...
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

Provide adequate time for data system development and testing

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that setting up their information technology (IT) systems early in the program design stage ensured that data terms and data entry procedures were consistently applied by all system users. Reaching agreement with stakeholders (e.g...
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

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

Leverage financial sector marketing channels

Lenders can be a valuable partner for programs in marketing loan products and driving demand for home energy upgrades. They are often a trusted source of information in a community, and they have access to potential customers and partners such as existing customers, loan aggregators, and large...
Tips for Success

Promote existing loan products when possible before developing new ones

Developing new energy efficiency loan products requires financial expertise and resources that not every program has available or that might not even be necessary. Finding and promoting existing energy efficiency loan products, such as loans that may be offered by a local credit union, your state...
Tips for Success

Follow through with customers

Following up on leads that result from your marketing and outreach efforts quickly and consistently will help your program convert them from interested parties to satisfied customers. Many programs found a sizable drop-off in action if they or their contractors were not able to follow up within a...
Tips for Success

Promote financing as part of energy efficiency sales transactions

Low-cost financing for home energy upgrades does not increase customer demand for upgrades on its own. A comprehensive evaluation of over 140 programs across the United States found that homeowners must be sold on the benefits of home energy upgrades before financing can become valuable to them...
Tips for Success

REEO Multifamily Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Barriers and Opportunities Webinar

Author(s)
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance,
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project,
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource,
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Michigan Saves,
ConEdison’s Brooklyn Queens Demand Management Program,
Florida's Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program,
Set the PACE St. Louis,
City of Chicago,
Energy Outreach Colorado,
Massachusetts Low-Income Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program

This webinar covers the Multifamily Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Barriers and Opportunities for Deep Energy Savings report published in 2016.n

Resource - Webcast

Better Together: Linking and Leveraging Energy Programs for Low-Income Households

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

This presentation includes a series of case studies to highlight effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and utilities to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) to low-income households. It explores the topic of linking and leveraging EE/RE programs for limited-income households, including the need to coordinate with other energy assistance programs.

Resource - Webcast

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

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2013

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

Resource - Webcast

Communicating Success: Measuring Improvements, Sharing Results

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This webcast teaches attendees how to leverage program results to promote energy efficiency campaigns.
Resource - Webcast

Finance Planning

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Michigan Saves
This webcast discussed the broad spectrum of needs financing mechanisms must address within integrated energy efficiency programs.
Resource - Webcast

Partnering with Utilities Part 1 -- Successful Partnerships and Lessons from the Field

Author(s)
Jennifer Clymer, ICF International,
Philip LaMay, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
Christian Williss, Denver, Colorado,
Sharon Procopio, Denver, Colorado
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Denver Energy Challenge
This webcast served as a roundtable for communities to describe successful partnerships between local governments and utilities that enabled the local governments to implement new clean energy programs or enhance existing ones.
Resource - Webcast

Better Together: Linking and Leveraging Energy Programs for Low-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Energy Outreach Colorado,
DTE Energy

This 90-minute webinar explored the topic of linking and leveraging energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) programs for limited-income households, including the need to coordinate with other energy assistance programs. It presented case studies of organizations that have successfully advanced connections among available programs and funding sources.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Scaling Up Clean Energy Programs to the Next Level for Low and Moderate Income

Author(s)
Diana Duva, State of Connecticut,
Benjamin Healey, Connecticut Green Bank,
Joe Pereira, State of Colorado,
Jennifer Gremmert, Energy Outreach Colorado,
Michael DiRamio, U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Energize Connecticut,
Energy Outreach California,
Energy Outreach Colorado

In this presentation, state and nonprofit leaders in Colorado and Connecticut discuss their policy and program efforts to offer rooftop and community solar and weatherization services and how they are scaling their programs to meet the needs of the underserved income-eligible market.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Integrating Health Benefits Into Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call emphasizes the health benefits of upgrades to make your program relevant to potential partners and audiences. Speakers include the City of Fort Collins, Colorado and  Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Greater Syracuse, Home Headquarters.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Making an Impact: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on unique challenges for energy efficiency and weatherization programs serving lower income residents in single-family and multifamily housing. Speakers include American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Elevate Energy, and Energy Outreach Colorado.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Boom Chika Boom: Demand Response and Behavior Change (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Narragansett EnergyWise Program,
AEP Ohio

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on changing homeowner behaviors to reduce energy demands. It featured speakers from City of Fort Collins Utilities,  American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and the Rocky Mountain Institute.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Do You Hear Me Now? Communicating the Value of Non-Energy Benefits (101)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on communicating non-energy benefits that homeowners and building owners are most interested in. Speakers include Elevate Energy, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, and Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc.

Resource - Topical Presentations

America's Got Multifamily Talent (201)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on getting multifamily property owners on board with energy efficiency upgrades.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Better Together: Linking and Leveraging Energy Programs for Low-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Energy Outreach Colorado

This webcast highlight effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and utilities to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) to low-income households.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Advances in Integrating Energy Efficiency into the Real Estate Market (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy,
Build It Green

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how home energy upgrade programs can interact and connect with the real estate market.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Dog Days of Summer: Capitalizing on the Pet Market

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how pet-based marketing can promote residential energy efficiency.

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

Update on Revenue Strategies

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart,
Energy Upgrade California,
Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF)

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on new and updated revenue strategies.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Using Social Media for Long Term Branding

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Denver Energy Challenge,
Energy Impact Illinois

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on using social media for long-term branding and marketing.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Working with Real Estate Home Inspectors, Exterminators, and Other Nontraditional Partners

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on leveraging home inspectors and others in the real estate transaction processes.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Tracking and Using Data to Support Revenue Streams

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart,
Denver Energy Challenge

This peer exchange call summary focused on tracking and using data to support revenue streams.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Information Technology Tools for Multifamily Building Programs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Energy Upgrade California,
EnergySmart Colorado

This peer exchange call summary focused on multifamily information technology tools for project information, marketing, assessment, tracking and evaluation.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Social Media Tools & Strategies

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

This presentation provides a list of resources and tips for running a social media campaign.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Community-Based Social Marketing Toolkit

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Small Town Energy Program (STEP),
Baltimore Energy Challenge,
Efficiency Maine,
Energy Impact Illinois,
Efficiency Nova Scotia,
CoMo Energy Challenge,
Empower Chattanooga,
Somerville Energy Efficiency Now!,
PG&E,
Seattle City Light,
City of Fort Collins

This toolkit describes how to strengthen residential energy efficiency program outreach and marketing efforts through data-driven, tailored efforts to change behaviors. One of the greatest challenges facing the residential energy efficiency market is motivating people to take steps to save energy. This toolkit provides guidance, resources, and examples for applying community-based social marketing (CBSM) to increase the number of homes that are energy efficient.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Consent to Disclose Utility Customer Data

Author(s)
Colorado Public Utilities Commission
Publication Date
2012

Form used by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for consent to disclose utility customer data.

Resource - Templates & Forms

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

Boulder, Colorado's SmartRegs: Minimum Performance Standards for Residential Rental Housing

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado
In 2011 the City of Boulder, Colorado enacted its “SmartRegs” ordinances that require all single family and multifamily rental properties to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard by January 2019. The SmartRegs initiative is designed to help the city achieve its ambitious carbon emissions reduction goals and to improve the quality, safety, and marketability of Boulder’s rental housing stock.
Resource - Publications

Program Design Guide: Energy Efficiency Programs in Multifamily Affordable Housing

Author(s)
Energy Efficiency For All
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Elevate Energy

This guide identifies 12 best practices for policymakers, regulators, and program administrators to help building owners invest to increase the energy efficiency of multifamily affordable housing.

Resource - Publications

Financing Energy Efficiency Retrofits of Affordable Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)
Community Development Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Watt Watchers,
Neighborhood Energy,
Energy Savers,
Ratepayer Inte-grated On-Bill Payment Program,
I'M HOME initiative,
Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability,
Residential Multifamily Housing Program

There are more than 17 million multifamily households nationwide, yet they remain a significant and mostly untapped opportunity for energy efficiency gains. Many cities and states that have embraced energy retrofitting as a job creator and boon to both the environment and economy have yet to address potential savings in multifamily properties, primarily because of obstacles not faced by single family and commercial properties. This paper discusses two barriers -- a lack of information and financing -- that stand in the way of multifamily energy retrofits.

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

Multifamily Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Barriers and Opportunities for Deep Energy Savings

Author(s)
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance,
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project,
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource,
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Michigan Saves,
ConEdison’s Brooklyn Queens Demand Management Program,
Florida's Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program,
Set the PACE St. Louis,
City of Chicago,
Energy Outreach Colorado,
Massachusetts Low-Income Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program

This report was developed to help inform national stakeholders about the strategies that have been used to achieve deep energy savings in the multifamily housing sector through energy efficiency upgrades. These strategies could be used as models in areas where utility program administrators and policymakers seek to achieve deep energy savings in the multifamily building stock for the purposes of reducing energy costs, creating comfortable and healthy homes, meeting regulatory requirements, or reducing the environmental impacts of energy consumption. This report includes a national multifamily market characterization, barriers and opportunities for program and policy efforts, and eight exemplary case studies from across the country.

Resource - Publications

Current Practices in Efficiency Financing: An Overview for State and Local Governments

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Kansas How$mart,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Michigan Saves,
Texas LoanSTAR,
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Nebraska Dollar and Energy Savings Program

This report is a guide to all customer-facing financing products—products offered by a lender directly to a borrower—used to pay for energy efficiency. Intended for state and local governments that are deciding whether to start a new program, tune up and existing program, or create a Green Bank, it provides information on the full range of financing product options for target participants, the tradeoffs of various products, and potential advantages and disadvantages for different types of customers.

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

Shared Renewable Energy for Low- to Moderate-Income Consumers: Policy Guidelines and Model Provisions

Author(s)
Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.
Publication Date
2016

This report provides information and tools for policymakers, regulators, utilities, shared renewable energy developers, program administrators and others to support the adoption and implementation of shared renewables programs specifically designed to provide tangible benefits to low income and moderate income individuals and 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

Accelerating the Commercial PACE Market: Statewide Programs and State Energy Office Participation in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing

Author(s)
National Association of State Energy Officials
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Lean and Green Michigan,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Michigan Saves,
Keeping PACE in Texas,
Energize New York

This report examines how State Energy Offices and state-level partners are supporting growth and uptake of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing around the country. The report offers examples, insights, and strategies for State Energy Offices, green banks, state financing agencies, and other public and private entities to catalyze, accelerate, organize, and expand C-PACE markets.

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

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

2014 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Valuing Home Performance Improvements in Real Estate Markets

Author(s)
Elevate Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy

This paper describes existing barriers to integrating energy efficiency data into real estate markets, and illustrates recent efforts to address them. National cross-industry collaborations have resulted in standard data collection and transfer tools that allow home performance data to be shared across industries. Real estate markets in some regions have begun including these data into multiple listing services (MLS), making them visible during real estate transactions.

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

An Early Look at Energy Efficiency and Contributory Value: Case Studies of Residential Properties in the Greater Denver Metro Area

Author(s)
Colorado Energy Office
Publication Date
2015

This study was conducted on behalf of the Colorado Energy Office to provide an analysis of the impact of energy efficiency on the home buying process. It highlights the appraisers’ dependence on Realtor‐supplied data and clearly illustrates the need for appraisers to be competent on items related to energy efficiency; in as far as these items are relevant to the appraiser’s specific assignment, scope of work and market area.

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

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

Overview of Residential Energy Feedback and Behavior-based Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
Energy and Environmental Economics
Publication Date
2011

This report provides an overview of residential customer information and behavior efficiency programs, and identifies key challenges to and solutions for increasing the penetration of these programs nationwide.

Resource - Publications

Overview of Marketing Methods for Local Retrofit Programs

Author(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Cambridge Energy Alliance,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
Neighborhood Energy Action Partnership,
WeatherizeDC
This report shares strategies for marketing local energy efficiency programs, particularly through focused messaging, leveraging partnerships, and social media.
Resource - Publications

Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Programs: Benchmarking and Emerging Trends

Author(s)
Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Energize Delaware

This report consists of a literature review and in-depth interviews with subject matter experts in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (HPwES) program area. The goal was to compare Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU) HPwES Programs with peer-programs across the United States. The report also identifies key metrics and emerging trends regarding program design.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) Grant Agreement Fort Collins Utilities

Author(s)
Fort Collins Utilities
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
City of Fort Collins Utilities

Fort Collins Utilities and partners, Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) and CLEAResult, launched Efficiency Works-Home program, the Efficiency Works- Neighborhoods (EW-N) Pilot. The Pilot is a new model of Utility Energy Efficiency conservation program that is designed for the scale and comprehensiveness of EE and renewables needed to meet the City of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan in the existing home sector.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Stepping Up: Benefits and Cost of Accelerating Fort Collins’ Energy and Climate Goals

Author(s)
Rocky Mountain Institute
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
City of Fort Collins Utilities

This report examines the opportunity for accelerating Fort Collins’ energy and climate goals to reflect the community’s values, and capture economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

The Energy Advisor Model: Lessons Learned

Author(s)
Dave Hatchimonji, EnergySmart
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

Overview of lessons learned from EnergySmart Colorado's energy advisor model.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

EnergySmart Program Progress Review

Author(s)
Navigant, Inc. (Prepared for Boulder County)
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

This progress report provides community members and others interested in EnergySmart with a clear snapshot of its progress. The report also provides a timeline of energy efficiency policies and programs in Boulder County.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

The Leadership Academy: Motivating Contractors to Participate

Author(s)
Gary R. Myers, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado
This presentation explains how to engage and motivate contractors and utility companies through the use of commitments, creating a dynamic program that they can become involved with, and the setting of standards for contractors.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Turning Around Your Residential Program: Lessons Learned - City and County of Denver

Author(s)
Elizabeth Babcock, City and County of Denver, Colorado
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Denver Energy Challenge
This presentation highlights key plan elements that helped a Denver energy efficiency program reorient toward success.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Using Data to Monitor Market Transformation

Author(s)
Melissa Glickman, Boulder County, Colorado (now EnergySmart)
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

EnergySmart Colorado uses surveys and a customer database to get feedback from homeowners that helps fine-tune program services and operations.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

March Energy Madness

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Denver Energy Challenge,
Efficiency Nova Scotia,
Energize Delaware,
Watt Watchers,
Empower Chattanooga,
Energy Upgrade California

This presentation includes examples of 16 programs' creative marketing materials.  The Better Buildings Residential Network held a March Madness tournament to find the most creative residential energy efficiency messages during March Peer Exchange Calls. Sixteen marketing campaigns were featured in a bracket challenge on the calls, and participants made their picks. Residential Network member the Fuel Fund of Maryland was chosen as the winning message for its Watt Watchers campaign.

Resource - Program Materials

EnergySmart 2014 Marketing Plan and Implementation Guide

Author(s)
EnergySmart
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

This marketing plan describes a social mobilization approach that leverages social networking, including social media, and word-of-mouth marketing to raise awareness and drive customers to program services. It provides strategies and tactics to target audiences most likely to participate, building on market research and audience segmentation to develop a message platform specifically designed to address their key motivating factors and barriers.

Resource - Program Materials

EnergySmart Residential Survey

Author(s)
EnergySmart
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

Example survey about a homeowner's experience with a visit from an energy advisor as part of EnergySmart in Boulder County, Colorado.

Resource - Program Materials

Boulder County Request for Proposal: Colorado Retrofit Ramp-Up Support Services

Author(s)
Boulder County, Colorado
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

Example Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide Boulder County, Colorado with support services for its Retrofit Ramp Up Program including a social mobilization campaign, database management services, and marketing/public relations services for the both the residential and commercial parts of the Program.

Resource - Program Materials

EnergySmart Colorado Assessment Process: Analyst Flowchart

Author(s)
EnergySmart Colorado
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

This contractor process flowchart from EnergySmart Colorado includes the phases of contractor qualifications review and preparation, site work, and follow up.

Resource - Program Materials

Sample RFP: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebate Program

Author(s)
EnergySmart
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

A sample request for proposals from Boulder County, Colorado, to develop an energy efficiency and renewable energy rebate program.

Resource - Program Materials

Program Design Flowchart for Eagle County, Colorado

Author(s)
EnergySmart Colorado
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado
Example of a program design flowchart showing key steps and relationships for the energy efficiency program in Eagle County, Colorado.
Resource - Program Materials

Project Implementation Plan: Colorado Retrofit Ramp-Up Project

Author(s)
EnergySmart
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado

Example of an implementation plan developed by EnergySmart Colorado at the beginning of the implementation of its Better Buildings Neighborhood Program.

Resource - Program Materials

Strategic Marketing Services RFP

Author(s)
Eagle County, Colorado
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado
This is a sample request for proposals (RFP) from Eagle County, Colorado, for marketing services.
Resource - Program Materials

Energy Outreach Colorado: A Nonprofit Hub for Energy Assistance

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Energy Outreach Colorado

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), an independent nonprofit organization created by the State of Colorado, is a one-stop shop for low-income energy services in the state, including programs for affordable multifamily housing. EOC developed partnerships with a variety of organizations across Colorado, leveraged multiple funding sources, and created new and expanded programs to address gaps in low-income energy assistance. This case study highlights EOC’s key features, approach, partners, funding sources, and achievements, as well as their keys to success and tips for replication and sustainability.

Resource - Case Studies

First Colorado New Construction & Denver PACE Project

Author(s)
PACE Equity
Publication Date
2017

PACE Equity worked closely with CRE Investment Financing to develop and fund a new construction, micro-apartment project in the Sloans Lake area of Denver. This project is the first new construction PACE project in Colorado, as well as the first PACE project completed in Denver.

Resource - Case Studies

Community-Based Social Marketing in Fort Collins

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
City of Fort Collins Utilities

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado increased the number of homes that are energy efficient through the use of community-based social marketing. Strategies to maximize impact included identifying neighborhoods based on data analysis, simplifying the process for completing upgrades, and using trusted messengers for delivery of tailored messages on energy efficiency services.

Resource - Case Studies

Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Multifamily Housing

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy,
ICAST’s ResourceSmart initiative

This case study addresses multifamily energy upgrade experiences by two members of the Better Buildings Residential Network—Elevate Energy and the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (ICAST).

Resource - Case Studies

Business Metrics for High-Performance Homes: A Colorado Springs Case Study

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
EnergyLogic,
Built Green Colorado

Focusing on Colorado Springs, Colorado, as a case study, the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America research team IBACOS suggests a win-win between a builder's investment in energy efficiency and that builder's ability to sell homes. Although this research did not ultimately determine why a correlation may exist, a builder's investment in voluntary energy-efficiency programs correlated with that builder's ability to survive the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009. This report explores the relationship between energy-efficiency ratings and the market performance of several builders in Colorado Springs.

Resource - Case Studies

Focus Series: Energy Advisor Program Helps Homeowners Go the Extra Mile in Mile-High City

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Denver Energy Challenge

This case study discusses Denver Energy Challenge's adjustment from focusing on door-to-door outreach to an energy advisor model that allowed customers to receive one on one support throughout the home energy upgrade process.

Resource - Case Studies

Financing Tool Fits the Bill

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

Clean Energy Works Oregon's (now Enhabit's) experience implementing an on-bill financing program.

Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (73)
  • Tips for Success (13)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (18)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (44)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (15)
  • Marketing & Outreach (26)
  • Financing (17)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (3)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (9)
  • Strategy Development (51)
  • Planning (57)
  • Implementation (55)
  • Evaluation (19)

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

  • EnergySmart Colorado (20)
  • EnergySmart (14)
  • Enhabit (9)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (8)
  • Elevate Energy (7)
  • Michigan Saves (7)
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (6)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (5)
  • Energy Upgrade California (4)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (4)
  • City of Fort Collins Utilities (3)
  • Efficiency Maine (3)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (3)
  • Bend Energy Challenge (2)
  • Build It Green (2)
  • City of Chicago (2)
  • ConEdison’s Brooklyn Queens Demand Management Program (2)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (2)
  • Efficiency Nova Scotia (2)
  • Efficiency Vermont (2)
  • Empower Chattanooga (2)
  • Energize Delaware (2)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (2)
  • EnergyWorks (2)
  • Florida's Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program (2)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (2)
  • Massachusetts Low-Income Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program (2)
  • Mass Save (2)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (2)
  • RePower Bainbridge (2)
  • Seattle City Light (2)
  • Set the PACE St. Louis (2)
  • Watt Watchers (2)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (1)
  • Austin Energy (1)
  • Built Green Colorado (1)
  • Cambridge Energy Alliance (1)
  • Energize Connecticut (1)
  • Energize New York (1)
  • Energize Phoenix (1)
  • EnergyLogic (1)
  • Focus on Energy (1)
  • ICAST’s ResourceSmart initiative (1)
  • Illinois Home Performance with Energy Star (1)
  • Kansas How$mart (1)
  • NOLA WISE (1)
  • RePower Kitsap (1)
  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (1)
  • Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) (1)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (1)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
Contact | Building Technologies Office

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