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Evaluation & Data Collection – Communicate Impacts

Communicate pertinent results of evaluations to program staff, partners, and stakeholders.
Handbook

Evaluation & Data Collection – Conduct Evaluation

Manage third-party impact and process evaluation activities by coordinating with evaluators, transferring data, and overseeing evaluation deliverables.
Handbook

Evaluation & Data Collection – Develop Resources

Identify and implement systems and tools that will support data collection and data quality necessary for effective evaluation.
Handbook

Evaluation & Data Collection – Overview

Develop evidence-based insights into your program’s performance through third-party process and impact evaluations. Learn how to develop effective data collection strategies and timely evaluations to identify important program achievements as well as opportunities for making program improvements.
Handbook

Evaluation & Data Collection – Develop Evaluation Plans

Identify the right questions to ask, appropriate metrics to collect, and the processes needed to initiate third-party impact and process evaluations.
Handbook

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

Develop routine reports or dashboards to help monitor the collected data

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that program dashboards—regularly updated, easily accessed, summary reports of key metrics—helped them identify problems and monitor program progress toward their goals. Depending on the program’s goals and needs, dashboards included metrics...
Tips for Success

Use compatible formats for data sharing and reporting, and work with partners to implement standard data exchange protocols

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that it was critically important to use compatible formats for data sharing and reporting with partners. Aligning data formats and collection plans with national data formats (e.g., Home Performance XML schema (HPXML), Standard Energy...
Tips for Success

Develop data collection and evaluation plans in conjunction with program design

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that it was important to communicate during the program design phase with organizations and individuals that will collect or supply data for the evaluation. In this way, the involved individuals and organizations understand why the data is...
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

Provide materials and training to ensure data quality, consistency, and accuracy

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that it is important to get buy-in from program staff and contractors on the importance of data integrity to the program mission and then to invest time to develop materials and train everyone who has a role in data collection and analysis...
Tips for Success

Adapt messages to your primary target audience’s needs

Many programs found that market research can help identify, segment, and characterize audiences to understand how to prioritize them. A comprehensive evaluation of over 140 programs across the United States found that programs had greater success when they identified specific target populations...
Tips for Success

How to Influence Utilities to Provide Actionable Energy Data to Multifamily Properties

Author(s)
Institute for Market Transformation
Publication Date
2017

This webinar covers best practices for providing whole-building data, as well as options building owners and landlords have to influence this process. Multifamily property stakeholders need better information about their energy usage. Arming them with this information enables better benchmarking and energy management practices, and more reliable utility allowance models for affordable housing. Actionable energy usage information allows building owners to make improvements to not only save energy, but also reduce expenses, increase comfort, and lower vacancies.

Resource - Webcast

GUEP Community Spotlight: Columbia, MO goes deeper with energy data

Author(s)
Georgetown University Energy Prize
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
CoMo Energy Challenge

This presentation covers how the City of Columbia, Missouri, is going deeper with their data to shape how all members of their community use energy. It also shows CoMO Energy Challenge's custom data mapping tool.

Resource - Webcast

Using Deemed Savings and Technical Reference Manuals for Efficiency Programs and Projects

Author(s)
Tina Jayaweera, Northwest Power and Conservation Council,
Jennifer Easler, Iowa Attorney General's Office,
Chuck Rea, MidAmerican Energy Company
Publication Date
2016

Applying well documented stipulated (deemed) values is a common practice for determining the savings from energy efficiency projects and programs and the databases where such deemed values are cataloged are called Technical Reference Manuals (TRMs). This webcast introduces the use of deemed savings, information on setting up and updating TRMs, lessons learned, and resources for state officials. As examples, speakers discuss the content and development processes used for the Northwest regional TRM and the Iowa state TRM.

Resource - Webcast

Evaluation of Residential Behavior-Based Programs

Author(s)
C. Anna Spurlock, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
Annika Todd, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
Bill Saxonis, New York Department of Public Service
Publication Date
2016

Residential behavior-based (BB) programs use strategies grounded in the behavioral and social sciences to influence household energy use. These programs have unique evaluation challenges and usually require different evaluation methods than those currently employed for most other types of efficiency programs. This webcast provides an introduction to documenting the energy savings associated with BB programs and examples of how different jurisdictions are addressing BB program evaluation.

Resource - Webcast

Setting Baselines for Planning and Evaluation of Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Robert G. Ozar, Michigan Public Service Commission,
Carmen Best, California Public Utilities Commission,
Jeff Harris, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Publication Date
2016

The key challenge with quantifying savings from end-use efficiency activities is the identification of an accurate baseline from which to determine the savings. Regardless of the protocol or procedure applied, all savings values are determined by estimating likely energy use in the absence of the program or project (the “counterfactual” scenario, or baseline). This webcast provides an introduction to considerations and common practices for defining baselines, the relationship between baselines and savings attribution, and examples of how different jurisdictions are addressing market baseline studies, setting baselines for retrofit measures, and market transformation program baselines.

Resource - Webcast

Presentation on the Energy Efficiency Reporting Tool for Public Power Utilities

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
American Public Power Association
Publication Date
2016

This presentation discusses the energy efficiency reporting tool for public power utilities. The tool is an Excel-based template is designed to produce consistent, useful metrics on program investments and performance for small to medium-sized administrators of public power efficiency programs.

Resource - Webcast

Lessons Learned and the Better Buildings Residential Program Solution Center

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

Take you on a tour of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Residential Program Solution Center content and functionality and explore how you can use the Solution Center to help design, implement, and evaluate residential energy efficiency programs. Program examples focus on contractor engagement and workforce development. Learn how to support and partner with the workforce who will deliver your program’s energy efficiency services by understanding their capacity, recruiting contractor partners, enabling technical training and business development support, and refining program processes over time.

Resource - Webcast

Briefing on the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program Evaluation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

This presentation describes the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program evaluation findings, including goal and objective attainment, energy and CO2e impacts, program implementation lessons learned, market effects findings, and recommendations.

Resource - Webcast

Energy Efficiency Cost-Effectiveness Testing Forecasting

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

This webcast provides an introduction to cost-effectiveness testing for energy efficiency programs, key drivers in the cost-effectiveness results, and cost effectiveness tool developed for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Resource - Webcast

State, Regional and National Energy Efficiency Forecasting

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

This webcast provides approaches for projecting, analyzing and representing end-use energy efficiency potential and its impacts on state, regional and national energy use.

Resource - Webcast

Long-Run Savings and Cost-Effectiveness of Home Energy Reports

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

This webcast discusses the savings and cost-effectiveness of home energy reports programs.

Resource - Webcast

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program Webinar Series: #3 Residential Energy Efficiency Deep Dive, Part One

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014

This webinar is the third (in a series of six) hosted by USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) and focusing on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program (EECLP). The first in a two-part series, this webinar shares best practices from the more than 40 competitively selected state and local governments who participated in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, including market position and business model, program design and customer experience, evaluation and data collection, marketing and outreach, financing, and contractor engagement and workforce development.

Resource - Webcast

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program Webinar Series: #4 Residential Energy Efficiency Deep Dive, Part Two

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014

This webinar is the fourth (in a series of six) hosted by USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) and focusing on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program (EECLP). The second in a two-part series, this webinar shares best practices from the more than 40 competitively selected state and local governments who participated in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program. This webinar focuses on data collection and continuous improvement, partnering with financial institutions, community-based outreach, and quality assurance of contractor work. It also features a case study from Jackson Electric Member Corporation about their audit tools, rebates and loans, tracking and reporting, and marketing and advertising strategies.

Resource - Webcast

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program Webinar Series: #2 Evaluation, Monitoring & Verification

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014

This webinar is the second (in a series of six) hosted by USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) and focusing on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program (EECLP). This webinar covers the key concepts of Evaluation, Monitoring & Verification (EM&V), gives an overview of the full process, from estimating savings before programs are implemented to measuring and verifying the savings at the end. The webinar also covers EM&V framework, evaluation plans, technical reference manuals and measurement and verification studies.

Resource - Webcast

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program Webinar Series: #1 Overview and Cost Effectiveness

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014

This webinar is the first (in a series of six) hosted by USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) and focusing on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program (EECLP). This webinar provides an overview of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program. It covers the requirements and benefits of the program and also discusses steps you can take to evaluate the cost effectiveness of energy program options.

Resource - Webcast

Demonstrating Success and Sustaining Impact

Author(s)
Kelly Lucci, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This webcast is part of a three-part series on communications strategies and methods. It focuses on how communities can effectively showcase the benefits and successes of a clean energy initiative to ensure additional funding opportunities, continued engagement, and sustained behavior change.

Resource - Webcast

Preliminary Impact Evaluation of the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Neighborhood Program

Author(s)
Jeff Dowd, U.S. Department of Energy,
Ed Vine, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2013
This presentation discusses the preliminary impact evaluation of the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, including program processes and what program elements are most successful in inducing market changes that will result in sustainable savings.
Resource - Webcast

Energy Efficiency Cost-Effectiveness Testing

Author(s)
Snuller Price, Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc.,
Tim Woolf, Synapse Energy Economics,
Tom Eckman, Northwest Power and Conservation Council,
Sami Khawaja, The Cadmus Group, Inc.,
Steven Schiller, Schiller Consulting, Inc.
Publication Date
2014

This webcast provides an introduction to cost-effectiveness testing for energy efficiency programs. It also covers key drivers in the cost-effectiveness results and cost-effectiveness tools developed for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Resource - Webcast

Guidelines for Retrieving Customer Usage Data from Utilities

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010
This webcast presents the guidelines for retrieving customer usage data from utilities.
Resource - Webcast

Leveraging EPA's Portfolio Manager in Benchmarking and Disclosure Policy

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This webinar highlights the best practices of state and local benchmarking and disclosure policies. It discusses benchmarking and its place in the larger context of energy management planning and explores in detail some of the choices governments face when implementing these policies.
Resource - Webcast

Door-to-Door Outreach and Tracking Impacts

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This webcast discusses door-to-door campaigns and how to track the impacts of these campaigns.

Resource - Webcast

EM&V Basics, Tools and Resources to Assist EECBG and SEP Grantees

Author(s)
Julie Michals, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.,
Phil Sieper, The Cadmus Group, Inc.,
Mark Stetz, Stetz Consulting
Publication Date
2010

This webinar offers an introduction to EM&V basics, including data collection, tracking tools, M&V approaches, and reporting energy savings.

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

Partnering with Utilities Part 2-Topics for Local Governments-Creating Successful Partnerships with Utilities to Deliver Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Jennifer Clymer, ICF International,
Neal De Snoo, Berkeley, California,
Dan Schoenholz, Fremont, California,
Catherine Squire and Gina Blus, Pacific Gas and Electric Company,
Jon Ippel, Orlando, Florida,
Cameron Saulsby, Orlando Utilities Commission
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
East Bay Partnership,
Green Works Orlando

This webcast focused on advanced topics for local government-utility partnerships, with presentations from local governments and their partnering utilities that have well-developed, multi-year relationships and programs.

Resource - Webcast

Building More Knowledge About Whole Building EM&V

Author(s)
Tim Guiterman, EnergySavvy,
Sarah Zaleski, U.S. Department of Energy,
Ethan Goldman, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation,
Diane Duva, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection,
Bill Norton, Opinion Dynamics
Publication Date
2017

This presentation covers the current pilot project testing M&V2.0 as an evaluation tool facilitated by Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).  Speakers on this panel presented examples of how whole building modeling is currently being used for M&V now and its potential future applications. Speakers also discussed benchmarking, data access and other protocols, and how experience with efficiency programs teach us so we can build upon the current experience.

Resource - Topical Presentations

EM&V Webinar Series

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2017

This webinar series is intended for state officials starting or expanding their EM&V methods for a wide range of efficiency activities including utility customer-funded programs, building energy codes, appliance and equipment standards, energy savings performance contracting, and efficiency programs that support pollution reduction goals or regulations.

Resource - Topical Presentations

This Is Your Program, This Is Your Program On Data

Author(s)
Tim Guiterman, EnergySavvy,
Jeff Perkins, ERS
Publication Date
2017

This presentation describes how programs have leveraged data to increase program energy savings, with a spotlight on advanced and real-time monitoring and verification (M&V 2.0), contractor scorecards, and intelligent quality assurance (QA) and monitoring.

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

Utility Benchmarking in Multifamily Housing 201: Let Performance Data Drive Your Decisions

Author(s)
Scott Ledford, ICF International,
Colleen Woodson, BrightPower, Inc.,
Julie Klump, Preservation of Affordable Housing",
ICF International
Publication Date
2017

This presentation helps multifamily building owners better understand the how and why of utility benchmarking. Explore strategies and resources for translating benchmarking results into concrete next steps toward improving property performance.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Utility Benchmarking in Multifamily Housing 101: Kilowatt Count Your Way to a Trimmer Bottom Line

Author(s)
Terrance Brady, Tampa Housing Authority,
Scott Ledford, ICF International,
Dan Teague, WegoWise,
David Ruggiero, ICF International
Publication Date
2017

This presentation helps multifamily building owners better understand the how and why of utility benchmarking. Learn about the benefits of utility benchmarking, including various drivers for performing utility benchmarking at multifamily properties, and explore how your organization can start with utility benchmarking with the help of HUD resources.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Energy Efficiency Portfolios

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2017

Cost-effectiveness evaluations compare energy efficiency's benefits and costs to judge whether to expand, retain, revise, or eliminate efficiency programs or specific measures. This presentation discusses the basics of cost-effectiveness assessments for utility customer-funded efficiency portfolios as well as issues and options that should be considered when assessing cost-effectiveness, selecting which test(s) to use, and quantifying the components of tests (e.g., non-energy impacts, measure costs).

Resource - Topical Presentations

Smart Thermostats: Paving the Way for Smart EM&V

Author(s)
Claire Miziolek, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.,
Joe Loper, Itron,
Abigail Daiken, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Richard Counihan, Nest Labs,
Nkechi Ogbue, ecobee
Publication Date
2017

This presentation covers control technologies, such as smart thermostats, and the opportunities they provide for program evaluation, monitoring and verification.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Effecting Behavior Change: Energy Report Data Usage

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on home energy reports to inform homeowners about their home energy use and use of customer research and segmentation to improve the results from these reports. Speakers include Opinion Dynamics and Pacific Gas & Electric.

Resource - Topical Presentations

America's Next Top Energy Model: Tools and Best Practices (101)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how organizations can utilize energy modeling tools like the Asset Score for multifamily buildings into their program offerings, narrow the gap between predicted and actual energy savings, and use program data to increase program productivity and quality. It features speakers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and OptiMiser.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Gold Medal Approaches for Obtaining and Using Energy Efficiency Data

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on obtaining and using energy efficiency data through tools like the Green Button, smart connected thermostat pilots, and operational ratings of homes to evaluate and/or enhance programs.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Driving Efficiency with Non-Energy Benefits

Author(s)
Erin Malone, Synapse Energy Economics Inc.
Publication Date
2014

This presentation summarizes the non-energy benefits of energy efficiency, and how they can be used to drive uptake of energy efficiency measures. State examples are included.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Guide for Benchmarking Residential Program Progress with Examples Presentation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

This presentation focused on the Guide for Benchmarking Residential Program Progress with Examples and its step-by-step guidance for setting up an effective benchmarking process.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Driving Accountability for Program Performance Using Measured Energy Savings (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on evaluation, measurement, and verification of predicted/modeled savings from home energy upgrades.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Overcoming the Home Upgrade Tower of Babel with HPXML

Author(s)
Dale Hoffmeyer, U.S. Department of Energy,
Gavin Hastings, Tierra Resource Consultants,
Julie Caracino, NYSERDA,
Cynthia Adam, Pearl National Certification,
Greg Thomas, Performance Systems Development
Publication Date
2015

Home Performance (HP) XML is transforming the way home energy upgrade programs collect and transfer information from one software system to another, leading to improved contractor satisfaction, lower administrative costs, and technological advancements in the home performance industry. This presentation provides an overview of HPXML and its benefits, and discuss how the data standard is facilitating technological and process improvements among home energy upgrade programs and software developers in the United States.

Resource - Topical Presentations

HPXML Implementation Possibilities and Experiences

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

This is a recording of a webinar from August 2015. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR hosted a panel on HPXML; the value it can bring to businesses and implementation methods. Interested organizations can use this resource to learn more about HPXML and its potential benefits.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Quality Assurance Strategies

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This peer exchange call summary focused on the challenges and effective combinations of quality assurance strategies.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Cost-Effective Modeling and Savings Projections for Multifamily Projects

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on energy modeling in multifamily homes.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Using Loan Performance Data to Inform Program Implementation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Michigan Saves,
BeSmart Maryland

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how loan performance data is tracked and analyzed, and what the data shows.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Cost-Effectiveness Tests and Measuring Like a Utility

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on evaluating and demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of energy upgrades to programs.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Making Evaluations Work for Your Program: Tips for Success

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on choosing and developing program evaluation.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Commercial and Multifamily Building Benchmarking and Disclosure

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on energy benchmarking and building disclosure policies.

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

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

Program Course Corrections Based on Evaluation Results

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge

This peer exchange call summary focused on effective program evaluation and incorporating changes into programs based off evaluation insight.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Data Driven Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Author(s)
Patrick Roche, Conservation Services Group
Publication Date
2012

Presentation describing how Conservation Services Group uses data to monitor market transformation and for internal QA/QC purposes.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Using Data for Better Program Management

Author(s)
Jane Peters, Research Into Action, Inc.
Publication Date
2010

This presentation covers the importance of collecting and evaluating program data, including data related to marketing efforts.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Building Performance Database

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

The Building Performance Database (BPD) is the nation's largest dataset of information about the energy-related characteristics of commercial and residential buildings. The BPD combines, cleanses and anonymizes data collected by Federal, State and local governments, utilities, energy efficiency programs, building owners and private companies, and makes it available to the public. The web site allows users to explore the data across real estate sectors and regions, and compare various physical and operational characteristics to gain a better understanding of market conditions and trends in energy performance.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

NEEP Regional Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Forum

Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2017

The Regional Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Forum (EM&V Forum) works to support use and transparency of current best practices in evaluation, measurement, verification, and reporting of energy and demand savings, costs, avoided emissions and other impacts of energy efficiency, while also advancing the development of strategies and tools to meet evolving policy needs for efficiency.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Regional Energy Efficiency Database (REED): A New Source of Energy Efficiency Data and Resources

Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2011

REED serves as a dashboard for the consistent reporting of electric and natural gas energy efficiency program energy and demand savings and associated costs, avoided emissions and job impacts across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. REED is a project of NEEP's Regional Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Forum (EM&V Forum) and is based on the EM&V Forum's Common Statewide Energy Efficiency Reporting Guidelines.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Multifamily Utility Benchmarking Toolkit

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Publication Date
2017

This toolkit is a comprehensive guide to utility benchmarking for the multifamily sector. Benchmarking 101 describes the benefits of tracking utility data and explains how to begin the process. Utility Benchmarking Step-by-Step outlines a six-step approach to utility benchmarking. Policies and Programs summarizes utility benchmarking requirements for HUD programs, opportunities for financial assistance, and HUD programs that support green retrofits.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Toolkit: Energy Data Access: Blueprint for Action

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

The Energy Data Accelerator Toolkit is a collection of resources featured in the Better Buildings Solution Center that will enable other utilities and communities to learn and benefit from the work of the Accelerator. It describes the best practices that enabled cities, utilities, and other stakeholders to overcome whole-building data access barriers.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

ENERGY STAR Home Advisor

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

This online tool was designed to help Americans save money and energy by improving the energy efficiency of their homes through recommended, customized, and prioritized home improvement projects. The tool guides homeowners through a do-it-yourself energy assessment to create an ENERGY STAR home profile. Based on the newly created profile, the tool provides customized, prioritized recommendations for improvements. From these recommendations, users can create their own to-do lists of projects and update their home profiles over time as they make improvements. The home profiles can also be printed and used as a marketing advantage when homeowners sell their homes.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Better Buildings Residential Program Energy Efficiency Cost-Effectiveness Tool

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

The U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Residential Program released version 2.0 of a user-friendly tool for estimating the cost-effectiveness of a residential energy efficiency program based on program administrator inputs. Cost-effectiveness analysis compares the benefits (i.e., outputs or outcomes) associated with a program or a measure with the costs (i.e., resources expended) to produce them. Program cost-effectiveness is commonly used by public utility commissions to make decisions about funding programs or program approaches. Program designers, policy makers, utilities, architects, and engineers can use this tool to estimate the impact of different program changes on the cost-effectiveness of a program.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Energy Efficiency Reporting Tool for Public Power Utilities

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
American Public Power Association
Publication Date
2016

The energy efficiency reporting tool for public power utilities is an Excel-based template is designed to produce consistent, useful metrics on program investments and performance for small to medium-sized administrators of public power efficiency programs.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

National Housing & Rehabilitation Association Content Library

Author(s)
National Housing & Rehabilitation Association
Publication Date
2016

National Housing & Rehabilitation Association has collected a number of energy efficiency factsheets and resources on their Preservation Through Energy Efficiency Initiative Library.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Standard Energy Efficiency Data (SEED) platform

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014

The Standard Energy Efficiency Data (SEED)™ Platform is a software application that helps organizations easily manage data on the energy performance of large groups of buildings. Users can combine data from multiple sources, clean and validate it, and share the information with others. The software application provides an easy, flexible, and cost-effective method to improve the quality and availability of data to help demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency, to implement programs, and to target investment activity.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

AVoided Emissions and geneRation Tool (AVERT)

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2014

This tool lets non-experts evaluate county-level emissions displaced at electric power plants by energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and programs.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Building Energy Data Exchange Specification (BEDES)

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

The Building Energy Data Exchange Specification (BEDES, pronounced "beads" or /bi:ds/) is designed to support analysis of the measured energy performance of commercial, multifamily, and residential buildings, by providing a common data format, definitions, and an exchange protocol for building characteristics, efficiency measures, and energy use.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Better Buildings Residential Program Energy Efficiency Cost Effectiveness Tool

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013

This tool, developed in Excel, supports the development and analysis of residential energy efficiency programs using standard cost-effectiveness analysis methods. Policy makers, utilities, energy efficiency program managers, architects and engineers may find the tool useful for supporting and scaling up residential energy efficiency programs. The tool estimates cost-effectiveness, using industry standard approaches, of both deep-home energy efficiency retrofits and individual measures. The user can build up a program based on up to 5 different ‘project types’ (or measures implemented) and identify the number of homes to be targeted for retrofits over the program cycle. The tool reports cost-effectiveness metrics of the program, including program budgets, and allows the user to conduct sensitivity analysis against key inputs.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Small Town Energy Program (STEP) Toolkit

Author(s)
Small Town Energy Program
Publication Date
2013

The Small Town Energy Program (STEP) toolkit gives a complete overview of STEP from planning to implementation. It also includes access to a wide variety of materials developed by the program, including: local asset materials, partner materials, personnel materials, program administrative materials, outreach materials, and surveys. STEP has posted these toolkit documents with the hope that it will assist other small towns and communities in building and running more energy efficiency programs.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Best Practices Self-Benchmarking Tool for Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Publication Date
2013

The Best Practices Self-Benchmarking Tool can be used to identify in your own programs their strengths, areas of improvement needed, and strategies for improving them, based on the results of the Best Practices Study.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Utility Data Access Map

Author(s)
OpenEI
Publication Date
2013
This map shows how accessible U.S. electric utility company electricity use data is for both residential and commercial customers. The map is updated regularly based on responses received to date.
Resource - Tools & Calculators

EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2014

A calculator that converts greenhouse gas emissions into everyday equivalencies. It can be used to help clearly communicate information about energy savings initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

EPA Power Profiler

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2012

A tool that provides information on the air emissions attributable to the electricity used in a home or business during one year, along with a description of what these numbers mean in everyday terms and information on how to be more energy efficient or buy green power.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Better Building Residential Program Implementation Plan Template (Excel Version)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

The Better Building Residential Program Implementation Plan Template will help you develop a strategy for planning, operating, and evaluating a successful residential energy efficiency program. The template includes sections for all six program components (i.e., Market Position & Business Model, Program Design & Customer Experience, Evaluation & Data Collection, Marketing & Outreach, Financing, and Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development).

Resource - Templates & Forms

Better Building Residential Program Implementation Plan Template (Word Version)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

The Better Building Residential Program Implementation Plan Template will help you develop a strategy for planning, operating, and evaluating a successful residential energy efficiency program. The template includes sections for all six program components (i.e., Market Position & Business Model, Program Design & Customer Experience, Evaluation & Data Collection, Marketing & Outreach, Financing, and Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development).

Resource - Templates & Forms

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

Program Evaluation Topics & Questions Library for Program Participants

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This document provides a menu of initial questions for a program administrator or implementer to build on and use in developing a real-time evaluation survey to collect qualitative data from program participants.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Utility Customer Usage Data Template

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Template from the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program for collecting customer usage data from utilities.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Connecticut Volunteer Data Collection Templates

Author(s)
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
This template, used by Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge, standardizes volunteer data collection efforts at events.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Program Evaluation Topics & Questions Library for Contractors

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011

This document provides a menu of initial questions for a program administrator or implementer to build on and use in developing a real-time evaluation survey to collect qualitative data from contractors.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Energy Upgrade California - Post Home Tour Survey Form

Author(s)
Energy Upgrade California
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Energy Upgrade California
Survey form used by Energy Upgrade California to assess open house tour attendee interest in obtaining further information about upgrade opportunities.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Creating an Evaluation Plan Worksheet

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014

This worksheet can help you organize your ideas and methods for creating an effective evaluation plan.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Connecticut Workshop Survey

Author(s)
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Short survey for Connecticut's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge workshop participants. The workshop allowed the program to share its energy efficiency offerings with homeowners.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Los Angeles County Energy Issues Phone Survey

Author(s)
Los Angeles County, California
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Energy Upgrade California
Sample script Los Angeles County used to survey homeowners about energy issues.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Example Phone Survey for Drop-Outs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011

This sample phone survey template for program drop-outs, created by the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, was designed for programs to find out why applicants that applied to participate in a program ultimately dropped out.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Example Phone Survey for Screened-out Applicants

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011

This sample phone survey template, created by the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, was designed for programs to use with applicants who have been screened out from participating in a program.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Example Survey for Successful Participants

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011

This sample email survey template, created by the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, was designed for programs to develop their own survey of successful program participants in order to assess customer experience.

Resource - Templates & Forms

PG&E Whole House Survey

Author(s)
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Publication Date
2012

Homeowner survey created by the utility to inform their whole home upgrade program.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Using Intelligent Efficiency to Collect and Analyze Nonenergy Benefits Information

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

This report discusses how information technologies (IT) and communication networks are enabling new ways of tracking and analyzing the benefits of saving energy. Automated data collection and processing, enabled by inexpensive sensors, WiFi networks, and cloud computing, are reducing the time and expense required to determine the value of nonenergy benefits. This report explores new techniques for data gathering and analysis, what they could mean for energy efficiency programs, and how they might impact state and utility policies.

Resource - Publications

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Content Type

  • Resource (242)
  • Tips for Success (10)
  • Handbook (5)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (236)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (413)
  • (-) Evaluation & Data Collection (257)
  • Marketing & Outreach (378)
  • Financing (211)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (125)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (7)
  • Strategy Development (74)
  • Planning (110)
  • Implementation (129)
  • Evaluation (176)

States or Territories

  • Alabama (8)
  • Alaska (1)
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  • British Columbia (1)
  • California (31)
  • Colorado (15)
  • Connecticut (24)
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  • Illinois (13)
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  • Oregon (15)
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  • Rhode Island (10)
  • South Carolina (4)
  • South Dakota (1)
  • Tennessee (3)
  • Texas (9)
  • U.S. Virgin Islands (3)
  • Utah (3)
  • Vermont (10)
  • Virginia (9)
  • Washington (18)
  • Washington D.C. (1)
  • Washington DC (6)
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Organizations or Programs

  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (10)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (9)
  • Enhabit (9)
  • Energy Upgrade California (8)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (8)
  • National Grid (7)
  • Efficiency Maine (5)
  • EnergySmart (5)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (5)
  • Community Power Works (4)
  • Efficiency Vermont (4)
  • Energize Phoenix (4)
  • Eversource (4)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (4)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (3)
  • Austin Energy (3)
  • Elevate Energy (3)
  • Energize Connecticut (3)
  • Energize Delaware (3)
  • EnergyWorks (3)
  • Low Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) Program (3)
  • Massachusetts Department Of Energy Resources (3)
  • Michigan Saves (3)
  • Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) (3)
  • United Illuminating (3)
  • Be SMART (2)
  • BeSmart Maryland (2)
  • California Alternate Rate for Energy (CARE) Program (2)
  • Commonwealth Edison Company (ComED) (2)
  • Connecticut Home Energy Solutions (HES) (2)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (2)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (2)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (2)
  • Focus on Energy (2)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (2)
  • Mass Save (2)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (2)
  • Puget Sound Energy (2)
  • RePower Bainbridge (2)
  • RePower Bremerton (2)
  • RePower Kitsap (2)
  • Xcel Energy (2)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (1)
  • Build It Green (1)
  • CharlestonWISE (1)
  • Energize New York (1)
  • Green Works Orlando (1)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (1)
  • NOLA WISE (1)
  • ShopSmart with JEA (1)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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