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Connect home performance professionals to trainings focused on the skills that employers want and the community needs

Effective home performance contractors require many types of skills and expertise. To help individuals develop those skills, programs can target training on the specific topics and skills needed for successful home performance work. Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that they...
Tips for Success

Establish a clear system and process for ensuring quality work

A residential energy efficiency program’s success is dependent on the quality of work that contractors conduct in customers’ homes. Indeed, an in-depth examination of selected program strategies found that effective quality assurance and quality control programs provided a foundation for quality...
Tips for Success

Provide information to help customers pick the right contractor

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

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

Recognize customers who make improvements

Some programs provide customers with a “certificate of completion” to recognize and reward homeowners’ accomplishment in completing an upgrade. Visible awards or affirmation, such as yard signs, window stickers, or favorable comparisons to neighbors can motivate homeowners to undertake upgrades...
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

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

Make upgrade benefits visible by showcasing completed projects and actual results

Unlike remodeling projects, home energy upgrade benefits are generally not immediately visible to the casual observer. Strategies that demonstrate tangible benefits from upgrades can help increase understanding and motivation with potential customers. To help energy efficiency become real, some...
Tips for Success

Clean Energy Program Funding: EPA Local Climate and Webcast Series

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Green Works Orlando,
Community Energy Challenge,
Home Energy Affordability Loan (HEAL)

Three-part webinar series. Part I discusses how to design and implement funding programs, line up partners, and gain support for clean energy programs through both conventional and non-conventional methods. Part II discusses how to locate available sources of funding. Part III explains how to leverage existing funds and make clean energy investments more affordable for clean energy program audiences.

Resource - Webcast

How to Design a Community Energy Alliance

Author(s)
Ben Taube and Jolyn Newton, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance,
Eric Mackres, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
City of Decatur Kilowatt Crackdown,
Community Energy Challenge,
Go Green Nashville,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
Webcast on how to design a community energy alliance.
Resource - Webcast

How to Design and Market Energy Efficiency Programs to Specific Neighborhoods

Author(s)
Michelle Leigh, County of Volusia, Florida,
Andrea Petzel, City of Seattle, Washington,
Lilah Glick, Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Community Power Works,
Volusia County,
FL,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This webcast offers information on successful marketing strategies, as well as design considerations and market research insights for creating and marketing successful projects in specific neighborhoods.

Resource - Webcast

Working With Multifamily Condos

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on strategies, challenges and opportunities in working with condominium owners and associations.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Targeted Marketing and Program Design for Low- and Moderate-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Indianapolis Better Buildings Program,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton

This peer exchange call summary focused on what energy efficiency programs are doing to target low- and moderate-income households.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Do-It-Yourself Projects

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Neighborworks H.E.A.T Squad,
RePower Bainbridge

This peer exchange call summary focused on the challenges, benefits, quality assurance methods and incorporation of do-it-yourself projects into programs.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Using Partnerships to Drive Demand and Provide Services in Communities

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EmPower New York,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Long Island Green Homes,
Energy Impact Illinois,
CNT Energy

This peer exchange call summary focused on leveraging effective partnerships for multi-family and low-income outreach and service delivery.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Working with the Real Estate Sector

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)

This peer exchange call summary focused on the strategies, challenges and key interaction points with the real estate sector.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Better Buildings Program: Brands & Websites

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
BetterBuildings for Michigan,
CharlestonWISE,
Enhabit,
Community Power Works,
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
Efficiency Maine,
emPowerSBC,
Energize Bedford,
Energize Phoenix,
EnergySmart Colorado,
Energy Upgrade California,
EnergyWorks,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
Green Madison,
BetterBuildings Lowell Energy Upgrade,
Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2),
Missouri Agricultural Energy Saving Team - A Revolutionary Opportunity (MAESTRO),
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
New Hampshire BetterBuildings,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
reEnergize,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton

This presentation includes the brands, website addresses, and images for most of the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners.

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

Green for All Energy Efficiency Toolkit

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

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

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Energy Impact Illinois Reporting Packet for Whole Home Projects

Author(s)
Energy Impact Illinois
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
This packet contains all the contractor reporting and verification forms required by Energy Impact Illinois.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Peer Diffusion: A Promising Way for Service Providers to Unlock Investments in Home Energy Upgrades

Author(s)
Rocky Mountain Institute,
Building Performance Institute
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois,
Renovate America’s HERO program

This report, informed by leading research and real-world examples, highlights practical online and in-person tactics that contractors can use to promote social interaction and social comparison among homeowners to make energy upgrades a "must-have" in U.S. homes.

Resource - Publications

Energy Island: A Guide to Creating Your Island Energy Challenge

Author(s)
RePower Bainbridge,
Conservation Services Group,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
This guide is designed to serve as a "how-to" reference for island communities (or small, similarly sized, more isolated communities) that want to develop and implement a residential energy-efficiency and conservation program. The purpose of this guide is to help communities chart a course for successful program development based on the lessons learned during implementation and operation of RePower Bainbridge, an energy-efficiency program on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Resource - Publications

10 New Year's Resolutions to Keep the Customers Coming

Author(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
This article provides 10 tips home energy contractors can use to update their marketing outreach and improve their customer service.
Resource - Publications

Job Quality, Equitable Access and Quality Assurance Standards in Leading Residential Weatherization Programs

Author(s)
Community Benefits Law Center
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
New Jersey Weatherization Assistance Program,
Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program,
Washington State Energy Program,
Community Power Works,
Santa Clara County AB811 Pilot Program

Summary of the standards that support job quality, equitable access and quality assurance in several residential energy efficiency programs from different parts of the country.

Resource - Publications

Better Buildings Neighborhood Program Grantee Incentives

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Atlanta SHINE,
Be SMART,
Beacon Communities Project,
BetterBuildings for Michigan,
BetterBuildings for Greensboro,
BetterBuildings Lowell Energy Upgrade,
Camden POWER - A Better Buildings Initiative,
CarrboroWISE,
City of Indianapolis Better Buildings Program,
Chapel Hill WISE,
CharlestonWISE,
Enhabit,
Community Alliance for Energy Efficiency (Cafe2),
Community Power Works,
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
DecaturWISE,
Efficiency Maine,
emPowerSBC,
Energize Phoenix,
EnergyFit Nevada,
Energy Impact Illinois,
EnergySmart,
Energy Upgrade California,
EnergyWorks,
Fayette County Better Buildings Initiative,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
Huntsville WISE,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
Michigan Saves,
Missouri Agricultural Energy Saving Team - A Revolutionary Opportunity (MAESTRO),
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
reEnergize,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton,
Richmond Regional Energy Alliance (RREA),
ShopSmart with JEA,
Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF),
Small Town Energy Program (STEP),
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC),
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)

This publication summarizes some of the incentives offered by Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners.

Resource - Publications

Strategies for Improving Efficiency in Delivering Efficiency

Author(s)
Cynthia Adams, Local Energy Alliance Program,
Larry Earegood, Consumers Energy (MI),
John Schott, NYSERDA,
Gavin Hastings, Arizona Public Service,
Emily Salzberg, Washington State University Energy,
Adam Buick, Community Power Works (WA),
Bob Knight, BKi
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Arizona Public Service (APS),
Community Power Works,
Energy Upgrade California,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
Michigan Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
RePower Kitsap

Quick summaries of strategies various programs have used to improve the efficiency of delivering efficiency.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Energy Savers: Your One Stop Shop for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Author(s)
Peter Ludwig, CNT Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
Presentation that provides an overview of the Energy Savers Program (Illinois), including services, benefits, and success stories.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Using Community-Based Social Marketing to Drive Demand for Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
RePower Bainbridge
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
This presentation explores the community-based social marketing aspects of RePower Bainbridge and includes insights on knowing your audience, market barriers, and leverage opportunities.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

RePower Program -- People Will Talk: Making Energy Efficiency a Neighborhood Issue

Author(s)
Helen Biersack, RePower
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
This presentation describes Washington's RePower program and lessons learned on community engagement as a driver of demand.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

2012 RePower Incentive Guide

Author(s)
RePower Program
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton

RePower helped consumers access aggregated information about financing and rebates by compiling a customer-friendly guide to all utility and non-utility incentives in its service area.

Resource - Program Materials

RePower Weatherization Specifications Manual

Author(s)
RePower Kitsap
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
RePower in Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, Washington developed this manual as a set of rules and requirements for acceptable materials and installation procedures for energy efficiency measures installed in existing homes.
Resource - Program Materials

Energy Impact Illinois Lender Matrix

Author(s)
Energy Impact Illinois
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
Matrix of participating lenders and associated loan information.
Resource - Program Materials

Community High-Road Agreement for Seattle's Residential Retrofit Programs

Author(s)
Community Power Works
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Community Power Works

This agreement outlines the goals, contractor standards, hiring standards, training program standards, and procedures for contractor participation in Seattle's Community Power Works program. As a "high-road" agreement, the employment and contracting standards are designed to ensure broad access to economic opportunities for all types of businesses and workers, support training on sustainable career paths, and ensure high-quality work.

Resource - Program Materials

Steve's Story: River Forest Homeowner Saves Big

Author(s)
Energy Impact Illinois
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
This video highlights Steve G. of River Forest, IL sharing his experience of how Energy Impact Illinois helped him improve the comfort and value of his 107 year-old home.
Resource - Program Materials

Sample RFP: Energy Efficiency Credit Enhancement Grant

Author(s)
State of Washington Department of Commerce
Publication Date
2009
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
A sample request for proposals from Washington state to develop an energy efficiency credit enhancement grant program.
Resource - Program Materials

Sample RFP: City of Bainbridge Island Energy Revolving Loan Fund/Loan Loss Reserve Administration

Author(s)
City of Bainbridge Island, Washington
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
A sample request for proposals from Bainbridge Island, Washington, related to establishing a revolving loan fund and loan loss reserve.
Resource - Program Materials

Request for Proposals: Development and Execution of the Communications Strategy for the Chicago Region Retrofit Ramp-Up (CR3) Program

Author(s)
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
This sample RFP from Chicago can be used as an example when developing a communications strategy.
Resource - Program Materials

Web Series: A Tale of Two Bills

Author(s)
Energy Impact Illinois
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
These award winning videos show the benefits of residential energy efficiency.
Resource - Program Materials

Partnerships Can Benefit Energy Efficiency Programs and Utilities

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton

In this video interview segment, Yvonne Kraus of Conservation Services Group describes how program and utility partnerships can co-benefit each other.

Resource - Case Studies

Data-Driven Mailing Helps Heat Up Untapped Seattle Market

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Community Power Works
This case study explains how Community Power Works segmented its primary audience by focusing on owners of oil-heated homes with great results. This case study shares the program's outreach strategy and tactics for recruiting owners of oil-heated homes.
Resource - Case Studies

Focus Series: Energy Impact Illinois Learns That Parties Sell Upgrades

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
This case study discusses Energy Impact Illinois' marketing evolution from a broad outreach campaign to a Òhouse partyÓ approach that brought Chicago homeowners, neighbors, and friends together to learn about energy efficiency opportunities, while increasing demand for home energy assessments and upgrades.
Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (33)
  • Tips for Success (8)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (4)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (18)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (4)
  • Marketing & Outreach (17)
  • Financing (7)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (13)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (4)
  • Strategy Development (41)
  • Planning (38)
  • (-) Implementation (41)
  • Evaluation (13)

States or Territories

  • Alabama (1)
  • Arizona (2)
  • California (4)
  • Colorado (2)
  • Florida (3)
  • Georgia (1)
  • Illinois (16)
  • Indiana (1)
  • Kansas (1)
  • Louisiana (1)
  • Maine (2)
  • Maryland (4)
  • Massachusetts (1)
  • Missouri (2)
  • New Hampshire (1)
  • New York (3)
  • Oregon (3)
  • Pennsylvania (1)
  • Tennessee (1)
  • Texas (2)
  • Vermont (2)
  • Virginia (1)
  • Washington (19)
  • Wisconsin (1)

Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (46)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (34)
  • Efficiency Maine (25)
  • Austin Energy (23)
  • Energy Upgrade California (23)
  • Michigan Saves (19)
  • (-) Energy Impact Illinois (18)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (17)
  • (-) RePower Bainbridge (16)
  • Efficiency Vermont (15)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (15)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (15)
  • RePower Kitsap (15)
  • Elevate Energy (14)
  • RePower Bremerton (13)
  • (-) Community Power Works (12)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (12)
  • EnergySmart (12)
  • EnergyWorks (12)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (12)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (9)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (8)
  • Focus on Energy (8)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (7)
  • Energize Phoenix (7)
  • Long Island Green Homes (7)
  • Mass Save (7)
  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (7)
  • Efficiency Nova Scotia (6)
  • Energize Connecticut (6)
  • NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (6)
  • reEnergize (6)
  • ShopSmart with JEA (6)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (6)
  • BetterBuildings for Greensboro (5)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (5)
  • NOLA WISE (5)
  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (5)
  • Small Town Energy Program (STEP) (5)
  • Be SMART (4)
  • Cambridge Energy Alliance (4)
  • CharlestonWISE (4)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (4)
  • Energize Delaware (4)
  • Illinois Home Performance with Energy Star (4)
  • Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) (4)
  • New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (4)
  • emPowerSBC (3)
  • Energize New York (3)
  • Kansas How$mart (3)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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