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Offer homeowners multiple types of assessments

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

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

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

Maintain a sufficient workforce from program launch into program maturity

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

Provide information to help customers pick the right contractor

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

Recognize and reward good contractor performance

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

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

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

Set realistic expectations for launching and scaling up your program

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

Incentivize the action you want your customer to take

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

Design your financing activities to enable long-term sustainability

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

Keep the program simple for your customers

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

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

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

Tap into secondary market investors to provide lending capital

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

Consider tiered financing or rebates to encourage deeper upgrades

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

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

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

Streamline the financing process with easy loan applications and quick approvals

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

Foster “word of mouth” communication from satisfied customers

Programs found that encouraging word of mouth outreach by asking satisfied customers to promote their program experience to peers helped attract more homeowners who completed energy upgrades. Referrals from neighbors and friends who are happy with their energy improvements can provide a good source...
Tips for Success

Motivate action through financial incentives and time-limited offers

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

Financing Programs: RFP & Contract Terms and Conditions

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
SustainableWorks,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton,
Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2),
City of San Diego Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program

This webcast discusses financing program RFPs and contract terms and conditions.

Resource - Webcast

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

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

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

Resource - Webcast

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

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

Top Lessons Learned for Residential Energy Efficiency Program Design

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

Lessons for Improving Home Upgrade Programs – Better Buildings Accelerator

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

Residential Energy Efficiency Messaging

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on effective messaging.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Future is Here: Smart Home Technology

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how residential energy efficiency programs can use smart home technologies to drive customer demand.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Mastermind Session: Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2)

This peer exchange call summary focused on grant funding investments, program design and revenue streams in the post-grant period.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Strategies to Overcome Split Incentive Tenant / Landlord Issues

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on challenges and strategies related to split incentives for tenants and landlords.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Loan Performance Data and Communication

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

Lender-Based Revenues and Cost-Savings

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

Trends in Real Estate and Energy Efficiency - Update on Program Experience

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2)

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on working with the real estate sector to promote and drive demand for energy efficiency.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Effective Incentive Structures

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

This presentation provides lessons to ensure effective incentive structures.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Best Practices for Energy Retrofit Program Design: Business Models Recommendations

Author(s)
Home Performance Resource Center
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
Long Island Green Homes,
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Enhabit

This paper, which is based on detailed case studies of nine existing state and local programs, presents recommendations for energy upgrade programs to facilitate industry growth and support contractor business models.

Resource - Publications

Reactions to the Residential Retrofit Roundtable Recommendations

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

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

Resource - Publications

Home Energy Makeover Contests: Who Are the Winners and Losers in Motivating Existing Homeowners to Make "Whole House" Energy Saving Improvements

Author(s)
UtilityExchange.org,
Building Performance Institute
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Atlanta SHINE,
DecaturWISE,
CharlestonWISE,
Enhabit,
Energy Upgrade California,
Help My House,
FirstEnergy,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
NOLA WISE

This paper first details industry best practices for contest administration, including tips for developing an overall contest plan and timeline, product sponsor recruitment, building a dynamic informational website, maximizing customer participation, selecting the winning home, seamless installation management, capturing and documenting project results, conducting a high profile media open house and facilitating customer workshops that educate homeowners and strengthen trade ally relationships. This paper then presents results and key lessons learned from more than 20 contests supported with funds from local community sustainability programs, utility energy efficiency programs, and U.S. Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds between 2008 and 2012.

Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Finance: Options and Roles for Utilities

Author(s)
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Arizona Public Service (APS),
Enhabit,
Georgia How$mart,
Hawaiian Electric Company,
Kansas How$mart,
How$martKY,
Mass Save,
Public Service of New Hampshire,
Rural Energy Savings Program,
Sempra Energy Utilities,
United Illuminating

This report describes different approaches to energy efficiency finance taken by utilities.

Resource - Publications

Cambridge Energy Alliance's Residential and Small Business Communications and Marketing Strategy

Author(s)
Hattaway Communications
Publication Date
2007
Organizations or Programs
Cambridge Energy Alliance
This marketing strategy includes the goals and objectives the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Energy Alliance set out to meet.
Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Financing: Models and Strategies

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

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

Resource - Publications

Clean Energy Financing Programs: A Decision Resource for States and Communities

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
Bridgeport Housing Authority Energy Efficiency,
City of Pendleton,
OR,
Enhabit,
ClimateSmart Initiative,
Colorado ENERGY STAR Homes,
Connecticut Solar Lease,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Long Island Green Homes,
Montana Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program,
Palm Desert Energy Independence Program,
Sonoma County Energy Independence Program,
Sustainable Connections: Energy Challenge,
Texas LoanSTAR

This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency resource is intended to help state and local governments design finance programs for their jurisdiction. It describes financing program options, key components of these programs, and factors to consider as they make decisions about getting started or updating their programs.

Resource - Publications

What Have We Learned from Energy Efficiency Financing Programs?

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Enhabit

This report presents results, recommendations, and case studies of energy efficiency financing programs.

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

High Road Outcomes in Portland's Energy Efficiency Upgrade Pilot

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

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

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

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

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

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

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Information on Consumer Segmentation

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

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

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Marketing & Outreach Strategy Research

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Cambridge Energy Alliance,
Energy Impact Illinois,
Enhabit,
Energy Upgrade California

This presentation summarizes the market research that was performed by various Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

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

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

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

Resource - Program Materials

Clean Energy Works Oregon (now Enhabit) Marketing Plan

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

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

Resource - Program Materials

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

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

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

Resource - Case Studies

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

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

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

Resource - Case Studies

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

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

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

Resource - Case Studies

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

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

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

Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (33)
  • Tips for Success (17)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (6)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (13)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (1)
  • Marketing & Outreach (15)
  • Financing (16)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (10)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (12)
  • (-) Strategy Development (50)
  • Planning (54)
  • Implementation (53)
  • Evaluation (24)

States or Territories

  • Arizona (2)
  • California (8)
  • Colorado (4)
  • Florida (1)
  • Illinois (1)
  • Indiana (1)
  • Kansas (1)
  • Maine (3)
  • Maryland (4)
  • Massachusetts (2)
  • Michigan (3)
  • New Jersey (2)
  • New York (2)
  • Ohio (2)
  • Oregon (35)
  • Pennsylvania (4)
  • Texas (6)
  • Vermont (5)
  • Virginia (2)
  • Washington (5)
  • Wisconsin (4)

Organizations or Programs

  • (-) Enhabit (43)
  • Austin Energy (28)
  • Energy Upgrade California (23)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (22)
  • Michigan Saves (19)
  • Efficiency Maine (18)
  • RePower Bainbridge (18)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (16)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (15)
  • RePower Bremerton (14)
  • RePower Kitsap (14)
  • Efficiency Vermont (13)
  • EnergyWorks (13)
  • Community Power Works (12)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (12)
  • Elevate Energy (12)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (12)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (11)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (10)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (10)
  • EnergySmart (9)
  • Focus on Energy (7)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (6)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (6)
  • Long Island Green Homes (6)
  • NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (6)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (6)
  • Be SMART (5)
  • BetterBuildings for Greensboro (5)
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (5)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (5)
  • Mass Save (5)
  • (-) Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) (5)
  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (5)
  • ShopSmart with JEA (5)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (4)
  • (-) Cambridge Energy Alliance (4)
  • Energize Phoenix (4)
  • Kansas How$mart (4)
  • NOLA WISE (4)
  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (4)
  • Build It Green (3)
  • CharlestonWISE (3)
  • Community Energy Challenge (3)
  • EnergyWorks KC (3)
  • Green Works Orlando (3)
  • Home Energy Affordability Loan (HEAL) (3)
  • Public Service of New Hampshire (3)
  • Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) (3)
  • SustainableWorks (3)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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