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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using Social Media to Engage the Community in Energy Efficiency
Projects

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Cambridge Energy Alliance,
Energize Clackamas County,
Green Homes Challenge
This webinar presented ways various programs use social media tools to enhance and promote their energy programs among their communities.
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

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

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

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

Resource - Publications

Me2 and Green Madison Process Evaluation Plan

Author(s)
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Green Madison,
Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2)
Example Me2 and Green Madison process evaluation plan to conduct an in-depth investigation and assessment of the major program areas.
Resource - Publications

Powering the New Energy Future From the Ground Up

Author(s)
Climate Solutions
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Hailey's Community Climate Challenge,
EnergySmart,
Eugene Water and Electric Board,
Community Energy Challenge,
Hailey's Community Climate Challenge,
Jackson Hole Energy Sustainability Project,
Knoxville,
TN,
Oberlin Project,
Energize New York,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton,
Burlington Sustainability Action Team,
Gainesville Regional Utilities,
Hillsboro Solar Advantage,
Issaquah,
WA,
MPower Madison Program,
Solarize Pendleton,
Clear the Air Challenge,
Santa Fe,
NM,
West Union,
IA,
Sustainable Williamson,
CharlestonWISE,
City of Aiken,
SC,
City Green Initiative,
Kilowatt Cruncher Challenge,
Smarter Sustainable Dubuque,
Small Cities Climate Action Partnership,
City of Grand Rapids,
MI,
Town of GreenÞeld,
MA,
City of Keene,
NH,
Home Energy Affordability Loan (HEAL),
Clean Local Energy Accessible Now,
RichmondBuild Pre-apprenticeship Construction Skills and Green Jobs Training Academy

This report from Climate Solutions analyzes small- to medium-sized American cities that are using successful methods to further clean energy economic development. Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners that are featured in the report include Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, Washington; Boulder, Colorado; Bedford, New York; Madison, Wisconsin; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The report includes details on the how the featured cities funded their projects, found successful models to reach their goals, and to see which new projects are off to a promising start.

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

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

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

Custom Messages for Specific Markets: Examples From JEA

Author(s)
JEA
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
ShopSmart with JEA
This presentation describes JEA's program and lessons learned about designing custom messages for specific markets.
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

JEA Bill Insert

Author(s)
JEA
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
ShopSmart with JEA

Bill insert used by JEA to advertise their energy efficiency program.

Resource - Program Materials

Energize NY PACE at Natlew Corporation in Mount Vernon, NY

Author(s)
Energize New York
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Energize New York,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

With project funding from Energize NY PACE and incentives from NYSERDA's Multifamily program, Natlew Corporation was able to make energy efficiency upgrades to their multifamily affordable housing complex in Mount Vernon, NY.

Resource - Case Studies

Energize New York Overcomes Difficulties Collecting Non-Utility Fuel Data

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

In this video interview segment, Tom Bregman of Energize New York, Energy Smart discusses how to overcoming Difficulties Collecting Non-Utility Fuel Data (e.g., fuel oil, propane).

Resource - Case Studies

Building Relationships with Financial Institutions

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

In this video interview segment, Bruce Doeuck of JEA ShopSmart in Jacksonville, Florida, discusses the importance of building relationships with financial institutions.

Resource - Case Studies

Energy Efficiency Finance: New Horizons in the Southeast

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
ShopSmart with JEA
Case study highlighting the home performance lending program spearheaded by local utility JEA and JaxMetro Credit Union in Jacksonville, Florida. This program is one of the most successful in the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance's Community Consortium.
Resource - Case Studies

Strategic Financing Partnerships Help Jacksonville Program Take Loans From Buydown to Uptake

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
ShopSmart with JEA
Find out how JEA successfully increased interest in its low-interest loan program beyond a short-term incentive.
Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (21)
  • Tips for Success (4)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (4)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (5)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (3)
  • Marketing & Outreach (11)
  • Financing (5)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (1)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (1)
  • Strategy Development (15)
  • Planning (16)
  • Implementation (17)
  • Evaluation (4)

States or Territories

  • Alabama (1)
  • Arizona (1)
  • California (4)
  • Colorado (2)
  • Connecticut (1)
  • Florida (7)
  • Illinois (1)
  • Maine (1)
  • Maryland (3)
  • Massachusetts (2)
  • Michigan (2)
  • New York (5)
  • Ohio (2)
  • Oregon (3)
  • Pennsylvania (1)
  • Texas (4)
  • Utah (1)
  • Virginia (1)
  • Washington (2)
  • Wisconsin (5)

Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (64)
  • Energy Upgrade California (49)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (45)
  • Efficiency Maine (37)
  • Austin Energy (34)
  • Michigan Saves (28)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (26)
  • RePower Bainbridge (25)
  • Efficiency Vermont (24)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (24)
  • Elevate Energy (23)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (23)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (23)
  • RePower Kitsap (22)
  • Community Power Works (21)
  • RePower Bremerton (21)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (20)
  • EnergySmart (20)
  • EnergyWorks (20)
  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (16)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (15)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (15)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (13)
  • Focus on Energy (12)
  • Energize Phoenix (11)
  • Energize Connecticut (9)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (9)
  • Mass Save (9)
  • BetterBuildings for Greensboro (8)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (8)
  • NOLA WISE (8)
  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (8)
  • (-) ShopSmart with JEA (8)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (7)
  • Be SMART (7)
  • Long Island Green Homes (7)
  • (-) Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) (7)
  • National Grid (7)
  • NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (7)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (7)
  • CharlestonWISE (6)
  • Efficiency Nova Scotia (6)
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (6)
  • New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (6)
  • reEnergize (6)
  • Build It Green (5)
  • (-) Cambridge Energy Alliance (5)
  • Community Energy Challenge (5)
  • emPowerSBC (5)
  • (-) Energize New York (5)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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