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When partnering with lenders through a request for proposal (RFP), establish a clear process and remain flexible

Establishing strong, collaborative partnerships with one or more lending partners is critical for successful delivery of affordable home energy lending. These partnerships are typically created through a request for proposal (RFP) process which can encourage market competition and help to attract...
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

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

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

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

Peer Exchange Call: Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Home Energy Score Integration

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Focus on Energy,
Energize Connecticut,
Columbia Water & Light

Focus on Energy, Columbia Water & Light, and utilities from the Energize Connecticut program share how they integrate and implement the Home Energy Score and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR programs.

Resource - Webcast

Designing Effective Incentives to Drive Residential Retrofit Program Participation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Maine,
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Efficiency Vermont

This webcast covers information about designing effective incentives to drive residential retrofit program participation.

Resource - Webcast

Financial Program Management for Continuous Improvement

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado,
emPowerSBC
This webcast discussed financial program management.
Resource - Webcast

Leveraging Partnerships with Faith-Based Organizations

Author(s)
Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith,
Paul C. Raver, Jr., Green Market Solutions,
Alexis Chase, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Power Wise,
GreenFaith,
Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
PSE&G Whole House Energy Efficiency Program
This webcast explores how faith-based organizations and their partners have used energy efficiency as an organizing motivator to upgrade the institutional building and then members' homes.
Resource - Webcast

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

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

Diversifying Funding Sources and Building New Revenue Streams (201)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how organizations can diversify and grow new revenue streams and types of financing approaches used to make resources stretch further and help homeowners finance upgrades. Speakers include Connecticut Green Bank, Sealed, and Craft3.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Keys to Successful Quality Assurance and Quality Control Programs (101)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Energize Connecticut,
Michigan Saves

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on quality assurance of energy efficiency services.

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Using Social Media for Long Term Branding

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Program Management and Continuous Improvement for Financing Programs

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

Presentation providing an overview of financing programs, a strategy for continuous improvement, tools for program management, a risk management strategy, and common risks associated with financing programs.

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

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

Credit Enhancement Overview Guide

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Energize Connecticut,
Michigan Saves,
Warehouse for Energy Efficiency Loans (WHEEL)
This report provides an overview of credit enhancements available, such as loan loss reserves, loan guarantees, debt service reserve funds, and subordinated capital. It also discusses key issues related to credit enhancement, examples of how others have successfully implemented credit enhancements as part of their energy efficiency financing programs, and additional information on existing resources that provide further information on credit enhancement design and implementation.
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

Partnering with Utilities and Other Ratepayer-Funded Energy Efficiency Program Administrators

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Colorado ENERGY STAR Homes,
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
Silicon Valley Energy Watch Program,
The Home Energy Rebate Option,
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
Efficiency Vermont,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
The objective of this document is to help state and local governments understand the role of program administrators (PAs) and assist them in developing successful partnerships with utility and other energy efficiency PAs. The majority of this paper presents information on partnering and leveraging current energy efficiency activities. However, it also includes information for governments in areas without active PAs, as well as an appendix with a case study describing how state and local governments can fill gaps and administer programs in the absence of a PA.
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

Connecticut Multifamily Initiative Process Evaluation

Author(s)
NMR Group, Inc.
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Eversource,
United Illuminating,
Connecticut Home Energy Solutions (HES),
Energize Connecticut

This report is the process evaluation of the Connecticut Multifamily (MF) Initiative, which leveraged the state's Home Energy Solutions (HES) and Home Energy Solutions-Income Eligible (HES-IE) programs. The objective of this process evaluation is to provide actionable recommendations about how to improve the design, delivery, and administration of the MF Initiative.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Connecticut Program Savings Document

Author(s)
UIL Holdings Corporation,
Eversource Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Eversource,
United Illuminating,
Connecticut Home Energy Solutions (HES),
Energize Connecticut

This technical reference manual provides detailed, comprehensive documentation of resource and non-resource savings corresponding to the Energy Efficiency Fund program and individual Conservation and Load Management (C&LM) program technologies.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning CRIBB Communications

Author(s)
Booz and Company
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
This presentation provides the results of a 1,600-person survey of mid- to high-income households conducted by Energy Impact Illinois (EI2) to gauge attitudes toward home improvements and energy efficiency upgrades.
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

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

New Jersey's Clean Energy Program: Community Engagement as a Driver for Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
Chris Badger, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
This presentation describes the New Jersey Clean Energy program and lessons learned on community engagement as a driver of demand.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Energize Connecticut Training Event Calendar

Author(s)
Energize Connecticut
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Energize Connecticut

This calendar provides Energize Connecticut's participating contractors with information on upcoming energy efficiency and renewable energy, classes, seminars and conferences.

Resource - Program Materials

New Jersey's Clean Energy Program: Making it Work for Contractors & Programs

Author(s)
New Jersey Clean Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

This presentation provides an overview of New Jersey Clean Energy's approach to contractor engagement, including contractor participation requirements, procedures for quality assurance and quality control, production incentives, training procedures, and an online contractor portal.

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

Smart-E Loan Data Release Form

Author(s)
Energize Connecticut
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Energize Connecticut

Data release form that allows the Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) to obtain customer utility account and actual energy usage data, energy costs, underwriting and loan repayment records, and data on energy savings measures installed.

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

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

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

Testing Program Messages

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Energy Impact Illinois
Energy Impact Illinois (EI2) conducted 1,600 phone surveys of mid- to high-income households. Its aim was to test program messaging and gauge attitudes toward home improvements and energy efficiency upgrades. The surveys provided a number of insights on the target audience's decision process.
Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (37)
  • Tips for Success (5)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (2)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (13)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (5)
  • Marketing & Outreach (19)
  • Financing (9)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (9)

Program Design Phases

  • Strategy Development (19)
  • Planning (20)
  • Implementation (30)
  • Evaluation (13)

States or Territories

  • Alabama (1)
  • Arizona (1)
  • California (8)
  • Colorado (3)
  • Connecticut (8)
  • Illinois (20)
  • Louisiana (1)
  • Maine (3)
  • Maryland (2)
  • Massachusetts (1)
  • Michigan (1)
  • Missouri (2)
  • New Hampshire (1)
  • New Jersey (4)
  • New York (3)
  • Oregon (4)
  • Tennessee (1)
  • Texas (1)
  • Virginia (2)
  • Washington (3)
  • Wisconsin (2)

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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