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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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.