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Program Design & Customer Experience – Develop Implementation Plans

Develop a detailed plan for launching and operating your program that integrates all program components into a process that is customer-friendly and efficient for contractors and other partners.
Handbook

Program Design & Customer Experience – Develop Evaluation Plans

Establish metrics and measurement strategies for understanding whether you are effectively achieving your program goals and meeting your customers’ needs, while identifying areas that can be improved.
Handbook

Directly install measures during the assessment

Programs that enabled contractors to install energy saving measures during the home energy assessment were more successful than those that did not. Based on a comprehensive analysis of over 140 programs across the United States, programs that provided direct installation of some low-cost measures...
Tips for Success

Offer customers a range of upgrade paths, including single measures and staging upgrades over time

Programs that offered several paths for customers to upgrade their homes—for example through a choice of single or bundled measures, staged upgrades over time, or a comprehensive whole home upgrade—were found to motivate greater homeowner participation and generate higher energy savings, according...
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

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

Measure and evaluate performance at key points in the process

Measuring performance at key points in the upgrade process (e.g., assessments, conversion rates, and financing applications) has helped programs understand where their processes are working smoothly and where they are not. This information has helped them continuously improve their program design...
Tips for Success

Provide adequate time for data system development and testing

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that setting up their information technology (IT) systems early in the program design stage ensured that data terms and data entry procedures were consistently applied by all system users. Reaching agreement with stakeholders (e.g...
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

Aim for early wins that give the program experience and showcase upgrades as a way to attract customers

Several residential energy efficiency programs have successfully launched their efforts by focusing on completing early upgrades that build visibility for their program, create momentum, and allow programs to learn how to reach homeowners effectively. This early success provides results that the...
Tips for Success

Develop partnerships based on an alignment of goals, strong collaboration, and consistent communication

Programs that have developed strong and lasting partnerships have done so by identifying shared goals and seeking ways in which programs and partners can mutually benefit by advancing each other's missions. Even if partners don’t have the same goals as your program, you can still try to find ways to...
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

Make sure there are enough customers in your target market to meet your goals and attract partners

Many programs that focused on a specific neighborhood or other small geographic areas have found it difficult to generate enough customer interest, partner interest, and upgrade activity to meet program goals. Regional or statewide approaches are often more attractive to contractors, lenders...
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

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

REEO Multifamily Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Barriers and Opportunities Webinar

Author(s)
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance,
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project,
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource,
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Michigan Saves,
ConEdison’s Brooklyn Queens Demand Management Program,
Florida's Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program,
Set the PACE St. Louis,
City of Chicago,
Energy Outreach Colorado,
Massachusetts Low-Income Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program

This webinar covers the Multifamily Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Barriers and Opportunities for Deep Energy Savings report published in 2016.n

Resource - Webcast

Valuing Energy Efficiency: Considering Energy Performance in Real Estate Appraisals and Valuation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

This webinar focused on energy efficiency and sustainability in the appraisal and valuation industries. Colliers International explained how they have adapted their processes to ensure that they realize the full value of energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades. Inspyrod discussed various techniques and data challenges that might be encountered during the valuation process. Sustainable Values provided an introduction and overview to the recently launched Energy Matters! training course that teaches appraisers how to incorporate energy and sustainability metrics into their property valuation.

Resource - Webcast

Better Together: Linking and Leveraging Energy Programs for Low-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2015

This presentation includes a series of case studies to highlight effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and utilities to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) to low-income households. It explores the topic of linking and leveraging EE/RE programs for limited-income households, including the need to coordinate with other energy assistance programs.

Resource - Webcast

Lessons Learned and the Better Buildings Residential Program Solution Center

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

Take you on a tour of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Residential Program Solution Center content and functionality and explore how you can use the Solution Center to help design, implement, and evaluate residential energy efficiency programs. Program examples focus on contractor engagement and workforce development. Learn how to support and partner with the workforce who will deliver your program’s energy efficiency services by understanding their capacity, recruiting contractor partners, enabling technical training and business development support, and refining program processes over time.

Resource - Webcast

Bringing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to Low-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2015

This webcast highlights effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and utilities to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to low-income households. It explores the topic of linking and leveraging energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for limited-income households, including the need to coordinate with other energy assistance programs. It also presents case studies of organizations that have successfully advanced connections among available programs and funding sources.

Resource - Webcast

Capturing Energy Efficiency in Residential Real Estate Transactions Webcast

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

This webcast covers DOE's new white paper, Capturing Energy Efficiency in Residential Real Estate Transactions, which highlights how residential energy efficiency programs can help make homes' energy efficiency visible to appraisers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, homebuyers and sellers. The webcast provides examples of programs around the U.S. that are successfully engaging the real estate community and overcoming barriers to valuing energy efficiency in the home resale process.

Resource - Webcast

Briefing on the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program Evaluation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

This presentation describes the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program evaluation findings, including goal and objective attainment, energy and CO2e impacts, program implementation lessons learned, market effects findings, and recommendations.

Resource - Webcast

The Value of Energy Efficiency in the Real Estate Market

Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2015

This webcast discusses the value of energy efficiency in the real estate market.

Resource - Webcast

Using Integrated Resource Planning to Encourage Investment in Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency Measures

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2013

This webcast reviews the SEE Action report that describes how utility planning processes that allow demand-side resources to compete with supply-side resources can promote cost-effective energy efficiency.

Resource - Webcast

State, Regional and National Energy Efficiency Forecasting

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2013

This webcast provides approaches for projecting, analyzing and representing end-use energy efficiency potential and its impacts on state, regional and national energy use.

Resource - Webcast

A Field Guide to Utility-Run Behavior Programs: Making Sense of Variety

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This webcast covers a report that is a comparative analysis of utility-run behavior programs, which lays the groundwork for further program development by developing a classification scheme, or taxonomy, that sorts programs into discrete categories.

Resource - Webcast

Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency: Behavioral Persistence

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014

This webcast explores residential behavior-based energy efficiency programs and provides data to support issues and recommendations.

Resource - Webcast

Overview and Preliminary Results of ARRA-Funded SGIG Consumer Behavior Studies

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014

This webcast discusses the background for U.S. Department of Energy’s Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) consumer behavior study effort; the various utilities who are participating and what they each plan to include their respective studies; the quantitative results and qualitative lessons learned thus far from these studies; and the types of research will be undertaken by LBNL over the next several years.

Resource - Webcast

The Role of Behavioral Programs in Portfolios

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014

This webcast discusses policy and planning considerations for incorporating behavior programs into efficiency portfolios.

Resource - Webcast

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program Webinar Series: #3 Residential Energy Efficiency Deep Dive, Part One

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014

This webinar is the third (in a series of six) hosted by USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) and focusing on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program (EECLP). The first in a two-part series, this webinar shares best practices from the more than 40 competitively selected state and local governments who participated in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, including market position and business model, program design and customer experience, evaluation and data collection, marketing and outreach, financing, and contractor engagement and workforce development.

Resource - Webcast

Furthering Your Local Governments' Energy Efficiency Goals: Part 1 - Getting Support From Local Leaders

Author(s)
Chuck Clinton, National Association of State Energy Officials,
Jay Fisette, Arlington County, Virginia,
Michael Yambrach, Washington, D.C.,
Kaci Radcliffe, Skagit County, Washington,
Jennifer Clymer, ICF International
Publication Date
2011

This webcast shares useful and effective strategies for getting local leaders to support local government's energy efficiency goals.

Resource - Webcast

Marketing & Outreach: Working with and Learning from Contractors

Author(s)
Karen Villeneuve, NYSERDA,
Peter Krajsa, AFC First Financial Corporation,
Michael Rogers, GreenHomes America,
Matt Golden, Recurve
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Connecticut Solar Lease,
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund,
Kentucky Home Performance,
AFC First's EnergyLoan Program

This webcast highlights programs that actively engage the contractor community in program design and implementation. Several contractors share their views on best practices for Marketing & Outreach.

Resource - Webcast

Workforce Development and Sales Training for Energy Efficiency Contractors

Author(s)
Elizabeth Stuart, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Maine,
Efficiency Vermont
This webcast reports on the energy efficiency services sector workforce size, expectations for growth, and training needs and features a case studies from Efficiency Vermont and Efficiency Maine.
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

Residential Retrofit Program Design Guide Overview

Author(s)
Richard Faesy, Energy Futures Group,
Andy Meyer, Efficiency Maine,
Nikki Kuhn, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Maine

Webcast on the DOE Residential Retrofit Program Design Guide, which focuses on the key elements and design characteristics of building and maintaining a successful residential upgrade program.

Resource - Webcast

Better Together: Linking and Leveraging Energy Programs for Low-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Energy Outreach Colorado,
DTE Energy

This 90-minute webinar explored the topic of linking and leveraging energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) programs for limited-income households, including the need to coordinate with other energy assistance programs. It presented case studies of organizations that have successfully advanced connections among available programs and funding sources.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Beyond the Light Touch: Next Steps for Improving Energy Efficiency in Multi-Family Affordable Housing

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2016

This is the second webinar in a multi-part series highlighting efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and utilities to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) to low-income communities. This 90-minute webinar explored the specific challenges and opportunities faced by programs that aim to improve energy efficiency in multifamily affordable housing, with an emphasis on achieving multiple benefits through deeper retrofits.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Next Steps for Improving Energy Efficiency in Multi-Family Affordable Housing

Author(s)
National Housing Trust
Publication Date
2016

This presentation highlights the work and resources of the Energy Efficiency For All (EEFA) project and its mission to make multifamily homes healthy and affordable through energy efficiency. The families and individuals most in need of affordable housing are also most affected by high energy costs. Low-income families spend up to 20 percent of their income on energy. Efficiency investments in multifamily affordable housing mean energy savings, lower energy bills, more stable rental payments, reduced pollution, and a better quality of life for residents.

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Multifamily Smart Tech, Health, and Utility Data - A Joint Call With NEWHAB and the DOE Better Buildings Residential Network

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call summary focused on leveraging smart tech, health and/or utility data to increase participation in multifamily energy efficiency programs. It featured speakers from The Network for Energy, Water and Health in
Affordable Buildings, New Ecology, Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, and Emerald Cities Collaborative.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Master Key: Unlocking Innovative Approaches to Program Design

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on behavior change program design and design thinking to increase program reach. It features speakers from See Change Institute, Efficiency Vermont, and Navitas Partners, Inc.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Making an Impact: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on unique challenges for energy efficiency and weatherization programs serving lower income residents in single-family and multifamily housing. Speakers include American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Elevate Energy, and Energy Outreach Colorado.

Resource - Topical Presentations

America's Got Multifamily Talent (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on getting multifamily property owners on board with energy efficiency upgrades.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Home Improvement Catalyst: Maximizing HVAC Performance Through Contractor Partnership (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA)

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on effective strategies to ensure that HVAC contractors do high-quality work and recommend the most appropriate systems for homeowners.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Home Improvement Catalyst: Strategies for Ongoing Customer Engagement (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
New Jersey Clean Energy Program

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on approaches organizations can use for moving homeowners from HVAC or other individual improvements to whole home upgrades and encouraging homeowners to undertake upgrades over time.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Bullseye: Top Strategies for Targeted Marketing (101)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on targeted marketing strategies that can be used to craft successful outreach initiatives and communications. It also covered challenges and best practices for engaging specific demographics, including hard-to-reach market segments such as Hispanics, and provided insights into Hispanics relationship with energy.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Five and Dime: Revisiting Strategies for Lowering the Costs of Delivering Energy Efficiency (101)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
Tennessee Valley Authority

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on approaches organizations can use to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of home upgrade programs, including strategies to streamline data entry and make continuous process improvements.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Home Energy Report - Who is Driving the Savings: Using Multi-Level Models To Identify High, Medium and Negative Savers

Author(s)
Opinion Dynamics Corporation
Publication Date
2016

This presentation covers Home Energy Reports (HER), a behavior change strategy, and conducting multilevel modeling to garner insights into which consumers drive energy savings.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Non-Energy Benefits from Residential Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
APPRISE Inc.
Publication Date
2016

This presentation explains non-energy benefits from residential energy efficiency programs, including those associated with households, ratepayer or taxpayers, and societal benefits. Also presented is a framework for measurement and monetization of health benefits, economic benefits, and environmental benefits (e.g. avoided emissions) and a case study of New Jersey's Clean Energy Program.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Driving Efficiency with Non-Energy Benefits

Author(s)
Erin Malone, Synapse Energy Economics Inc.
Publication Date
2014

This presentation summarizes the non-energy benefits of energy efficiency, and how they can be used to drive uptake of energy efficiency measures. State examples are included.

Resource - Topical Presentations

On the Horizon: Making Home Energy Data Meaningful Beyond the MLS

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

Energy efficiency data can inform real estate transactions – including underwriting and appraisal, but each sector relies on its own sets of tools, data and specifications. The Home Energy Information Accelerator addresses how reliable energy information can get into the hands of decision-makers, and what types of policy, technical, and other changes are needed to make energy information useful in the real estate transaction.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Return of Residential PACE – The Sequel

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs provide affordable and accessible financing for home energy efficiency upgrades that improve value, comfort and durability, and create jobs. PACE is a scalable financing mechanism with over 50,000 projects and $1 billion invested in California, and multifamily housing projects in New York and other states. This session discussed successful PACE programs, designs, and FHA's guidance.

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

Jargon to Value: Educating Consumers with DOE Building Science Translator Power Words

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

Energy efficiency programs can communicate with jargon and technical terminology, which puts off homeowners. However, marketing best practices suggest wording based on improved consumer experience is more effective. This presentation covers seven proven communications strategies for causing behavior change.

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

Making Home Energy Data Accessible in the Real Estate Market – Better Buildings Accelerator

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

The Better Buildings Home Energy Information Accelerator aims to make energy data more accessible to home buyers, realtors and others. This presentation covers how Colorado launched a statewide residential labeling initiative that made home energy data available at point of sale, and how partnerships in the Northeast are incorporating energy efficiency into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with Vermont pioneering the regional effort.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Multiple, Non-Energy Benefits of Residential Energy Upgrades

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

The benefits of energy efficiency upgrades beyond money and energy savings include non-energy benefits that are often not communicated well. Multiple non-energy benefits include lower home maintenance costs, improved air quality and less sick days for adults and children, greater resiliency, and lower emissions. This presentation covers examples of how your program can fully realize the potential from all of these multiple non-energy benefits.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Better Together: Linking and Leveraging Energy Programs for Low-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Energy Outreach Colorado

This webcast highlight effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and utilities to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) to low-income households.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Health and Home Performance: A Game Changer

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

Combining health and home performance (HHP) offers unprecedented potential to increase market size and benefits. Poorly performing homes due to roofing, heating, electrical, or water issues, are associated with issues, such as respiratory illness, asthma, and injury. DOE is undertaking three initiatives: 1) A review of existing HHP literature; 2) Stakeholder engagement; and 3) Developing a roadmap to expand HHP.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Human Factors: Green Jobs & Resident Health

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

Energy retrofits can harm or help resident health. Beyond preventing harm, this presentation covers how to use energy retrofits as an opportunity to improve the lives of your building residents and the surrounding community. It focuses on different ways that organizations are using energy efficiency to improve their communities through positive health outcomes and job creation.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Human Factors: Resident Behavior & Facilities Management

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

A car is only as efficient as its driver and its mechanic; so, too, for buildings. This presentation covers best practices and reviews case studies on engaging building residents and training facilities managers to keep buildings running efficiently and meeting Better Buildings Challenge goals.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Beyond the Light Touch: Next Steps for Improving Energy Efficiency in Multi-Family Affordable Housing

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy

This webcast in a multi-part series highlighting efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and utilities to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) to low-income communities.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Driving Change in Residential Energy Efficiency: Electric Vehicles (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how home energy upgrades can support electric vehicle adoption.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Home Improvement Catalyst: Sequencing Upgrades and Engaging Homeowners over Time (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on effective messages to motivate homeowners to undertake upgrades over time.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Intersection of Health and Residential Energy Efficiency (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Healthy Homes Incentive Program

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on combining energy and health-related services.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Capitalizing on Multi-benefits of Energy Upgrades at Multifamily Housing (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on the benefits, business case, challenges, and strategies of multifamily energy upgrades.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Advances in Manufactured Home Energy Efficient Design

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016

The work presented in this webinar is a collaborative endeavor by the ARIES Building America team and two major affordable housing providers: Habitat for Humanity International and the factory building industry. The effort is exploring options for making major reductions in space conditioning energy use (≥ 50%) while holding the line on home affordability. Specifically, the project will develop a high-performance integrated design--effectively combining an ultra-efficient thermal envelope, a very low capacity, highly efficient mechanical system, an innovative distribution system, and affordable heat recovery ventilation--and set in motion steps to rapidly move this innovation to market.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Serving Multifamily Building Owners: A Full Service Comprehensive Approach for Improving Existing Buildings

Author(s)
Peter Ludwig, Elevate Energy
Publication Date
2016

This presentation covers Elevate Energy's full service comprehensive approach for improving low income multifamily housing.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Learning From the Past to Inform Future Work: Trends in Behavior Based Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Publication Date
2015

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency has collected information from its membership for each of the past four years on the behavior-based programs currently underway and how these programs are being evaluated. This presentation describes the annual data collection effort and highlight the key findings of this research to date. Results discussed will consider the social science knowledge most commonly incorporated into the programs captured, as well as methods used for program evaluation and overarching lessons learned from the program administrator community.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Other 15%: Expanding Energy Efficiency to Rural Populations (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Healthy Homes Incentive Program

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on what residential energy efficient programs and strategies worked well in rural populations.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Fostering Behavior Change in the Energy Efficiency Market

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Eversource Energy Home Energy Reports program,
National Grid Home Energy Reports program

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on fostering behavior change in the energy efficiency market.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The High Performance Value Chain & Chicago’s Residential Energy Disclosure Requirements

Author(s)
CNT Energy,
National Home Performance Council
Publication Date
2015

This presentation provides an overview of the CNT Energy and National Home Performance Council white paper "Unlocking the Value of an Energy Efficient Home: A Blueprint to Make Energy Efficiency Improvements Visible in the Real Estate Market." It covers making information about energy efficiency improvements visible to home buyers and others involved in a home sale transaction.

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

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

Working With Utilities Kickoff

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011

This peer exchange call summary focused on establishing the challenges, strategies and key topics related to working with utilities for future peer exchange calls.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Working With Weatherization Assistance Programs

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on integrating income-qualified programs into neighborhood sweeps.

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

Stewards for Affordable Housing for the Future

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011

This peer exchange call focused on strategies and challenges related to multi-family programs.

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

Incorporating Behavior Change Efforts Into Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
EnergyWorks KC

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how programs use behavior change strategies to reduce energy use.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Collaborating With Utilities on Residential Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
EnergyWorks

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how a residential energy efficiency program can work with, for or as utilities.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Trends in Multifamily Programs: What's Working and What's Challenging

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
MPower Oregon

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on introducing and building interest in multi-family energy efficiency.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Shared Space vs. In-Unit Upgrades in Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013

This peer exchange call summary focused on strategies, opportunities and focuses on shared space and technology in multi-family buildings and in-unit upgrades.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Working with Real Estate Home Inspectors, Exterminators, and Other Nontraditional Partners

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on leveraging home inspectors and others in the real estate transaction processes.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Moving Multifamily Buildings From Assessments to Upgrades

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on moving from assessments to upgrades in multifamily buildings.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Strengthening Relationships Between Energy Programs and Housing Programs

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on the challenges and benefits of energy and housing programs working together.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Strategies to Address Split Incentives in Multifamily Buildings

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on strategies and challenges of working with rental property owners and tenants on multifamily upgrades.

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

Pay As You Save (PAYS) Tariffed On-Utility Bill Efficiency System

Author(s)
Paul Cillo, Energy Efficiency Institute, Inc.
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Stratford,
NH,
Public Service of New Hampshire,
Kansas How$mart,
Hawaiian Electric Company

Presentation providing an overview of the PAYS financial model, including information on risks and how to manage them, and successful program examples using the PAYS model.

Resource - Topical Presentations

ResStock Analysis Tool

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
2017

The ResStock analysis tool is designed to help states, municipalities, utilities, and manufacturers identify which home improvements save the most energy and money.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

National Housing & Rehabilitation Association Content Library

Author(s)
National Housing & Rehabilitation Association
Publication Date
2016

National Housing & Rehabilitation Association has collected a number of energy efficiency factsheets and resources on their Preservation Through Energy Efficiency Initiative Library.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

State and Utility Pollution Reduction Calculator Version 2 (SUPR 2)

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016

State and Utility Pollution Reduction Calculator Version 2 (SUPR 2) helps policymakers, state governments, utility owners, and other stakeholders understand the costs and benefits of various residential and commercial energy efficiency technologies and policies that will reduce carbon emissions from the power sector.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Multifamily Retrofit Toolkit

Author(s)
Enterprise Community Partners
Publication Date
2013

The toolkit distills Enterprise's experience retrofitting multifamily affordable housing into the critical steps necessary for success. It is a roadmap for multifamily housing owners, investors, and developers which outlines a comprehensive, cost-effective approach to retrofit.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Energy Efficiency Benefits Calculator

Author(s)
National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
Publication Date
2006

This calculator provides a simplified tool to demonstrate the business case for energy efficiency from the perspective of the consumer, the utility, and society.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Small Town Energy Program (STEP) Toolkit

Author(s)
Small Town Energy Program
Publication Date
2013

The Small Town Energy Program (STEP) toolkit gives a complete overview of STEP from planning to implementation. It also includes access to a wide variety of materials developed by the program, including: local asset materials, partner materials, personnel materials, program administrative materials, outreach materials, and surveys. STEP has posted these toolkit documents with the hope that it will assist other small towns and communities in building and running more energy efficiency programs.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA) Program Funding Catalog

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017

The Better Building Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA) offers a list of federal funding and financing resources and technical assistance programs for low-to-moderate income community projects. It is a worksheet for program managers to map out relevant resources for their planning or program needs.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Better Building Residential Program Implementation Plan Template (Excel Version)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015

The Better Building Residential Program Implementation Plan Template will help you develop a strategy for planning, operating, and evaluating a successful residential energy efficiency program. The template includes sections for all six program components (i.e., Market Position & Business Model, Program Design & Customer Experience, Evaluation & Data Collection, Marketing & Outreach, Financing, and Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development).

Resource - Templates & Forms

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Content Type

  • Resource (235)
  • Tips for Success (14)
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Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (164)
  • (-) Program Design & Customer Experience (251)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (110)
  • Marketing & Outreach (218)
  • Financing (131)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (73)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (10)
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  • (-) Planning (251)
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States or Territories

  • Alabama (6)
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  • Washington D.C. (1)
  • Washington DC (10)
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Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (14)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (12)
  • Austin Energy (11)
  • Elevate Energy (11)
  • Efficiency Vermont (10)
  • Efficiency Maine (8)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (6)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (6)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (6)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (6)
  • RePower Bainbridge (6)
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (5)
  • EnergySmart (5)
  • Michigan Saves (5)
  • RePower Bremerton (5)
  • RePower Kitsap (5)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (4)
  • Focus on Energy (4)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (4)
  • EnergyWorks (3)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (3)
  • NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (3)
  • PSE&G Whole House Energy Efficiency Program (3)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (2)
  • Be SMART (2)
  • Bridging the Gap (2)
  • Build It Green (2)
  • City of Chicago (2)
  • Community Power Works (2)
  • ConEdison’s Brooklyn Queens Demand Management Program (2)
  • EmPOWER Maryland (2)
  • Energize Phoenix (2)
  • Energy Upgrade California (2)
  • Florida's Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program (2)
  • Healthy Homes Incentive Program (2)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (2)
  • Knoxville Extreme Energy Makeover (2)
  • Long Island Green Homes (2)
  • Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (2)
  • Massachusetts Low-Income Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program (2)
  • Mass Save (2)
  • Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) (2)
  • New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (2)
  • Nexus Energy Center (2)
  • Public Service of New Hampshire (2)
  • Set the PACE St. Louis (2)
  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (2)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (1)
  • CharlestonWISE (1)
  • MPower Oregon (1)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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