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Marketing & Outreach – Deliver Program

Implement marketing and outreach activities in coordination with other program components to generate demand for your program's services.
Handbook

Marketing & Outreach – Develop Resources

Create your program's branding guidelines and materials to elevate program visibility and support your marketing and outreach efforts.
Handbook

Marketing & Outreach – Overview

Spur consumer demand for your program's services by understanding your target audience and motivating them to act using effective messaging, marketing and outreach tactics, and attractive program offers.
Handbook

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

Communicate with audiences at least three times; once is not enough

All residential energy efficiency programs have found that outreach needs to be repeated to connect with and remind potential participants about program offerings. As marketing gurus note, the majority of people need to be exposed to a product message at least three times (on separate occasions) to...
Tips for Success

Follow through with customers

Following up on leads that result from your marketing and outreach efforts quickly and consistently will help your program convert them from interested parties to satisfied customers. Many programs found a sizable drop-off in action if they or their contractors were not able to follow up within a...
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

Conduct one-on-one outreach where people gather and help them take action right away

Programs that conducted one-on-one outreach found that community events provided good opportunities for the program and its partners to connect and build credibility with potential customers. Particularly successful events were ones that attracted the program’s target audience and aligned with their...
Tips for Success

Engage media to garner attention and credibility

Many successful programs found that getting media attention for their offerings and benefits helped add credibility to marketing efforts and expand their reach. By positioning "green" stories or home improvement mini-segments on local television or radio stations, they provided timely content that...
Tips for Success

Foster “word of mouth” communication from satisfied customers

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

Language matters – use words that resonate with your target audience

Words have power, so many programs decided to use language with positive associations. For example, the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program encouraged use of the term "assessment" instead of "audit" to avoid the negative connotation of a tax audit. "Home energy upgrade" sounds more positive than...
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

Motivate action through financial incentives and time-limited offers

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

Partner with organizations or individuals that customers already trust

Many programs found it useful to partner with a range of trusted organizations or individuals to market program offerings to their constituencies or followers. Better Buildings Neighborhood Program participants enhanced their marketing and outreach efforts by partnering with trusted local groups...
Tips for Success

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

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

Community-Based Social Marketing

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Small Town Energy Program (STEP)

This webcast provides an overview of community-based social marketing and provides examples from programs that have used it.

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

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program Webinar Series: #4 Residential Energy Efficiency Deep Dive, Part Two

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

This webinar is the fourth (in a series of six) hosted by USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) and focusing on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program (EECLP). The second 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. This webinar focuses on data collection and continuous improvement, partnering with financial institutions, community-based outreach, and quality assurance of contractor work. It also features a case study from Jackson Electric Member Corporation about their audit tools, rebates and loans, tracking and reporting, and marketing and advertising strategies.

Resource - Webcast

Communicating Success: Measuring Improvements, Sharing Results

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This webcast teaches attendees how to leverage program results to promote energy efficiency campaigns.
Resource - Webcast

Door-to-Door Outreach and Tracking Impacts

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This webcast discusses door-to-door campaigns and how to track the impacts of these campaigns.

Resource - Webcast

Marketing and Marketing & Outreach Collaborative Intro, November 2, 2010

Author(s)
Kerry O'Neill, Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Energy Upgrade California

Webinar presenting methods for increasing communication within a marketing team. LA County and Oregon BBNP grantees also share their experiences regarding market research and outreach strategy development.

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

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

Keeping Up With Your Audience, So They Keep Up With Your Program

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Maine,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) PowerSaver
This webcast discussed how market research can help spur demand for home energy efficiency programs.
Resource - Webcast

Build Your Better Buildings Brand

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This webcast discusses how to build the national Better Buildings brand into your program's marketing/branding to enhance public communications and outreach efforts.
Resource - Webcast

How to Design and Market Energy Efficiency Programs to Specific Neighborhoods

Author(s)
Michelle Leigh, County of Volusia, Florida,
Andrea Petzel, City of Seattle, Washington,
Lilah Glick, Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Community Power Works,
Volusia County,
FL,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This webcast offers information on successful marketing strategies, as well as design considerations and market research insights for creating and marketing successful projects in specific neighborhoods.

Resource - Webcast

How to Work with the Media

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This webcast offers a preview of tools and proven techniques to work with local media to increase program visibility. The webcast also features a discussion where participants shared what is working with their program's media efforts.
Resource - Webcast

Marketing, Communication, and Outreach: Lessons Learned In and Outside Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.,
Clean Energy Solutions, Inc.,
Local Energy Alliance Program
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)

This webcast presents lessons learned in marketing, communication, and outreach, including lessons related to marketing plans.

Resource - Webcast

Who's Got Game? Interactive Customer Engagement Strategies

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Consumers Energy Smart Energy Challenge,
Focus on Energy

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on key challenges and opportunities to deploy interactive engagement strategies including customer segmentation, loyalty and reward programs, and gamification. It features speakers from Fiveworx, ICF International, and Cool Choices.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Do You Hear Me Now? Communicating the Value of Non-Energy Benefits (101)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on communicating non-energy benefits that homeowners and building owners are most interested in. Speakers include Elevate Energy, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, and Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Walking the Talk: Employer Assisted Programs (301)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on employer assisted initiatives and the range of models used to help employees become energy efficient at home. It included lessons learned from the Clinton Climate Initiative, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation's (VEIC) employee sustainability benefit program, and the Nevada Governor's Office of Energy.

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

Shout it from the Mountaintops!: Working with Your Communications Team to Tell Your Energy Efficiency Success Story

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

Capturing the story behind energy savings projects helps catapult a culture around planning future projects, funding them, and growing a team's value in your company or organization. This webcast features media experts giving tips on telling your tale.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Rainbows and Leprechauns: Finding Gold in Partnerships

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Baltimore Energy Challenge,
Energy Upgrade California

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how to assess, reassess, and initiate organization partnerships.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Energy Efficiency on Display: Using Demonstration Projects to Showcase Home Performance Opportunities (201)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on demonstration project strategies, advantages and challenges.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Einstein and Energy Efficiency: Making Homes Smarter (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 to deploy smart home technologies and analyze their data.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Social Media and Messages that Matter: Top Tips and Tools

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on the benefits, challenges, messaging and imagery of different social media campaigns.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Residential Energy Efficiency Messaging

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Future is Here: Smart Home Technology

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

Voluntary Initiative on Incentives: Toolkit Training Webinar

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Maine

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on types of incentives.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Using Mobile Applications to Generate Customer Demand

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how to use web and mobile applications to generate and increase customer demand.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Working With Schools

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on bringing energy efficiency programs to schools.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Leveraging Holidays and Other Events

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on the strategies and challenges of using holidays and other seasonal events to market energy assessments and upgrades.

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

California Public Utilities Commission Market Segmentation Findings and Ethnographic Research Findings

Author(s)
Opinion Dynamics Corporation
Publication Date
2009
This presentation shares the findings of research conducted to determine a customer base for energy efficiency improvements developed by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Resource - Topical Presentations

Capturing Energy Upgrades in the Real Estate Transaction - Appraisal Institute

Author(s)
Bill Garber, Appraisal Institute
Publication Date
2012

This presentation discusses how appraisers assess green building elements in their real estate estimates.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Effective Email Campaigns for Recovery Act Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This presentation provides ideas for the effective use of email communication for programs, including links to additional tools and resources for running a successful campaign.
Resource - Topical Presentations

Social Media Tools & Strategies

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

This presentation provides a list of resources and tips for running a social media campaign.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Sustaining Cost Effective Incentives

Author(s)
Jonathan Doochin, U.S. Green Data Inc.
Publication Date
2012

This presentation highlights research from U.S. Green Data showing that it is important to pique consumers' interest with incentives, but that their effectiveness can be maximized by making them simple, focusing on people "ready to purchase," and educating consumers about the value of energy efficiency.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Behavior, Energy, and Climate Change Conference presentation archive

Author(s)
Behavior Energy and Climate Conference
Publication Date
2014

Presentations from past Behavior Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference. BECC is the premier event focused on understanding individual and organizational behavior and decision-making related to energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and sustainability. Past conference presentations include various resources related to Marketing & Outreach.

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

Home Energy Score Program: Update and Overview for Potential Partners

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012

Presentation that discusses the Home Energy Score Program.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Integrated Pro Forma Project--Modeling the Impact of Program Marketing on Contractor Revenue

Author(s)
Robin LeBaron, National Home Performance Council
Publication Date
2012

Presentation about the pro forma to evaluate the impact of program marketing on contractor revenue developed by the National Home Performance Council.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Marketing and Communications: Driving Demand

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010

This presentation discusses elements of developing an energy efficiency program marketing and communications strategy, including concepts to consider in a marketing plan.

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

ENERGY STAR Home Advisor

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

This online tool was designed to help Americans save money and energy by improving the energy efficiency of their homes through recommended, customized, and prioritized home improvement projects. The tool guides homeowners through a do-it-yourself energy assessment to create an ENERGY STAR home profile. Based on the newly created profile, the tool provides customized, prioritized recommendations for improvements. From these recommendations, users can create their own to-do lists of projects and update their home profiles over time as they make improvements. The home profiles can also be printed and used as a marketing advantage when homeowners sell their homes.

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

Better Buildings Residential Network Social Media Toolkit

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Nova Scotia,
Enhabit,
EnergyFit Nevada

The Better Buildings Residential Network Social Media toolkit can be used to help residential energy efficiency programs learn to engage potential customers through social media. Social media can build brand awareness concerning home energy upgrades and the entities working on them, which can lead to more energy upgrade projects taking place in the long run. This toolkit will help program managers and their staff with decisions like what social media works best for various program needs. When aligned with other marketing and outreach efforts, social media can be a useful tool in attracting home energy upgrade customers. Note that social media changes constantly, so users of this toolkit need to regularly reassess their methods and review results to ensure goals are being met.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Better Buildings Residential Network Designing Incentives Toolkit

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

The Better Buildings Residential Network Designing Incentives Toolkit can help residential energy efficiency programs design incentives that motivate potential customers to act by lowering the risk, decreasing the cost, or offering additional benefits with home energy upgrades. This toolkit provides easy access to various case studies, presentations, and tips related to incentive design.

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

My ENERGY STAR Tutorial

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
2011

This document provides a tutorial of MY ENERGY STAR Account (MESA).  MESA is a Web portal that houses program marks for ENERGY STAR Sponsors and contractors as well as various marketing pieces.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Fostering Sustainable Behavior: Community-Based Social Marketing website

Author(s)
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates, Inc.
Publication Date
2006

This website provides resources for those working to foster sustainable behaviors. Users can access to the book, Fostering Sustainable Behavior; search databases of articles, case studies, and turnkey strategies; and participate in discussion forums.

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

The DSIRE Database

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
North Carolina Solar Center
Publication Date
2014

This database provides comprehensive information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and policies that are in place to support renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Home Energy Score

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

Home Energy Score is an online tool used by assessors to rate a home’s energy efficiency on a scale of 1 to 10, with a score of 10 indicating that the home has excellent energy performance and a score of 1 indicating that the home needs extensive energy improvements. Once a home is scored, homeowners receive recommendations on how to improve their score.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Energy Upgrade California - Post Home Tour Survey Form

Author(s)
Energy Upgrade California
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Energy Upgrade California
Survey form used by Energy Upgrade California to assess open house tour attendee interest in obtaining further information about upgrade opportunities.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Connecticut Workshop Survey

Author(s)
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Short survey for Connecticut's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge workshop participants. The workshop allowed the program to share its energy efficiency offerings with homeowners.
Resource - Templates & Forms

How to Write a Press Release

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

This instructional template offers instructions on how to write a press release.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Proposal Evaluation Scoring Sheet

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

Example proposal evaluation scoring sheet to rank qualifications of financial institution bidders for energy efficiency upgrade loan programs.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Los Angeles County Energy Issues Phone Survey

Author(s)
Los Angeles County, California
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Energy Upgrade California
Sample script Los Angeles County used to survey homeowners about energy issues.
Resource - Templates & Forms

Example Phone Survey for Drop-Outs

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

This sample phone survey template for program drop-outs, created by the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, was designed for programs to find out why applicants that applied to participate in a program ultimately dropped out.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Example Phone Survey for Screened-out Applicants

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

This sample phone survey template, created by the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, was designed for programs to use with applicants who have been screened out from participating in a program.

Resource - Templates & Forms

Example Survey for Successful Participants

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

This sample email survey template, created by the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, was designed for programs to develop their own survey of successful program participants in order to assess customer experience.

Resource - Templates & Forms

PG&E Whole House Survey

Author(s)
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Publication Date
2012

Homeowner survey created by the utility to inform their whole home upgrade program.

Resource - Templates & Forms

How to Talk About Home Energy Upgrades

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2017
This report includes practical recommendations for framing home energy upgrade messages that can be used by assessors and programs.
Resource - Publications

How to Talk About Home Energy Upgrades Tip Sheet

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2017
This resource includes tips on how to talk about home energy upgrades with homeowners. It is based on research of what works and what does not when conducting a home energy audit.
Resource - Publications

Reaching the "High-Hanging Fruit" through Behavior Change: How Community-Based Social Marketing Puts Energy Savings within Reach

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2012
Community-based social marketing (CBSM) is a concept that has received a lot of attention lately, but may not be particularly well understood across the entire energy efficiency community. This white paper discusses insights drawn from the social and behavioral sciences in order to advance energy-efficient behavior and choices. This paper describes the core concepts and application of CBSM generally, citing specific and recent examples of its use within energy efficiency and demand-side management programs. It concludes with an illustration of how CBSM might be used to encourage uptake of home energy retrofits.
Resource - Publications

Rethink Energy Podcast

Author(s)
Rethink Energy
Publication Date
2016

This podcast episode explores sustainability and the unexpected benefits of energy efficiency with guest Jonathan Cohen, U.S. Department of Energy.

Resource - Publications

Financing Energy Efficiency Retrofits of Affordable Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)
Community Development Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Watt Watchers,
Neighborhood Energy,
Energy Savers,
Ratepayer Inte-grated On-Bill Payment Program,
I'M HOME initiative,
Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability,
Residential Multifamily Housing Program

There are more than 17 million multifamily households nationwide, yet they remain a significant and mostly untapped opportunity for energy efficiency gains. Many cities and states that have embraced energy retrofitting as a job creator and boon to both the environment and economy have yet to address potential savings in multifamily properties, primarily because of obstacles not faced by single family and commercial properties. This paper discusses two barriers -- a lack of information and financing -- that stand in the way of multifamily energy retrofits.

Resource - Publications

Lessons Learned: Peer Exchange Calls No. 10

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

This document features lessons learned shared by Better Buildings Residential Network members during Peer Exchange Calls held during Autumn 2016.

Resource - Publications

The Housing Satisfaction Gap: What People Want, but Don’t Have

Author(s)
The Demand Institute
Publication Date
2014

Research reveals a whole range of unmet housing-related desires in America -- gaps between what Americans have and what they say they need or want. The Demand Institute surveyed more than 10,000 households about their current living situation and what’s important to them in a home. The survey represents all U.S. households: renters and owners; movers and non-movers; young and old and finds that unsatisfied needs and desires cut across the entire population.

Resource - Publications

California Senate Bill (SB) 350 Low-Income Barriers Study

Author(s)
California Energy Commission
Publication Date
2016

This study focused on barriers to, and opportunities for, solar photovoltaic energy generation; opportunities for, access to other renewable energy by low-income customers; contracting opportunities for local small businesses in disadvantaged communities; low-income customers to energy efficiency and weatherization investments, including those in disadvantaged communities. It also provides recommendations on how to increase access to energy efficiency and weatherization investments to low-income customers.

Resource - Publications

Consortium for Energy Efficiency, Inc. (CEE) Behavior Change Webpage

Publication Date
2016

Behavioral change programs are not necessarily a separate category of efficiency efforts; rather, behavioral approaches can be effectively integrated into all programs in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. As increased connectivity within homes and businesses expands opportunities to provide energy information, the role of behavior will likely become even more prominent. Consortium for Energy Efficiency, Inc. (CEE) provides this webpage dedicated to behavior change resources.

Resource - Publications

Models of Decision Making and Residential Energy Use

Author(s)
University of British Columbia
Publication Date
2007

Research traditions across the social sciences have explored the drivers of individual behavior change and proposed different models of decision making. In this paper, four diverse perspectives are reviewed: conventional and behavioral economics, technology adoption theory and attitude-based decision making, social and environmental psychology, and sociology. This paper concludes with how to develop a more integrated approach to both behavioral change research and intervention design in a residential energy context.

Resource - Publications

Social Mobilization: How to Encourage Action on Climate Change

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

This report explains the psychology of individual energy efficiency actions, and how large scale behavior change programs can use this research to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Resource - Publications

Lessons Learned: Peer Exchange Calls No. 6

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Bridging the Gap,
Nexus Energy Center,
Knoxville Extreme Energy Makeover

This document features lessons learned shared by Better Buildings Residential Network members during Peer Exchange Calls held during Fall 2015.

Resource - Publications

Lessons Learned: Peer Exchange Calls No. 7

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Bridging the Gap,
Nexus Energy Center,
Knoxville Extreme Energy Makeover

This document features lessons learned shared by Better Buildings Residential Network members during Peer Exchange Calls held in Winter 2016.

Resource - Publications

Lessons Learned: Peer Exchange Calls No. 8

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

This document features lessons learned shared by Better Buidlings Residential Network members during Peer Exchange Calls held during Spring 2016.

Resource - Publications

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

Behaving Ourselves: How Behavior Change Insights Are Being Applied to Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Kira Ashby, Consortium for Energy Efficiency,
Monica Nevius, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
Bruce Ceniceros, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Pepco Holdings' Home Performance with Energy Audits Program,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Public Service of New Hampshire,
PSE&G Whole House Energy Efficiency Program,
FortisBC’s 20/20 Challenge Program,
Focus on Energy

This paper describes a wide variety of behavior change insights potentially applicable to the energy efficiency program context, provides examples of efficiency programs that have applied these insights, and explores some untapped opportunities to achieve energy savings through behavior change.

Resource - Publications

Green with Envy: Neighbor Comparisons and Social Norms in Five Home Energy Report Programs

Author(s)
Kira Ashby and Hilary Forster, Consortium for Energy Efficiency,
Bruce Ceniceros, Sacramento Municipal Utility District,
Bobbi Wilhelm, Puget Sound Energy,
Kim Friebel, Commonwealth Edison,
Rachel Henschel, National Grid,
Shahana Samiullah, Southern California Edison
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
National Grid,
Southern California Edison,
Puget Sound Energy,
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComED)

This paper explores ways in which program administrators are using social norms to spur behavior change and, as a result, curb energy use. In recent years, home energy reports (HER) programs have applied the concept of social norms to the energy efficiency context. These feedback programs inform customers of how their energy consumption compares to their neighbors' and provide other information about their usage, with the goal of enticing customers to change their energy use behavior to improve their relative neighborhood ranking.

Resource - Publications

Integrating More Behavior Change Strategies Into a Portfolio

Author(s)
Research Into Action, Inc.
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Over the past 30 years, program administrators have concentrated on investment behavior change -- that is getting their customers to install things like insulation and lighting systems using various behavior change tools such as marketing, education, rebates, and technical assistance to support the investment behavior change. Today, as program administrators move to expand the range of behavior change strategies in their portfolios, it is often difficult to know where to begin. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) began by detailing the range of behavior change strategies and identifying strategic opportunities.

Resource - Publications

Lifting the High Energy Burden in America's Largest Cities: How Energy Efficiency Can Improve Low-Income and Underserved Communities

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

Energy burden is the percentage of household income spent on home energy bills. In this report, ACEEE, along with the Energy Efficiency for All coalition, measures the energy burden of households in 48 of the largest American cities. The report finds that low-income, African-American, Latino, low-income multifamily, and renter households all spend a greater proportion of their income on utilities than the average family. The report also identifies energy efficiency as an underutilized strategy that can help reduce high energy burdens by as much as 30%. Given this potential, the report goes on to describe policies and programs to ramp up energy efficiency investments in low-income and underserved communities.

Resource - Publications

Reaching More Residents: Opportunities for Increasing Participation in Multifamily Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Focus on Energy,
National Grid Rhode Island,
DC Sustainable Energy Utility Low-Income Multifamily Initiative,
Bay Area Regional Energy Network Multifamily Building Enhancements,
Con Edison Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program,
Con Edison Multifamily Low Income Program,
Puget Sound Energy,
Xcel Energy,
Elevate Energy,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Public Service Electric and Gas Multifamily Program,
Pacific Gas & Electric Company,
Arizona Public Service (APS) Company,
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Vermont,
CenterPoint Energy,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

The multifamily sector can be hard to reach when it comes to energy efficiency programs. Besides being diverse and complex, the sector presents a unique set of challenges to efficiency investments. The result is that multifamily customers are often underserved by energy efficiency programs. Drawing on data requests and interviews with program administrators, this report summarizes the challenges to program participation and identifies best practices that programs can use to reach and retain large numbers of multifamily participants.

Resource - Publications

The Evolution of Sustainability Initiatives in Employee Engagement

Author(s)
ISOS Group
Publication Date
2016

Building on the strategy of creating a sustainable workplace, many companies have been focusing their efforts on developing a sustainable workforce. This approach to combining sustainability initiatives and employee engagement creates a value chain that has positive impacts for employers and employees alike and the communities they live in.

Resource - Publications

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