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Evaluation & Data Collection – Develop Resources

Identify and implement systems and tools that will support data collection and data quality necessary for effective evaluation.
Handbook

Program Design & Customer Experience – Make Design Decisions

Solidify your program strategy and decide which customers you will focus on; what products, services, and support you will provide; and how you will partner with contractors and others to deliver services to your customers.
Handbook

Financing – Deliver Program

Launch your financing activities in coordination with other program components.
Handbook

Market Position & Business Model – Create a Business Plan

Create your organization’s business plan, which describes how your operational and financial structure will support the delivery of energy efficiency services.
Handbook

Financing – Make Design Decisions

Determine if enhancements to existing financing products or the development of new products are necessary to allow you to achieve your goals and objectives.
Handbook

Marketing & Outreach – Assess the Market

Identify and prioritize potential target audiences based on their likely receptivity to your program's services.
Handbook

Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development – Assess the Market

Learn about the capabilities and services of existing contractors and training providers working in your market.
Handbook

Financing – Overview

Ensure that your program’s customers will have access to affordable financing, so they can pay for the services you offer.
Handbook

Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development – Make Design Decisions

Solidify your program strategy and decide which customers you will focus on; what products, services, and support you will provide; and how you will partner with contractors and others to deliver services to your customers.
Handbook

Program Design & Customer Experience – Assess the Market

Research and analyze the specific barriers, needs, and opportunities for a residential energy efficiency program in your community.
Handbook

Provide materials and training to ensure data quality, consistency, and accuracy

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that it is important to get buy-in from program staff and contractors on the importance of data integrity to the program mission and then to invest time to develop materials and train everyone who has a role in data collection and analysis...
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

Design your financing activities to enable long-term sustainability

In order to overcome lenders’ concerns over the risk associated with energy efficiency loans, many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners offered credit enhancements to lenders (e.g., loan loss reserve funds) to attract lender participation and to mitigate lender losses in the event of loan...
Tips for Success

Engage with potential lending partners early, and make a clear business case for their involvement

Some lenders perceive home energy lending to be too risky or not profitable enough for them to get involved. Programs have found that engaging potential lending partners early in the program design process, especially in face-to-face meetings, helped them understand both lender needs and the risks...
Tips for Success

How to Influence Utilities to Provide Actionable Energy Data to Multifamily Properties

Author(s)
Institute for Market Transformation
Publication Date
2017

This webinar covers best practices for providing whole-building data, as well as options building owners and landlords have to influence this process. Multifamily property stakeholders need better information about their energy usage. Arming them with this information enables better benchmarking and energy management practices, and more reliable utility allowance models for affordable housing. Actionable energy usage information allows building owners to make improvements to not only save energy, but also reduce expenses, increase comfort, and lower vacancies.

Resource - Webcast

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

Setting Baselines for Planning and Evaluation of Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Robert G. Ozar, Michigan Public Service Commission,
Carmen Best, California Public Utilities Commission,
Jeff Harris, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Publication Date
2016

The key challenge with quantifying savings from end-use efficiency activities is the identification of an accurate baseline from which to determine the savings. Regardless of the protocol or procedure applied, all savings values are determined by estimating likely energy use in the absence of the program or project (the “counterfactual” scenario, or baseline). This webcast provides an introduction to considerations and common practices for defining baselines, the relationship between baselines and savings attribution, and examples of how different jurisdictions are addressing market baseline studies, setting baselines for retrofit measures, and market transformation program baselines.

Resource - Webcast

Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals Project

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
2015

This webinar discusses the guidelines for home energy professionals project. The goal of the project is to collaborate with industry to develop the tools needed for a high-quality residential energy upgrade industry, supported by accredited training programs, and a skilled and credentialed workforce. It also discusses Standard Work Specifications (SWS) which define the minimum requirements for high-quality, safe, and durable installations.

Resource - Webcast

PowerSaver Loan

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
This webcast provided an overview to the PowerSaver Loan; described the role of financing in home energy efficiency projects and examples of program's experience; introduced how DOE program sponsors and partners can utilize PowerSaver to offer affordable energy efficiency loans to homeowners; and discussed options, strategies and next steps for interested programs to partner with participating PowerSaver lender(s).
Resource - Webcast

Leveraging EPA's Portfolio Manager in Benchmarking and Disclosure Policy

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
This webinar highlights the best practices of state and local benchmarking and disclosure policies. It discusses benchmarking and its place in the larger context of energy management planning and explores in detail some of the choices governments face when implementing these policies.
Resource - Webcast

Finance Planning

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Michigan Saves
This webcast discussed the broad spectrum of needs financing mechanisms must address within integrated energy efficiency programs.
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

How to Design a Community Energy Alliance

Author(s)
Ben Taube and Jolyn Newton, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance,
Eric Mackres, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
City of Decatur Kilowatt Crackdown,
Community Energy Challenge,
Go Green Nashville,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
Webcast on how to design a community energy alliance.
Resource - Webcast

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

Energy Efficiency Conservation and Demand Response: Duquesne Light Multifamily Program

Author(s)
Duquesne Light Company
Publication Date
2016

This presentation outlines Duquesne Light Company's multifamily energy efficiency program, including its multifamily market manager model, program services, implementation strategy, program eligibility components, and a case study on a local housing authority project.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Free Money and Where to Find It: Today's Hottest Sources for Multifamily Retrofits

Author(s)
Becky Schaaf, Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future,
Dick Santangelo, Apollo Engineering Solutions,
Stefen Samarripas, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2017

This presentation provides an overview of ACEEE's nationwide study of utility provider incentives for the multifamily buildings sector, as well as a broad overview of other sources of funds for energy and water conservation. This session covered the latest news regarding state energy programs, local green banks, weatherization funds, tax credits, and more.

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

Utility Benchmarking in Multifamily Housing 201: Let Performance Data Drive Your Decisions

Author(s)
Scott Ledford, ICF International,
Colleen Woodson, BrightPower, Inc.,
Julie Klump, Preservation of Affordable Housing",
ICF International
Publication Date
2017

This presentation helps multifamily building owners better understand the how and why of utility benchmarking. Explore strategies and resources for translating benchmarking results into concrete next steps toward improving property performance.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Retrofit Roulette: Case Studies in Residential Rehabilitation

Author(s)
Elizabeth Merzigian, Peabody Properties,
Beth Keel, San Antonio Housing Authority,
Rosemary Olsen, Village of Hempstead Housing Authority,
Julia Hustwit, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Publication Date
2017

This presentation features Better Buildings Challenge Multifamily partners across the country sharing what's worked and what hasn't in residential rehabilitation and weatherization of income-eligible, public housing multifamily buildings. Speakers shared case studies about their properties that have undergone upgrades during the past year and the lessons learned.

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

Utility Benchmarking in Multifamily Housing 101: Kilowatt Count Your Way to a Trimmer Bottom Line

Author(s)
Terrance Brady, Tampa Housing Authority,
Scott Ledford, ICF International,
Dan Teague, WegoWise,
David Ruggiero, ICF International
Publication Date
2017

This presentation helps multifamily building owners better understand the how and why of utility benchmarking. Learn about the benefits of utility benchmarking, including various drivers for performing utility benchmarking at multifamily properties, and explore how your organization can start with utility benchmarking with the help of HUD resources.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Finance Products for Low and Middle Income Customers: What Works?

Author(s)
Greg Leventis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
Bruce Schlein, Citi,
Curtis Wynn, Roanoke Electric Cooperative,
Karyn Sper, Fannie Mae,
Philip Henderson, Natural Resources Defense Council
Publication Date
2017

This presentation provides an overview energy efficiency financing products and opportunities for consumer protections and program expansion for low and moderate income customers in the single- and multifamily residential market sectors.

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

The Ultimate Retrofit: Zero Energy Ready Homes

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on best practices on upgrades for zero energy ready homes. Speakers include  Florida Solar Energy Center and BIRAenergy.

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

State of the Union: Best Practices from 'Most Improved' Energy Efficient States in 2016

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Maine,
Michigan Saves

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how recent policy changes have impacted residential energy efficiency program implementation. Speakers include Efficiency Maine, Michigan Environmental Council, and Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities.

Resource - Topical Presentations

America's Next Top Energy Model: Tools and Best Practices (101)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how organizations can utilize energy modeling tools like the Asset Score for multifamily buildings into their program offerings, narrow the gap between predicted and actual energy savings, and use program data to increase program productivity and quality. It features speakers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and OptiMiser.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Diversifying Funding Sources and Building New Revenue Streams (201)

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Moving Beyond Split-Level Incentives: Engaging Rental Property Tenants and Owners in Energy Efficiency (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organizations or Programs
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on working with multifamily and rental properties on energy efficiency programs. It features speakers from  American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Community Housing Partners, and Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships.

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

Gold Medal Approaches for Obtaining and Using Energy Efficiency Data

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on obtaining and using energy efficiency data through tools like the Green Button, smart connected thermostat pilots, and operational ratings of homes to evaluate and/or enhance programs.

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

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

Addressing Barriers to Upgrade Projects at Affordable Multifamily Properties (201)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on challenges of energy upgrades in affordable and low-income multifamily properties.

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

The Energy-Water Nexus and What It Can Do for Your Residential Program (301)

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on combining energy and water conservation services.

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

Tailored Marketing for Under-Represented Population Segments (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Fuel Fund of Maryland,
Chicago Neighborhood Energy Challenge

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on marketing techniques for lower income and other underrepresented populations.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Multi-family Energy Efficiency Housing Affordability (MEEHA)

Author(s)
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Publication Date
2016

This presentation covers the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Multi-family Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) programs.

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Author(s)
Todd Nedwick, National Housing Trust
Publication Date
2016

This presentation covers the features of well-designed energy efficiency programs for multifamily affordable housing.

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

You Are My Sunshine: Integrating Residential Solar and Energy Efficiency (301)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Energize Phoenix,
Austin Energy,
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on combining solar and home performance energy efficiency.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Incorporating Energy Efficiency into Multifamily, Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Projects (201)

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
NH&RA’s Preservation Through Energy Efficiency Initiative

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on energy efficiency programs to retrofit buildings in the multifamily, affordable housing sector.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Generating Demand for Multifamily Building Upgrades

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Focus on Energy,
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Mass Save

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on approaches to generate demand for energy efficiency upgrades at multifamily buildings.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Financing Multifamily Energy Efficiency Upgrades

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how to market energy efficiency upgrades in the multifamily housing sector.

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

Tenant Education and Training

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on different tenant and resident education programs and how to make them complement larger programs.

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

Cost-Effective Modeling and Savings Projections for Multifamily Projects

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on energy modeling in multifamily homes.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Outreach to Multifamily Landlords and Tenants

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on ways to reach out to landlords.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Loan Programs for Low- and Moderate-Income Households

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on strategies in building interest in and introducing energy efficiency to affordable housing.

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

Commercial and Multifamily Building Benchmarking and Disclosure

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

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on energy benchmarking and building disclosure policies.

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

Contractor Pricing

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on the relationship between contract pricing and customers.

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

Information Technology Tools for Multifamily Building Programs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Energy Upgrade California,
EnergySmart Colorado

This peer exchange call summary focused on multifamily information technology tools for project information, marketing, assessment, tracking and evaluation.

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

Approaching Financial Institutions

Author(s)
Matthew Brown, Harcourt Brown & Carey,
John MacLean, Energy Efficiency Finance Corporation
Publication Date
2010

Tips for recruiting and procuring financial partners and developing and negotiating financial partner agreements.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Program Management and Continuous Improvement for Financing Programs

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

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

Resource - Topical Presentations

NEEP Regional Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Forum

Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2017

The Regional Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Forum (EM&V Forum) works to support use and transparency of current best practices in evaluation, measurement, verification, and reporting of energy and demand savings, costs, avoided emissions and other impacts of energy efficiency, while also advancing the development of strategies and tools to meet evolving policy needs for efficiency.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

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

Multifamily Utility Benchmarking Toolkit

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Publication Date
2017

This toolkit is a comprehensive guide to utility benchmarking for the multifamily sector. Benchmarking 101 describes the benefits of tracking utility data and explains how to begin the process. Utility Benchmarking Step-by-Step outlines a six-step approach to utility benchmarking. Policies and Programs summarizes utility benchmarking requirements for HUD programs, opportunities for financial assistance, and HUD programs that support green retrofits.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Better Buildings Financing Navigator

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

The Better Buildings Financing Navigator is a web-based tool designed to help private and public sector organizations discover financing solutions for energy efficiency projects that meet their unique needs. Through the Financing Navigator, multi-family building owners, facility and energy managers, and other decision-makers can connect with financiers, including banks and financial institutions, to pursue energy-saving measures.

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

Valuation of Green and High Performance Property: One to Four-Unit Residential

Author(s)
The Appraisal Foundation
Publication Date
2016

This advisory addresses the most prominent appraisal issues associated with residential properties exhibiting green features and uses the terms "green" and "high performance" loosely. The structure of this document generally follows the real estate appraisal process and workflow.

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

Building Energy Data Exchange Specification (BEDES)

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

The Building Energy Data Exchange Specification (BEDES, pronounced "beads" or /bi:ds/) is designed to support analysis of the measured energy performance of commercial, multifamily, and residential buildings, by providing a common data format, definitions, and an exchange protocol for building characteristics, efficiency measures, and energy use.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Database of Existing Energy Efficiency Loan Programs

Author(s)
University of North Carolina Environmental Finance Center
Publication Date
2013

This database (in development) contains information about existing energy efficiency loan programs in the United States. For each loan program the following data is presented: financing mechanism (e.g., credit enhancement, on-bill financing), market (e.g., city, state), sector (e.g., residential single family, residential multi-family), and program sponsorship (e.g., DOE programs, ARRA, private lenders).

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Green for All Energy Efficiency Toolkit

Author(s)
Green For All
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC),
EnergyWorks KC,
Baltimore Neighborhood Energy Challenge,
BetterBuildings for Greensboro,
Green and Healthy Homes Initiative,
Working Partnerships USA,
NYC Apollo Alliance,
Community Power Works,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
RePower Bremerton,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
RePower Bainbridge,
Better Buildings Near Eastside Neighborhood Sweeps Program,
RePower Kitsap,
Michigan Saves,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
EnergySmart,
Efficiency Vermont,
Long Island Green Homes,
Energy Impact Illinois,
Energize Bedford,
reEnergize

This practitioner-focused Toolkit for Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrade Programs was created by Green For All to assist new, established, and future energy efficiency programs launch and scale initiatives that can deliver the full promise of the green economy. It is intended as a practical resource that offers examples, tools, and templates that a program manager can deploy to implement a variety of aspects of their program including best practice briefs and summary documents, RFPs, contracts, and other program design and implementation templates that communities nationwide have used to create their own efficiency programs.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

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

MPower Toolkit

Author(s)
Green For All
Publication Date
2013

The MPower Toolkit provides templates, resources, and lessons learned to address the barriers faced by the affordable multifamily housing sector when accessing energy efficiency upgrades. The toolkit is also intended for all stakeholders involved in efficiency programs, including efficiency program administrators, state and local leaders, utilities, energy consultants, and financial partners. MPower's core model is useful for all building types. In addition, the toolkit’s chapters are broken out into segments that highlight information and innovations that many efficiency programs are incorporating into their own models. The toolkit is a resource for all practitioners involved in implementing MPower and also serves to assist practitioners of other established efficiency programs. The MPower Toolkit draws from the experience of MPower Oregon, although it differentiates between the core MPower model and how MPower Oregon implemented this model.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

The Residential Energy Consumption Survey

Author(s)
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Publication Date
2014

This website provides information on U.S. housing characteristics, including energy consumption data.

Resource - Tools & Calculators

Efficiency Maine Downloads and Forms Portal

Author(s)
Efficiency Maine
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Maine

Efficiency Maine developed this online portal, where many of its program forms are available for download (e.g., program overviews and manuals, participation agreements, and related application materials).

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

Boulder, Colorado's SmartRegs: Minimum Performance Standards for Residential Rental Housing

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EnergySmart Colorado
In 2011 the City of Boulder, Colorado enacted its “SmartRegs” ordinances that require all single family and multifamily rental properties to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard by January 2019. The SmartRegs initiative is designed to help the city achieve its ambitious carbon emissions reduction goals and to improve the quality, safety, and marketability of Boulder’s rental housing stock.
Resource - Publications

NYC Carbon Challenge Handbook for Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)
NYC MayorÕs Office of Sustainability
Publication Date
2016
This handbook is a resource for building owners, building staff, co-op and condo board members, property managers, and all other building decision-makers to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings by understanding the most effective energy conservation measures. This resource introduces the basic principles of energy efficiency, incentive programs, available financing, relevant local laws, and technical training programs designed to reduce energy use and GHG emissions in New York CityÕs diverse multifamily building stock.
Resource - Publications

Ready to Respond: Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience

Author(s)
Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
Publication Date
2015
This guide is a collection of 19 practical strategies for building owners to make their properties more resilient against the effects of extreme weather events. It draws on advice from over 50 experts in the field of resilience as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In addition, the manual offers guidance on determining a propertyÕs vulnerability to various hazards, finding which strategies - including multifamily building envelope efficiency strategies - are relevant to a particular building, and getting started with a resilience plan.
Resource - Publications

Journalist Guide to Energy Efficiency Investments in Low-Income Multifamily Housing

Author(s)
California Delivers
Publication Date
2017
As California moves forward with implementation of new energy efficiency targets in the residential sector, California Delivers offers this background resource for journalists. It includes: an overview of CaliforniaÕs energy efficiency targets and state/federal efficiency programs; a review of barriers to efficiency investments in low-income multifamily housing and strategies to overcome them; relevant facts, figures, and definitions; and a list of experts available for interview.
Resource - Publications

Multifamily Energy Efficiency: What We Know and What's Next

Author(s)
Energy Programs Consortium (EPC)
Publication Date
2013
This Energy Programs Consortium report identifies barriers that have been found to increase investment in low income multi-family housing as well as current efforts to address those barriers and increase building owner investment. This report also identifies strategies for deploying public and provide sector resources that can be used to increase the effectiveness of current efforts to address energy efficiency barriers in the low income multi-family housing sector.
Resource - Publications

Segmenting Chicago Multifamily Housing to Improve Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
Elevate Energy
Publication Date
2017
Organizations or Programs
Elevate Energy
Elevate Energy constructed a database of 143,000 Chicago multifamily buildings and segmented them based on age, size, and other traits in order to better understand the Chicago multifamily sector. The segmentation findings point to opportunities to improve ChicagoÕs energy efficiency programs. The size of the unsubsidized lower-cost multifamily market in Chicago, added benefits of improved health outcomes for low-income residents, and greater investment in disadvantaged neighborhoods strengthen the case for prioritizing multifamily market for energy efficiency. The report is organized into three parts. The first part describes the datasets used to build a database of ChicagoÕs multifamily buildings. The second reviews key findings from the analysis. The third section provides recommended improvements to efficiency programs based on the segmentation.
Resource - Publications

Small Multifamily Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2015
Residential multi-family properties represent not only a significant share of the housing stock in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, but a significant opportunity to capture energy efficiency savings through cost-effective retrofit measures. The nature of the multi-family housing stock Ð and, in particular, the small multi-family sector Ð creates a unique set of challenges. This overview page outlines the market barriers and challenges faced by small multi-family properties and offers recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders to make the multi-family sector a key outreach sector target, both in terms of policies and program strategies.
Resource - Publications

Well-Suited Energy Efficiency Tailoring Programs for Multifamily Buildings

Author(s)
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Publication Date
2017
The Midwest is home to a significant stock of multifamily buildings that represent a huge energy savings opportunity. Multifamily housing makes up 11 to 22% of the housing stock in Midwest states. The majority of multifamily housing is renter-occupied, and a large proportion of those renters are low income customers for whom the cost of high utility bills is the most burdensome. This report examines the mixture of multifamily energy efficiency programs in four states Ð Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota and Iowa Ð since 2010. The analysis looks at investment, energy savings and program models offered in each state. These states are not the only states working on multifamily energy efficiency in the Midwest, but they provide a good contrast in terms of energy efficiency policies and performance, as well as having sufficient available data for the analysis.
Resource - Publications

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Content Type

  • Resource (271)
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  • Tips for Success (4)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (63)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (112)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (54)
  • Marketing & Outreach (56)
  • Financing (59)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (24)

Program Design Phases

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States or Territories

  • Alabama (6)
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Organizations or Programs

  • Efficiency Maine (15)
  • Elevate Energy (15)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (14)
  • Austin Energy (12)
  • Energy Upgrade California (12)
  • Michigan Saves (11)
  • Community Power Works (8)
  • Enhabit (8)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (7)
  • Efficiency Vermont (6)
  • EnergySmart (6)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (6)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (6)
  • Mass Save (6)
  • RePower Bremerton (6)
  • RePower Kitsap (6)
  • Energize Connecticut (5)
  • Focus on Energy (5)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (5)
  • RePower Bainbridge (5)
  • Be SMART (4)
  • Energize Phoenix (4)
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (4)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (4)
  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (4)
  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (4)
  • United Illuminating (4)
  • Beacon Communities Project (3)
  • BetterBuildings for Greensboro (3)
  • Energize New York (3)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (3)
  • Kansas How$mart (3)
  • Long Island Green Homes (3)
  • National Grid (3)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (3)
  • reEnergize (3)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (3)
  • Xcel Energy (3)
  • Ameren Illinois Utilities (2)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (2)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (2)
  • CenterPoint Energy (2)
  • CharlestonWISE (2)
  • Community Energy Challenge (2)
  • Efficiency Nova Scotia (2)
  • emPowerSBC (2)
  • EnergyWorks (2)
  • MPower Oregon (2)
  • Puget Sound Energy (2)
  • Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) (2)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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