Where Do We Go from Here? (More Importantly, How Do We Pay for It?)

clock July 28, 2011 05:48 | commentComments (0)
Recently, much of our work on the financial technical assistance team has been focused on the question of how to sustain programs after ARRA funding is exhausted.  Some units of government have developed financing programs such as loan funds that require ongoing management. Others hope to continue making energy efficiency (EE) upgrades on government facilities. Still others are looking for ways to continue staffing their sustainability offices. While their goals for the future may differ,... [More]
Categories: Energy Planning & Policy | Energy Savings Performance Contracting | Financing | Program Design & Implementation | Permalink
Actions: Share | commentComments (0) | RSS comment feedComment RSS

Growing the Green Workforce: An Investment in the Future

clock July 7, 2011 05:01 | commentComments (0)
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is working to do much more than simply improve energy efficiency (EE) of buildings in the United States—it also strives to create and retain jobs. To effectively impact and improve the job marketplace, EE and conservation programs should communicate and work closely with contractors who plan, sell, and perform building energy upgrades. In their report, Driving Demand for Home Energy Upgrades, Lawrence Berkeley National L... [More]
Categories: Best Practices | Building Energy Audits | Outreach/Marketing | Program Design & Implementation | Permalink
Actions: Share | commentComments (0) | RSS comment feedComment RSS

It's Not All About the Numbers

clock May 26, 2011 02:25 | commentComments (0)
When evaluating factors most likely to lead to an energy efficiency program’s success, Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) grantee program designers often consider many variables, including target interest rates, proposed amounts for candidate loans, the size of the intended marketing effort, etc. While these are certainly important, the relationships between financial institutions (FIs) and political entities are at least as important. This post describes some of these is... [More]
Categories: Best Practices | Financing | Program Design & Implementation | Permalink
Actions: Share | commentComments (0) | RSS comment feedComment RSS

Community Engagement Webinars: Part 1—Local Social Marketing

clock May 12, 2011 05:09 | commentComments (1)
Results from Maryland’s Existing Homes Program Convincing busy homeowners to participate in energy efficiency programs has always been a challenge. However, there are new approaches that successfully engage participation by leveraging homeowners’ existing relationships with their communities, faith-based groups, and other organizations. In the first of a series of Webinars on community engagement, we will explore the outcomes some mid-Atlantic states experienced following these so... [More]
Categories: Best Practices | Outreach/Marketing | Program Design & Implementation | Success Stories | Webinars | Permalink
Actions: Share | commentComments (1) | RSS comment feedComment RSS

The Community Energy Strategic Planning Academy Is Coming!

clock May 9, 2011 05:50 | commentComments (0)
Over the last several years, cities and counties across the country have worked persistently to implement innovative energy projects. Financial support for these efforts has largely been made possible through Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and State Energy Program (SEP) funds. People who care about developing energy efficiency projects might be wondering what will come next… To address the challenge of how to employ and maintain lasting change, the Technical ... [More]
Categories: Energy Planning & Policy | Program Design & Implementation | Webinars | Permalink
Actions: Share | commentComments (0) | RSS comment feedComment RSS