Residential
These resources can be used to generate demand for EE by guiding homeowners, renters and landlords from the first stage of gaining awareness of the value of EE to the critical stage of making a commitment to act. Once a commitment to act has been made the person needs adequate financial resources and their needs to be a qualified workforce doing quality work.
Awareness and knowledge of the value of EE
EmPower Workshops -Save Energy, Save Dollars emphasizes the cost-savings of electric reduction measures, particularly lighting and refrigerator replacements, as well as other cost-effective home performance strategies such as insulation, and health and safety measures. Making Ends Meet focuses on developing and using a household spending plan, maximizing resources and reducing energy use. The NYSERDA-funded workshops are provided to participants at no cost. CCE Associations can choose to offer EmPower. Contact Ann Gifford (607) 272-2292 ext 133, amg29@cornell.edu.
CEPREE (Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency)- CEPREE is designed to increase consumer awareness on the importance and benefits of EE, spur consumer demand and improve building practices that support EE principles. CEPREE encourages the purchase and installation of energy efficient products, the incorporation of comprehensive building practices and the development and support of midstream market infrastructure that brings these products and practices to customers. Website has extensive EE fact sheets
Webpages - create pages for your Association website that address the economic, environmental and social (equity) benefits of EE.
Print/Audio Media - create articles and public service announcements for local media. As an example weekly energy tips accompany fuel prices in the print version of the Ithaca Journal
Home Energy Yardstick benchmarking is a way to quantify how much energy might be saved by comparing one's house to the savings of similar houses.
Awareness of Possibility:
Energy Saving CD - CCE-Tompkins has distributed hundreds of interactive CD's. While the information is also available via the website, the numerous how-to videos load much faster from the CD and make the information available to those with dial-up connections.
IMBY Tool - The "In My Backyard" Tool estimates the electricity you can produce with a solar photovoltaic (PV) array or wind turbine at your home or business. IMBY uses a map-based interface to allow you to choose the exact location of your PV array or wind turbine. Based on your location, system size, and other variables, IMBY estimates the electricity production you can expect from your system.
DOE Energy Savers Tips - Energy Savers provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road. By following just a few of the simple tips found on this Energy Savers Web site, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool-while you save money. We bring you the latest information on energy-saving, efficient technologies. We even give tips for using clean, renewable energy to power your home.
Belief It Can Be Done:
Video Clips of local people giving testimonials. People respond most to people who are like themselves. You can use an inexpensive cameras, such as the flip camera.
Green Home Online Examples - Provides examples of Green construction and renovation projects from all over the United States. The site also includes product guides and information on green building options and opportunities
Knowledge of What to Do:
Energy Path - Energy conservation is a multi-step process. The energy pathway outlines each step in the process of retrofitting a home towards energy efficiency. These changes can result in lower energy bills and improved comfort! Financial incentives and programs also are available to help pay for this process
Energy Conservation List - Provides a list of actions and tips to increase residential energy efficiency, energy conservation, and in-home comfort.
Commitment to Act:
Individual Commitment Statements - These statements allow individuals to formally commit themselves to energy efficiency and conservation. Commitment Statements can be tailored to the specific values and motivations that motivate a community to engage with energy efficiency and conservation efforts. An example is provided. Similar commitment statements could be develop for other groups such as Landowner and Homeowner Associations
