According to NEEP’s Northeast Residential Lighting Strategy (RLS) Update, energy savings from efficient lighting continues to be the most cost effective measure for efficiency programs. In order to expand upon the savings from efficiency programs, ratepayer funded programs require robust support. The RLS update serves as a supplemental document to NEEP’s original 2012 Northeast RLS with current information, and not as a replacement. Continue reading
Last week, a damaging bill (HB 5749) for building energy efficiency was heard in Connecticut. The bill describes itself as attempting to “save resources” for the Nutmeg State and creates a “more consistent State Building Code,” when in fact it would accomplish neither! Here is NEEP’s written testimony against the bill.
HB 5749, if passed, would have Connecticut revise the State Building Code only every six years! NEEP strongly recommends that all states update their state building and energy codes at least every three years, corresponding with the International Code Council’s (ICC) update cycle. It’s the surest way to align a state building code with the latest developments in building technologies and practices, and achieve the energy and cost savings, not to mention life/safety requirements, the codes are designed for.
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are seeing unprecedented savings in electricity and natural gas use, thanks to a combined commitment to invest over $2.5 billion dollars in energy efficiency through 2013, according to NEEP’s second annual Regional Roundup of Energy Efficiency Policy. The report examines overall policy trends and suggests which states are leading and lagging in capturing cost-effective energy efficiency to help meet energy demand as cleanly and cheaply as possible. Continue reading
At least this is how many heating systems my parents’ house has. From electric baseboard heat to ductless mini-splits, the house is like a museum to the history of home heating systems.
Before you go thinking my parents are some kind of crazy heating system hoarders, it helps to understand that their house has gone through several remodels and additions since it was built 40 years ago. Continue reading
Posted in Buildings
Tagged Buildings, Emerging Technologies, Energy Efficiency, energy efficiency programs
A pat on the back for the ENERGY STAR brand was well deserved at this year’s Partners Meeting where attendees celebrated 20 years of the brand’s achievements in the market adoption of high efficiency products and billions of dollars and millions of metric tons of GHG emissions saved each year from ENERGY STAR products ($20 billion on utility bills and 195 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 alone!). Whether it was looking back at ENERGY STAR’s humble beginnings in 1992, or looking forward to the opportunities and challenges in deeper energy savings, the important role of energy efficiency for the environment and the economy was a key message. Continue reading
Dr. James Brodrick, lighting program manager for the U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies
Program
As the DesignLights ™ Consortium (DLC) gears up for the 2012 Stakeholder Meeting October 28-31 in Atlanta, GA, we had a chance to sit down with the meeting keynote speaker, Dr. James Brodrick, lighting program manager
for the U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies
Program, to talk about his perspective of the future of the LED lighting market. Drawing on extensive technical and market knowledge, Dr. Brodrick has designed a comprehensive DOE strategy to move SSL from lab to market. During this interview, Dr. Brodrick spoke to the value of the DOE and the DLC in advancing quality, performance, and energy efficiency in LED lighting. Continue reading
Energy efficiency programs are gaining increasing traction using social media, especially to promote residential retail products. Alison Emerson, Digital Content & Social Media Producer of Efficiency Vermont’s highly successful social media efforts, told NEEP that they are seeing a positive trend using Facebook and Twitter to drive overall brand awareness. Other programs are achieving similar success. Continue reading
Posted in Products
Tagged Energy Efficiency, energy efficiency programs, Northeast, social media
University of Vermont is one of 12 higher education institutions in the state investing millions in energy efficiency.
How far will $16 million dollars go to create green college campuses in the Green Mountain State? A lot further than you think. Recently, twelve of Vermont’s most prominent institutions of higher education pledged more than $16 million to green revolving funds, and they are using this money to make major improvements in energy efficiency – with an impact far greater than their initial investment. Continue reading
The potential energy savings in the multi-family sector is tremendous. In spite of this, the sector has not been a point of focus for retrofit projects as there are multiple barriers to achieving complete success in these types of projects.
Beginning June 1, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships will assist Efficiency Maine in its efforts to develop and deploy a multi-year energy efficiency strategy to accelerate comprehensive energy retrofits in small to medium multi-family housing which are characterized broadly as 10-40 year old, 5-20 unit apartment buildings. Continue reading
Posted in Buildings
Tagged Buildings, Energy Efficiency, energy efficiency policy, energy efficiency programs
NEEP along with many of its Sponsoring organizations, were recently recognized for its a collaborative work accelerating energy efficiency through the promotion of ENERGY STAR products. Our Sponsors are energy efficiency program administrators and electric and gas utilities. When it comes to our work here at NEEP, all of these companies participate for the same reasons: to capture significant energy and emissions savings that are as cost effective as possible for their customers. This distinct collaboration is the reason why the Environmental Protection Agency is awarding our Retail Products Initiative with its sixth Sustained Excellence award- it’s most prestigious recognition.
University of Vermont is one of 12 higher education institutions in the state investing millions in energy efficiency.
How far will $16 million dollars go to create green college campuses in the Green Mountain State? A lot further than you think. Recently, twelve of Vermont’s most prominent institutions of higher education pledged more than $16 million to green revolving funds, and they are using this money to make major improvements in energy efficiency – with an impact far greater than their initial investment. [More]
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