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What Contractors Wish Homeowners Knew About Building or Renovating a Home
Megan Ray Nichols
Most homeowners don't know what goes into the planning and construction of a house. And the rise of home improvement programs and DIY home renovation has lead some potential homeowners to make assumptions about what contractors do — and what it takes to build a home from the foundation up. However, most homeowners don't know the full story of how houses get built. [continue reading]
Count of Zero Energy Residences Grows 59% Across the U.S. and Canada
Leslie Jackson
As the date approaches for the Getting to Zero Forum in Downtown Oakland, California October 9-11, this article, published mid-summer by Team Zero on a study called Zero Energy Residential Buildings gives the impression this show will carry some news of hope, positivity and generally good vibes 'midst the concern. If you're coming to the Forum, come find me and say hello. I'll be wearing a Press Badge in my cap!—Leslie [continue reading]
Using Residential Solar Panels to Power Electric Cars
Rob Appelhof
People are buying more electric cars than ever. According to the newsletter ARS Technica, in 2018 – the most-recent full year for which records are available – some 200,000 electric cars were sold in the United States. Tesla sold the most, accounting for about 10-percent of the total. [continue reading]
EERE Success Story — Reducing the Energy Burden for Elderly and Homes that Previously Could Not Receive Weatherization Services
DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Minnesota's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has made strides in reducing the energy burden and providing a healthier home environment for low-income households in the state. Between July 2017 and June 2018, the agency provided weatherization services for more than 2,000 homes across the state. The state's WAP is administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce which receives annual funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE) Weatherization ... [continue reading]
The Future of HVAC is Smart
Joe Samel
The HVAC industry is not known for its quick rate of change, but when change comes, it shifts the industry dramatically. The introduction of scroll technology, SEER requirements that transformed system efficiency, smart Wi-Fi thermostats that changed how we interact with our systems, and the looming technician shortage that is helping us talk up our profession in new ways have all been industry-changers. [continue reading]
Low Maintenance Landscape Design Trends
Matt Lee
Improving your landscape can be an expensive investment. For those looking to spend less money on their yards while maintaining a great cosmetic look, consider a low maintenance design. These designs minimize upkeep and establish simplicity in your landscape that will, in turn, increase your property value. [continue reading]
Making Value Visible in the High Performing Homes Market
Julie Caracino
The Building Performance Association and Elevate Energy are excited to announce the release of Making the Value Visible: A Blueprint for Transforming the High-Performing Homes Market by Showcasing Clean and Efficient Energy Improvements. This paper presents strategies for valuing clean and efficient energy upgrades in the real estate market. [continue reading]
Home Performance: Lead Generation Ideas
Mike Austin
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that households can save up to 25% (or up to $2,000) on their annual utility bills by taking energy efficiency measures. For that reason, more and more homeowners are investing in improving their home performance – from minor repairs to major installations and upgrades. [continue reading]
August Federal Policy Updates
Lizzie Bunnen
Both chambers of Congress are now in recess, but we do have a few updates to share! Workforce Bill Our workforce bill has officially been introduced in the Senate! It is largely similar to its House counterpart - Blue Collar to Green Collar Jobs Act (HR1315) – which was approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and now has a number of Republican co-sponsors. The Senate version, dubbed “The Clean Energy Jobs Act ... [continue reading]
The Impact of Energy Efficiency in West Virginia
Joe Cullen
On August 20, 2019, the Building Performance Association (BPA) and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) filed joint comments before the West Virginia Public Service Commission highlighting the value of energy efficiency and demand response (EE/DR) programs and common-sense cost-effectiveness testing approaches in support of proposed Appalachian Power Company EE/DR programs. BPA and ACEEE worked closely with Energy Efficient West Virginia to emphasize what we witness in states across the country: that properly ... [continue reading]
