Toolkit on Local Government Strategies for Achieving Energy Savings in Buildings

Sarina Soor
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“The toolkit includes local government policy options for both new and existing buildings. Policies that target new buildings in the toolkit include building energy codes, building code compliance, and green building requirements and certifications. Policies for existing buildings include requirements for energy audits, retrofits, retrocommissioning, and benchmarking and transparency requirements.” Click here to see the…

Saving Energy, Saving Lives: The Health Impacts of Avoiding Power Plant Pollution with Energy Efficiency

Sarina Soor
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Pollution from power plants harms public health, contributing to heart attacks, respiratory conditions, asthma attacks, and premature death. Energy efficiency can benefit health by reducing power plant pollution. This report estimates the health and environmental benefits that would come from a nationwide 15% reduction in annual electric consumption. We present results nationally, for states, and…

Saving Watts to Save Drops: Inclusion of Water Efficiency in Energy Efficiency Programs

Sarina Soor
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Energy production and consumption require water, and water transport and treatment need energy. Researchers and practitioners are increasingly interested in designing integrated programs to manage energy and water in tandem. Utilities typically do not focus on the avoided costs and indirect energy savings from reduced water consumption. Doing so would help them reduce expenditures and…

How California builders are adapting to state’s super-strict energy mandates

Sarina Soor
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“Each home will come with SunPower solar system, ranging from 3 to 5 kilowatts, which can generate up to 8,000 kilowatt hours based on home orientation, which estimates suggest will cover 80 percent or more of a home’s energy usage. The renewable focus is part of Pardee’s LivingSmart branding, developments with smart home features, energy…

Buildings and the Grid 101: Opportunities and challenges from HVAC, water heating, and appliances

Sarina Soor
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“At the core of the technology being developed in the HVAC, Water Heating, and Appliance subprogram is the capability of the equipment to be responsive and dispatchable to both the electrical and gas grids while still providing occupant comfort. This subprogram is focused on developing energy-efficient equipment and components that are able to receive these…

RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative: Benefits Matrix

Sarina Soor
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RE-Powering tracks the economic and environmental benefits associated with completed sites, as identified and reported by parties directly involved with their respective projects. Common benefits reported include revenues from land leases and taxes, electricity cost savings associated with the reduced need to purchase power from the grid, job creation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, et al.…

Calculating Demand Savings from Smart Thermostat Demand Response Programs – Mar. 15

Sarina Soor
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“Learn about two different approaches to evaluating smart thermostat demand response programs. Olivia Patterson, Opinion Dynamics, will examine a bring-your-own-thermostat program designed to address system reliability. Opinion Dynamics assessed demand impacts using both experimental and quasi-experimental designs, and Olivia will discuss the implications of each approach on program performance results. Olivia will also be updating…

Updated energy saver guide covers new technologies

Sarina Soor
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“The Energy Save Guide includes tried-and-true tips on how to get a home energy audit, weatherize your home, heat and cool more efficiently, and reduce your electricity use. The latest edition also provides information about how to use smart thermostats, connect with your utility to monitor your energy use, and use smart appliances—things we definitely…
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