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Why simple incentives are the key to dynamic energy efficiency

February 9, 2017 by 1 Comment

Why simple incentives are the key to dynamic energy efficiency
Photo by Mark Turnauckas, via Flickr.

Photo by Mark Turnauckas, via Flickr.

What do you think about when you consider extreme energy efficiency? Perhaps you think about gigantic solar arrays, intricate water reclamation technology, or slick computerized building controls.

While all those measures are well and good, you don’t have to buy fancy equipment or use luxury materials to achieve superior energy savings.

When it comes to lowering energy consumption, I believe that simple utility incentives—which are often just a few lines of text—may very well be our most powerful tool.

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Filed Under: Better Buildings, Big Ideas, Home, Occupants & Operators Tagged With: Building Performance, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Savings, Incentives, Performance-based outcomes, Utilities

Policy innovations propel energy efficiency

October 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Policy innovations propel energy efficiency
NEEC report cover

Cover photos taken from report commissioned by NEEC. Photo at center courtesy of Diana Rothery; right cover photo courtesy of Nate Watters.

Policymakers take note: energy efficiency may be your best economic development strategy.

A recent report commissioned by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) found that energy efficiency investments boosted the economies of Washington and Oregon by hundreds of millions of dollars more than if that money had been invested elsewhere. Not only does spending on energy efficiency generally remain localized, it also frees up capital that can be redirected towards other projects. Places that encourage investment in energy efficiency can then reap the long-term benefits of a stronger local economy, higher wages and lower unemployment.

We need a mix of market based tools to promote investments in energy efficiency. Here are three innovations that encourage broader adoption of efficiency and stimulate deeper, more persistent energy savings.

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Filed Under: Big Ideas, Home Tagged With: Economic Development, Energy, Energy Benchmarking, Energy Efficiency, Energy Policy, Energy Savings, Incentives, NEEC, Performance-based outcomes, Utilities

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