This document discusses tools and resources that could help residential remodelers and contractors successfully provide and promote energy efficiency upgrades to homeowners. It summarizes research from focus groups with remodelers about barriers they face and what would help overcome those barriers. Remodelers said that homeowners need education on the benefits of energy upgrades in order to see them as an investment rather than just a cost. Tools suggested include resources to project potential savings from upgrades and information from credible sources. Referral programs with energy auditors were also seen as beneficial.
The document discusses sustainability services for building projects across the entire building lifecycle, from pre-design through redevelopment. It introduces specialized sustainable design services that create value by reducing costs and optimizing energy and water usage. The services help clients take a strategic, long-term approach to managing resources from the earliest planning stages through a building's operations and potential redevelopment.
Encouraging Sustainability: Use of LEED to Enhance Focus on SustainabilityDaniel Haddock
Describes the implementation of an initiative at American Water to obtain LEED certification for four new water treatment facilities in Indiana & Illinois. Discussion of the wider benefits of the initiative in terms of introducing concepts of sustainability to employees across the utility organization.
This document discusses changes between LEED v2.2 and LEED 2009. Major changes include standardizing the rating systems to use a 100 point scale with prerequisites, increasing emphasis on energy reduction through more points, and introducing regional priority points. The 20% reduction in water use is now a prerequisite instead of a credit. LEED 2009 aims to better align credits across systems and re-weight categories deemed most important like energy.
The document summarizes five commercial office buildings in downtown Toronto that have achieved LEED certification, totaling over 4 million square feet of space. As of June 2010, these five buildings had around 530,000 square feet available for lease, representing an availability rate of 12.75%. For comparison, class "AAA" and "A" office buildings downtown had availability rates of 17.1% and 10.4% respectively in Q1 2010. The document also profiles an sustainability consultant, Sandra Lester, who advocates for a more systemic approach to green building that considers long-term impacts and life-cycle assessments rather than just short-term efficiency measures.
1) Kimball Office has had a corporate commitment to sustainability and the environment for over 37 years under the leadership of President Thomas L. Habig.
2) They have implemented lean manufacturing practices to reduce waste and costs while improving environmental performance and have earned a reputation for operational excellence.
3) Kimball Office's sustainability strategy has three prongs - people, process, and product - which includes obtaining certifications, reducing environmental impacts, and designing products that enhance healthy indoor environments for customers.
This document provides guidance for tenants on green leasing, selecting a green building, opportunities for green tenant improvements, and operating their office space in an environmentally friendly way. It recommends tenants create a green occupancy plan by considering objectives, selecting a building with strong environmental performance and credentials, implementing energy and water efficiency upgrades, using sustainable materials, and operating procedures to reduce waste and emissions. The landlord can support green goals through performance reporting, maintenance, and collaborating on improvement initiatives.
This document discusses examples of successful Indian companies and their business practices. It summarizes speeches from the chairman of SBI Bank about their "Project Parivartan" transformation initiative in response to new competition. It also discusses the effective operations of Mumbai's dabbawala food delivery network with near-perfect performance and customer satisfaction. Finally, it outlines Infosys' growth from a small startup to a global IT leader, and how they develop future leaders through specialized training programs.
The document discusses sustainability services for building projects across the entire building lifecycle, from pre-design through redevelopment. It introduces specialized sustainable design services that create value by reducing costs and optimizing energy and water usage. The services help clients take a strategic, long-term approach to managing resources from the earliest planning stages through a building's operations and potential redevelopment.
Encouraging Sustainability: Use of LEED to Enhance Focus on SustainabilityDaniel Haddock
Describes the implementation of an initiative at American Water to obtain LEED certification for four new water treatment facilities in Indiana & Illinois. Discussion of the wider benefits of the initiative in terms of introducing concepts of sustainability to employees across the utility organization.
This document discusses changes between LEED v2.2 and LEED 2009. Major changes include standardizing the rating systems to use a 100 point scale with prerequisites, increasing emphasis on energy reduction through more points, and introducing regional priority points. The 20% reduction in water use is now a prerequisite instead of a credit. LEED 2009 aims to better align credits across systems and re-weight categories deemed most important like energy.
The document summarizes five commercial office buildings in downtown Toronto that have achieved LEED certification, totaling over 4 million square feet of space. As of June 2010, these five buildings had around 530,000 square feet available for lease, representing an availability rate of 12.75%. For comparison, class "AAA" and "A" office buildings downtown had availability rates of 17.1% and 10.4% respectively in Q1 2010. The document also profiles an sustainability consultant, Sandra Lester, who advocates for a more systemic approach to green building that considers long-term impacts and life-cycle assessments rather than just short-term efficiency measures.
1) Kimball Office has had a corporate commitment to sustainability and the environment for over 37 years under the leadership of President Thomas L. Habig.
2) They have implemented lean manufacturing practices to reduce waste and costs while improving environmental performance and have earned a reputation for operational excellence.
3) Kimball Office's sustainability strategy has three prongs - people, process, and product - which includes obtaining certifications, reducing environmental impacts, and designing products that enhance healthy indoor environments for customers.
This document provides guidance for tenants on green leasing, selecting a green building, opportunities for green tenant improvements, and operating their office space in an environmentally friendly way. It recommends tenants create a green occupancy plan by considering objectives, selecting a building with strong environmental performance and credentials, implementing energy and water efficiency upgrades, using sustainable materials, and operating procedures to reduce waste and emissions. The landlord can support green goals through performance reporting, maintenance, and collaborating on improvement initiatives.
This document discusses examples of successful Indian companies and their business practices. It summarizes speeches from the chairman of SBI Bank about their "Project Parivartan" transformation initiative in response to new competition. It also discusses the effective operations of Mumbai's dabbawala food delivery network with near-perfect performance and customer satisfaction. Finally, it outlines Infosys' growth from a small startup to a global IT leader, and how they develop future leaders through specialized training programs.
The document discusses how CDM helps clients optimize their facility infrastructure and operations to reduce costs. It describes how CDM develops customized solutions focused on lifecycle costs that maximize business decisions while improving environmental stewardship. CDM listens to clients' needs and assembles technical experts to identify integrated approaches that link regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and business performance.
The project manager effectively delivered the AllenSolly store project on time and under budget through strong project management skills and leadership. Key factors in the project manager's effectiveness included knowledge of design, construction, cost management and scheduling. The project manager took responsibility and ownership for the project, involved stakeholders in decision-making, and motivated the team through leadership. As a result, the project was completed in 35 days compared to the usual 50 days, came in under the 80 lakh budget at 76 lakhs, and the store design met the client's objectives of a distinctive, high-quality space for the high street location.
In 2005, Perini Corporation significantly increased its construction backlog to a record $7.9 billion, nearly half of which was attributable to the MGM MIRAGE's CityCenter project in Las Vegas. This increase was also due in part to acquisitions of Rudolph and Sletten and Cherry Hill Construction. Perini's diversified portfolio demonstrated the experience and versatility of its employees and project management teams.
This document advertises and provides information about the "Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency Europe" conference taking place on February 15-16, 2011 in London. The conference will bring together architects, project managers, and property owners to discuss cost-effective approaches to retrofitting and refurbishment projects. Speakers from organizations like Vinci, Bouygues, MT Hojgaard, and BRE will provide case studies and insights into delivering innovative retrofit strategies, new technologies, and legislation compliance. The conference aims to help attendees develop effective retrofit designs, execution plans, and upgrade programs to improve energy efficiency and secure their business in the growing retrofitting industry.
Haig Barrett is a leading management consulting firm founded in 1999 with 30 professionals and offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London. They provide core services in learning, strategic thinking, information processes, sustainability frameworks, and green communications. Their industry focus includes resource industries like energy and mining, as well as automotive, transportation, and service industries. They help clients with sustainability strategy, organizational transformation, growth opportunities, market entry, and thought leadership through their Sustainovation approach.
Deep Savings: Using Case Studies in Our Search for Success
Find Sources and learn from Case Study results already gathered on Best practices and Measured Performance.
Sarat Varanasi is a senior-level technology executive in IT services and consulting. Over his career he has [1] generated millions in new annual revenues and long-term revenue streams, [2] negotiated large deals and standardized processes to reduce costs and improve efficiencies, and [3] consistently improved profitability, customer satisfaction, and performance. He has revolutionized business processes, delivery processes, and leadership competencies to expand business and drive growth.
The document discusses the importance of sustainable product design. It argues that product design is the starting point for transforming a business to be more sustainable. The design process determines how materials are sourced, where a product is manufactured, and how it is distributed and disposed of at the end of its life. More than anywhere else, the initial design stage establishes a product's ultimate environmental footprint. The document advocates for cradle-to-cradle design principles that reduce the need to continually extract new resources and expend energy to create products.
Opus is a full-service real estate development company with over 55 years of experience developing higher education facilities. They take a collaborative approach, working with clients from initial concept through project completion. Opus has developed over 8 million square feet of space for colleges and universities, including classrooms, housing, and athletic facilities, focused on creating dynamic learning environments. Their goal is to design and build high-quality, sustainable campuses that support educational missions and attract students.
This document provides an overview of Zoom Enterprises, a global conglomerate founded in 1991 and headquartered in Mumbai, India. It operates across sectors including industrial & engineering services, realty & infrastructure, and IT & ITES. Key information includes its promoters and directors, global presence across 15 countries, major clients, and examples of completed and ongoing projects in areas like infrastructure development, real estate, and redevelopment.
Collaborative Architecture designed a corporate office for Bajaj Electricals in Chennai that prioritized energy efficiency and sustainability. They created a design that maximized daylight while reducing energy consumption and cooling costs. The office features strategies like positioning workspaces to take advantage of daylight, using glazed partitions to allow light into enclosed spaces, and installing advanced HVAC and BMS systems for energy efficiency. The architects succeeded in accommodating the client's requirements while developing a design narrative that masks the gridded floor plan and provides an ambience expected to boost employee productivity.
The document provides information about siloing in business and defines it as non-communication between departments, incompatible goal setting, inter-company snobbery, or outright hostility within an organization. It notes that siloing refers to the sealed-off nature of silos rather than their utility for storing grain, and at its most extreme can lead to destructive competition among groups within a company while enabling the abuse of agricultural metaphors. An example of siloing given is "There’s so much siloing among our divisions, we’ll need to hire bodyguards for the company picnic."
Hal Hamilton's Presentation for Cutting Edge Collaborationruralsupport
The document discusses challenges around mainstreaming sustainability in the global food supply and strategies for addressing them. It outlines challenges like doubling food output with less energy/water while also producing fuel and feeding the poor. It advocates for collaboration across sectors to take on these big challenges. Strategies discussed include forming a diverse team with technical expertise to test innovations, prototype solutions, and share learning. Case studies of initiatives improving livelihoods through more capable farmers and willing buyers with an enabling environment are also presented.
Materials & resources presentation(final version may 2012)greenbuilding
This document discusses materials and resources credits in LEED for Existing Buildings and Operations & Maintenance (LEED EB&OM). It begins with an introduction to LEED EB&OM and its materials and resources category. It then outlines the various materials and resources prerequisites and credits, including sustainable purchasing, solid waste management, and facility alterations. The document notes challenges to achieving these credits in Kuwait, such as limited sustainable product availability and higher costs. It emphasizes the need for cooperation, dedication, and mindset shifts to successfully implement LEED in Kuwait.
Case study marki riba z angielskiego albumu superbrandsSuperbrands Polska
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions good design through better buildings and communities. It provides resources and guidance to architects. RIBA helps clients commission architects and run design competitions. It also provides business support and information to architects. RIBA promotes excellence in architecture through publications, events, and validating architecture courses around the world.
This document provides profiles for several companies involved in the international aquaculture feed industry. It discusses Bühler's aquaculture feed processing solutions, Nutriad's focus on developing specialty aquaculture feed additives, Wenger's aquaculture extrusion systems and after-sales support, and profiles several other machinery producers and suppliers of feed ingredients and additives. The profiles highlight each company's products, innovations, global reach, and reflections on the past year and outlook for 2013 in the aquaculture feed industry.
This document provides an overview of the Preliminary Phase of the Architecture Development Method (ADM). The key objectives of this phase are to scope the enterprise architecture effort, identify stakeholders and requirements, establish governance frameworks, and select the architecture framework that will be used. The main outputs are an organizational model, tailored architecture framework, and initial architecture repository.
2012 06-07 nahb leading suppliers council - start-up kitAmber Joan Wood
Remodelers are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency but face barriers to promoting it to clients. A study identified remodelers' needs through focus groups, finding clients are often cost-focused and upgrades do not increase home value. Remodelers need tools to educate clients and quantify savings. A survey of remodelers found the top priorities were appraisal values not reflecting efficiency and clients selecting bids based on cost alone. Developing standards and programs were suggested to address remodelers' needs and help more homeowners.
2011 01-15 nahbrc - whole-house energy retrofitsAmber Joan Wood
The document describes a whole-house energy retrofit project of the Hawthorne House in Tucson, Arizona. The goals of the project were to improve the home's durability, energy efficiency, sustainability, accessibility, and technological innovation. To achieve these goals, the builders optimized the home's envelope, systems, and incorporated renewable energy sources. Specific improvements included exterior insulation, new windows, air sealing, a high-efficiency heat pump, solar water heating, and solar panels. The project utilized various programs and incentives to reduce costs and increase energy savings.
The document discusses Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County's existing home retrofit project to renovate 12 older homes in a cost effective manner while improving energy efficiency. Key recommendations included air sealing, adding wall insulation, replacing windows, and evaluating HVAC systems. Testing found average source energy savings of 27% and HERS index reductions. Challenges included assessing older, unique home features and coordinating volunteer work. Further development of assessment and air sealing procedures was needed.
2011 06-21 green365 nahbrc - hph reoccuring issuesAmber Joan Wood
This document discusses how to identify and resolve recurring issues in high performing homes. It begins by outlining the goals of building high performing, energy efficient homes and introduces the concept of a "hotspot process" to prioritize and reduce recurring problems. The hotspot process involves 6 steps - identifying hotspots, prioritizing them, analyzing the root cause, documenting solutions, implementing training, and monitoring. An example hotspot of installing mechanical dampers is provided to demonstrate the process. Metrics for evaluating performance improvements from the hotspot process are also discussed.
2010 07-15 rbeem nahbrc industry partnership 07-15-10Amber Joan Wood
The document introduces the NAHB Research Center Building America team and its partners. It discusses the team's mission to develop cost-effective energy efficiency solutions for new and existing homes. It provides an overview of the team members and their capabilities, including research facilities, current projects, and quality management resources. The team works collaboratively with builders, remodelers, product manufacturers, and other organizations to conduct research that advances residential building energy efficiency.
The document discusses how CDM helps clients optimize their facility infrastructure and operations to reduce costs. It describes how CDM develops customized solutions focused on lifecycle costs that maximize business decisions while improving environmental stewardship. CDM listens to clients' needs and assembles technical experts to identify integrated approaches that link regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and business performance.
The project manager effectively delivered the AllenSolly store project on time and under budget through strong project management skills and leadership. Key factors in the project manager's effectiveness included knowledge of design, construction, cost management and scheduling. The project manager took responsibility and ownership for the project, involved stakeholders in decision-making, and motivated the team through leadership. As a result, the project was completed in 35 days compared to the usual 50 days, came in under the 80 lakh budget at 76 lakhs, and the store design met the client's objectives of a distinctive, high-quality space for the high street location.
In 2005, Perini Corporation significantly increased its construction backlog to a record $7.9 billion, nearly half of which was attributable to the MGM MIRAGE's CityCenter project in Las Vegas. This increase was also due in part to acquisitions of Rudolph and Sletten and Cherry Hill Construction. Perini's diversified portfolio demonstrated the experience and versatility of its employees and project management teams.
This document advertises and provides information about the "Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency Europe" conference taking place on February 15-16, 2011 in London. The conference will bring together architects, project managers, and property owners to discuss cost-effective approaches to retrofitting and refurbishment projects. Speakers from organizations like Vinci, Bouygues, MT Hojgaard, and BRE will provide case studies and insights into delivering innovative retrofit strategies, new technologies, and legislation compliance. The conference aims to help attendees develop effective retrofit designs, execution plans, and upgrade programs to improve energy efficiency and secure their business in the growing retrofitting industry.
Haig Barrett is a leading management consulting firm founded in 1999 with 30 professionals and offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London. They provide core services in learning, strategic thinking, information processes, sustainability frameworks, and green communications. Their industry focus includes resource industries like energy and mining, as well as automotive, transportation, and service industries. They help clients with sustainability strategy, organizational transformation, growth opportunities, market entry, and thought leadership through their Sustainovation approach.
Deep Savings: Using Case Studies in Our Search for Success
Find Sources and learn from Case Study results already gathered on Best practices and Measured Performance.
Sarat Varanasi is a senior-level technology executive in IT services and consulting. Over his career he has [1] generated millions in new annual revenues and long-term revenue streams, [2] negotiated large deals and standardized processes to reduce costs and improve efficiencies, and [3] consistently improved profitability, customer satisfaction, and performance. He has revolutionized business processes, delivery processes, and leadership competencies to expand business and drive growth.
The document discusses the importance of sustainable product design. It argues that product design is the starting point for transforming a business to be more sustainable. The design process determines how materials are sourced, where a product is manufactured, and how it is distributed and disposed of at the end of its life. More than anywhere else, the initial design stage establishes a product's ultimate environmental footprint. The document advocates for cradle-to-cradle design principles that reduce the need to continually extract new resources and expend energy to create products.
Opus is a full-service real estate development company with over 55 years of experience developing higher education facilities. They take a collaborative approach, working with clients from initial concept through project completion. Opus has developed over 8 million square feet of space for colleges and universities, including classrooms, housing, and athletic facilities, focused on creating dynamic learning environments. Their goal is to design and build high-quality, sustainable campuses that support educational missions and attract students.
This document provides an overview of Zoom Enterprises, a global conglomerate founded in 1991 and headquartered in Mumbai, India. It operates across sectors including industrial & engineering services, realty & infrastructure, and IT & ITES. Key information includes its promoters and directors, global presence across 15 countries, major clients, and examples of completed and ongoing projects in areas like infrastructure development, real estate, and redevelopment.
Collaborative Architecture designed a corporate office for Bajaj Electricals in Chennai that prioritized energy efficiency and sustainability. They created a design that maximized daylight while reducing energy consumption and cooling costs. The office features strategies like positioning workspaces to take advantage of daylight, using glazed partitions to allow light into enclosed spaces, and installing advanced HVAC and BMS systems for energy efficiency. The architects succeeded in accommodating the client's requirements while developing a design narrative that masks the gridded floor plan and provides an ambience expected to boost employee productivity.
The document provides information about siloing in business and defines it as non-communication between departments, incompatible goal setting, inter-company snobbery, or outright hostility within an organization. It notes that siloing refers to the sealed-off nature of silos rather than their utility for storing grain, and at its most extreme can lead to destructive competition among groups within a company while enabling the abuse of agricultural metaphors. An example of siloing given is "There’s so much siloing among our divisions, we’ll need to hire bodyguards for the company picnic."
Hal Hamilton's Presentation for Cutting Edge Collaborationruralsupport
The document discusses challenges around mainstreaming sustainability in the global food supply and strategies for addressing them. It outlines challenges like doubling food output with less energy/water while also producing fuel and feeding the poor. It advocates for collaboration across sectors to take on these big challenges. Strategies discussed include forming a diverse team with technical expertise to test innovations, prototype solutions, and share learning. Case studies of initiatives improving livelihoods through more capable farmers and willing buyers with an enabling environment are also presented.
Materials & resources presentation(final version may 2012)greenbuilding
This document discusses materials and resources credits in LEED for Existing Buildings and Operations & Maintenance (LEED EB&OM). It begins with an introduction to LEED EB&OM and its materials and resources category. It then outlines the various materials and resources prerequisites and credits, including sustainable purchasing, solid waste management, and facility alterations. The document notes challenges to achieving these credits in Kuwait, such as limited sustainable product availability and higher costs. It emphasizes the need for cooperation, dedication, and mindset shifts to successfully implement LEED in Kuwait.
Case study marki riba z angielskiego albumu superbrandsSuperbrands Polska
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions good design through better buildings and communities. It provides resources and guidance to architects. RIBA helps clients commission architects and run design competitions. It also provides business support and information to architects. RIBA promotes excellence in architecture through publications, events, and validating architecture courses around the world.
This document provides profiles for several companies involved in the international aquaculture feed industry. It discusses Bühler's aquaculture feed processing solutions, Nutriad's focus on developing specialty aquaculture feed additives, Wenger's aquaculture extrusion systems and after-sales support, and profiles several other machinery producers and suppliers of feed ingredients and additives. The profiles highlight each company's products, innovations, global reach, and reflections on the past year and outlook for 2013 in the aquaculture feed industry.
This document provides an overview of the Preliminary Phase of the Architecture Development Method (ADM). The key objectives of this phase are to scope the enterprise architecture effort, identify stakeholders and requirements, establish governance frameworks, and select the architecture framework that will be used. The main outputs are an organizational model, tailored architecture framework, and initial architecture repository.
2012 06-07 nahb leading suppliers council - start-up kitAmber Joan Wood
Remodelers are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency but face barriers to promoting it to clients. A study identified remodelers' needs through focus groups, finding clients are often cost-focused and upgrades do not increase home value. Remodelers need tools to educate clients and quantify savings. A survey of remodelers found the top priorities were appraisal values not reflecting efficiency and clients selecting bids based on cost alone. Developing standards and programs were suggested to address remodelers' needs and help more homeowners.
2011 01-15 nahbrc - whole-house energy retrofitsAmber Joan Wood
The document describes a whole-house energy retrofit project of the Hawthorne House in Tucson, Arizona. The goals of the project were to improve the home's durability, energy efficiency, sustainability, accessibility, and technological innovation. To achieve these goals, the builders optimized the home's envelope, systems, and incorporated renewable energy sources. Specific improvements included exterior insulation, new windows, air sealing, a high-efficiency heat pump, solar water heating, and solar panels. The project utilized various programs and incentives to reduce costs and increase energy savings.
The document discusses Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County's existing home retrofit project to renovate 12 older homes in a cost effective manner while improving energy efficiency. Key recommendations included air sealing, adding wall insulation, replacing windows, and evaluating HVAC systems. Testing found average source energy savings of 27% and HERS index reductions. Challenges included assessing older, unique home features and coordinating volunteer work. Further development of assessment and air sealing procedures was needed.
2011 06-21 green365 nahbrc - hph reoccuring issuesAmber Joan Wood
This document discusses how to identify and resolve recurring issues in high performing homes. It begins by outlining the goals of building high performing, energy efficient homes and introduces the concept of a "hotspot process" to prioritize and reduce recurring problems. The hotspot process involves 6 steps - identifying hotspots, prioritizing them, analyzing the root cause, documenting solutions, implementing training, and monitoring. An example hotspot of installing mechanical dampers is provided to demonstrate the process. Metrics for evaluating performance improvements from the hotspot process are also discussed.
2010 07-15 rbeem nahbrc industry partnership 07-15-10Amber Joan Wood
The document introduces the NAHB Research Center Building America team and its partners. It discusses the team's mission to develop cost-effective energy efficiency solutions for new and existing homes. It provides an overview of the team members and their capabilities, including research facilities, current projects, and quality management resources. The team works collaboratively with builders, remodelers, product manufacturers, and other organizations to conduct research that advances residential building energy efficiency.
2012 09 - eeba nahbrcip-prod_bldr struct designAmber Joan Wood
This document summarizes a presentation on energy efficient structural design and framing systems. It discusses advanced framing techniques like insulated 3-stud corners, rim headers, continuous drywall, and modular fireplaces that can improve a home's energy efficiency. It provides examples of how these techniques were implemented in test homes and reduced energy use by 30-50% according to modeling and monitoring results. Quality assurance measures like inspection, testing and retesting helped achieve low air infiltration rates below 2 ACH50 in one of the test homes.
The energy sector faces several challenges, including sustaining growth as public incentives decrease for renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE). For RE, challenges are increasing its presence in the energy mix and reaching self-sustainability of projects without public funds. For EE, challenges are achieving self-sustainability and increasing efficiency targets and managing energy service companies effectively. The author hopes to play a role in addressing these challenges through business development, identifying new market opportunities, and implementing strategies as a principal consultant or business developer for consulting firms, utilities, or investment funds in RE and EE.
The document discusses recommendations for improving building energy efficiency in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. It recommends focusing on making energy efficiency upgrades economically appealing through pricing incentives, financing programs, and public funding. Specifically, it suggests piloting outcome-based utility incentives, exploring meter-based financing and PACE programs, identifying new sources of public funding for deeper retrofits, and establishing a property tax exemption for rental properties that improve energy efficiency. The recommendations are designed to work together to drive widespread private sector investment in building energy upgrades.
Efficient Agricultural Buildings: An OverviewElisaMendelsohn
This document provides an overview of strategies for improving the efficiency of agricultural buildings. It discusses matching a building's design to its site by considering factors like sunlight, wind and soil conditions. Natural systems that can maintain thermal comfort without mechanical systems are explored. Renewable energy options for agricultural buildings are also covered. The document provides references and resources for learning more about efficient building design, construction, and operation.
How to Calculate and Present Deep Retrofit Value [Executive Summary]Sustainable Brands
Energy efficiency is about more than energy, and deep energy retrofits, which achieve superior energy savings over conventional retrofits and can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 50 percent or more, offer bottom-line benefits for business beyond energy cost savings alone. They generate substantial additional value that is typically ignored: improved employee health, productivity, and satisfaction; bolstered leadership credentials and reputation; access to tax, finance, and entitlement subsidies; improved risk management; reductions in non-energy operating costs; and higher occupancies, tenant retention, rents, and sales prices.
The guide helps professionals move forward with and achieve their goals to build business value through highly efficient buildings. It also helps professionals better demonstrate the impact of deep energy retrofits to peers inside and outside their organization.
This document provides an introduction to energy management systems. It discusses that commercial and residential buildings consume a large portion of total energy production and represent opportunities for increased efficiency. An energy management system can measure, analyze, and optimize a building's energy usage. It also allows benchmarking and monitoring to identify inefficiencies. Implementing an energy management system is a company-wide effort that requires management support to achieve sustained energy savings.
Companies can improve supply chain efficiency and reduce costs and environmental impact by studying their physical infrastructure and building designs. Buildings are large energy users and wasters, so designing, constructing, operating and maintaining buildings with environmental impacts in mind can yield significant efficiencies. When selecting sites and designing buildings, considering factors like proximity to suppliers/customers, transportation infrastructure, and building certification programs can help green the supply chain. Pepsi's new plant in Chongqing, China was designed to significantly reduce water and energy usage.
How to Calculate and Present Deep Retrofit Value [Full Report]Sustainable Brands
Energy efficiency is about more than energy, and deep energy retrofits, which achieve superior energy savings over conventional retrofits and can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 50 percent or more, offer bottom-line benefits for business beyond energy cost savings alone. They generate substantial additional value that is typically ignored: improved employee health, productivity, and satisfaction; bolstered leadership credentials and reputation; access to tax, finance, and entitlement subsidies; improved risk management; reductions in non-energy operating costs; and higher occupancies, tenant retention, rents, and sales prices.
The guide helps professionals move forward with and achieve their goals to build business value through highly efficient buildings. It also helps professionals better demonstrate the impact of deep energy retrofits to peers inside and outside their organization.
Aeronautic manufacturing industry is facing huge challenge : production ramp up, new launch, etc
Increase use of suppliers has complexified programs management and
1. Operations involves investigating existing buildings to identify efficiency opportunities through audits, data gathering, benchmarking and energy modeling. This establishes a baseline for comparison.
2. Key opportunities are then identified to reduce energy use by 20-50% through retrofitting building systems like lighting, HVAC and controls. Water and waste reductions are also considered.
3. Continuous monitoring of building performance data allows operations to improve ongoing efficiency and ensure savings through retrocommissioning.
This document discusses two methods for reducing operating expenses in existing buildings: 1) Building an energy efficient building from the start. 2) Installing energy performance measures, analyzing performance reports, and implementing energy conservation measures (ECM) like replacing equipment. ECMs can help lower energy costs for tenants and make properties more competitive. Conducting energy audits identifies issues and helps allocate funds to small capital improvements that boost efficiency. Regular monitoring of building energy use allows addressing inefficiencies in real-time. Both methods can strengthen profitability but retrofitting is often less costly and faster than new construction.
GEM provides design, construction, and maintenance services to maximize customer return on facility investments. It has single source responsibility from design through construction. GEM has self-performance capabilities across multiple trades allowing for fast-track project completion. It also offers integrated energy solutions including facility management and building control systems to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. Customers highlighted include Penn National Gaming, BASF Corporation, and The University of Toledo.
Sim Energy Ltd provides comprehensive environmental solutions tailored to client needs, including expertise in carbon management, energy services, and environmental compliance. They aim to improve client carbon impact through strategic planning and embedding improvements across all levels of an organization. Their standard energy product provides energy assessments, surveys, project proposals, and ongoing monitoring to identify opportunities for cost-effective energy savings through equipment upgrades or behavioral changes. Major clients of Sim Energy include BAA Ltd, local communities and governments, and schools in the Heathrow area.
Development of 'State-of-Art' Building Energy Dashboard: The C3 Dashboardruchiek
A building energy dashboard could be a tool to influence users to be
more environmentally conscious by displaying real-time energy
consumption. Current commercially available dashboards fall short of
their potential as they do not simultaneously address occupant
comfort, case specific recommendations or controls. To address this
gap, a prototype has been developed for a new ‘state-of-art’
dashboard, the “C3” dashboard. C3 is a common platform for
communication, consultancy and control. It is designed to be a
personal dashboard for users in commercial buildings. This study
presents the opportunities and challenges of developing a user-based
energy dashboard that would empower occupants to save more energy.
This document is a guide for executives on innovating for sustainability. It presents a 3-stage framework for assessing an organization's sustainability and provides 39 practices for fostering innovation across each stage. The guide highlights case studies from leading organizations that are actively pursuing sustainability through innovation to benefit people, profits, and the planet.
This white paper discusses strategies for designing, procuring, and operating complex facilities to achieve low carbon environments. It outlines challenges such as buildings failing to meet energy performance targets due to gaps in integrating design, procurement, and operation processes. The paper proposes developing an integrated decision support process to manage these critical phases and ensure low carbon performance is achieved.
The document provides an overview of a technical guide for incorporating energy efficiency into HOME-funded affordable housing projects. It discusses the purpose and history of the guide, how it is organized, and how project staff, CHDOs, and developers can use it. The guide contains strategies for encouraging efficiency, descriptions of common measures, tools for determining cost-effective measures, and energy and cost savings models for different climate zones. It is intended to help stakeholders identify and promote appropriate efficiency actions for various project types.
Similar to 2011 08-09 nahbrc-ip - reetum business start-up kit (20)
Nexus EnergyHomes aims to revolutionize home building by promoting more sustainable and energy efficient homes. They develop high-performance homes that use advanced building technologies like structural insulated panels, spray foam insulation, and geothermal heating and cooling to provide enhanced comfort, energy savings, and indoor air quality. Nexus markets the benefits of their green and affordable homes and has seen sales outperform comparable developments with homes selling more quickly.
2012 06-07 nahb leading suppliers council - zeh finalAmber Joan Wood
This document summarizes a presentation about building towards net zero energy homes. It discusses the NAHB Research Center's work promoting energy efficient housing technologies through research partnerships. It provides an overview of zero energy home basics, including making the home highly efficient and using renewable energy systems to offset overall energy usage. The document concludes with a case study of a net zero energy home built in the Armory Park del Sol community in Tucson, Arizona, and lessons learned from monitoring its energy performance over one year.
2011 09-16 eeba - nahbrc national green bld std overviewAmber Joan Wood
The document provides an overview of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) certification program. It discusses the development and scope of the NGBS, the certification process, costs, accredited verifiers, product approvals, incentives, and revisions. The certification ensures projects meet the consensus-based requirements in the NGBS across various residential building types and levels of certification.
2010 05-17 performing as designed - amber woodAmber Joan Wood
This document summarizes energy performance data from two high-performance homes - the Monmouth HPH in New Jersey and the Green Home 1 in Pennsylvania. Key findings include:
- The Monmouth HPH achieved 52% lower gas heating energy and 57% lower furnace electricity usage compared to a standard model home.
- Green Home 1 had significant air sealing with an infiltration rate of 2.35 ACH50 (<0.15 ACHnat) and zero duct losses to the exterior.
- Preliminary data showed the ground source heat pump in Green Home 1 had an average system COP of 5.17 for the monitoring period. The hybrid water heating system provided 51% of hot water from solar.
2010 07-15 rbeem nahbrc marine miranda 07-15-10Amber Joan Wood
This document summarizes a case study of the Miranda Homes Harbor View project in Clackamas, Oregon. Key aspects include highly insulated panelized walls, an unvented attic with spray foam insulation, and energy monitoring that found the home used 15.8% less energy than simulated. The project achieved a 46% energy savings over a typical home and a HERS index of 69. Monitoring data generally matched predictions and validated the home's energy performance and savings.
This document discusses quality systems and processes for building high performance homes. It outlines the goals of making quality practices widely available to builders to improve home performance. Various metrics are presented that show the economic benefits of quality, including reduced costs, higher profits and customer satisfaction. A hotspot process is described as a way to identify, train on and inspect recurring quality issues. Developing quality management systems for new and existing homes is presented as an area for further research.
National Green Building Certification provides a standardized process for certifying homes as green. The National Green Building Standard establishes requirements in six areas and four certification levels. Projects are verified by third parties to ensure compliance. Certification offers benefits to homeowners, builders, and the environment through resource efficiency and reduced environmental impacts.
The document summarizes information from the NAHB Research Center about improving home energy efficiency. It discusses the Center's mission and research capabilities. It also outlines various Department of Energy programs like the Builders Challenge for energy-efficient home certification and Building America for research partnerships. The Center works on individual efficiency measures, whole-house packages, and quality management tools to provide cost-effective solutions for new and existing homes.
2011 03-14 nahbrc-greenprints afford-housingefficiencyAmber Joan Wood
The document summarizes efforts by the NAHB Research Center and Department of Energy to promote energy efficient affordable housing through remodeling and new construction approaches. It discusses programs like Building America that support research partnerships and the Builders Challenge for energy efficient home certification. Case studies show air sealing and insulation upgrades can significantly improve home energy performance and lower costs.
2011 08-09 nahbrc-ip - reetum test houses ghiAmber Joan Wood
The document summarizes a pilot program to retrofit homes at Greenbelt Homes, Inc. and Fort Benning to improve energy efficiency. Baseline monitoring was conducted from 2010-2011, building envelope upgrades from 2011-2012, and HVAC upgrades from 2012-2013 will be monitored. Preliminary testing and cost analysis have been done, and long-term energy use monitoring will analyze energy savings. The goal is to demonstrate cost-effective retrofit solutions that enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort while reducing moisture issues and energy costs.
2011 09-14 eeba - nahbrc building america high performance retrofitsAmber Joan Wood
This document summarizes a pilot program to retrofit the buildings and homes of Greenbelt Homes, Inc, a housing cooperative with 1,600 units. Baseline monitoring was conducted of 7 pilot buildings before retrofits. Recommended retrofits included attic and wall insulation, air sealing, high-performance windows and doors, and crawlspace repairs. Energy modeling was used to evaluate retrofit packages. Long-term monitoring will track energy use and performance. The goal is to demonstrate cost-effective solutions that increase comfort, health, efficiency and property value.
This document summarizes a case study of the Armory Park del Sol development in Tucson, Arizona, which featured single-family homes designed to achieve net zero energy use. Key aspects discussed include the development being an urban infill project located downtown near cultural attractions; homes featuring energy efficient construction methods and solar electric systems; and collaboration with the local utility on the solar installation and energy guarantee program.
2012 02-11 ibs nahbrc - changing with the timesAmber Joan Wood
Amber Wood presented on improving the energy efficiency of aging residential housing through a pilot program. She discussed the Greenbelt Homes community which consisted of 1,600 units built in the 1930s-40s that underwent an energy upgrade in the 1970s. The pilot program targeted 7 buildings with 28 units for baseline monitoring and envelope and HVAC upgrades. Wood summarized the pre-remodel assessment and provided recommendations for upgrades to different housing construction types. She outlined plans for long-term energy and performance monitoring to evaluate the impacts of the retrofits.
"Choosing proper type of scaling", Olena SyrotaFwdays
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ScyllaDB is making a major architecture shift. We’re moving from vNode replication to tablets – fragments of tables that are distributed independently, enabling dynamic data distribution and extreme elasticity. In this keynote, ScyllaDB co-founder and CTO Avi Kivity explains the reason for this shift, provides a look at the implementation and roadmap, and shares how this shift benefits ScyllaDB users.
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📕 Detailed agenda:
Variables and Datatypes
Workflow Layouts
Arguments
Control Flows and Loops
Conditional Statements
💻 Extra training through UiPath Academy:
Variables, Constants, and Arguments in Studio
Control Flow in Studio
Session 1 - Intro to Robotic Process Automation.pdfUiPathCommunity
👉 Check out our full 'Africa Series - Automation Student Developers (EN)' page to register for the full program:
https://bit.ly/Automation_Student_Kickstart
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RPA Applications
The UiPath End-to-End Automation Platform
UiPath Studio CE Installation and Setup
💻 Extra training through UiPath Academy:
Introduction to Automation
UiPath Business Automation Platform
Explore automation development with UiPath Studio
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We will focus special attention on the architectural patterns used in the design of the fintech system, microservices and event-driven architecture, which ensure scalability, fault tolerance, and consistency of the entire system.
Northern Engraving | Nameplate Manufacturing Process - 2024Northern Engraving
Manufacturing custom quality metal nameplates and badges involves several standard operations. Processes include sheet prep, lithography, screening, coating, punch press and inspection. All decoration is completed in the flat sheet with adhesive and tooling operations following. The possibilities for creating unique durable nameplates are endless. How will you create your brand identity? We can help!
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This is a session that details how PostgreSQL's features and Azure AI Services can be effectively used to significantly enhance the search functionality in any application.
In this session, we'll share insights on how we used PostgreSQL to facilitate precise searches across multiple fields in our mobile application. The techniques include using LIKE and ILIKE operators and integrating a trigram-based search to handle potential misspellings, thereby increasing the search accuracy.
We'll also discuss how the azure_ai extension on PostgreSQL databases in Azure and Azure AI Services were utilized to create vectors from user input, a feature beneficial when users wish to find specific items based on text prompts. While our application's case study involves a drug search, the techniques and principles shared in this session can be adapted to improve search functionality in a wide range of applications. Join us to learn how PostgreSQL and Azure AI can be harnessed to enhance your application's search capability.
Introduction of Cybersecurity with OSS at Code Europe 2024Hiroshi SHIBATA
I develop the Ruby programming language, RubyGems, and Bundler, which are package managers for Ruby. Today, I will introduce how to enhance the security of your application using open-source software (OSS) examples from Ruby and RubyGems.
The first topic is CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). I have published CVEs many times. But what exactly is a CVE? I'll provide a basic understanding of CVEs and explain how to detect and handle vulnerabilities in OSS.
Next, let's discuss package managers. Package managers play a critical role in the OSS ecosystem. I'll explain how to manage library dependencies in your application.
I'll share insights into how the Ruby and RubyGems core team works to keep our ecosystem safe. By the end of this talk, you'll have a better understanding of how to safeguard your code.
For the full video of this presentation, please visit: https://www.edge-ai-vision.com/2024/06/temporal-event-neural-networks-a-more-efficient-alternative-to-the-transformer-a-presentation-from-brainchip/
Chris Jones, Director of Product Management at BrainChip , presents the “Temporal Event Neural Networks: A More Efficient Alternative to the Transformer” tutorial at the May 2024 Embedded Vision Summit.
The expansion of AI services necessitates enhanced computational capabilities on edge devices. Temporal Event Neural Networks (TENNs), developed by BrainChip, represent a novel and highly efficient state-space network. TENNs demonstrate exceptional proficiency in handling multi-dimensional streaming data, facilitating advancements in object detection, action recognition, speech enhancement and language model/sequence generation. Through the utilization of polynomial-based continuous convolutions, TENNs streamline models, expedite training processes and significantly diminish memory requirements, achieving notable reductions of up to 50x in parameters and 5,000x in energy consumption compared to prevailing methodologies like transformers.
Integration with BrainChip’s Akida neuromorphic hardware IP further enhances TENNs’ capabilities, enabling the realization of highly capable, portable and passively cooled edge devices. This presentation delves into the technical innovations underlying TENNs, presents real-world benchmarks, and elucidates how this cutting-edge approach is positioned to revolutionize edge AI across diverse applications.
Conversational agents, or chatbots, are increasingly used to access all sorts of services using natural language. While open-domain chatbots - like ChatGPT - can converse on any topic, task-oriented chatbots - the focus of this paper - are designed for specific tasks, like booking a flight, obtaining customer support, or setting an appointment. Like any other software, task-oriented chatbots need to be properly tested, usually by defining and executing test scenarios (i.e., sequences of user-chatbot interactions). However, there is currently a lack of methods to quantify the completeness and strength of such test scenarios, which can lead to low-quality tests, and hence to buggy chatbots.
To fill this gap, we propose adapting mutation testing (MuT) for task-oriented chatbots. To this end, we introduce a set of mutation operators that emulate faults in chatbot designs, an architecture that enables MuT on chatbots built using heterogeneous technologies, and a practical realisation as an Eclipse plugin. Moreover, we evaluate the applicability, effectiveness and efficiency of our approach on open-source chatbots, with promising results.
zkStudyClub - LatticeFold: A Lattice-based Folding Scheme and its Application...Alex Pruden
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Paper Link: https://eprint.iacr.org/2024/257
The Microsoft 365 Migration Tutorial For Beginner.pptxoperationspcvita
This presentation will help you understand the power of Microsoft 365. However, we have mentioned every productivity app included in Office 365. Additionally, we have suggested the migration situation related to Office 365 and how we can help you.
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2011 08-09 nahbrc-ip - reetum business start-up kit
1. Retrofit Contractor
“Start-Up” Kit
Amber Wood
Manager, Energy Programs
Residential Energy Efficiency Technical Update Meeting
August 9, 2011
Driving Innovation in Housing Technology
2. NAHBRC Business “Start-up” Kit
Goal: Sustainable Energy Retrofit
Industry
Address: Business management,
deployment, risk management,
motivation, potential growth, profit
Need: resources to successfully
provide energy upgrades to their
customers
1
3. Multi-Year Business “Start-Up” Kit
Research
Residential Remodelers Gaps & Tools
Focus Groups – Round 1:
General Remodeling Industry
Focus Groups – Round 2:
Gaps, Barriers, & Tools
Quantitative Market Research
Home Owners Gaps & Tools
Develop Energy Performance Remodeling
Start-Up Guidelines, Tools, and Central
Information Resources
2
4. Objectives and Methodology
Focus Groups – Round 1
Specific objectives were to:
Understand how the remodeling business works
Assess energy efficiency upgrades/retrofits
Identify positioning and selling tools for energy efficient upgrades
Discussions among remodelers, general contractors, & custom
builders
2011 International Builders Show.
Group 1 = regularly install energy efficient upgrades
Group 2 = frequently install energy efficient upgrades
Group 3 = occasionally install energy efficient upgrades
Energy efficient upgrades screened for:
Appliances
Windows
Insulation
HVAC
Solar panels
3
Other
5. Remodeling Business –
Market Climate Snapshot
The economy and decline in new home construction have impacted
the remodeling business in numerous ways
More
competitive
market
climate
Consumers Size and scope
scrutinizing their of projects
dollars changing
Remodelers’/
Consumers
Builders’
seeking tangible
business
benefits
changing
Remodelers/builders are faced with a number of challenges and must find ways to
differentiate and demonstrate the value they bring to the consumer
4
6. Understanding the
Remodeling Business
There are varying degrees of perceived potential, and
subsequent emphasis on remodeling among the builders
A larger builder
created a whole
separate division
Primary focus focused on
remodeling, and on
See great business doing it from a
potential in remodeling
green or energy
Increased %; may Have had success efficiency
Many tend to position on perspective
even exceed new green building practices
construction
Will do variety of projects -
whatever available
Smaller Exploring potential in
remodeling; searching for
percentage of ways to differentiate
business themselves
Have more diverse new
construction business
mix
One builder shared that his Tend to be more
selective in remodel
company modified their projects
business plan to no longer
Apply new construction
include remodeling because:
business philosophy to
Too competitive remodels (e.g. “this is
Low margins the way we build”)
Low volume of jobs
5
7. Energy Efficiency:
Perspectives & Practices
Remodelers/builders approach energy efficient upgrades with
different philosophies and practices
Remodeler/builder in control, benefit focus
“This is the way we build”
Tend to be
Believe energy efficient upgrades are part of “doing things the right way”;
incorporate as part of their business model higher end
Have certain upgrades that include as standard part of process, if warranted remodeler/
custom
Approach as “this is what we’re going to do” then educate consumer as to
why they do it builders
“My responsibility to recommend”
Believe energy efficient upgrades are in customer’s best interest and actively
seek opportunities to recommend upgrades
Seek to guide consumers as to benefits; try to drive them toward it
May recommend upfront, but most often wait until have gotten a feel for the
house and customer
“We’ll offer as an option”
Intellectually know it should be recommended, but don’t have strength of
conviction
View more as a consumer driven decision; give them information then let them
decide
Anticipate consumer bottom line focus
6
Consumer in control, cost focus
8. Energy Efficiency:
Perspectives & Practices
Remodelers/builders acknowledge that consumers fall into
different buckets in respect to energy efficient upgrades
There were somewhat varying perspectives in terms of how the remodelers/builders bucket the
consumers (i.e. benefits sought, lifestyle, mindset regarding remodel, etc.) however, no matter
the criteria, consumers generally fall into one of three categories regarding energy efficiency.
Types of Clues Used to Identify
What they do for a living
Age
Embraces Current lifestyle and habits
and seeks What they are seeking from their home
How long they intend to stay in the home
Reason for remodel
Bottom
Can be
line
convinced
focused
7
9. Energy Efficiency:
Perspectives & Practices
Many of the tools for success that remodelers/builders felt
were needed centered around consumer education
Most all agreed that a brief educational piece that educates consumers about how to
think about the house and about energy efficiency would be of value
“But it’s a double-edged sword. If the customer goes to a website and gets educated, you start to
devalue yourself and what you bring to the table in terms of knowledge and experience, and then it
just becomes all about price.” (Remodeler, NJ)
A few saw value in resource tools that the remodelers/builders could customize for
their own use in educating customers
Remodelers/builders consider consumer education to be a key factor in being
able to implement more energy efficient upgrades. Education needed:
➤ What contributes to energy efficiency and to inefficiency
➤ Benefits that can be gained from the different types of upgrades
➤ What they should be looking for in a remodeler, and what they should expect from the remodeler
➤ How to understand the “payback” that can be gained from energy efficiency upgrades
8
10. Conclusions
The slowdown in new construction and economic climate has shifted
greater to focus to existing homes and to remodeling.
Qualified remodelers and builders strive to differentiate themselves based
on experience, knowledge and customer service, in addition to quality
building practices
Information sources that remodelers/builders could use to demonstrate
ROI or provide a cost/benefit analysis for energy efficient upgrades would
be valued
Finally, educating remodelers/builders themselves as to best practices and
approaches and help to motivate
9
11. Objectives and Methodology
Focus Groups – Round 1
Specific objectives were to:
Build on previous qualitative research
Identify tools that could benefit contractors/builders in positioning and
selling energy efficient upgrades to homeowner
Two focus group discussions were conducted among large/small
remodelers (based on # jobs/yr & cost of jobs)
Group 1 = larger remodeling companies
Group 2 = smaller remodeling companies
Respondents regularly incorporate a variety of energy efficient upgrades
10
12. Overview
This research confirmed much of what was learned during the
Phase I qualitative research conducting in January 2011
• Limited dollars for projects; consumers scrutinize dollars
carefully; energy efficient upgrades usually not a priority
Competitive market climate • Unprofessional individuals muddy the market, undercut
on price
• Identify opportunities once involved in the project;
energy efficient upgrades not the impetus for projects
• Listen for cues from homeowner
Approach to energy efficient • Approaches rooted in overall business philosophy
upgrades • Prefer advising/recommending vs. “selling”
• Desire to be perceived as the knowledgeable
professional, to build trust and confidence
• Believe there is potential for growth
Perspective of growth • Struggle to identify “tools” that could help them
opportunity • Major deterrents to growth are: education/perceived
value, appraisals, financing
11
13. Developing pathways
Homeowners must recognize that there is a “problem” before
they can see value in the energy efficient upgrade solution
Asking key questions can identify needs/opportunities and help set up solutions
Qualifying Problem Solution
Questions Identification Set-up
Questions Questions
How much are you spending on Did you know that…
How old is the house? utilities? (explain where inefficiencies
How long do you plan to
Do you notice any hot or cold are and how efficiency could
live here? spots? Do you notice drafts? be improved; make aware of
What are your goals for
How old is your furnace/air any rebates or incentives)
this project? conditioner? Have you ever
When was the last time you considered…
added blown insulation to your
attic?
➤ If the homeowner is not planning
on staying in the house more than 3-
5 years, they typically won’t invest in
“If you can get them to recognize a problem, you
energy efficient upgrades because
they don’t add appraisal value can sell them a solution. But if they don’t recognize
➤ Older people are becoming more
the problem, it’s very difficult because you are not
receptive and recognize benefits solving any issue they have” – MN Remodeler
(financial, comfort); tend to plan to
stay in their homes longer
12
14. Successful approaches
Ingredients to successful approaches: establish the need,
educate as to solutions
Incorporate a discovery • Ask questions
Identifies
process • Listen for hot buttons pathway for
positioning
Use a • Provide factual information
• Recommend an energy audit; blower door tests (3rd
The spray foam consultative/educationa party legitimizes need, validates)
and propane l approach • Identify problems and solutions
industries were
cited as having
done a good job
at educating and Connect the • Position solutions in terms of benefits meaningful to
connecting the homeowner (e.g. comfort, lower energy bills, more
dots dots/translate into predictable bills, more cost effective to upgrade
something meaningful now, better indoor air quality, etc.)
• Use numbers to educate/inform, not promise
Use numbers with
• Create realistic expectations; advise as to how to
caution maximize potential
13
15. Challenges
A number of factors make it challenging to implement energy
efficient upgrades in more existing homes
➤ Every project is different so difficult to implement a standard approach
Nature of ➤ Typically focusing on one area of the home, not the whole house; difficult to gain
remodels maximum benefit of energy efficiency
➤ Goal of project is almost always something other than energy efficient upgrades
➤ Often don’t see the need or value
➤ Focus is on “their project”/why they called the contractor; difficult to get them to think
Homeowner about other areas of the house (not interested, seems like adding on expense)
mindset ➤ Aesthetic upgrades/renovations are exciting and can be shown off, but energy
efficient upgrades don’t provide the “wow” factor
➤ Typically an out-of-pocket expense for homeowner; prefer to allocate budget to “seen”
upgrades; energy efficient upgrades often first to get cut from budget
➤ Many homeowners don’t want to pay for blower door tests
Cost ➤ Do not get appraisal value for energy efficient upgrades Sends a signal that it
➤ Often can’t get loans or credits to do the upgrades is not important
➤ Upfront cost can be greater than savings (i.e. no financial ROI)
➤ If gas/electric prices are inexpensive, homeowners won’t “feel the pain” and be motivated
to upgrade
➤ Homeowners often don’t perceive a problem and therefore do not understand benefits
Lack of
➤ Homeowners tend to perceive as an expense rather than as an investment
education
➤ Appraisers don’t understand how to value upgrades
➤ Realtors need to be educated to help potential buyers understand the value 14
16. What is needed for growth
Remodelers believe three fundamental things are needed to
stimulate widespread growth of energy efficient upgrades
The bottom line is that energy efficiency needs to be tied into the perceived “value” of
the home so that improved energy efficiency is recognized as a value-add
Enable/Equip Homeowners
Free energy audit
Subsidized blower door testing
Reduced loan rates/mortgage rates
Appraiser and Realtor Education
Establish energy efficiency as adding value to the home
Educate as to how to interpret and compare energy Necessary to
performance ratings of homes create market
demand to drive
energy efficient
upgrades
Establish an Energy Performance Rating System
Standard, quantifiable measurement
Provides consistent method of evaluation, comparison
15
17. What is needed for growth
Encouragement of energy efficient upgrades is needed at
multiple levels from multiple entities
Federal &
State
Government
Industry
Appraisers
State Level
organizations
Utility
Lenders
Companies
Realtors
16
18. Tools for Remodelers
Tools that would benefit remodelers largely involve
homeowner education
Homeowners need to be conditioned to think of increasing their home’s energy
efficiency as an investment rather than a cost
Simple, straightforward information that enlightens homeowners as to where/how inefficiencies occur,
and what the resulting implications are
Communicate benefits to homeowner of increasing energy efficiency
Perhaps position as “improvements” (implies beneficial gains) rather than “upgrades” (often associated
with “more expensive”)
Interactive resources such as software or a website that could project potential energy
savings based on different types of improvements would be beneficial
While some remodelers would want to use the tool themselves to demonstrate potential to homeowners,
others would prefer resources that they could simply recommend to the homeowner to use on their own
Providing third party/independent information is considered important in order to add
credibility
Articles and information/facts from industry magazines, research institutions, Department of Energy
Region-specific information from state or local government, utility companies
Website sponsored by a credible, respected entity (e.g. Department of Energy, NAHB, Building
Performance Institute)
Being able to recommend certified energy auditors
Having simple “Did you know?” materials that remodelers could provide to homeowners. Information
should come from an independent source. Should be available in a variety of formats – printed, DVD,
USB drive
17
19. Tools for Remodelers
Referral programs would be beneficial to remodelers
Helping remodelers to establish relationships with energy auditors, utility companies,
appraisers, lending institutions and other entities would be beneficial
Auditors, lenders, etc. can refer remodelers when upgrades are needed
Some remodelers do not want to take the time or do not feel comfortable trying to educate homeowners
as to the need; therefore, this scenario enables them to stay focused on executing the solution
This will be particularly beneficial if an energy ratings system is implemented and energy audits become
standard
“We’ve partnered with an energy audit company and they’ve printed a tri-fold brochure that
our estimators take out, typically to houses built before a certain date….We don’t have
anything to do with [the audit], the homeowner calls them directly. We’ve gotten about 5 –
6 jobs from them. They go out and do the audit, then the people call us to come do the
work. The energy audit company goes in and tells the homeowner what they need. I don’t
want to go in and tell them they need more insulation because I really don’t know, so this
works out well.” – IA Remodeler
However, many of the remodelers were not keen on the idea of having a certified
remodeler program for energy efficient upgrades
Too many certifications already
Do not believe most homeowners understand or really care about certifications
A certification program may carry too many regulations/requirements
18
20. Summary
Most believe in growth potential for energy efficient upgrades; however, long-term
success requires market driven upgrades
Barriers include perceived value, limited scope of the remodeling project, and costs
Homeowners need to perceive a “reason why” they should invest in the upgrades
Remodelers don’t want to come across as “selling” but rather as recommending
solutions that will benefit the homeowner
Most remodelers agreed that the most beneficial things for stimulating growth of
energy efficient upgrades would include:
Development of a nationwide rating system for existing homes
Establishing appraisal value for energy efficient upgrades
Realtor education as to value energy efficient upgrades bring, and how to sell the features
Financing of energy efficient upgrades
For remodelers, the following “tools” would be of value:
Resources to shift consumer thinking, increase understanding of problems, understand benefits, etc.
Resources to increase awareness and understanding of the value of energy efficient upgrades
Free/low cost energy audits for homeowners
Key questions to ask in order to identify opportunities, position benefits to homeowners
Means of quantifying impact of energy efficient upgrades (e.g. pre/post testing, energy savings
calculators, etc.)
Connecting remodelers with energy auditors so they can develop a referral network 19
21. Next Steps
2011 Research – Remodelers
First set of remodeler focus groups
Second set of remodeler focus groups
Qualitative remodeler research from focus groups
2012 Research - Homeowners
First set of homeowner focus groups
Second set of homeowner focus groups
Qualitative homeowner research from focus groups
20