Learn about MEEA's work developing the collaborative, statewide Illinois Home Performance with Energy Star program, the first comprehensive market-based residential retrofit program in Illinois. This effort involved coordinating with Illinois utilities as well as government agencies and other nonprofits in order to make a sustainable program that will encourage homeowners to invest in home energy upgrades and support contractors and auditors who perform these services.

1. Striving for Market
Transformation
Developing a Collaborative Statewide
Home Performance Program in Illinois
Jamie Peters, Program Manager
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
jpeters@mwalliance.org
6-29-2011

2. A Science-Based Approach to
Improving Illinois’ Housing Stock

3. The IHP Process
From a drafty, inefficient home to one that’s
safe, comfortable, and saves energy!
Assess the home’s Improve with Verify work quality
current state through a airsealing, insulation, and energy savings
diagnostic energy audit HVAC/duct repair with “test out” & QA
Driving this process are program resources :
-Quality Assurance
-Rebates & financing
-Marketing & education
-List of qualified contractors
-Contractor training opportunities

4. Program Objectives
• Build demand for existing home energy upgrades, prompting job retention
and creation within the residential contractor and energy auditor industries;
• Enable Illinois residents to lower their energy costs and increase home
comfort and safety;
• Build a knowledgeable and skilled contractor/auditor community, armed
with building science expertise and able to market whole-home
improvements to homeowners;
• Increase homeowner awareness of and interest in the energy used by their
homes;
• Position Illinois as a leader in the whole-home retrofit program field; and
• Leverage existing regional, local, and statewide resources to the greatest
extent possible.

5. Rationale for a Statewide
Approach
• Reduce existing market confusion
– Simplify a complicated message
• Increase contractor participation
– Provide direction & consistency
within a fragmented market
• Leverage existing resources
– Utility EEPS funds
– State-led HPwES pilots
– Nascent home performance industry

6. One program,
many players

7. Delivering a Statewide
Program Locally
Statewide
National HPwES Coordination and Local
Program Infrastructure Implementation
Development
Ameren Illinois
U.S. EPA & U.S. Nicor
DCEO & MEEA
DOE Gas/ComEd
Peoples Gas &
North Shore Gas
-Program requirements -Contractor training -Program delivery
-Guidance & support -Homeowner education -Rebates & marketing
-Marketing templates -Support utility efforts -Quality assurance
-Statewide coordination inspections

8. Consistent Contractor Participation
Requirements
• BPI Building Analyst + BPI Envelope Certifications
– Both required for individuals acting as energy auditors & crew chiefs
– Additional certifications encouraged & will be highlighted on website
• Illinois Good Standing Certificate
• General Liability Insurance & Workers Compensation
• Valid Business License
• References (several options)
• Documentation of experience performing energy audits and/or
retrofits
*Utilities and other delivery partners may add an addendum to the
Statewide IHP Participation Agreement to allow for necessary
customization

9. The Importance of a Nationally
Recognized Certification
• Transferable across state lines
– Many Illinois contractors also work in
neighboring states
– BPI certifications stay with the worker (not
the company!) and is a valuable credential
• National standards are a turnkey
solution
– IHP does not have the resources to develop
standards and certifications
• BPI includes health & safety protocols
vital to our program
• Training infrastructure already in place
in Illinois
– Leveraging the private market

10. Highlighted Activities Planned for
PY2011 - 2012
• Coordination with Energy Impact Illinois
• Work with utilities to facilitate launch
• Add IHP to Green MLS systems
• Rebates on BPI BA+E and Air Sealing Installer
certifications
• Advanced building science CEU trainings
• Contractor Equipment Loan Program
• Homeowner Education & Community Outreach
Learn more at www.IllinoisHomePerformance.org
or by contacting Jamie Peters at jpeters@mwalliance.org