Louisiana Retrofit Program Transforms Energy Markets

Project Narrative

Overview
The City of Shreveport (COS) is requesting seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000) in Federal funds
under Topic Area 1 to accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable
energy technologies. The funds will deliver verified energy savings with a particular emphasis on
efficiency improvements in residential and public buildings. We aim to achieve broader market
participation and greater efficiency savings on building retrofits by highly leveraging funds. The program
is designed as a viable pilot building retrofit program that can serve as a comprehensive community-scale
energy-efficiency program to be replicated in other communities across the country.

The City of Shreveport is located in Northwest Louisiana with strong collaborative partnerships that will
make contributions across the state of Louisiana. Our partnerships have leveraged participation and
support from businesses, non-profits, higher education, and other governmental entities. The Louisiana
Retrofit Ramp-Up program is a pilot program created by the City of Shreveport that will be duplicated in
the New Orleans Federal Alliance (NOFA) as well as the following parishes: Caddo, Bienville, Pointe
Coupee and St. Tammany. The collaborative efforts of both public and private entities will create and
maintain high paying competitive jobs for unemployed, low to moderate income individuals, and
veterans. Neighborhoods, in which the residents lack resources, knowledge of available incentives and
financing programs will be targeted. Through education and creative financing, our energy program will
provide economic stability and yield continuous benefits for generations to come.

Prior to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009, the City of
Shreveport (COS) began visualizing a way to become sustainable and more energy efficient. Through the
leadership of their Environmental Affairs Manager of COS Department of Operational Services, Mr. Wes
Wyche, the pursuit was launched to devise methods for the area to become more environmentally friendly
and energy conscious. A Steering Committee was commissioned to embrace and develop market
changing ideas to create jobs, reduce emissions and make COS more energy efficient. As this quest
continued with discussion with civic leaders in the community, it was discovered that one group,
Community Renewable International, (CRI) had cutting-edge accomplishments in the area of energy
efficiency and renewables.

CRI began design for the retrofitting of the Petroleum Center (circa 1950’s) as the Center for Community
Renewal (CCR) with the goal of converting the structure into a near net zero energy, LEED Platinum
Center for Community Renewal (CCR). CRI has enlisted industry partners to collaborate on design /
installation of energy efficient systems and also as a research and development center for improving
integration of these systems. The CCR is a national training center for replicating the CRI model, an
Institute for Community Renewal (includes a think tank, program development, publishing and broadcast)
and is designed to house students of the CRI program in an emersion learning experience that includes
hands-on learning in the laboratory cities of Shreveport and Bossier City.

After the ARRA was passed and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) allocated COS funding from the
Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG), the aforementioned plan was able to materialize.
COS sought industry leaders knowledgeable in energy programs. Through a growing network of other
recipients of EECBG funds, a collaborative effort emerged to create jobs and become more “green”. This
network of entities included other parishes throughout the state. Federal City in New Orleans joined the
effort with COS to combine their talents to foster economic prosperity and job creation; reduce emissions
from fossil fuels; and to continue on the pathway to a clean, secure and sustainable energy future.

Federal City offers an approach that could make it a national model for the future configuration and
operation of small to mid-sized Department of Defense (DOD) installations, the decommissioning of
City of Shreveport
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military installations, and large-scale urban development. When fully developed, Federal City is expected
to grow from providing nearly 2,000 military jobs (Phase I) to 10,000 federal and civilian jobs in later
phases. In addition to these numbers, there will be significant job creation and training during the
development phase in the renewable-energy, environmental-sciences and green-building trades.
Partnerships with New Orleans institutions including Tulane University and Delgado Community College
ensure that these opportunities will be captured for development via permanent, educational curricula. At
the core of this strategy are breakthrough standards in sustainable development that will impact and
facilitate regional, green-collar, job development. Federal City will be a world-class development that
provides unprecedented regional leadership in setting new standards for accomplishment in these diverse
areas of concentration. Also at the heart of the project is a focus on investing in the infrastructure, making
provision for a green energy grid and a front-end investment in more efficient buildings.

When the RETROFIT RAMP-UP PROGRAM was announced, the natural progression of what was
already being developed morphed into this proposal. The Recovery Act’s “Retrofit Ramp-Up” program
wants to pioneer innovative models for rolling out energy efficiency to hundreds of thousands of homes
and businesses in a variety of communities, which is identical to the theme created by the vision of COS
and their alignment with Federal City.

Project Objectives
The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up program is an innovative, "game-changing" program incorporating
multiple processes to achieve cost-effective benefits of energy retrofits, reductions in greenhouse gases,
and economic impacts on community spending and green job creation. The overall goal is to
fundamentally and permanently transform energy markets in a way that make energy efficiency and
renewable energy first choice. The City of Shreveport has already created a comprehensive framework
for retrofits, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The objectives of the Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up program over 6 years are to create 4,926 jobs, maintain
499 jobs, retrofit 78,500 residential buildings, and retrofit 2,120 governmental and public buildings for a
total square footage of 97,085,779. Average utilities savings achieved per unit retrofitted is $1,442 at 6
years. In addition, we have projected a 20% reduction in overall energy consumption throughout the City
of Shreveport and partnering parishes.

The program will simultaneously address the following activities identified in the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act 2009:
1. Reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while retaining the health and comfort levels
of the buildings.
2. Retrofitting buildings and enabling large scale programs of ongoing energy-efficiency retrofits on
residential and buildings to the highest energy conservation standards.
3. Prioritize energy and/or energy conservation strategies as first in the loading order before
investments are made to integrate cost-effective renewables.
4. Provide exceptionally high-quality retrofits resulting in significant efficiency improvements to a
large fraction of buildings within targeted neighborhoods. Implement state building codes.
5. Demonstrate the benefits of economy-of-scale and critical-mass through job creation
employment options for low to moderate income persons.
6. Provide education and training to community on permanent “green jobs”. Focus the retrofitting
in our dilapidated neighborhoods thereby increasing the attraction of the inner cities.
7. Reduce natural resource dependency.
8. Become self-sustaining by selling retrofitted abandoned, adjudicated and blighted homes. These
homes will be sold and the proceeds used to make the program self-supporting after the two year
funding.

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9. Revitalize our cities with high paying jobs by retrofitting our cities building stock to revitalize
our cities, thus improving the quality of live in our nation.

Merit Review Criteria Discussion

Topic 1:
Criterion 1: Leveraging and Sustainability
The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program leverages EECBG grant dollars through innovative financial
and fiscal tools and strategies. The City of Shreveport received an Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Block Grant (EECBG), in the amount of $1,977,900 from the Department of Energy (DOE). The
EECBG funding will be used as leveraging for the Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program. The COS
developed relationships with other governmental agencies and organizations throughout the State of
Louisiana to transform energy.

The business partnerships with Schneider Electric, Trane, and General Electric increase leverage funds
5:1. By leveraging project savings and other complimenting grants, we expect to easily raise $5 for every
dollar of grant funding. Additionally, we will be able to borrow against the guaranteed savings, further
magnifying the impact of the grant, creating more economic impact. Potential sources of funding are
local banks, state loan programs, Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, Qualified School Construction
Bonds, Utility Rebates, etc.

To transform the market on a broad scale requires an effective platform for social change as well as a
system of deploying technology and funding improvements to achieve positive environmental and
economic changes. (“Community Renewal International (CRI) has developed a new model for building
prosperity within poor inner-city neighborhoods. This model focuses on the development of supportive
networks of "intentional relationships". The model guides the development of these relationships along
the critical dimensions of a healthy community. This new perspective carries profound impacts for the
study of economics, as well as public policy for community development, education transformation,
economic development, and workforce development. CRI's approach to transforming neighborhood
economies creates two broad categories of impacts: reducing social costs and increasing neighborhood
wealth.”).

Funds invested in education and outreach activities are integral for leveraging each of its proposed
projects. The City of Shreveport will develop an array of educational strategies to reach our diverse
communities. The Consortium for Education, Research & Technology of North Louisiana (CERT) will
play a key coordination role: 1) work with private sector energy efficiency partners to determine specific
workforce training needs, 2) allocate Retrofit Ramp-up grant funds to member colleges and universities
that commit to customize specific skill training that employer partners require, and 3) collaborate with
Community Renewal International and other community nonprofits in recruiting trainees and providing
adult learning supports for low-income learners. CERT has a successful track record of flowing grant
funds to institutions based on customized projects, as evidenced by a 2003 highly successful National
Science Foundation Grant. CERT has begun the process with Storer Trane by identifying the firm's
immediate workforce needs, and CERT works with Community Renewal International in establishing its
Center for Community Renewal as a replicable neighborhood redevelopment model.

The proposed project will create meaningful and sustainable market transformation, particularly after
grant monies are exhausted by coordinating efforts in a number of parishes. Each community will have
needs from large to small. While additional funds will allow greater impact, we can easily scale up or
down the projects to match the grant and leveraged funds. Below is a recap of the leveraged funding:

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Leveraged Funding
Performance Contracting $40,000,000
Tax Bonds $50,000,000
Weatherization $15,000,000
PACE $100,000,000
New Orleans Regional Authority $17,000,000
Monetizing Tax Credits $100,000,000
HERO $12,000,000
Revolving Loan Fund $15,000,000
Qualified School Construction Bonds $25,000,000
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds $25,000,000

Total $399,000,000

Criterion 2: Project Impact
The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up program achieves the goal of benefiting from economies of scale and
critical mass. We can leverage economies of scale in purchasing and outside contracts to allow further
reductions in costs. Filtering our information to rural communities will expand our model for use on their
own projects. By addressing buildings in the residential, commercial, and public sectors, we will touch
each aspect of the “built” community. Complimented with other programs for community outreach, we
will address critical areas that can be modeled for implementation in other cities nationally. An example
would be creating greater energy and operational efficiency in a homeless shelter, where the cost savings
can be used to fund additional programs, better helping the consumers end the cycle.

The program will maximize existing financial programs to pay for energy efficiency retrofits. Financial
incentive mechanisms such as the Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO) program, the State’s
Weatherization Assistance Program, PACE Bond Program and local energy revolving loan program
enables low to moderate income residents to retrofit their homes. PACE provides a beneficial debt
obligation that is tied to the property and the owners receiving the energy savings benefits. HERO is a
component of the Home Energy Loan Program of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
It offers an actual cash rebate payment to Louisiana residents who make an energy efficiency
improvement of 30% or more to existing homes. Homeowners within the community will be provided
with literature to educate and inform on the programs and its benefits.

The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program has considered the quantitative impact in terms of energy
saved and emissions avoided. The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program reasonably project the following
number of buildings retrofitted and the out years: year 1: 105 buildings and 1,000 residents, year 2: 265
buildings and 2,500 residents, year 3: 530 buildings and 5,000 residents, year 4: 580 buildings and 10,000
residents, year 5: 640 buildings and 20,000 residents, year 6 700 buildings and 40,000 residents.

The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program reasonably projects an average utility savings of $9,484,434 on
the first year, $18,968,868 on the second year and $47,422,170 on the third year, assuming a $.08 saving
rate. (See Impact Table in Appendix G.)

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The program can be adopted or replicated by other communities using the CRI Model. The CRI social
technology provides the platform of change for deploying the retrofit program as part of a comprehensive
transformational system that serves the full socio-economic spectrum of communities. CRI is part of the
Clinton Global Initiative and has replication sites in the United States and Africa. The CRI model of
intentionally and systematically growing the relational foundation of sustainable communities is unique in
the world. The University of Oklahoma and the Justice Department are working with CRI in evaluating
the model in recognition of its importance to community resilience. TCU, University of Texas, Hardin
Simmons, and CERT institutions are working with CRI in curriculum development and applications. CRI
has a scale-up plan ready to implement. This plan scales the CRI platform from success at neighborhood
pilot levels to metropolitan area scale as a full demonstration for transforming an entire city. Funding is
needed to accelerate this scale-up program. The results of city scale deployment of the model are more
complete outcome metrics of transforming an entire city that will lead to faster replication across the
United States.

Criterion 3: Project Approach
The project’s management strategy includes outreach/marketing strategy, the funding structure, the
implementation/delivery plan, the monitoring/verification plan and the strategy for feedback and
continuous improvement of the program during its operation. Wes Wyche, Environmental Affairs
Manager of COS Department of Operational Services, will serve as the Principal Investigator over the
Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program. (Refer to the attached resume.)

The management team has years of practical in-field experience delivering programs that generate
substantial energy savings. This experience has enabled the development of systems and processes that
can be replicated to expand services within our current geographic footprint, as well as new regions of the
country.

This proposal also builds on the Shreveport Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) and
coordinates with the Shreveport Comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (CEECP)
process that changes the entire community through an engagement method of “strategic doing” and
alignment of regional higher education to support innovation and green workforce development. The
basic components of the Shreveport Region portion of the Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-up proposal are:
1) Implement regional collaborative strategies to overcome the barriers to energy market
transformation that will result in broader market participation and greater efficiency from
retrofits. Local and regional innovation assets (CRI and CERT) provide an open network of
resources that can transform the region in a manner that can be replicated across the U.S. These
assets along with the consultants and companies and the cooperative government entities
associated with this proposal have structure a flexible system that can transform the energy
market on a broad scale. The following is an overview of how we will overcome barriers:
a. Access to Information – CRI (Community Renewal International), CERT (Consortium
of 12 regional higher education institutions) will guide the structuring and
implementation of CRI, CERT and prime consultant team resources in collaborating with
government and private business to assemble and distribute straightforward and reliable
information to show the “how to” and benefits of energy retrofits. Distribution of
information will occur through regional marketing collaborations including web based
strategies and through the relational networks of Community Renewal. CRI provides a
platform for distributing information and training on a neighborhood level, block level
and community wide basis. The Comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Plan (CEECP) process of “strategic doing” will organize the community into working
groups that will become an important part of the information network that transforms the
regional energy market. This open network process of innovation will be supported by Ed
Morrison and the Purdue Center for Regional Development that has successfully
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demonstrated the effectiveness of the “strategic doing” method through the U.S.
Department of Labor’s WIRED program. Included in this is the working tool of a web
2.0 platform developed by Near-Time that has been successfully used in developing the
Shreveport EECS and for the CCR. The expertise of the management team in Building
Sciences as well as managing and delivering Energy Efficiency plans is an important role
in growing the capacity of the region.
b. Access to Financing –Local and regional financial institutions will guide the process of
implementing financing and incentive programs such as a local revolving loan program,
expansion of the state revolving loan program, PACE, Energy Efficient Mortgages, bond
programs, tax credit strategies and others. Working with other members of the consultant
team reliable information on effective financing strategies will be used to show public
and private building owners the benefits of growing the market for energy efficiency and
renewable energy.
c. Access to Skilled Workforce – CRI, CERT, and industry partners will provide the
platform for training the regional workforce with a replicable model of growing and
sustaining communities socially, economically, environmentally and culturally. Training
programs will grow across the North Louisiana region through CERT. CRI is training a
workforce for a new industry that will include in the skill set knowledge of energy market
transformation. CERT will arrange cooperative agreements or MOU’s with best practice
programs around the country that are identified by the federal government interagency
task force and adapt those programs to our region using the resources of the 12 higher
education institutions of the region. This is consistent with the alignment strategy for
higher education described in the Shreveport EECS. The structure of our retrofit proposal
will accelerate the movement to achieve national standards for certifications and training
for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
2) Complete design and pilot retrofit program for an existing Brownfields building in the
historic business district as the Center of Community Renewal (CCR). Community Renewal
International (CRI) owns a Brownfields high rise building that has with assistance from the EPA
and the City of Shreveport revolving loan program been fully abated. This building, located in the
heart of the historic central business district, is a pilot building retrofit program and national
training center. Retrofits and renewable energy are also components of training programs for the
replicable CRI social technology. The CCR pilot retrofit program demonstrates the benefits of
gaining economy of scale in the commercial sector. The CCR pilot project will, along with the
retrofit of government buildings, transform the regional commercial and governmental energy
market. CCR is a training center for renewing communities – socially, economically and
environmentally. Industry Partners involved in shaping demonstration projects around renewable
energy (e.g., the CCR renewable energy hybrid model for southern climate), conservation,
systems integration, smart grid and other sustainable strategies to achieve LEED platinum, zero
net energy and carbon neutral. Additionally, goals and strategies will be established for CCR to
meet the targets established by recent executive order for Federal LEEEP (Leadership in
Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance) standards. The building pilot retrofit is a
tool in training a new workforce / industry in the CRI replicable social technology of renewing
communities that will include training in “whole neighborhood” energy retrofits. It is also a
training tool for the operations and systems integration of commercial scale buildings. CCR was a
Brownfield site cleaned through a successful training program innovation (partners included CRI,
SUSLA, COS, EPA, Altec Environmental). Energy training and program development will
include academic partners through CERT (a consortium of 12 higher education institutions),
Industry partners (e.g., Trane, Hubbell, Sloan, Eliptipar, Cisco, Knoll, and others), and replication
partners (best practice programs identified by the Federal interagency Energy Retrofit Working
Group – DOE, HUD, USDA, DOL, EPA, Education) that can be deployed on a regional basis
through CERT institutions and CRI’s CCR. Industry Partners involved in shaping design and
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demonstration features plan a long term relationship with CRI in monitoring / evaluation of
technologies and in ongoing program training development. Leveraging for the pilot project
includes a tax credit strategy that uses energy tax credits and incentives; Historic Preservation tax
credits and New Market Tax Credits. Additionally, CCR is the training location for a new
industry that transforms the relational foundation of communities by deploying the replicable CRI
social technology model.
3) Audit and Retrofit regional Governmental and Higher Education Buildings to
achieve a minimum 20% energy savings. The energy savings will leverage financing and
tax credits. Additionally the retrofit energy savings will leverage funds for a CERT
Sustainability Trust (CST) that will support ongoing transformation of the North
Louisiana Region. The CERT Sustainability TRUST (CST) leverages the relationships of
its member institutions to advance Energy Conservation through Education by creating a
perpetual energy conservation plant on each member campus. This EECS reduces energy
consumption and operational costs, provides facility asset renewal, integrates education
with EECS curriculum, creates new jobs and economic investment, provides workforce
development and social development and is a sustainable economic engine for each
campus. The CST overcomes traditional barriers of State Procurement by partnering
with the State of Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and with the State Office of
Facility Planning and Control to retrofit State Education and Government buildings
within the context of this Retrofit Ramp-up Plan.

The CST model combines energy control systems, efficient HVAC equipment and
building sustainability services to provide a comprehensive approach to the way our
buildings work. This approach includes facility assessments, equipment capitalization,
life-cycle cost analyses and system optimization measures. It provides jobs with onsite
support and continuous commissioning services that are measured, verified and reported
on a web based monitoring system that can be displayed publicly to demonstrate
performance and results. This approach to building sustainability ensures that member
plant & equipment will work reliably and efficiently to provide energy savings over
time. By improving efficiency through systems and service in buildings, CST members
will reduce life cycle and operating costs based on actual performance measures. The
self funding characteristics of these retrofits overcome the barrier of limited funding by
linking and leveraging DOE Retrofit Ramp-up funding program.

It is estimated that CST model for Building Energy Retrofit Services will deliver over
$25M in energy savings in the 10-yr period following implementation. Leveraging these
savings into facility improvements and asset renewal overcomes first cost barriers of
facility renewal and reduced deferred maintenance. These savings also translate into
nearly 400 million pounds in reduced atmospheric carbon emissions using improved
HVAC Energy Efficiencies to create High Performance Buildings for the higher
education campuses serving North Louisiana. The CST Model will also operate within
the guidelines of Statutory Law relative to procurement of retrofit and energy retrofit
services. Funds from this grant will assist in addressing these barriers of state fiscal
requirements.

4) Audit and Retrofit Residential properties using a “whole neighborhood” approach. The
comprehensive approach to reducing market barriers to retrofits will be in place 6 months after

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award. The residential audit / retrofit program will begin at that time. The platform for this
program will involve partnership work with CRI, the Fuller Center for Housing, City of
Shreveport, CERT Sustainability Trust, and Purdue Center for Regional Development, MHSM
and private sector businesses including start-up companies supported by the Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Business Incubator initiated by EECS funding. The strategy is to deploy
auditing and retrofit projects in focused neighborhoods where CRI is working and to leverage
weatherization and other incentive programs in these neighborhoods. Additionally with the
assistance of the City through the Community Development Department utilize a comprehensive
framework strategy to leverage the work of private non-profits like the Fuller Center for Housing
to attract private investment, business creation and employment opportunities to low income
communities. The partnerships that will be shaped through this process will allow for more
comprehensive strategies for neighborhood scale energy efficiency and alternative energy
solutions and quality place considerations that transform the neighborhood socially,
economically, environmentally and culturally.

Workshops, Training, and Education
The city will develop an array of education and outreach strategies to reach our diverse communities. Our
education and outreach project is primarily composed of the following: (1) the establishment of a web
based information clearing house to serve as a portal for energy efficiency/conservation information and
program access. This site will also be an access point for the "strategic doing" groups and their initiatives.
(2) The city will employ a cooperative strategy using local utilities, media, Consortium for Education
Research and Technology (CERT) and others to educate the public about existing and newly created
energy efficiency programs (e.g., PACE, HERO, and weatherization). (3) A partnership with a unique
outreach program will demonstrate projects for K-12 Energy, Education Camps, which includes the
participation of 7 parishes, 2 private companies, energy companies, and 2 higher education institutions
coordinated by CERT. Initially, 4-one week camps will be conducted on energy systems including
renewable energy and conservation practices. Program growth is projected for 10 parishes over 3 years to
include 8 camps and grow from 80 initial students to 150. The energy camp demonstration project is
replicable and scalable.

The energy camp collaboration of public and private partners that currently includes CERT, Bossier
Parish Community College (BPCC), Southern University at Louisiana (SUSLA), City of Shreveport, K-
12 from seven parishes, EnCana and Shell Oil provides an open and transparent system. The success of
the energy camp program will include short term metrics (i.e., growth in participation of students
numbers, growth in number of parishes participating, and growth in number of sponsors / participating
organizations) and longer term metrics of growth in education and employment for energy systems,
including renewable and conservation.

Commercial Buildings and Audits
The City of Shreveport, under a performance contract in 2004, audited its public buildings and performed
energy efficiency retrofits that over a 4-year period resulted in $500,000 in savings, a reduction of
200,000 kwH/mo.o., and a drop in peak demand and 54 million fewer pounds of GHG emissions. Due to
progress in building energy efficiency technologies, additional energy savings could be realized from
improvements or measures not available in 2004. COS proposes to re-audit its public buildings and
facilities with the goal of further reducing energy usage by 20%. The updated audit will provide a new
baseline of energy use and a retrofit strategy to achieve this energy use reduction.

Building Retrofits: Shreveport will develop proposed retrofit improvement projects contingent on the
availability of public building audits, energy and green house gas emission savings, cost, timing, phasing,
and the implementation process. COS will allocate funds from the sale of Clean Renewable Energy
Bonds and/or Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds to retrofit public buildings.
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Baseline energy use for the buildings to be retrofitted will be developed from the energy audits. As the
retrofits are put into use, the energy savings will be documented and published on a regular basis.
Policies are outlined to document residential retrofits and energy conservation. In addition, energy saved
per system will be documented and distributed via the COS's energy efficiency website and through local
media.

Approach for Commercial Energy Audits
There are only two ways to save money on utilities (energy and water) - pay less or use less. The help
with both. Our two-pronged approach is highly effective. Both sides of the meter are observed to
discover and implement cost-effective energy savings opportunities. This service consists of two
elements: Utility Rates Analysis to pay less and Energy Audits to use less. The utility rates and bills are
analyzed to find lower prices for energy through better rates. In addition, a complete understanding of the
complexities of a client’s rate tariff means that the most on-target, most effective Energy Conservation
Measures will be found in the physical audit surveys of existing facilities are used to identify the most
cost-effective and practical energy retrofit opportunities. The facility is examined, existing drawings and
specs are reviewed, study previous energy reports or ongoing energy programs are studied, collect and
analyze up to 36-months of utility bills be collected and analyzed, and building operating personnel and
occupants are interviewed. Coupled with the utility rates analysis, this identifies achievable and realistic
energy projects that can be implemented to save energy and meet energy reduction goals. American
Society of Heating, Refrigeration, has used and will use the procedure outlined in the American Society
of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) publication titled, "Procedures for
Commercial Building Energy Audits" to create a customized energy audit implementation plan is used as
procedure guidelines.

During the detailed energy analysis, the Project Implementation Team reviews the project requirements
and determines if the previously developed schedule is appropriate. Next, the team visits the sites to
collect all additional information needed to complete the design of the retrofits, and, if necessary, makes
modifications to the design with the agreement of the client. The implementation phase will begin as soon
as the client approves the final project and the necessary financing is in place.

As soon as possible, the construction manager, who serves as main point of contact during the
construction phase of each project, provides the client with an estimated schedule for the project and
develops a schedule with the customer personnel for regular progress meetings. The implementation
period for the project is estimated which is dependent upon the number and type of conservation measures
to be installed in each facility. Interim inspections will be made to ensure that work conforms to the
specifications, acceptability of work quality, percent of total project completion, and what payment
amount is justified.

Performance Contracting
When providing performance contracting services, Schneider Electric will operate as a general contractor
to sub-contract with professional firms licensed in Louisiana; i.e. engineering, electrical, mechanical
equipment installation, etc. The work will be submitted for public bidding for local contractors with
preference for HUBs/MWBEs.

Measurement & Verification
Schneider Electric is one of the few companies to maintain a department whose sole responsibility is the
measurement and verification of savings, accessed through our eSavings Website. The measurement and
verification department is called Performance Assurance Support Services (PASS), which assures
enduring performance and offers support services. It also facilities improvement in environmental
control/reporting and acts as an ongoing support system to quickly correct any system issues. PASS
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support is available 24/7 along with the eSavings website, with the client receiving additional quarterly
reports identifying energy savings, environment impact, system point reviews, and other client requested
variables.

When measuring and verifying savings after our projects are implemented, PASS adheres to the
International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP). The IPMVP is an industry
standard with guidelines for baseline energy usage determination and post-project energy savings
verification. The commitment to the IPMVP standard ensures the customer that savings calculation and
verification will be repeatable and verifiable.

The major components to delivering enduring performance are:
 Performance and Energy Management Manager assigned to each project
 Building Automation System (BAS) design, systems operation and client interface
 Commissioning and optimization of installed systems
 Measurement and Verification (M&V) of Energy Conservation Measures (ECM’s)
 Metering of isolated energy usage to drive continuous prioritized target based improvement
and web-based visibility of continuous optimized proven performance
 Training programs designed to sustain ECM’s and raise energy awareness
 Responsive remote support services designed to assist client staff with operations and
maintenance of the installed ECM’s and provide continuous training
 Proactive remote automation system review and communications to maintain system integrity
and savings performance
 Energy Remote Monitoring (ERM) - where it makes sense to track actual consumption at the
meter and link that information with accounting systems.
 Regular meetings to communicate project performance, collaborate with client to align efforts
to drive continuous improvement and identify additional opportunities
 Scheduled on-site system performance and maintenance review

The preliminary summary of PASS services with recommended frequency:
Implementation Collaboration for alignment of project intent, BAS Design, Commissioning
Period and BAS Optimization, Personalized O&M Training, M&V, System Review
as ECM’s are installed, Energy Awareness Training
Final Review Final verification of project completion, documentation, formal customized
training and review of requirements and responsibilities to sustain project
performance
Guarantee Regularly receive utility bills to continuously track project savings. This
Period ensures sustainable savings and can provide early identification for problems.
Savings reported through eSavings website
As Required Remote Support and Training, Onsite Service/Support
Monthly Remote System Review and Report (updated on website)
Quarterly Client Meeting, On-site Performance and Maintenance Review, M&V Report
(updated on website), Training
Annually Comprehensive M&V Report, Annual Reconciliation Meeting, Coordination
and Planning for next 12 months
As Required Additional fee based services (BAS service, additional energy auditing,
customized BAS modifications, energy consulting, customized performance
reporting and rate analysis, calculation of energy impact from changes)

Residential Buildings and Audits

City of Shreveport
Page 10 of 20

Green Coast Enterprises will team with industry leaders in the residential retrofit field and will serve as
the lead contractor on this project, overseeing the delivery of energy retrofits in homes. Through these
efforts we will target at least 7,500 residential units over 3 years. Those retrofit projects will also expand
opportunities available for minority and women-owned contractors interested in energy efficiency work,
expand training opportunities for contractors and out of school youth looking to work in green economy
sectors, and create at least 200 new full-time positions.

One of the residential retrofits areas will be targeted in specific Green Renew Zones already established
by the Salvation Army under their EnviRenew program. The Shreveport, Baton Rouge Federal City and
other parish projects will utilize a similar Green Renew Zone approach, identifying targeted
neighborhoods where services can make a significant impact and piggy-backing those efforts with
community renewal programs already underway. These Green Renew Zones will become models for
other partner communities to create copycat programs utilizing the state’s Property Assessed Clean
Energy (PACE) District Legislation. Earlier in 2009, Louisiana became the first state in the country to
pass state-wide enabling legislation for PACE districts. These districts, referred to as renewable energy
financing districts in Louisiana, have to be created by municipalities and connected with available bond
financing. The effort would be structured to show the benefits of such a district to municipalities, and to
provide on the ground examples of how such a district can be managed, helping to connect projects to
financing.

The Air Conditioning Optimization program will cost-effectively improve the operating efficiency and/or
effective capacity of residential AC systems. Using proven advanced methodology, but standard tools,
technicians will be trained to diagnose a system, including measuring the operating EER and effective
capacity. The technician then discusses the findings with the customer and recommends a course of
action. One recommendation may be for early retirement and replacement with an above code system. Or,
it may involve simple optimization steps at no additional cost to the customer, but may also include more
major repairs. Local HVAC professionals will be hired to serve as management’s Technical Trainer and
QC Specialist. These individuals would be responsible for the initial training of contractor personnel as
well as follow up training that is essential to maintaining a high standard of work throughout the
program. Having a local resource available to provide training and/or technical assistance to participating
contractors when they need it will be essential to the expansion of the program and to increase overall
quality. Industry partners in this program will be asked to develop discount pricing for replacement
equipment since a substantial number of units are likely to be purchased through this program, and some
of those partners have already made such an offer. Bulk pricing of HVAC equipment to reduce the burden
on consumers will increase the likelihood that substandard, expensive systems will be replaced.

Management Strategy
Management and coordination team: A "design team" of key representatives of Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-
up partners have crafted this proposal and will coordinate the project components as they develop along
parallel paths. Team members and their respective leadership roles include:
1) Wes Wyche, City of Shreveport, lead partner, Principal Investigator and team leader;
2) Bruce Hoffman, Gulf GeoExchange, coordinator of North Louisiana and South Louisiana project
components and liaison with private sector partners;
3) Kim Mitchell, project liaison for Community Renewal International and other nonprofit partners, and
facilitator of "strategic doing" process for City of Shreveport's Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Strategy (EECS);
4) Patti Trudell, CERT, facilitator of education, outreach and workforce development activities for the
project; and
5) Rachel McGee-Johnson of Chronicles of Numbers, LLC, communications and resource development
coordinator.
6) Christophor Faust, leader of NOFA (New Orleans Federal Alliance) efforts in New Orleans.
City of Shreveport
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The design team has met in numerous strategy sessions at MHSM Architects, 333 Texas Street in
Shreveport, and with South Louisiana partners via conference calls. The team will meet bimonthly to
guide implementation and continuous improvement of the Retrofit Ramp-up project.
The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Residential Program is to be managed through staff in offices in
Shreveport, New Orleans and other satellite offices. Since this project greatly expands on work under way
by Green Coast, current standards will be reviewed, qualification standards for audits and contracting will
be established and certification training provided as needed. Energy auditors will be recruited from
programs ongoing locally including CERT members, Delgado Community College and the Alliance for
Affordable Energy. Contractors will be solicited through Goodwork Network.

A substantial proportion of buildings will be accessed through networks previously established. Program
marketing will complement other aspects of the Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up as appropriate in the
program areas addressed: East Baton Rouge Parish, Shreveport and the New Orleans region. The Contact
Center will fulfill a range of responsibilities as described below. An administrative data system will be
customized to allow for appointments, incentive management and program reporting.

Funding Structure
The residential program would create a revolving loan fund to add a new financing tool to support the
delivery of energy-efficiency services. This financing tool will be used for two reasons:
1) It is rapidly deployable and can be easily paired with other tools that are being developed (such as
PACE and utility-based financing programs) to make financing more widely available.
2) The financing program can be used to target services to a population that is currently left out of
available funding opportunities. If you earn less than 200% of poverty in Louisiana, you can
currently have your home weatherized through the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program,
and if you have strong credit, you can access weatherization assistance financing through a home
equity loan or similar consumer banking program. This financing program would be established
to deliberately target property owners earning more than 200% of poverty with B credit ratings.
Because of the personal upheaval that happened in Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in
2005, and Gustav in 2007, many moderate income homeowners in Louisiana fall into this credit
challenged group.

In order to service this credit challenged community, a very conservative approach will be taken to
reserve financing and repayment. Twenty percent of the revolving loan fund will be set aside as loan loss
reserves ($3.5 million), and the program will be structured so that rebates and incentives available to
customers come back directly to the lender rather than the borrower. This will mean that within a few
months of paying for service delivery, the lender will receive about 30% of loaned capital back into the
fund (utilizing the state’s HERO program), and the borrower will only need to repay 70% of the capital
amount on a long-term basis.

The loans are planned to be amortized on a 10-year note and by focusing on energy efficiency measures
with 7-year payback or better, our borrowers should see a net savings between the utility charges they
avoid and the payment for financing. This savings will be even greater as a result of the buyer only
needing to finance 70% of the total capital cost over the long-term.

In addition, a revolving loan program is a relatively simple structure to establish. Once funds are
available, we should be able to deploy capital within 60 days, likely even faster. And a revolving loan
fund is flexible enough to administer that it can be paired with other forms of financing quite readily. For
example, the PACE financing program, which proponents hope to have operational by January 2011,
could be used as lower-rate takeout financing by revolving loan fund borrowers.

City of Shreveport
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Outreach/Marketing to major partners has yielded a volume of eligible properties that are readily
accessible to program auditors and contractors by virtue of their aggregation and oversight and/or
management by sponsoring partners. Development and implementation of a marketing strategy will call
upon the experience and first-hand observations by nonprofit partners including those already delivering
retrofit programs in this region and the corporate capabilities of the management’s seasoned energy
efficiency marketing professionals under the direction of CERT.

Supporting the marketing strategy is the Customer Contact Center. A well-designed customer contact
center process workflow is another key program design component as it relates to the consumer interface
with the program. The customer contact center is more than just a call center and can provide crucial
consumer intake and referral functions, as well as complaint resolution, rebate inquiries, and other
important program functions that must be defined during the program design phase.

Implementation
The program would focus on high impact efficiency measures intended to reduce in-home utility usage by
at least 30% and to have an unsubsidized payback of less than 7 years. The management’s field analyses
of more than two dozen homes in the New Orleans area reveal common physical and performance issues
that direct retrofit effort toward areas of greatest need and impact. The experiences of Green Coast
Enterprises performing retrofits in the New Orleans area will be utilized to determine highest impact
measures for this climate zone.

Marketing, client in-take, program auditing, and reporting by the management team. Green Coast
Enterprises will manage the work performed in the home, coordinating the team to perform an initial
audit and develop a unique scope for each home, to issue work orders to the retrofit team, to provide
quality control on the work as completed, and to complete a final test out. All information on work
completed, work orders, program communication, etc. will be stored in a web-based data system that will
allow password-protected remote access and provide a photographic record of work complete.

Monitoring and Verification
Every home will have a pre-test to model current energy usage and a post-test after the retrofit was done
to predict occupant savings. These pre- and post-tests will be done with management’s software, which
focuses in on the most critical factors while reducing the cost of a full-blown HERS rating. In addition,
the program would utilize an energy tracking software. This software assembles actual usage information
from utility companies and graphically displays it so one can track actual building performance before
and after the retrofit or against other similar buildings included in the database. These two data sources
will be used to help further develop PACE financing mechanisms throughout the state and show strong
payback for measures included in the retrofits despite any variation in occupant behavior.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement
The program will conduct reviews after 100 retrofits, 500 retrofits, and every 500 retrofits thereafter to
ensure that the program is meeting and exceeding its goals and that any problems arising in program
delivery are being addressed and resolved.

Job Training and Job Creation
The residential retrofit project of the Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program will be piggybacking on
already successful efforts underway in Shreveport, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These efforts include
a job training component that matches out of school youth who are given hands-on energy efficiency
training through Louisiana Green Corps with minority and women-owned contractors who are working
with Goodwork Network to expand their capacity, access to capital, and receive back office services to
support small contractors. In combination, this job training and job creation effort will ensure that not
City of Shreveport
Page 13 of 20

only does this program create new jobs, but it creates those jobs within existing DBEs who have sought
out support from a leading provider of business development services in order to grow their business. And
it connects those companies with well trained urban youth who have expressed an interest and aptitude for
moving in to the green economy. In addition, it does all of this within a case management framework that
helps these youth build soft skills and their educational background so they can become successful over
the long-term and not just in this initial job.

Leveraging Existing Efforts
The residential retrofit project of the Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program is intended to leverage up
already operational retrofit efforts, and to connect those efforts to ongoing sources of revenue and
support. In New Orleans, the program will piggyback on the Salvation Army’s existing EnviRenew
program, carrying out 100-200 retrofits in each of the EnviRenew Green Renew Zones. The Salvation
Army has already committed to funding the following in each of the Green Renew Zones:
 25 grants of $75,000 to support the creation of new energy efficient homes that include solar
thermal systems,
 25 solar thermal systems to be installed on weatherized homes,
 25 home weatherization for existing low-income homeowners, and
 25 eco-baskets that are low-cost DIY items that can reduce utility usage.

The initial marketing would piggyback on those efforts, extending the retrofit services to another 100-200
residents in each neighborhood. Of the five Green Renew Zones to be identified, two are already selected.
The first is in the Algiers-Riverview Neighborhood, immediately adjacent to the Building Block project
in Federal City. The second is in the Broadmoor neighborhood, immediately adjacent to the Building
Block project at Washington and Broad. The Green Renew Zones will be drawn to include both the
Federal City Development and the Washington and Broad development. In addition, the first two Green
Renew Zones both include new schools that are being opened as part of the Recovery School District’s
Quick Start Program and community-based medical clinics that are planned to be opened by 2011.

Partnership Structure and Capabilities
As Residential Program Administrator, the management’s strengths come from more than two decades’
experience delivering large-scale turnkey energy efficiency programs especially targeting the residential
sector to utilities and public agencies. This experience includes program design, training, field delivery,
marketing, customer contact centers, quality assurance, program management software, contractor
management, accurate reporting, reliable results and high quality customer service in all aspects of our
program delivery. The strengths also include the management of trade allies, partners and sub-contractors
in our program delivery services.

Green Coast Enterprises develops real estate and performs a continuum of real estate services focused
on urban areas in need of community renewal located in the southeastern United States, with a special
focus on coastal areas threatened by climate change. The projects are profitable, and they result in
economically vital, environmentally superior spaces that are healthy and exciting for their users. Green
Coast has been the lead contractor for 125 energy retrofits funded by the Salvation Army’s EnviRenew
program, delivering those services in a 6-parish area around New Orleans.

Codes and Inspections
Upgrading to the most current Energy Efficient building codes will ensure that all new buildings
constructed, renovated, or modified, reduce energy and GHG emissions. The cities and parishes in the
Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program propose to upgrade their current building code by adopting the
Louisiana Energy Efficiency Building Code. To implement and enforce the new code, the following
actions are proposed: (1) provide advanced training for the inspectors on the new Energy Efficiency

City of Shreveport
Page 14 of 20

Building Code and current practices in the field; (2) cover the costs of training for city inspectors to
become Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO) Energy Raters in order to facilitate/expedite the HERO
program; (3) upgrade code books, permitting forms, and enforcement tools, including their public
distribution; and (4) acquire Energy Efficiency permitting software. The program will facilitate seminars
for contractors and others to instruct them on the new code requirements, including examples to
demonstrate the purposes for the new code, a timetable for enforcement and the penalties for violation of
the new code. The new Energy Efficiency Building Code will be published and publicized so that
residents, businesses and development community are aware of the new codes. Inspections and
enforcement of codes will be done to ensure compliance issues are immediately addressed and corrected.

The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program demonstrates a plan to address all environmental, health and
safety, permitting, and compliance issues, sufficient to support DOE's review and analysis in accordance
with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). (Refer to appendix C.)

Below is the proposed timeline and milestone for Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program:
May-10

May-11

May-12
Nov-10

Dec-10

Nov-11

Dec-11
Aug-10

Sep-10

Aug-11

Sep-11
Feb-11

Mar-11

Feb-12

Mar-12
Jun-10

Jan-11

Jun-11

Jan-12

Jun-12
Oct-10

Oct-11
Apr-10

Apr-10

Apr-10

Apr-10

Apr-11

Apr-12
Jul-10

Jul-11
Phase Task

Grant Review and Approval 1 1 1 1
Phase 1 Design - Shreveport and CERT
Site Audit / Discovery 1 1 1
Systems Engineering 1 1 1
Bid Documents 1 1
Baseline Models & Savings 1 1 1
Measurement & Verification Plan 1
Client Scope Review 1
Construction Contract Approval 1 1 1
Phase 1 Construction
Submittal 1 1 1
Order equipment 1 1 1 1 1
Installation 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Owner Acceptance 1 1
Phase 1 Measurement & Verification 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Phase 2 Design - New Orleans & Southern University BR
Conceptual Systems Engineering 1 1 1
Client Scoping Meeting 1 1
Systems Engineering 1 1
Bid Documents 1 1
Baseline Models & Savings 1 1 1
Construction Contract Approval 1
Construction Drawings 1 1 1
Submittal 1 1 1
Order equipment 1 1 1
Installation 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Owner Acceptance
Phase 2 Measurement & Verification
Phase 3 Design - State-wide
Site Audit / Discovery 1 1
Client Scoping Meeting 1 1
Bid Documents 1 1
Baseline Models & Savings 1 1
Construction Contract Approval 1
Construction Drawings 1 1
Submittal 1 1
Order equipment 1 1
Installation 1 1 1 1
Owner Acceptance
Phase 3 Measurement & Verification
Phase 4 Design - Clean up Projects
Client Scoping Meeting City of Shreveport 1 1
Bid Documents
Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program 1 1
Baseline Models & Savings Page 15 of 20 1 1 1
Construction Contract Approval

Criterion 4: Partnership Structure and Capabilities
The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program includes a broad range of entities/organizations representing
government agencies, private sector entities, and other organizations. Partnerships are essential to the
success of the Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up program. The City of Shreveport has partnered with New
Orleans Federal Alliance (NOFA), Schneider Electric, and Consortium for Education, Research and
Technology (CERT), Community Renewal International (CRI), Southern University – Baton Rouge, Gulf
GeoExchange Consulting and Services, Morgan Hill Mitchell & Sutton Architects, Chronicles of
Numbers, LLC, Caddo Parish, Bienville Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish and
Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

CERT members, including chancellors and presidents of member institutions, are working with Kim
Mitchell and MHSM, Community Renewal International and economic development partner Ed
Morrison, using a "strategic doing" process to grow community capacity. This Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-
up project provides an ideal platform for CERT colleges and universities to combine their communication
resources and inform their community members about the benefits of energy audits, retrofits, and the
availability of financing for energy efficiency.

Utilizing Community Renewal International (CRI) social technology to transform communities- CRI
provides a platform for distributing information, train on a neighborhood, block and community wide
basis. CRI created an innovative, successful training program that was used on the CRI building as a
Brownfield site for lead and asbestos abatement. Partners on the Brownfield project included CRI,
Southern University at Shreveport, City of Shreveport, Environmental Protection Agency, and Altec
Environmental. Replication of this proven platform to retrofit residential, public and governmental
buildings benefit economy-of-scale and critical-mass.

CCR as a training center for renewing communities - socially, economically and environmentally.
Industry Partners involved in shaping demonstration projects around renewable energy (hybrid model for
southern climate), conservation, systems integration, smart grid. to achieve LEED platinum, zero net
energy and carbon neutral. The building to become a tool in training a new workforce / industry in the
CRI replicable social technology of renewing communities (part of the Clinton Global Initiative) that will
includes training in "whole neighborhood" energy retrofits. Energy training developed with academic
partners through CERT (a consortium of 12 higher education institutions), Industry partners (e.g., Trane,
Hubbell, Sloan, Eliptipar, Cisco, Knoll, and others), and replication partners (best practice programs
identified by the Federal interagency Energy Retrofit Working Group - DOE, HUD, USDA, DOL, EPA,
Education) that can be deployed on a regional basis through CERT institutions and the CRI CCR.

By targeting educational institutions, learning labs will be created where students and staff will be able to
implement the ideas in their own homes. Benefits from this grant will be extended to state offices like the
Department of Natural Resources and the Office of Facility Planning and Control.

New Orleans Federal Alliance
The New Orleans Federal Alliance and Southern University will be sub-awardees to the City of
Shreveport Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program. In the process, the program will create a growing base
of workforce development in green industry and establish cost-effective sustainable, building
performance standards. Two separate deployments of the LA LEEEP (Leadership in Environmental,
Energy and Economic Performance will occur: one in Shreveport and one in New Orleans; they will share
a revolving loan fund (RLF).

City of Shreveport
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Funds obtained from this grant will be used to pay for combining existing programs and isolated
redevelopment efforts into a cohesive enduring retrofit program targeted at underutilized, yet abundant
State/City/Non-Profit resources, and the crime and socioeconomic decline that it enjoins.
In brief, each LA LEEEP deployment includes five principal steps:
1. Achieve broad community-based consensus that large scale retrofitting of existing building with
modern knowledge, advanced materials and technology and an invigorated marketplace, is a
critical unmet need, and one the most effective way to achieve immediate job growth that results
in enduring long-term energy reductions and cost saving for the energy industry and the
customers it serves.
2. Adopt a “High Standard” La LEEEP, chosen to precisely extend the Federal LEEEP
sustainability standard (of an October 5, 2009 Executive Order), to various building types and
locales.
3. Create a first-stop training center to ensure program participant diversity and provide
extraordinary access to this “job-creation mechanism” that will train existing contractors,
building officials and low-income and very low income people, as well as veterans, unemployed
and underemployed workers, and others to retrofit buildings to La LEEEP performance levels.
Apprenticeship training that follows, is focused upon the retrofitting of abandoned / adjudicated /
blighted (AAB) homes, schools and commercial real-estate, and
4. Green Business Incubator Program (GBIP) wherein graduates of the BSC training will learn how
to become profitable “green” building contractors and business owners, transfer into colleges for
advanced education and training, or enter the workforce as accredited and/or certified building
science professionals, and proceed to profitable careers retrofitting, to La LEEEP, our state’s
building stock.

At the onset, governing authorities will adopt La LEEEP construction standards that:
1) are sensitive to building type and locale,
2) ensure safety, health, comfort, and building durability for generations, and
3) require net-zero energy + carbon and lower water use by 50%, and will protect life during a
power outage for several days.
4) will eventually be used to address transportation and water issues too.

After adopting a high standard and the workforce trained, retrofit sites will be selected for the BSC and
the GBIC in job-depressed neighborhoods, and buildings will be retrofitted to house these centers. Paid
Trainees will be screened by a broad collection of community groups, colleges, universities and
governmental support agencies. Graduates will become state-licensed contractors, certified building
science professionals and/or business owners with the door to successful secondary education open.

Self-sustaining of the program is accomplished via the RLF: A highly leveraged, low-interest, revolving
loan fund (RLF) will furnish capital via 5% interest loans, grants and formula funding, to support a self-
sustaining Louisiana retrofit industry.
1. LA LEEEP program will receive donated AAB real property from municipalities and non-profit
donors and participants.
2. LA LEEEP graduates and program participants who contract to move AAB real property into
full commerce will have first access to RLF capital.
3. Successful applicants for RLF’s capital will include student graduates, program participants,
owners of buildings; ESCO’s (energy service companies), universities and municipal utilities
within the state who agree to adhere to retrofitting to La LEEEP standards, and to repay the
retrofit loan within 24 months.
4. Funds recycled back into the RLF LA LEEEP will be re-appropriated to first complete the
retrofit of the grant partners pledged housing & building stock, but in future years (2-6), the
City of Shreveport
Page 17 of 20

fund will expand its scope to address training, advanced technology, R&D, analysis and
software issues that are related to the retrofit industry.

The Opportunity:
LA LEEEP has a great opportunity to correct and ameliorate many defects in the marketplace. These
include:
1. an abundance of older energy inefficient buildings and homes without a marketplace
mechanism for large scale transformation to High Performance Green Buildings.
2. a lack of appropriately trained and certified energy raters/auditors
3. a lack of adequately trained green redevelopment industry personnel,
4. numerous building science problems, many of which are unique to Louisiana
5. urban blight, and neighborhood redevelopment economic obstacles, and
6. environmentally-related health, safety, and climate issues

The opportunity also comes with a rich set of tools that can be used to meet these challenges including:
1. a prototype performance-based, Standard of Sustainability (SOS) for homes.
2. a host of tax credits, energy efficiency incentives, rebates and capital-cost deferral plans offered
by Louisiana. These include solar tax credit and related legislation that, when combined with
the federal residential tax credit, allow 80% tax credit financing for renewables. Also relevant
is the statute that allows capital investment for lowering energy bills via solar and energy
efficiency to be transferred to real-estate taxes via PACE financing. These two sets of laws
greatly improve the leveraging of federal grant dollars and the marketability of La LEEEP
homes, and the fact that
3. A neighborhood based education and training program within a full research and development
Building Science Center can expect to use all of the above tools to solve the market defects
described and many more.

The BSC could be used as a think-tank to conceive and test many exciting energy innovations now in the
making. For example, current research in battery storage is such that, as the cost of photovoltaic solar
power decreases, it will become cost-effective to store solar power for a week or more. This will be very
helpful in the transition from fossil fuels to solar and renewable energy.

LA LEEEP goals address all 55 goals mentioned on pages 5 through 40 of the FOA. In particular we note
the emphasis on “Fundamentally and permanently transform energy markets in a way that make energy
efficiency and renewable energy the option of first choice.” Further goals of LA LEEEP are to solve
long-standing Building Science Problems in hot, humid climates; ,Integrate job-creation and business
ownership into neighborhood rebuilding and renovation; Revitalize Mainstreet; Present real, viable and
immediately-applicable solutions to make a major impact upon global warming., Fundamentally and
permanently change the old-school thinking and implementations of building design and how building
science is approached, analyzed and evaluated for existing as well as new buildings; and Define and
implement “Sustainability for Homes” as a standard, building code and corollary to LEEEP, thereby
implementing the president’s recent executive order pertaining to sustainable construction.

LA LEEEP’s outcomes include: Retrofit to La LEEEP standards: 100 AAB, 100 Apartments, a
commercial building, and a degraded school, and establish a Building Science Center that will: train 250
students in Building Science who will pass the Building Contractors Exam; develop a measurable high
retrofit standard that will be used in the retrofit program; establish a funded Building Science Program in
a University; establish energy conservation education for kindergarten through 12th grade; establish a
public outreach program based on improving energy conservation through retrofitting; provide 10 jobs at
each training center; and provide extraordinary direct job creation of 250 jobs/year for low-income and

City of Shreveport
Page 18 of 20

very low income person by training them, as well as the unemployed, underemployed and veterans, for
permanent “green jobs”.

It is the goal of Southern University at Baton Rouge campus to become a “green campus” that is both
energy efficient and energy independent by engaging a local green power utility to produce electricity on-
site using renewable energy sources. This will be accomplished by installing a combined heat and power
(CHP) unit on the campus for on-site electricity generation, with the waste heat used to drive new
absorption cooling units in the central plant to provide cooling, heat and hot water for the campus – thus
greatly reducing the electrical demand. Energy audits will be conducted on all campus buildings and
other facilities, with the buildings retrofitted to accommodate the most cost effective energy conservation
measures and using the most energy efficient equipment and materials available in order to reduce the
campus energy consumption. Biogas from a nearby sewerage treatment plant and natural gas provided
by the utility will be the initial energy source for the electrical generation, with the long range plan being
to supplement the biogas with solar energy and/or biomass in the not-so-distant future.

LA LEEEP statewide partners include 5 Parishes, 4 Cities, 14 Colleges and Universities, and 12 Non-
Profit/NGO’s, 4 Departments of State Government and 6 Business partners. Partners for the south
Louisiana initiative are as follows:
The New Orleans Federal Alliance (NOFA) is a government/private partnership that is
developing a restoration plan for a former military base following a federally mandated base-closing. It
has been awarded $100 million of state funding for the new build out.
Southern University at Baton Rouge brings $1,252,000 in leveraging to the project. With these
funds, solar powered LED street/outdoor lights and traffic signals will be installed throughout the
campus, and the existing lights in the J. S. Clark Administration Building will be replaced with energy
efficient LED lighting. These steps lead to a yearly savings of over 964,000 kwh of electricity, and
reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 1,253,285 pounds of CO2 per year.
Dillard University’s Deep South Center for Environmental Justice offers job training for youth
over 18 in hazardous waste clean-up, asbestos abatement, mold remediation, green construction and
more.
Global Green will provide trainers and teachers for Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating
classes.
Apollo Alliance will provide assistance in structuring worker-training programs and funding
opportunities. Apollo builds state and local coalitions to promote policies, programs and investment in
clean energy and well-paid, green-collar jobs.
Alliance for Affordable Energy has developed The Louisiana Green Corps which trains young
adults in building weatherization, energy efficiency building, deconstruction, basic carpentry, workplace
safety and other skills. It provides trainees with hard and soft skills, a regular paycheck, funding for
additional training and work placement counseling.
Tulane University offers resources tied to the Riversphere Project, City Center, and its School of
Architecture and Environmental Sciences.
Delgado Community College offers a host of grant opportunities, training programs and
workforce development initiative.
New Orleans Council for Community and Justice’s Green Diversity Initiative is a component of
NOCCJ's Youth Renewal Initiative which targets homeless and other youth living in our communities
without any or substantial adult supervision. Youth solve community problems such as pollution, global
warming and environmental justice in workshops.
Make It Right is part of the broader rebuilding effort in New Orleans, working with the City, the
New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and other nonprofits to build affordable housing, infrastructure,
and amenities key to bring families home - including training workers in advanced green-building
techniques.
City of Shreveport
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EnviRenew is currently engaged in energy retrofits for 125 homes in Orleans, Plaquemines,
Jefferson and St Bernard Parish. At 1,500sq.ft to 2,000 sq.ft, EnviRenew will provide about 250,000sq.ft
for retrofits.
Reconcile New Orleans. The institute for social innovation will provide us with the
infrastructure to make connections, provide training, and forge new partnerships to solve social problems.
Majora Carter Group, LLC’s role would include Planning/Logistics, and could include liaising
with land owners to rent land for trees/plants to mature, managing grass roots logistics and ensuring the
local community is involved by making them stewards of the development effort.
New Orleans Healing Center provides a Neighborhood Revitalization Center to retrofit by
Building Science Center’s students
Our Lady Star of the Sea School provides an urban, neighborhood school to retrofit and within
which to house the Building Science Center.
The Building Block provides an incubator for emerging green businesses, and will accept
graduates of partner programs who wish to enter the entrepreneurial path. Graduates will apprentice at
green companies at the Building Block.
FutureProof, LLC provides an initiative based around the opportunities at Federal City for
workforce development and education.
Woodward Design Build (Carl E. Woodward), the contractor for the NOFA (aka Federal City
Project) has committed to working with associated partners to hire local (from adjacent neighborhoods)
and other individuals who have come through NOFA training programs into their workforce.

Innovation: Revitalize our cities; Transform the Energy Markets:
The implementation of Retrofit Ramp-Up will produce profitable “green” businesses; with high quality,
well paid jobs; while retrofitting our cities building stock. This program will revitalize our cities,
improving the quality of live in our nation.

In the process, due to the quality of the affordable high standard building retrofitting model, the
implementation of Retrofit Ramp-Up will fundamentally and permanently transform energy markets in a
way that make energy efficiency and renewable energy the options of first choice. By producing
affordable high quality housing and a vibrant high tech ”green” community, the Star program, via the
Building Science Center, and the help of its partners and CERT, a consortium of Louisiana’s twelve
Institutions of Higher Learning will instigate the creation of a dynamic intellectually stimulating
community.

In Summary
The City of Shreveport commenced our efforts to become energy efficient prior to the American
Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program has a goal of
stimulating activities that progress beyond traditional public awareness campaigns, program maintenance,
demonstration projects, and other “one-time” strategies and projects. The COS expands the benefits
beyond the borders of the city, parish and region in terms of energy and emission reductions. The
Louisiana Retrofit Ramp-Up Program includes activities that stimulate investments that fundamentally
and permanently transform the energy market, energy efficiency and renewable energy. The program will
provide an option of first priority in energy efficiency by having a viable strategy for program
sustainability. Our program leverages participation and support from non-profits, businesses and other
government entities that reach a large fraction of buildings within targeted neighborhoods and areas.

City of Shreveport
Page 20 of 20

Louisiana Retrofit Program Transforms Energy Markets

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