Energy Efficiency in the Pioneer Valley

An Overview of Where We Are So We Can Organize to Move Forward

Pioneer Valley Clean Energy Plan

A reduction in energy consumption to 2000 levels by the end of 2009 and reduction of that by 15% by 2020An 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050Creation of local jobs in the clean energy sectorA 28% reduction in energy use through efficiency improvements (in buildings) over 10 years

New Buildings

MA building code has adopted the IECC 2009 as part of the State Building CodeMA building code will likely include an optional “stretch code” that will require residential homes to be built to a HERS rating of 60The Patrick Administration has developed recommendations toward universal adoption of zero net energy buildings by 2030 “Getting to Zero”

For Most Existing Residential Buildings

MassSAVE – free audit, pays for 75% of recommended improvements up to $2,000, 0% financing for up to $15,000EnergyBucks (community action partner agencies) – aid to income eligibleSome Banks and Credit Unions – energy efficiency loans, loans to overcome barriers CoopPower programsEner-G-Save – added attic insulation

Gaps in Programs

Residential customers only, leaving many mixed use buildings ineligibleMore than four-unit buildings not coveredOften residents of towns with municipal power companies are not eligible Measures offered don’t go far enough

Hurdles

Lack of knowledge of programs availableMisinformation (e.g., “I thought that was only for low income households”, . . .)Physical barriers (e.g., knob & tube, mold, vermiculate in the attic)Financial (perceived or actual)Split incentives

Hurdles to Growing the Programs

Lack of trained workersLack of follow-through after auditsUp-front costs / distrust of financingInadequate marketing

Hurdles to Growing the Programs

Lack of public data on what has been doneLack of inexpensive home energy ratingProgram inconsistenciesConfusion with or lack of trust of multiple step processLack of knowledge on possible depth of retrofit

Who’s Taking Action?

MA DOER Energy Efficiency Advisory Council MA Clean Energy Education CentersWestern MA Green Consortium Green Economy Task ForcePioneer Valley Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant group Pioneer Valley Renewable Energy Collaborative Western MA Energy Alliance (ad-hoc group)

Energy Efficiency Advisory Council

Design and approve MA’s utility- and municipal aggregator-operated EE programs

Six subcommittees working on the following topics program strategies / standardizing the audit

program offerings technical evaluation – reevaluating what

efficiency measures are cost effective  market evaluation existing homes ratings single statewide audit results comprehensive education package

Clean Energy Education Centers

Provide workers for the energy efficiency jobs market (e.g., energy auditors, insulators, air sealers, designers)At least three centers across MAWill likely involve community colleges, technical high schools, and adult education programsFunding through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC)

Western MA Green Consortium

Working to incentivize and make affordable “deep energy retrofits” - energy-use reductions of 50% to 90%www.westernmassgreenconsortium.org

Green Economy Task Force

Task force of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) to develop, refine, and launch a “Green Region” action strategy as an important new component of the Plan for Progress

PV-EECBG Potential Objectives

Assist companies in the energy efficiency (EE) sector ramp up businessConnect EE job sector classroom training with on-site experience (internships)Help local energy groups launch social marketing and outreach efforts to promote EE programsProvide coaching/mentoring to customers from audit to install

PV-EECBG Potential Objectives

Assist municipalities with policies and ordinances that facilitate growth in the EE job sectorAssist municipalities in identifying high priority sectors for outreachGuide financial institutions in appropriate financing for home EE investmentsAssist sectors not served by current EE programs

Contact to receive PowerPoint

Chris MasonEnergy and Sustainability Officer

City of Northampton

cmason@northamptonma.gov

413-587-1055