Recent research papers from economists that have questioned costs and benefits of energy efficiency programs and policies have been flawed, says Steve Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Instead of “continuing a tit-for-tat debate,” Nadel says economists and energy efficiency practitioners could find ways to better work together to devise higher quality studies. “First, we admit that not all energy efficiency programs are stellar,” Nadel says. “It’s critical to have good evaluation to help tell what is working well and what needs improving.”
“There is a tendency, in both the economics and energy efficiency communities, to work from established paradigms and work with colleagues who share similar views,” he continues. “When the two communities meet, they often talk past each other. There is a need for both sides to better understand where the other side is coming from, and to explore opportunities to find a middle ground.”
Nadel cited recent studies that looked at only costs but not benefits, included extra costs unrelated to energy efficiency (e.g. home repair costs), left out important costs such as changes in maintenance costs, or are based on a simple cost-benefit framework without considering other goals that the programs might have. “Likewise, each program is different and one problematic program should not cast doubt on all of the others,” Nadel says.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Aug 4, 2022
To reduce disease and fight climate change, design buildings that breathe
Healthy air quality in buildings improves cognitive function and combats the spread of disease, but its implications for carbon reduction are perhaps the most important benefit.
K-12 Schools | Aug 1, 2022
Achieving a net-zero K-12 facility is a team effort
Designing a net-zero energy building is always a challenge, but renovating an existing school and applying for grants to make the project happen is another challenge entirely.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2022
Few projects and properties are being built beyond code
Clients and architects disagree on how well building to code provides resilience, according to a recent report by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in partnership with Owens Corning.
Green | Jul 26, 2022
Climate tech startup BlocPower looks to electrify, decarbonize the nation's buildings
The New York-based climate technology company electrifies and decarbonizes buildings—more than 1,200 of them so far.
Energy-Efficient Design | Jul 19, 2022
All is not lost: 3 ways architects can respond to the Supreme Court’s EPA ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power plants dealt a significant blow to our ability to fight the climate crisis with federal policy.
Energy | Jul 13, 2022
Electrification of buildings, new and old, furthers environmental responsibility and equity
It’s almost a cliché in our industry, but nonetheless: The greenest building is the one that is already built.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2022
USGBC sets out principles for LEED’s future
The U.S. Green Building Council recently published a report containing principles outlining how LEED will evolve.
Building Team | Jul 12, 2022
10 resource reduction measures for more efficient and sustainable biopharma facilities
Resource reduction measures are solutions that can lead to lifecycle energy and cost savings for a favorable return on investment while simultaneously improving resiliency and promoting health and wellness in your facility.
Building Team | Jul 1, 2022
How to apply WELL for better design outcomes
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) cites attracting top talent, increasing productivity, and improving environmental, social or governance (ESG) performance as key outcomes of leveraging tools like their WELL Building Standard to develop healthier environments.
Green | Jun 22, 2022
World’s largest commercial Living Building opens in Portland, Ore.
The world’s largest commercial Living Building recently opened in Portland, Ore.