As federal standards for lighting improve, utilities and program administrators are looking for new areas of focus for energy efficiency gains.
At a recent Energy Efficiency as a Resource conference sponsored by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, leaders from regional energy efficiency organizations or REEOs said the answers will include heat pumps for space and water heating, strategic energy management programs, and industrial energy efficiency. High-efficiency heat pumps powered by clean electricity present a compelling and cost-effective opportunity in the residential market, participants said.
In the industrial and commercial sectors, strategic energy management (SEM) programs that give organizations a structure and methodology to identify and implement projects and maintain practices that save energy have much promise.
Participants all noted the importance of delivering programs that serve all customers, regardless of income or location. They cited the value of targeting programs to customers with the highest energy burdens, often located in rural areas or underserved communities of color.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2019
Market conditions indicate slower growth in industrial real estate sector
E-commerce, market oversupply, rising interest rates to dampen hot market.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Haskell invests in BLOX, creator of modular-based delivery method
‘Represents important part of Haskell’s future strategy,’ says CEO.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Florida may eliminate certificate of need requirement for new hospitals
Bill could boost specialized facilities.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
RELi 2.0 standard for sustainability, resilience being piloted
Will be open to LEED-registered or -certified projects, with introductory pricing and support.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
Pankow Foundation releases report, tools for embodied carbon impacts
Focus is on MEP and tenant improvements.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
USGBC receives funding for LEED for Cities and Communities Program
Bank of America provides $500,000 grant to certify 15 U.S. cities.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
AIA updates Interiors Contract Documents
Six revised documents available for interior construction projects.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Northern California casino offers a template for resilient microgrids
Solar power with batteries and backup generators provide weeks of self-reliance.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Austin creates innovative plan to boost affordable housing
Approach includes loosened zoning, incentives for higher density in lower-cost and mixed-income developments.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2019
Effort launched to develop better process for zero-carbon retrofits in multifamily sector
Rocky Mountain Institute, Dept. of Energy, California Energy Commission join forces.