Driving Demand for Home Energy Improvements

This report by the Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory (LBNL) is aimed primarily at policy makers and energy efficiency program designers, especially those new to the field. The authors examined 14 residential energy efficiency programs, conducted an extensive literature review, interviewed industry experts, and surveyed residential contractors to draw lessons from first generation programs, highlight emerging best practices, and suggest methods and approaches to use in designing, implementing, and evaluating these programs.

The report concludes that success will require multifaceted approaches that acknowledge a deeper understanding of what motivates homeowners and contractors. Effective programs will tend to be tailored to the location, thoughtfully researched and piloted, personalized to the target audience, and more labor-intensive than simple incentive programs.