While new construction provides an opportunity to build homes efficiently from the start, there is also a very large opportunity in retrofitting existing homes. Both CEE members and industry stakeholders want to pursue this opportunity. With that in mind, joint member-industry discussions to develop common strategies and program approaches have been ongoing since the October 2008 Industry Partners Meeting. Participants in the existing homes effort have taken some significant steps towards key deliverables that both members and trade allies will find useful.

The thinking behind this work is that coordinating efforts by all stakeholders will result in a clear, consistent, and less confusing message for consumers—ultimately bringing about the kind of major savings that are truly possible with a collaborative, market-wide program. Instead of competing, multiple messages, the CEE Working Group envisions a binational initiative that brings together market information, technology reviews, best practices, case studies, successful program ideas, workforce and training analysis, financial factors, regional differences, and connections with other programs such as ENERGY STAR.

First step: New Program Guide
The best way of making available all the collected information from members and industry is a program guide, along the lines of similar documents developed by CEE, such as the Consumer Electronics Program Guide. An Existing Homes Program Guide will cover a wide range of helpful ideas and information, including material on audits, rebates, financing, cooling, heating, lighting, and so on, and will include an overview of issues, measures, and program elements.

Compiling this document, which is based on existing technical information and market data, as well as new research, goes a long way towards creating more consistent and high impact communications messages aimed at consumers. Plus, across-the-board collaboration by all the various stakeholders, including CEE members, manufacturers, installers, and builders, should assure the most inclusive, comprehensive end product possible.

CEE members who are participating in the Existing Homes Working Group will meet at a breakout session at the CEE January Program Meeting in San Francisco. CEE will then convene the entire Working Group, including the industry stakeholders, in January or February 2009 to begin developing the Program Guide.

Webinars and more…
Concurrent with work on the Program Guide, CEE will schedule a series of Webinars throughout 2009 to discuss existing homes program approaches. CEE is looking for ideas on what to include in the presentations, as well as seeking volunteers to develop or lead the Webinars.

For more details about this effort, contact Rebecca Foster or check our Web site for information on whole house residential programs.

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