The Ins and Out’s of Financing Residential Energy Efficient Retrofits

Putting the pieces together

Donna Carman, Executive DirectorIndiantown Non Profit Housing, Inc.P.O. Box 456Indiantown, FL 34956Office: (772) 597-3667Email: dcarman@inphi.org

It’s not Rocket Science….. It’s Building Science .....

The first step in determining potential resources needed for energy efficient retrofits is to diagnose what retrofit measures are appropriate for the residence.

This is accomplished by conducting a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation or energy audit on the residence.

Building Science Basics

The energy audit will determine: the structural integrity of the building; the air tightness of the building envelope; the efficiency rating of the mechanical

systems; any potential health and safety hazards; and should be conducted by a qualified

professional.

The audit will help you determine where your energy $$ are spent.

Heating & Cooling

44%

Hot Water

26%

Refrigerator

9%

Lighting

14%

7%

Cooking & Appliances

Putting the pieces together…. Rule #1 - Think inside the box…

Assess and correct indoor air quality problems before tightening the buildingenvelope. Educate the occupant.

Start with low cost measures such as……

Installing compact fluorescent lights; Installing low flow faucet and shower

aerators; Seal air leaks in and around windows,

walls, and ceilings and HVAC Ducts; Weather strip doors and replace

thresholds; Insulate attics and walls; Install CO and Smoke Detectors;

Move on to appliances and mechanical systems ……

Replace inefficient appliances and mechanicals systems with energy star rated products:

Refrigerators; Tank less Water Heaters; High Efficiency Window A/C units; High Efficiency Central HVAC systems;

Putting the pieces together….Thinking outside the box

Install solar reflective film or screens on windows and doors;

Install solar reflective roof coatings; Remove evasive/non native foliage; Increase the shading around your home.

Plant native trees and shrubs to increase shading on the south, east and west sides of the structure;

Okay… Now show me the….

Finding your partners- the usual suspects:

US Department of Energy – ARRA WAP, EECBG, Retrofit Ramp up, SERC, etc..;

US Department of Health & Human Services – CSBG-LIHEAP;

HUD – NSP, CDBG, HOME, and LSW or Environmental Health & Safety Programs;

More Government Partners……

USDA – 504 Rehab Grants; US EPA – Environmental Justice Grants; State and local Government programs

such as – DCA, SHIP, LEHRP, Solar Energy Programs and Rebates;

Public service commission related mandates for public and private utility providers, such as rebate programs;

Have you thought about…..

OSHA – Employee health & Safety Training material;

US DOL – workforce development and hazard abatement training;

US CDC – Biological hazards abatement and educational materials for IAQ;

US DOH – Health & Safety Grants or educational materials for IAQ;

How about……

US Department of Interior – Division of Forestry – grants and training for landscape design and donated foliage;

State Universities or Agriculture Extension Office for material, training and interns;

Public Schools for training and educational materials;

Regional Workforce development Boards for training and employee cost sharing;

Corporate Foundations and Socially Responsible Investors…..

FHLB-Affordable Housing Programs; Lowes Foundation; Home Depot Foundation; Wal-Mart Foundation; Financial Institutions and Investment

Firms – such as PNC, BOA, Chase, TD Bank, Wells Fargo, American Express, Prudential, to name a few;

More Foundations…

McArthur Foundation; Robert Wood Johnson; American Lung Association; American Cancer Society; Asmha and Allergy Foundation; Blue Cross and Blue Shield; United Way, Local Community

Foundations and Trusts;

The possibilities are endless…..

Recruit volunteers for education and outreach;

Partner with trade associations to recruit interns,

Enter into bulk purchase agreements for materials and supplies;

Create a recycling program for appliances and construction debris;

Find a market for your Carbon Offsets;

A Healthy Home is a Happy Home….

A Healthy Home is: Energy Efficient; Free of environmental health hazards; Is structurally safe; Affordable to maintain; Thereby enhancing sustainability of the

household, neighborhood; local economy, our nation as well as the planet.