If We Build It, Will They Come? Building Infrastructure and Creating Demand for Energy Efficiency in New York

Mark Eggers and Andrew J. Fisk, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority

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Abstract

Achieving greater building energy efficiency through market transformation requires the creation of a demand for high performance buildings and development of a capability to meet that demand. The leverage points to meet this objective vary within the marketplace. In commercial buildings, architects and engineers are in a position to influence the energy efficiency of projects they design. In residential buildings, the builder and homebuyer are key. Transforming design and construction practices is more likely to occur if there is increased demand from users, with a concurrent stimulus to deviate from tried and true practices. Over the past four years, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has successfully invested over $100 million in the construction marketplace to achieve short and long term changes in energy efficiency. These activities include reducing risks through technical and financial assistance, influencing professional and consumer markets, delivering a comprehensive and persistent marketing message, developing an infrastructure of trained building contractors, providing localized project advocacy and teaming with industry partners.

This paper outlines key goals in transforming the residential and commercial building markets, which center around the concurrent objectives of increasing demand and providing capabilities to meet that demand. Some of the successful strategies discussed include the commercial New Construction Program, extensive brand identification with Energy Star, a private sector funded Home Energy Ratings System (HERS), development of local homebuilder allies, and creation of a statewide support network to advocate for program participants. Also presented are lessons learned and NYSERDA’s strategies in response.