Encouraging Efficiency in an Already Efficient Market

Thomas Mauldin and Lynn Hoefgen, Nexus Market Research
Greg Stiles, Energy Trust of Oregon
Charlotte Rollier, Quantec, LLC
Cathy Chappell, Heschong-Mahone Group

Keywords

Abstract

The commercial new construction market in Oregon is arguably one of the most sophisticated energy efficiency markets in the U.S., having been shaped by a variety of factors. These factors include a strong environmental ethic, a stringent energy code, prior utility-operated energy efficiency programs, and existing energy efficiency programs operated by the state of Oregon and other organizations. Within this market, the Energy Trust of Oregon launched the New Building Efficiency (NBE) program in 2003 in order to improve the efficiency of new buildings and renovations in the non-residential sector. In 2005, the NBE program underwent an evaluation in order to help improve processes and performance early in the life of the program.

This evaluation found that the NBE program had achieved ample recognition and market penetration and that most participants were satisfied with their projects. However, based on a limited number of participant interviews, the evaluation found that the program may not be influencing design decisions as much as expected. The evaluation resulted in several recommendations, including the following: integrate the program with LEED requirements, reevaluate the baseline criteria, fund commissioning for selected projects, and clearly outline the participation process. The NBE program is currently following up on these recommendations and other modifications, and will undergo an impact evaluation in 2006.