Filling the Pipeline
For Northwest utilities and efficiency organizations, shepherding new products into the market isn’t about simply embracing the next new thing — it’s about making sure the next new thing performs well, saves energy and is right for Northwest consumers. In 2016, NEEA identified and investigated dozens of emerging technologies with enough combined energy savings potential to power more than 1.2 million Northwest homes. From this emerging technology pipeline, the alliance launched four new programs: Commercial Window Attachments, Commercial Code Enhancement, Manufactured Homes and Efficient Gas Dryers. Click on the links below to learn more.
Commercial Window Attachments
Commercial Window Attachments
Interior and exterior window attachments can significantly reduce energy consumption for much less than the cost of replacing existing leaky windows. The Window Attachments program is working to increase the adoption of energy-efficient window attachments (such as blinds, shades, secondary glazing systems, and low-e storm windows) in existing commercial buildings and homes in the Northwest. In collaboration with ENERGY STAR® and the Attachments Energy Ratings Council, the program is developing a certification for energy-efficient window attachments to help consumers identify and select these products from their less-efficient competitors. For more information about this program, contact Christian Miner, Sr. Program Manager at: cminer@neea.org.
Commercial Code Enhancement
Commercial Code Enhancement
Across the region, market practice and code are misaligned, utilities don’t have a clear mechanism to influence code change, and code compliance and enforcement vary widely. The alliance’s Commercial Code Enhancement program identifies barriers to code development and adoption in each Northwest state and applies a variety of intervention strategies, including marketing, training, and technology assessments, to overcome those barriers. In collaboration with the region, the program will create customized State Coordination Plans to create better alignment between the market, utility programs and the code process enabling more strategic long term planning multiple code cycles out. For more information about this program, contact Kim Hughes, Sr. Program Manager at: khughes@neea.org.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured Homes
Energy-efficient manufactured homes, incorporating advanced building practices and efficient appliances, provide an important energy savings opportunity for urban and rural lower income customers. The alliance’s Manufactured Homes program is working with Northwest manufactures to pilot a new above-code voluntary specification and supporting retailers to communicate the value of efficient manufactured homes to customers. For more information about this program, contact Neil Grigsby, Sr. Program Manager at: ngrigsby@neea.org.
Efficient Gas Dryers
Efficient Gas Dryers
The alliance’s Efficient Gas Dryers program is working with regional and national partners to increase the efficiency and reliability of gas dryer performance to ensure quality products are available for natural gas customers. In 2016, the alliance developed a specification for high efficiency residential gas dryers, providing product development guidance to manufacturers. The program also provided formal recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency to influence its anticipated Most Efficient Draft Clothes Dryer Specification update. For more information about this program, contact Alexis Allan, Sr. Manager Natural Gas at: aallan@neea.org