Evaluation of a Holistic Energy Assessment Program

The residential sector is responsible for 22% of U.S. primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions, annually, stressing the importance of building energy efficiency. Energy audits and assessments are commonly incorporated into energy conservation strategies. However, heterogeneity of homeowner behaviors and motivators has accompanied ambiguous conclusions on the effectiveness of energy audits. In response, the National Energy Leadership Corps (NELC), developed a holistic energy assessment approach tailoring information to homeowner motivators, with the goal of stimulating energy investments through informative personalized energy reports. A post-assessment survey, focusing on implementation, barriers to investment, and catalytic impact from the energy assessment, was developed and distributed to 82 houses that received an energy assessment. Statistical analysis of survey responses indicate homeowners' perception of skill and/or abilities and building envelope improvements are correlated to implementation rates. Homeowner prioritization of home improvements may also be related to energy improvements. Results from the survey and recommendations are presented including implications for energy education and energy service professionals in the design, engineering, and construction industry.