Energy efficiency programs benefit society in multiple ways. When we use less energy to perform the same work, we preserve natural resources and lower emissions of harmful particulates and gases. Less water is needed for power generation. Public health is improved with fewer pollutants, and productivity is increased when people are healthier and more comfortable.
Energy efficiency benefits society in other ways. When less money goes to buying energy, funds become available for other needed services. The work of energy efficiency also generates skilled jobs that can’t be outsourced. As programs work together to transform markets, efficient goods and services become the norm for nonparticipants as well as participants.
In addition to demonstrating the benefits of energy efficiency, professional evaluation of programs establishes their success delivering these benefits and points to opportunities and improvements for ongoing, deeper future savings. Evaluation provides important information for utility planning. Members decide how CEE should focus its evaluation efforts as they collaborate on projects and share information of interest to all. Through these activities, CEE drives consistency and improves credibility in evaluating energy savings from programs and portfolios.
Measuring Member Impact
Together members exert a powerful influence on markets to bring the benefits of energy efficiency to everyone. Each year, CEE quantifies the energy efficiency program industry in the CEE Annual Industry Report.
- To learn more: Visit the CEE Annual Industry Report page, where you can read the current report and view the data.
- To learn even more: Read past reports and view data on the members-only CEE Forum.
Evaluating Nonenergy Benefits
CEE members are examining effective methods and approaches for evaluating nonenergy benefits that occur as a result of energy efficiency programs. Nonenergy benefits might include:
|
|
If you're a member who's not currently involved in this project and would like to contribute, you can participate to the cost-effectiveness project at the CEE Forum.
ENERGY STAR® Household Awareness Survey
CEE has surveyed consumers year-by-year since 2000 to measure the emotional impact the ENERGY STAR® label makes. Fielded to a random sample of US households, the survey includes questions about label recognition, knowledge of the label's meaning, emotional connection to the label, the influence of the label on purchasing, satisfaction with labeled products, and loyalty to the label. Members use these data to support residential program evaluation.
- To learn more: Read the ENERGY STAR® Household Awareness Report
- To learn even more: Visit the ENERGY STAR Household Awareness Survey Forum page (members only, sponsors only). Contact us to find out how to sponsor the project.
