Cost-effective solutions to increase energy efficiency in homes result from many individual decisions across the transaction chain, including those of consumers, retailers, manufacturers of appliances and other products, realtors, the financial organizations (now providing energy-efficient mortgages), educational institutions, and others. Energy Savers is pursuing cost-effective energy efficiency by leveraging the power and creativity of the market to build on the nation's progress, setting standards for more energy-efficient products, and encouraging industry to develop more efficient products. The following Web links are designed to have relevance to partners across the home transaction chain.
Home Energy Efficiency Mortgages
Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) recognize that reduced utility expenses can permit a homeowner to pay a higher mortgage to cover the cost of the energy improvements on top of the approved mortgage. FHA EEMs provide mortgage insurance for a person to purchase or refinance a principal residence and incorporate the cost of energy-efficient improvements into the mortgage. The borrower does not have to qualify for the additional money and does not make a down payment on it. The mortgage loan is funded by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, or savings and loan association, and the mortgage is insured by HUD.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/energy/apply/fha.cfm
Building Toolbox
From blueprint to ribbon-cutting, this site offers suggestions and advice on how to maximize home energy efficiency with whole building design, sophisticated construction techniques, integrated systems, energy management technologies and evaluation software.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/toolboxdirectory.html
Building America
Through spotlighting the Building America program, the Department of Energy's public/private residential research and development partnerships in collaboration with six building consortia aims to meet the goal of creating homes that generate as much electricity as they use.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/
Energy Solutions for Your Home
From A to Z energy questions about your home, condo or apartment, this site offers a comprehensive set of suggestions on home energy efficiency measures, as well as an overview of home energy use.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/homes/index.html
The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH)
The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) is a public-private initiative dedicated to accelerating the development and use of technologies that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing. Become a PATH partner and take advantage of the latest updates in building technologies.
http://www.pathnet.org
The Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor
Provides preliminary guidelines for energy efficient-renovation of single and multifamily housing. The Advisor's energy efficiency recommendations are based on ENERGY STAR® specifications, where applicable. Get a tailored profile here for your building and generate a preliminary list of energy conservation measures (ECMs) with estimated costs and savings for your rehab project.
http://www.rehabadvisor.com
Energy Action Plan
HUD's Energy Action Plan supports the energy conservation goals of the President's National Energy Policy. Find information here about the Energy Action Plan, HUD's ENERGY STAR partnership with EPA and DOE, HUD's energy e-newsletter, and other resources for HUD customers, partners and grantees.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/energy/index.cfm
The Public Housing Energy Conservation Clearinghouse
Features news and resources to help public housing authorities manage energy and water costs. The Clearinghouse includes information about Energy Performance Contracting, a financing technique that uses cost savings to repay the cost of installing energy conservation measures, as well as information on buying ENERGY STAR products and appliances.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/phecc/
Energy Savers
The Energy Savers Web site offers information and tips to improve energy efficiency for both buildings and transportation and highlights specific components and practices that contribute to better energy efficiency.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
ENERGY STAR
The ENERGY STAR Web site provides information about a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Information helps consumers and businesses easily identify highly efficient products, homes, and buildings that save energy and money, while protecting the environment.
http://www.energystar.gov/
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR
When looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and DOE.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
An innovative whole-house approach to improving home comfort and energy efficiency. It depends on qualified contractors who perform a top to bottom energy inspection and make improvements. Find out if it is available in your area.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_hpwes.
Climate VISION
Sponsored by the U.S. Departments of Energy, Agriculture and Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Climate VISION is a public-private partnership that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The site has comprehensive information on their activities and ways to participate.
http://www.climatevision.gov