New Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) results in the commercial / industrial sectors: Findings from incentive, retrofit, and technical assistance / new construction programs

Panel: Panel 7: Making industries more energy efficient

Authors:
Dawn Bement, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc. (SERA), USA
Lisa A. Skumatz, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc. (SERA), USA

Abstract

Over the years, a variety of commercial and industrial (C&I) programs designed to save energy have been implemented across the US. However, energy efficiency (EE) programs do more than save energy – they deliver an array of other impacts that are traditionally considered hard-to-measure. Recent evaluation work examining non-energy benefits (NEBs) for several different types of C&I programs provides an opportunity to explore the implications and applications of NEBs for program design, marketing, and beyond. More than 300 interviews with multiple decision-makers – end-users (owners / developers / tenants / facility managers) and specifiers (architects and engineers) – were used to estimate the value of the programs beyond bill or energy savings. Owners / occupants and facility managers were asked about NEB valuations based on experience. Specifiers / decision-makers were asked about their perceptions of the value of NEBs to owners, as well as the use of NEBs in decision-making.

The paper provides detailed information about the NEBs results, and focuses on implications and uses of the information, including and beyond the benefit-cost implications. Results show that bill savings or energy benefits are important – but may not always be the most important program benefit – to program participants. The results show that NEBs can be equal to or exceed the value of the direct energy savings associated with the program. The paper illustrates applications for program refinement and marketing – positive effects for marketing, and negative values that have implications for detailed barriers analysis and program improvement. Differences in perception by group may indicate other types of useful program refinements. The results imply that greater use of NEBs to promote efficiency programs could be effective – even to the “bottom line-oriented” commercial sector. NEBs appeal in the commercial / industrial sector, and NEBs analysis provides useful information toward practical program improvements.