Guide to Energy Upgrade Services

Last week, the #ResidentialRetrofitsforEnergyEquity(R2E2) initiative released an authoritative Playbook designed to navigate the complexities of energy upgrade financing models, economic inclusion, and community engagement. One of the most noteworthy elements of the Playbook is found in Section 2: Actions and Best Practices, particularly under the “Identify Program Focus Areas” header. This section underscores the significance of the 2021 High-Road Workforce Guide for City Climate Action. The #HighRoadWorkforceGuide, developed in collaboration with the Bloomberg Philanthropies' American Cities Climate Challenge, offers city staff, elected officials, and advocates a strategic framework for supporting high-road workforce development. This approach is aimed at creating a qualified local workforce to meet ambitious climate goals while advancing racial equity in workforce programs. With the infusion of billions of dollars from the #InflationReductionAct(IRA), the 2021 #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw(BIL), and other federal sources, there is an unprecedented opportunity to address the critical issue of energy inefficiency in low- and moderate-income homes while reimagining and focusing on equitable workforce development. Explore the Playbook to learn more about its recommendations for energy upgrade programs, actions for program administrators, and best practices aimed at improving health outcomes, lowering energy bills, and strengthening local economies. Overall, I found the user experience and methodologies to be straightforward, making it a comprehensive read filled with an abundance of case studies that reflect real-life applications of the suggestions offered. The hyperlinked report and site attachments are also highly valuable. At the intersection of climate action and economic recovery, the #R2E2 Playbook serves as an excellent tool that offers practical and digestible guidance. I encourage everyone to bookmark the link and share it with Environmental Justice and Community-Based Organizations in your networks! Congratulations to Annika Brindel, Ian Becker, and to the Playbook’s collaborative efforts as a whole, produced by The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Elevate , Emerald Cities Collaborative, and HR&A Advisors. This playbook is a good reminder to embrace a future where energy-efficient homes are a standard, not a luxury, and where every community, especially those historically divested, can thrive. #R2E2 #Workforce #EconomicInclusion  #EnergyEquity

Using the 'Holy Grail' of solar PV, battery, heat pump (smart tariffs and load shift) plus some standard fabric upgrades of additional loft insulation and cavity wall insulation to get to incredibly low bills (including operating the home for greater comfort)...a great presentation detailing his journey and what 'electrification' plus fabric upgrades has delivered by David Hogg...you could skip to 1hr:28min for what gives you the biggest bang for the buck, but its all worth a watch. Steps: 0) Switch to an EV and charge at home 1) Measure what you use now and when (smart meters <-> Home Assistant)...a high cost appliance could be moved to a cheaper time of day 2) Buy electricity when it's cheap to use or store and sell any to the grid when it's expensive -> check out the slides that explain how the UK energy sector works to understand the energy mix and why prices are highly variable 3) Octopus 'saving and free sessions' due to generators being paid by retailers to curtail / turn off their wind farms, etc 4) Solar PV using roof mounted and new wall mounted solar array...generation over the year is more a rectangle shape than a bell curve 5) Smart storage using a home battery...from storing cheap or free grid electricity to running the house during a power outage 6) Efficiency from heat pumps and how to use them as efficiently as possible (well insulated home, target large emitters, use off-peak/self-generated electricity and heating constantly / gently) 7) Costs for doing the upgrades and installs...note: UK solar and battery costs are 100% greater than NZ, but fabric upgrades look cheaper in UK helped significantly by smaller homes built on average (approximately. 93m2 in UK vs 140m2 in NZ (2024)) 8) Running costs...zero for February to September plus export to grid income What next: 1) Vehicle to Grid - next revolution in electrification (free charging for your EV in the UK (<=16,000km) / Australia (<=21,000km)...coming very soon 2) Additional small battery 3) Mechanical Ventilation with heat recovery (used on most new UK homes) Link to the full presentation: https://lnkd.in/gJq7bYab

💡🏡 Smarter, Greener, Cheaper: The Latest in Energy-Efficient Home Design With energy costs on the rise and climate concerns growing, energy-efficient homes aren’t just a trend—they’re becoming the new standard. The good news? Advancements in home design are making it easier than ever to reduce power consumption while keeping homes comfortable year-round. Here are some of the latest innovations: 1️⃣ Better Insulation = Lower Bills 🏡❄️☀️ New high-performance insulation materials are helping homes stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer—without overworking heating or cooling systems. For Melbourne and other temperate climates, ensuring double-glazed windows and high-quality roof insulation can make a massive difference in reducing energy use. 2️⃣ Smart Homes, Smarter Energy Use 📲💡 Smart home technology is evolving beyond just convenience—it’s now actively cutting energy waste. Features like: ✅ Smart thermostats that learn your routine and adjust temperatures efficiently ✅ Automated blinds that close on hot days to keep interiors cool naturally ✅ Energy monitoring apps that track usage and help homeowners pinpoint where they can save These tools take the guesswork out of energy management and help homeowners reduce power bills effortlessly. 3️⃣ Solar Panels Are Just the Beginning ☀️🔋 Solar power is nothing new, but better battery storage and smart inverters are changing the game. Systems now allow homeowners to store excess power for night-time use. In areas with frequent storms and blackouts, this means energy independence and backup power when needed. 4️⃣ Heat Pumps – The Future of Heating & Cooling 🌡️♻️ Traditional gas heating is on the way out, and heat pumps are stepping in. They work like reverse-cycle air conditioners, using a fraction of the energy of traditional heaters. Whether it’s for hot water systems or whole-home climate control, heat pumps are one of the biggest energy-saving upgrades available today. 🌏 Smarter Homes, Lower Costs, Greener Future From high-tech insulation to smart energy management, today’s energy-efficient homes are more comfortable, cost-effective, and future-proof than ever before. Whether you're building new or upgrading an existing home, investing in energy efficiency pays off. #EnergyEfficientHomes #SmartLiving #SustainableDesign #SolarPower #FutureHomes #EcoFriendlyLiving