Develop clear and comprehensive educational program for building owners and tenants about existing energy efficiency programs.
Based on the results of the residential and business surveys, there is a need for better access to information about energy efficiency programs, rebates and other incentives.
The City will develop a building energy retrofit landing page on its website to share links to available financial resources (such as through Oncor, DCHHS the Texas LoanSTAR program, and the City’s (PACE) financing program). It will also partner with community and neighborhood organizations to develop an outreach strategy that promotes these opportunities to all segments of the community. The engagement campaign will connect lower-income residents, the senior community, and non-native English households and businesses with technical assistance and tailored information on energy efficiency programs.
The City will also evaluate options to develop an Energy Resource Center, either through a City department or in partnership with an outside organization/agency. The center would help property owners find qualified contractors or service providers, understand the steps needed to achieve a high-efficiency building, and provide case studies and information on financial resources. The Energy Resource Center could also implement specific educational campaigns associated with the roll-out of various City programs, including residential building energy audits, commercial benchmarking, and zero-net energy development.
Plug Load and use of energy star equipment should be included in education. EPA Region 6 is just down the street, EPA and DOE has great resources online. Plus, have building owners enroll in DOE Energy Portfolio as a prerequisite to receive assistance from City of Dallas and to be considered for City Sponsored Award Program like NOLA.