Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies
Commission
Residential Subcommittee
Draft Outline, version 1
February 28, 2008
The following as a reorganization of the outline for the Residential
Subcommittee according to instructions given to Bob Hoot from the
Residential Subcommittee at the February 27 subcommittee meeting. The
new organization is based on a matrix with columns that represent house
segments

Low Income,

Rentals,

Existing Homeowners,

New Construction, and

Multifamily/Landlords.
The rows of the matrix are represented by opportunities and tools:

Low-Cost Improvements,

Energy Efficiency (retrofits or new construction),

Alternative Energy,

Education,

Regulation,

Incentives,

Financing, and

Marketing.
The Following outline is based on the housing segments, each of
which includes the list of opportunities and tools. There is also a section at
the end to describe a possible new department in County Government or
new responsibilities for existing departments. That section describes the
coordination of all of the various activities and centralization of
information related to energy efficiency and conservation.
This is the first version and contains the items from the Housing Mix
PowerPoint. There might be duplication from items copied from the
PowerPoint and the previous outline. Some of the items below are
Bob Hoot
Page 1
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
shown as bullet points with the entire bullet point in parentheses. These
are instructions or tips to the subcommittee member about what to
include in that section.
Bob Hoot
Page 2
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
1. Introduction
The members of the ECSC Residential Housing Subcommittee, RHS,
commit to examine residential housing in Alachua County and its
impending controversies surrounding escalating energy use and costs
thereof, diminishing and wasting of natural resources, resulting in an everincreasing loss of housing affordability, compounded with an identified
sense of market confusion over viable sustainable solutions, that further
pose a real and significant threat to our public health, safety, and welfare,
today and forever.
Guiding Principles
Driven by the Guiding Principals of the Draft Energy Element, RHS
hereby state its Environmental Mission Statement to 1) identify pertinent
Issues, 2) state prioritized Goals and 3) create an Action Plan through a
multi-faceted approach using Market Research, Education, Sustainable
Policy, and Green Marketing.
Bob Hoot
Page 3
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
2. Low Income
2.1. Background Information
Alachua County does not currently have a program that provides
comprehensive assistance to low income residents to help them make
energy-efficiency improvements to their homes. The low-income
population might not have access to the internet or cable television and
thereby might not have adequate access to the sources of information that
are useful to other residents.

Set specific goals for specific reductions in energy use and
carbon output from existing residential housing, new
residential housing

Lack Of Practical Knowledge In Private Sector – Business,
Industry, & Consumers

(Describe the estimated amount of energy for this housing
segment if possible, or use demographics to estimate its size...
“How is area energy use proportioned in [this segment]?”)

(Describe the lack of green policy, codes, rating systems,
financing, competitive pricing, and incentives that affect this
housing segment.)

Age of structures owned by low-income population, basic
health and safety, ability to weatherize.

Retrofit vs. redevelop strategies for low-income population

Occupant behavior

Special needs for education

Access to capital

Loan creditworthiness

Identify % of low income that are owner-occupied vs. renter
occupied

2.2. Low-Cost Improvements

Establish a program to help low-income people make low-cost
repairs
Bob Hoot
Page 4
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
2.3. Recycling, Composting, and Community

(Discuss the need to encourage recycling and reusing of
materials)
2.4. Energy Efficiency Retrofit

(Describe the need to require low-income families to comply
with energy efficiency standards. Review the demographics to
make this case. Refer to Chris’s creative financing and other
assistance programs to make it happen. Perhaps refer to
Harry’s example of Austria retrofiting 5% of its housing stock
each year [ask him for a link].)
2.5. Alternative Energy
2.6. Education

Support energy conservation in the schools by considering the
FSEC Public Education program as public education tool to
communicate energy conservation principles that are important
for this housing segment. This is most important because the
low income segment might not have access to other
information sources.

Evaluate the ReBuild America® Green Schools to consider as
public education tool to reach low income children and to
educate the next generation.

List specific types of information, technical knowledge, and
practical knowledge that people need to know. Address
business, industry, consumers and other groups that might be
relevant.

“Identify types of training that would be useful for public and
private sector. Training might be for concerned citizens,
community leaders, government employees, business owners,
and more.”

Guide low-income residents to energy conservation resources,
and directly contact low-income residents about energy
conservation opportunities and programs for their homes and
neighborhoods.

Educate public about establishing a County purchasing or Coop for green materials
Bob Hoot
Page 5
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
2.7. Marketing

Communicate evolving green policy to community using
specific tools to reach low income families.

Describe some very specific types of messages that would need
to be communicated to this housing segment. Mention some
specific types of communication (direct mail, stickers on
recycle bins, substitutes for Internet communication, or
whatever works for this segment).

Develop an outreach program to affordable housing markets

Establish a presence in the community so that residents know
where to get information. Inform the public about low-cost
home improvements and guide them to business partners who
can make do-it-yourself projects easier.

(Describe the type of incentives that would be effective in this
housing segment).

This is Chris’ section on an extension of the Berkeley model to
provide funds to low income people to make energy-related
improvements.

Develop creative financing for retrofits and/or home ownership

Potentially convert funds geared for high carbon emission
projects, coal plants, to create a bond for green retrofit loans
2.8. Regulation
2.9. Incentives
2.10. Financing
Bob Hoot
Page 6
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
3. Renters
3.1. Background Information

Set specific goals for specific reductions in energy use and
carbon output from existing residential housing, new
residential housing

Lack Of Practical Knowledge In Private Sector – Business,
Industry, & ConsumersLow-Cost Improvements

(Describe the estimated amount of energy for this housing
segment if possible, or use demographics to estimate its size...
“How is area energy use proportioned in [this segment]?”)

(Describe the lack of green policy, codes, rating systems,
financing, competitive pricing, and incentives that affect this
housing segment.)
3.2. Low-Cost Improvements

3.3. Recycling, Composting, and Community

Encourage municipalities to provide expanded recycling
services to apartments, perhaps with regulation.

Provide expanded recycling services to residents in
unincorporated areas.
3.4. Energy Efficiency Retrofit
Does not apply. See the landlord section.
3.5. Alternative Energy
Probably does not apply. See the landlord section.
3.6. Education

List specific types of information, technical knowledge, and
practical knowledge that people need to know. Address
business, industry, consumers and other groups that might be
relevant.

Identify types of training that would be useful for public and
private sector. Training might be for concerned citizens,
community leaders, government employees, business owners,
and more.
Bob Hoot
Page 7
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)

Support energy conservation in the schools by considering the
FSEC Public Education program as public education tool to
communicate energy conservation principles that are important
for this housing segment.

Evaluate the ReBuild America® Green Schools to consider as
public education tool to reach the children of renters and to
educate the next generation.

Educate public about establishing a County purchasing or Coop for green materials

Communicate evolving green policy to community using
specific tools to reach the rental market.

Describe some very specific types of messages that would need
to be communicated to this housing segment. Mention some
specific types of communication (direct mail, stickers on
recycle bins, Internet communication, or whatever works for
this segment).

Most regulations that affect renters will be applied to the
apartment owners.

Facilitate enforcement of energy conservation regulations (and
other regulations) but requiring that landlords provide tenants
with a brief summary (prepared by the County) of energyrelated regulations when a new lease is signed. For example,
the information sheet would let renters know that rental units
need to have specific energy-efficient attributes, and renters
can call the phone number on the sheet to report violoations.

(Describe the type of incentives that would be effective in this
housing segment).

(Describe how creative financing can be used to support
retrofitts)
3.7. Marketing
3.8. Regulation
3.9. Incentives
3.10. Financing
Bob Hoot
Page 8
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
4. Existing Homeowners
4.1. Background Information

Set specific goals for specific reductions in energy use and
carbon output from existing residential housing, new
residential housing

Lack Of Practical Knowledge In Private Sector – Business,
Industry, & Consumers

(Describe the estimated amount of energy for this housing
segment if possible, or use demographics to estimate its size...
“How is area energy use proportioned in [this segment]?”)

(Describe the lack of green policy, codes, rating systems,
financing, competitive pricing, and incentives that affect this
housing segment.)

Age of structure

Occupant behavior

Education

Access to capital
4.2. Low-Cost Improvements

Invest in conservation first

Invest in weatherization and low-cost improvements

Require low-cost repairs when people apply for energy grants,
when they apply for building permits, when houses are sold.
Establish a system for licensing landlords so that the license
serves as the mechanism to require low-cost repairs

Enact a long-term policy that low cost repairs need to be made
by 2012 (or at some point)
4.3. Recycling, Composting, and Community

Suggest access to better recycling to reduce the energy needed
for packaging and manufacturing from raw materials (link to
the ecopark that will be described by the Waste Subcommittee,
and discuss the need work with manufacturers or grocery
stores).

Involve local leaders and local businesses in supporting and
promoting residential energy and water conservation
Bob Hoot
Page 9
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
4.4. Energy Efficiency Retrofit

After low-cost improvements have been made, invest in high
cost improvements (AC, Windows, Energy Star appliances,
insulation, radiant barriers, etc.)
4.5. Alternative Energy
4.6. Education

Support energy conservation in the schools by considering the
FSEC Public Education program as public education tool to
communicate energy conservation principles that are important
for this housing segment.

Evaluate the ReBuild America® Green Schools to consider as
public education tool to reach the children of homeowners and
to educate the next generation of homeowners.

List specific types of information, technical knowledge, and
practical knowledge that people need to know. Address
business, industry, consumers and other groups that might be
relevant.

Identify types of training that would be useful for public and
private sector. Training might be for concerned citizens,
community leaders, government employees, business owners,
and more.

Educate public about existing housing energy uses

Educate public about establishing a County purchasing or Coop for green materials

Map out green marketing/education component

Communicate evolving green policy to community using
specific tools to reach homeowners.

Describe some very specific types of messages that would need
to be communicated to this housing segment. Mention some
specific types of communication (direct mail, stickers on
recycle bins, Internet communication, or whatever works for
this segment).
4.7. Marketing
Bob Hoot
Page 10
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
4.8. Regulation

A carbon Tax based on electricity consumption should be
considered. (i.e. If daily consumption per sq Ft is 10% higher
than average, pay carbon tax)

(Describe the type of incentives that would be effective in this
housing segment).

(Describe how creative financing can be used to support
retrofitts)

Getting access to capital for green retrofits

Central purchasing
4.9. Incentives
4.10. Financing
Bob Hoot
Page 11
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
5. New Construction
5.1. Background Information

Set specific goals for specific reductions in energy use and
carbon output from existing residential housing, new
residential housing

Lack Of Practical Knowledge In Private Sector – Business,
Industry, & Consumers

(Describe the estimated amount of energy for this housing
segment if possible, or use demographics to estimate its size...
“How is area energy use proportioned in [this segment]?”)

(Describe the lack of green policy, codes, rating systems,
financing, competitive pricing, and incentives that affect this
housing segment.)

There are no sustainable incentives

There is no green building program

Lack of cohesive county plan for sustainability

No centralized policy for reducing energy and waste

Lack of renewable energy power for public

Need to more strongly encourage private sector

Need to drive down costs of green building materials for public
and private sectors

Need to assist low income home owners

Absentee ownership often represents a lack of commitment

Large landlords are not motivated to make green repairs

Need to validate efforts to diminish green-washing – or
“Talking the Talk, and not Walking the Walk”

Lack of buy-in in public and private sectors

5.2. Low-Cost Improvements
(DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS SECTION)
Bob Hoot
Page 12
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
5.3. Recycling, Composting, and Community

Entice green building-related industries to come to our
community
5.4. Energy Efficiency

To encourage energy efficiency

Encourage large landlords to use of the Energy Efficiency
Disclosure

Encourage large landlords to use of the Energy Efficiency
Disclosure

[examples needed] Eliminate inundated code to encourages
innovative green building technologies (we need to confirm
with staff: but offhand, use of graywater systems, PV, cisterns,
being “off the grid”
5.5. Alternative Energy

Foster renewable energy options

Regulate a percentage of renewable technologies for GRU and
industry

5.6. Education

Partner with UF & Santa Fe to educate and address student
housing issues

List specific types of information, technical knowledge, and
practical knowledge that people need to know. Address
business, industry, consumers and other groups that might be
relevant.

Identify types of training that would be useful for public and
private sector. Training might be for concerned citizens,
community leaders, government employees, business owners,
and more.

Educate public about establishing a County purchasing or Coop for green materials

Communicate evolving green policy to community using
specific tools to reach first-time homebuyers and people in the
market to buy a new home.
5.7. Marketing
Bob Hoot
Page 13
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)

Describe some very specific types of messages that would need
to be communicated to this housing segment. Mention some
specific types of communication (direct mail, stickers on
recycle bins, Internet communication, or whatever works for
this segment).

Encourage partnering of other county municipalities to model
after

Encourage local business and industry to participate and carry
the message

Create and hone the sustainable focus of County Government

Create and hone the sustainable focus of County Government

Need to Communicate Alachua County’s Environmental
Mission Statement

Resolve Market Confusion - Answer $1,000,000 question:
“What is Green?”

Does County Brand clearly communicate environmental
priorities?

Fragmented Community Green Marketing message – lack of
consistency

No Voluntary Green Building Program to guide consumers and
measure performance

Disconnect between public and private sectors – lack of buy-in
and/or implementation

No proper recognition for green certified buildings, builders
and industry professionals

Failing to differentiate green features from green certified
projects, buildings, etc.

No identified Green Marketing Budget and/or Green Incentives

Lack of Focus for Annual Green Building Week – first Week
of Every May
Action Plan:

County shall Adopt and Incorporate a comprehensive Green
Branding Strategy that clearly conveys brand: i.e., Alachua
County’s Passion starts with a Path to Green

Implement a Green Marketing Plan using psychographics (this
is where I would suggest a reference to the service marked
Green$mart® psychographics ideology as a cited resource) to
Bob Hoot
Page 14
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
best convey sustainable value that touts consumer benefits of
saving health, safety, energy, water and Planet Earth using
testimonials for rebates, savings, and results

Develop Green Press Release Kits: Print, TV/Radio, and
billboards for distribution

Develop Green Marketing Pages on ECSC website to post 1)
mission statement, 2) easy and affordable energy and water
conservation tips, and 3) Green case study page

Develop a Green Awards & Recognition Program (primarily
based on green ratings)

Partner with regional and national organizations for greenrelated events

Execute Marketing Plan for Annual Green Building Week – 1st
week in May: 1) Host local green summit, 2) Showcase area
sustainable award winners

Develop MOU’s with strategic Partners to promote new green
industry and solict/incentivize businesses to go green; i.e.,
CEO, Chamber of Commerce,

Kick-off Co-Branding Initiative with Community Sponsors for
PR and revenue

Strike Partnerships with local medical entities to foster
participation & buy-in
5.8. Regulation






Evaluate the Green$mart® Incentive plan to create county specific
performance-based incentives approach to instill peak performance
Evaluate the statewide Model Green Building Ordinance for adoption,
that sets forth a voluntary green building program that requires
independently 3rd party certification by any approved green ratings, that is
tied to performance-based incentives that are measured by the green rating
systems.
Proposed performance-based tiered regulations for biggest users; i.e.,
public buildings, industry, medical
[see above examples needed] Foster code revisions to allow innovative
green building
Require cross-training of multiple departments of gov’t staff
Designate Green staff personnel to facilitate green policies and programs
Bob Hoot
Page 15
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)







Regulate a percentage of renewable technologies for GRU and industry
(this topic is also listed in the Alternative Energy heading in this housing
segment).
Develop and adopt an ordinance to require realtors or utilities, or other
energy suppliers, to provide an energy efficient rating disclosure (HERS)
for single-family residences in real estate transactions. (Note: Said energy
efficiency rating system is to be that developed by the Oregon Department
of Commerce under Chapter 413, Oregon Law 1977, Senate Bill 370.) The
Energy Efficiency Disclosure is already set into law under Fla. Statute:
xxxxxxxxx, and is required language for every residential contract in the
State of Florida., and is governed by the Florida Real Estate Commission,
FREC. I would reword this to say that we would encourage education and
training for the REALTORS to learn how to best utilize this statutory
required Energy Efficient Rating, along with other ratings, whether Green
ratings or HERS ratings, to educate sellers and buyers while reaping
additional benefits for the REALTOR® and related industries, such as
positive image building, customer satisfaction and increased referrals
(Green$mart® Pro 101 Course has been approved since 2002, and offers 7
CEU’s to Florida REALTORS.)_
Establish a minimum “energy efficiency code” for landlords.
(From Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Adopt Green Building Resolution to
address all residential sustainable needs: energy, water, health, site, waste
reduction, green materials, disaster-resistency
(From Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Identify approved green rating
programs
(From Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Map out a Green Marketing Plan
Seek BOCC Approval for Green Building Resolution
5.9. Incentives


Devise innovative economic incentives; i.e., performance-based tax
abatements for clean industry that commits to building certified green
buildings and communities
(From Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Develop a Performance-based
Sustainable Incentive program that is tied to 3rd party green ratings
5.10. Financing

(From Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Identify Funding Sources; i.e., Impact
Fee Discounts/waivers
Bob Hoot
Page 16
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
6. Multifamily and Landlords
6.1. Background Information

Set specific goals for specific reductions in energy use and
carbon output from existing residential housing, new
residential housing

Lack Of Practical Knowledge In Private Sector – Business,
Industry, & Consumers

(Describe the estimated amount of energy for this housing
segment if possible, or use demographics to estimate its size...
“How is area energy use proportioned in [this segment]?”)

(Describe the lack of green policy, codes, rating systems,
financing, competitive pricing, and incentives that affect this
housing segment.)

72% total structures use electric heat

100% A/C electric

Difficult to change from electric to alternative fuel sources

Greenhouse gas emissions are higher for electric and than gas

(Goals from Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Separate out energy >5
units

(Goals from Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Identify mechanical
systems and age of buildings and/or units

(Goals from Housing Mix PowerPoint:) Reduce consumption
6.2. Low-Cost Improvements



Require low-cost repairs when people apply for energy grants, when they
apply for building permits, when houses are sold. Establish a system for
licensing landlords so that the license serves as the mechanism to require
low-cost repairs
Enact a long-term policy that landlords must make some combination of
retrofits by 2015 (or some rolling schedule).
(Added by Bob per last week’s subcommittee meeting) Insted of allowing
landlords to make all of the changes at the last minute, require the lowcost repairs to be made on 20% of the units (or 20% of the work) each
year for 5 years.
Bob Hoot
Page 17
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
6.3. Recycling, Composting, and Community

6.4. Energy Efficiency Retrofit

From the Draft Energy Element:
Goal 2: efficiencies: Alachua County shall encourage, promote, and effect
the optimum use of insulation, weatherization, and other energy saving
measures in all existing structures, to the extent that they are cost-effective.





Prepare and distribute with any application for any building permit, energy
conservation information and techniques, and related materials listing the
advantages/market potential of each.
[we need some examples or general ideas here] Discourage excessive
energy consumption by largest users this was targeted towards large
multifamily landlords or building owners
[examples needed] Eliminate inundated code to encourages innovative
green building technologies (we need to confirm with staff: but offhand,
use of graywater systems, PV, cisterns, being “off the grid”
Focus on upgrading A/C SEER rather than heat source
Focus on windows, insulation, water heaters, water aerators
6.5. Alternative Energy
6.6. Education

There are educational programs in schools, but they need to be
reinforced and extended to support the new initiatives

List specific types of information, technical knowledge, and
practical knowledge that people need to know. Address
business, industry, consumers and other groups that might be
relevant.

Identify types of training that would be useful for public and
private sector. Training might be for concerned citizens,
community leaders, government employees, business owners,
and more.

Educate public about establishing a County purchasing or Coop for green materials

Focus on behavior change of both owners and tenants
Bob Hoot
Page 18
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
6.7. Marketing

Describe some very specific types of messages that would need
to be communicated to this housing segment. Mention some
specific types of communication (direct mail, stickers on
recycle bins, Internet communication, or whatever works for
this segment).
6.8. Regulation

To create a mechanism for enforcement of energy-related buildingcodes for new and existing rental properties, create a system of
landlord licensing and require compliance with energy-related building
improvements (we will probably need to find a new term for
“landlords”).
o Phase in low-cost improvements first, perhaps over 5 years.
o Require construction of rental units to conform to high energyefficiency standards, such as LEED or Green$mart® standards.
o If landlords that own 12 or more units acquire additional rental
properties, those units must be upgraded according to the
schedule for major energy-efficiency retrofits.
o At the time leases are signed, require landlords to provide
tenants with information that informs them about the energy
efficiency standards in their municipality and provide a phone
number that allows tenants to call to request enforcement
o Consider options for providers of low-income rental units. One
possibility might be to ease some of the building efficiency
codes if the renal units (a) are priced below a specific
percentage of the median rental rates in the municipality, (b)
the units do not have air conditioning, (c) the residents sign a
statement that they will not install air conditioning, (d) the
landlord accepts responsibility for violations, and (e) the
landlord is allowed adequate recourse to penalize noncompliant
residents with either fines or eviction so that the landlord can
avoid penalties from noncompliant residents.
6.9. Incentives

(Describe the type of incentives that would be effective in this housing
segment).
6.10. Financing


(Describe the type of financing that would be effective in this housing
segment).
Bulk purchasing
Bob Hoot
Page 19
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
7. Implementing Energy Conservation Programs
7.1. Overview
This section will support and synthesize the recommendations above
by recommending that Alachua County develop ongoing efforts to manage
its energy use and conservation. This might imply the creation of a new
department or new functionality added to an existing department.




Fragmentation Due To Lack Of Consolidation Of Internal Program
Efforts
Lack of Uniformity Between Various Municipalities Within County
MSA
Lack Of Funding and need to reduce cost of green materials
Too much energy consumption, waste, and need more sustainable
design
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7.2. Current Status of Sustainability Programs
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Lack of Green Policy – Resolution, Ordinance, regulations
Need code revision to allow innovative building technologies
Lack of Green Building Program & Green Municipality Program
Lack of creative and affordable financing models for green retrofits
Lack of competitive pricing for green materials
Lack of sufficient sustainable incentives to foster transformation
7.3. Collecting the Data
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The new Alachua County department (or existing department with
added responsibilities) will collect information needed to assess the
County’s current energy profile and use the information to guide
energy policies.
Residential Housing Mix to breakdown housing submarkets (by new
and existing structures, type of residential building, # of units/building,
income, family size or # of occupants, , rental/owner occupied,
approximate home value, home size/heated area, number of units, etc.)
Cross-reference of housing, energy, and demographic data
How is area energy use proportioned in local Residential Housing?
What housing submarkets are the largest users?
Bob Hoot
Page 20
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
7.4. Recommendation: Research, Explore, and Develop Residential
Housing Sustainability Programs and Gather Data Needed to Monitor
Those Programs on an Ongoing Basis (Goals; Existing Housing??)
(This is a recommendation that Alachua County conduct research and
collect data in an effort to guide their sustainability programs.)
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Gather primary and secondary data resources; i.e., Census, building
permits and BEBR’s Alachua County Reports
Streamline data to facilitate production, analysis, and interpretation of
housing data
Research other municipalities’ green policies & programs
Explore sustainable incentive proposals & programs
Research existing and successful green programs to model after
Research program funding sources in the public sector
Research creative financing for private sector
Research other internal municipal programs and/or ECSC committees
to cross- reference efforts; i.e., MTPO, FGBC Green Municipality
Designation
Collect green-related reference materials, websites, articles, and
research papers
The concept of green is not emphasized or fully understood. Define
the concept and contrast with related concepts (such as energy
conservation).
(Bob copied the first sentence to each “background” section ) Set
specific goals for specific reductions in energy use and carbon output
from existing residential housing, new residential housing (and
government operations, businesses, as addressed by other
subcommittees). This subcommittee will make some specific
recommendations.
7.4.1. Action Plan
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Request that Alachua County facilitates the collection of data from
Utility companies and other agencies to better analyze and track
energy use, and demographic trends
Recommend funding to modify multi-department data collection to
allow cross-referencing property appraisers use codes with GRU’s
energy data to yield a comprehensive identification of and long-term
tracking residential housing energy use
Housing Mix i.e., (watt/sf), age of buildings, and/or median income
levels
Research, analyze and prioritize low-cost conservation improvements
vs. higher cost green retrofit items for existing housing
Set short-term & long-term percentage goals to reduce energy
consumption
Bob Hoot
Page 21
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
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Find ways to present information to the public to reduce... Market
Confusion Resulting From Multiple Programs – need to research and
adopt available, successful program models
Work in conjunction with educational programs to... Provide support
for the effectiveness of education in changing environmental behavior.
7.5. Coordinate with Education Programs to provide Energy Conservation
Information
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Strive For A Research-Based, Educational Focus
 Map Out An Educational Strategy For Reaching MultiAudiences
Develop Short-Term And Long-Term Educational Goals
Coordinate Educational Content and Green Building in Schools
 Work with Alachua County Public Works (Sally Palmi) to
enhance and expand existing educational programs related to
recycling and energy use.
 Evaluate the FSEC Public Education program to consider as
public education tool
 Evaluate the ReBuild America® Green Schools to consider as
public education tool
 Partner with Public Schools for Green Education & Greening
of buildings
Develop A Community Education Plan
 Target Both Public And Private Sectors
 Customize Communication Styles To Optimally Reach Target
Audiences /Identify most effective educational style
 Widen Knowledge Base of Community
 Organize a Speakers Bureau for educational and public
speaking events
 Communicate evolving green policy to community
 Convey Environmental Mission Statement to Public, Staff And
Local Businesses
 Educate public about existing housing energy uses
 Educate public about establishing a County purchasing or Coop for green materials
Identify Funding Sources & explore central purchasing power for
green materials
Facilitate Training Events for local Industry
 Sponsor industry training: REALTORS® & Landlords on
how to benefits on utilizing the Energy Efficiency Disclosure,
Lenders on how to integrate green mortgages, and geared to
Consumers on how to understand both of these tools
Bob Hoot
Page 22
3/9/2016
Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, Residential
Subcommittee
Guiding Principles (DRAFT)
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Co-Host periodic – monthly or quarterly – events on
sustainable topics
Develop a Consistent Identity of Sustainability in the County
 This might be a theme for education, which is to work with
educational experts in addition to technical experts to develop a
consistent message that supports sustainability and energy
conservation.
 Develop a consistent and ever-present message about
sustainability. Sustainability is one message that can drive
recycling, reducing, reusing, and energy conservation. Put recycle
bins next to every public trash can (sell advertising space on them
to support them).
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Bob Hoot
Page 23
3/9/2016