Recent research papers from economists that have questioned costs and benefits of energy efficiency programs and policies have been flawed, says Steve Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Instead of “continuing a tit-for-tat debate,” Nadel says economists and energy efficiency practitioners could find ways to better work together to devise higher quality studies. “First, we admit that not all energy efficiency programs are stellar,” Nadel says. “It’s critical to have good evaluation to help tell what is working well and what needs improving.”
“There is a tendency, in both the economics and energy efficiency communities, to work from established paradigms and work with colleagues who share similar views,” he continues. “When the two communities meet, they often talk past each other. There is a need for both sides to better understand where the other side is coming from, and to explore opportunities to find a middle ground.”
Nadel cited recent studies that looked at only costs but not benefits, included extra costs unrelated to energy efficiency (e.g. home repair costs), left out important costs such as changes in maintenance costs, or are based on a simple cost-benefit framework without considering other goals that the programs might have. “Likewise, each program is different and one problematic program should not cast doubt on all of the others,” Nadel says.
Related Stories
| Dec 19, 2011
USGBC welcomes new board directors?
Board responsible for articulating and upholding the vision, values, mission of organization.
| Dec 16, 2011
Goody Clancy-designed Informatics Building dedicated at Northern Kentucky University
The sustainable building solution, built for approximately $255-sf, features innovative materials and intelligent building systems that align with the mission of integration and collaboration.
| Dec 14, 2011
Belfer Research Building tops out in New York
Hundreds of construction trades people celebrate reaching the top of concrete structure for facility that will accelerate treatments and cures at world-renowned institution.
| Dec 13, 2011
Lutron’s Commercial Experience Center awarded LEED Gold
LEED certification of the Lutron facility was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include: optimization of energy performance through the use of lighting power, lighting controls and HVAC, plus the use of daylight.
| Dec 12, 2011
AIA Chicago announces Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as 2011 Firm of the Year
SOM has been a leader in the research and development of specialized technologies, new processes and innovative ideas, many of which have had a palpable and lasting impact on the design profession and the physical environment.
| Dec 12, 2011
Mojo Stumer takes top honors at AIA Long Island Design Awards
Firm's TriBeCa Loft wins "Archi" for interior design.
| Dec 10, 2011
10 Great Solutions
The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.
| Dec 10, 2011
Energy performance starts at the building envelope
Rainscreen system installed at the west building expansion of the University of Arizona’s Meinel Optical Sciences Center in Tucson, with its folded glass wall and copper-paneled, breathable cladding over precast concrete.
| Dec 10, 2011
Turning Balconies Outside In
Operable glass balcony glazing systems provide solution to increase usable space in residential and commercial structures.
