Ellingson Consumer Outreach

8/3/2019 Ellingson Consumer Outreach

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Why target consumers?

o Consumers can eliminate our biggest barrier opposition

from home builders. Builders supply what is demanded.

o Its hard to make policy changes without public support.

o In communities where public support is high, energycodes are easier to adopt.

o So HOW to advocate to consumers? THE FIRST STEP: Find out what motivates them.


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BCAP & Consumers Union

conducted a survey to consumers

o PART 1: What messages resonate with consumers?

1. Money saving?

2. Environmental impacts?

3. Quality construction?4. General benefits?

5. Common arguments against energy codes?

o PART 2: Attitudes on specific energy code items?

o PART 3: Consumers expectations for new homes?

(as it relates to energy)


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5,086 Internet respondents-

demographics:

o 50% Males/ 50% Females; Aged 18+; About 2/3 own

homes

o Most (79%) purchased their homes more than 2 years ago

and dont have near-term plans to buy another home.o Most (84%) had an annual HH income of $79K or less.

o Most had ave. mo. energy bills of $100-$199.

o

Results broken out into these sub-categories


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Respondents were from these

regions

Northeast:1. New England - ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT

2. Mid-Atlantic - NY, PA, NJ

Midwest:

1. East North Central - WI, MI, IL, IN, OH2. West North Central - MO, ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA

South:1. South Atlantic: DE, MD, DC, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL

2. East South Central: KY, TN, MS, AL

3. West South Central: OK, TX, AK, LAWest:

Mountain: ID, MT, WY, NV, UT, CO, AZ, NM

Pacific: AL, WA, OR, CA, HA


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Statement Prior to Survey

o Energy codes are minimum requirements that

builders must meet to ensure that homes meet

energy efficiency standards.


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PART 1: MESSAGING.

How much do you agree /disagree

with each of these 17 messages:

84% agree

82% agree

79% agree

75% agree

71% agree

74% agree

70% agree

73% agree


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Findings: Key Points for

Policymakers

o The public feels that they have a right to a home thatmeets minimum energy efficiency standards. (82%)

o The public believes that energy codes help ensure thathomeowner and taxpayer dollars are used wisely andefficiently by requiring that new homes will be builtright the first time. (74%)

o The public agrees that energy codes add to the purchaseprice of a new home and effectively lower monthlyoperating costs. (69%)


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PART 2: ATTITUDES.

How much do you agree/disagree with

each of the following statements:

86%

83%


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PART 3: Expectations:

Which are most/least appealing

o Adequate insulation in attic and walls

o Well-sealed windows and doors

o A Certificate proving a home meets state energy codes

o Sealed fireplaceo Programmable thermostat

o Insulated ductwork

o Insulated pipes

o Energy efficient light bulbs

o Efficient heating and cooling systems

o Energy efficient windows

Most important to save $




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Used Findings to Develop Toolkits

for Consumers & Advocates

National materials:

1. Consumer Checklist

2. Consumer Guide

3. Home Inspector Checklist

State-customized materials

for KY, AL, NE, MO:

1. Home Buyer Guide

2. Home Buyer Checklist

3. Homeowner Checklist

4. Professional Guide


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National Materials


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Consumer

Portal
http://bcap-ocean.org/consumers-take-action


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Example: Columbia, MO Home Buyers Guide


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Example: Home Buyer Guide in KY

i i f i


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Example: For Building Professionals

in KY


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In KY, stakeholder input was

solicited from various sectors:

o Builders, Contractors, Designers

o Environmental Organizations

o Housing Organizations

o Real Estate Companies

o Low Income Organizations

o Lenders (that offer Energy/Green Mortgages)

o Better Business Bureau

o Community Organizations

o AIA Kentucky chapter


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Consumers Union Outreach

Developed similar version of publications for

our audience (subscribers, general public,

grassroots activists)

Posted to 2 web sites (Consumer Reports

GreenerChoices.org and Consumers Union

Energy Campaign site)

Developing links and cross-references fromConsumer Reports content on home energy


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Consumers Union Outreach


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Share Your Story Feature


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Thank You!Maria Ellingson

Building Codes Assistance ProjectToledo, Ohio

419-724-4571 | [email protected]

Kelly GuhanickBuilding Codes Assistance Project

Washington, DC

(202) 530-2248 | [email protected]

Shannon Baker-Branstetter

Consumers Union

Washington, DC

(202) 462-6262 | [email protected]


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Group Feedback & Discussion!

1. Ideas for improving printed materials?

2. Ideas for dissemination?

3.

Other feedback on consumer outreach?

Documents

Ellingson Consumer Outreach