Publications - 2012

The Role of Local Governments and Community Organizations as Energy Efficiency Implementations Partners
Mackres (ACEEE), Alschuler, Stitely, & Brandt (MEPC); 2012

This paper describes the characteristics and potential contributions of both local actors and utilities as they relate to implementing energy efficiency. Next it describes two different roles for local governments and civil society in implementing energy efficiency: (1) enabling policies and (2) program partnerships—including several detailed case studies for each. Finally, this piece concludes by describing some of the trends and challenges in local implementation of energy efficiency.

Unlocking Energy Efficiency in Office Districts: A Comprehensive Approach to Efficiency Programs
Alschuler & Michaels; 2012

Puts forth a more complete paradigm of energy-related system of office building – as including physical and social systems, and facing both financial and non-financial barriers. Takes into account the actions of multiple stakeholders, including owners, facility staff, tenants and office workers.

A New Model for Disclosing the Energy Performance of Residential Buildings
Nadkarni & Michaels; 2012

Proposes a new model of disclosing residential energy performance for states to adopt. The model, centered around web-enabled data analysis, aggregation, and access, has the potential to provide clear, consistent, and visible ratings to key market actors and, in turn, provide more complete information to residential markets on building efficiency.

Mapping Energy Efficiency for Community-Level Engagement
Reul & Michaels; 2012

Promotes the implementation of a community-level energy mapping tool as the information platform to amplify energy service scales, increase the degree of transparency, and improve the level of coordination amongst service providers. Postulates that an effective mapping tool requires three components: a data information display, corresponding program & Incentive features, and a two-way feedback input option.

Publications - 2011

A Community Action-Feedback Model for Operational Efficiency in Office Buildings
Alschuler, Donnelly, & Michaels; 2011

A general framework for information-driven operational efficiency programs in central business districts. Draws from development research the Smart Energy Now program in Charlotte, North Carolina

MA Green Communities Program for Municipal Building Retrofits: Assessing Initial Impacts on Small Communities
Reul & Michaels; 2011

An examination of the Massachusetts Green Communities Program and how it enables small communities, under 35,000 in population, to achieve energy efficiency. Draws from case study research in three communities - Wayland, Easton, and Greenfield, Massachusetts

Democratizing Efficiency Delivery Through IT
Mekler & Michaels; 2011

An examination of how information systems, which combine and analyze data about building energy performance, can help utility program administrators support community‐managed energy efficiency programs and improve program outcomes. Assesses major challenges associated with developing and deploying these information systems and suggests strategies to overcome these challenges

Publications - 2010

Architecting the Smart Grid for Energy Efficiency
Michaels & Donnelly; 2010

As utilities begin their planning and implementation for Smart Grid, it remains ambiguous as to whether the elements needed for efficiency and demand response will be included. Will utilities offer dynamic pricing, and/or control customer systems directly? And will utilities provide customers with a more frequent and granular measurement of energy use? This paper considers these questions, and proposes architectural directions for the Smart Grid that compare utility-controlled and consumer-controlled energy networks

Enabling Deep and Scalable Energy Efficiency in Communities

Final Product of 11.946 Community Energy Efficiency Practicum in Spring 2009

Student Theses

Community Based Outreach Strategies in Residential Energy Upgrade Programs
Brendan McEwen (Master in City Planning, MIT, 2012)

Explores the use of Community Based Outreach (CBO) by six building upgrade programs operating in five regions in the USA. Through interviews, it seeks program managers’ and outreach personnel’s qualitative impressions of the efficacy of different CBO methods, and the factors that contribute to this efficacy.

Sharing Local Energy Infrastructure: Organizational Models for Implementing Microgrids and District Energy Systems in Urban Commercial Districts
Genevieve Rose Sherman (Master in City Planning, MIT, 2012)

Assesses the feasibility of two organizational models for implementing local energy infrastructure in commercial districts: a joint cooperative model and an independent provider model, learning from experiences in Portland, Oregon and Stamford, Connecticut.

Greatest Generation: A New Retail Store Model for Delivering Energy Efficiency in Massachusetts
Elijah Hutchinson (Master in City Planning, MIT, 2012)

Based on previous program evaluations, interviews, new case studies, and market information, what follows is an investigation into a proposed retail store model for energy efficiency products and services. This thesis is an investigation into the elements of retail store that could make the model viable in Massachusetts.

Ordinances to Enable Energy Efficiency in Rental Housing in the United States
Pat Coleman (Master in City Planning, MIT, 2011)

Explores actions municipalities can take to complement existing voluntary retrofit efforts by reviewing ordinances that aim to enhance the energy efficiency of rental properties in San Francisco and Berkeley, California; Wisconsin; Burlington, Vermont; and Austin, Texas. Each jurisdiction’s policy is unique but each seeks at least one of two objectives: the establishment of minimum energy efficiency standards or the disclosure of building energy information among current and prospective owners and tenants

Making Energy Efficiency Desirable: Lessons from a Cutting-Edge Program in Minneapolis
Stephanie Stern (Master in City Planning, MIT, 2011)

Examines a cutting‐edge residential energy efficiency program: the Community Energy Services pilot program run by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a Minneapolis non‐profit organization. Identifies the barriers to homeowner investment in energy efficiency, arguing that it is important to distinguish between financial and logistical barriers and emotional or psychological barriers

Understanding the Complex Components of Community-Based Energy Efficiency Programs: A Study of Two Massachusetts Program
Erin Brandt (Master in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, Tufts University, 2011)

Explores recent interest in residential programs that have “community” elements. Analyzes two Massachusetts community efficiency programs to understand how community energy efficiency programs are designed, developed, and implemented

Presentations

Community-Based Innovations in Energy Efficiency — April 29, 2011

A collection of student presentations related to:

• Community-Partnership Models
• Data- and Information-Enabled Efficiency
• Equity and Efficiency