NeighborWorks® of Western Vermont has become a new member of the new U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Residential Network, which connects energy efficiency programs and partners to share best practices and learn from each other to dramatically increase the number of American homes that are energy efficient.

The Better Buildings Residential Network expands on the foundation of energy efficiency programs such as the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program and its partners, as well as Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Sponsors and their partners, which have leveraged over $1 billion in federal funding and local resources to build more energy efficient communities since 2010, as well as others that have operated for years. These programs have saved Americans money, created jobs and lowered greenhouse gas emissions.

DOE is now expanding this network of residential energy efficiency programs and partners to new members. The new Better Buildings Residential Network is engaging energy efficiency programs, state and local governments, financial institutions, businesses, nonprofits, universities, utilities, and other organizations to accelerate the pace of upgrades in American homes.

Members of the Better Buildings Residential Network include AFC First, Austin Energy, Boulder County, Clean Energy Durham, Clean Energy Works Oregon, CNT Energy, City & County of Denver, Efficiency Maine, Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Michigan Saves, Mountain Association for Community Economic Development, and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority.

Members benefit immediately by receiving access to monthly topical calls with their peers about residential energy efficiency strategies. Calls have discussed business partners and workforce development, marketing and outreach, evaluation & data collection, financing, moderate- and low-income markets, program sustainability and revenue streams, along with other topics based on member requests.

Additional member benefits include tools, templates, resources, and proven solutions shared by members, newsletter and other updates on residential energy efficiency trends, opportunities to be featured in U.S. Department of Energy materials, and optional program benchmarking.

Residential Network members provide DOE with an annual update of the number of residential energy efficiency upgrades completed in their sphere of influence, and share information about the benefits associated with them.