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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
    Better Buildings Neighborhood Program logo.

    The Better Buildings Neighborhood Program is helping over 40 competitively selected state and local governments develop sustainable programs to upgrade the energy efficiency of more than 100,000 buildings. These leading communities are using innovation and investment in energy efficiency to expand the building improvement industry, test program delivery business models, and create jobs.

    New Materials and Resources

    June 2013

    Get Inspired!

    Hear why Better Buildings partners are excited to bring the benefits of energy upgrades to their neighborhoods.
    Watch the 5-minute video.

    Innovations

    Program partners are testing innovative ways of delivering energy efficiency upgrades to their neighborhoods.
    Learn more.

    Better Buildings in Your Neighborhood

    map of united states with blue shading, and orange pinpoints scattered throughout the shaded states

    Promising Approaches

    Home energy makeover contests represent a novel approach to increasing energy efficiency awareness. By enticing homeowners with potentially free energy upgrades, contests can generate leads and publicity for programs and qualified contractors.

    The Home Energy Makeover Contest Logo.

    Energy Upgrade California's Home Energy Makeover Contest awarded $100,000 in upgrades to six finalists after receiving 1,400 applicants. Although awards were limited, all applicants received access to online energy upgrade resources.

    The PowerSaver Home Energy Makeover Contest logo.

    A Charlottesville, Virginia, real estate agent chosen from 1,600 homeowners to receive free energy upgrades through Local Energy Alliance Program's PowerSaver Home Energy Makeover Contest chronicled the process on his blog.

    Photo of a family -- father, mother, and child -- standing at the doorway of a brick home, facing a group of people holding a sign up to them.

    EnergySmart in Boulder, Colorado, turned one couple's success into a useful case study. The winning couple was used to showcase the upgrade process while highlighting the improvements in their home's efficiency and comfort.

    Why Energy Efficiency Upgrades

    A home energy upgrade can save money, improve comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment. Learn how.