• Home
• Getting Started
• Driving Demand
  • Set Goals & Objectives
  • Create an Evaluation Plan
  • Conduct Audience Research
  • Identify Target Audiences & Behavior Changes
  • Create Effective Messages
  • Build Partnerships
  • Develop a Marketing Plan
  • Implement Your Marketing Plan
  • Assess Your Progress
• Financing
• Workforce Development

Step 2: Create an Evaluation Plan

Although it might seem early in the process to think about evaluating your program's results, now is the time to develop an evaluation plan. A key finding of DOE's Driving Demand for Home Energy Improvements report is that "designing for data collection and evaluation from the start allows midstream adjustments, better selection among strategies, and knowing success when it arrives."

To design an evaluation plan, refer to the goal and objectives you established in Step 1, then follow these steps:

1. Find the measureable indicator(s) for each objective.
2. Determine how you will measure progress with each indicator.
3. Determine a baseline or starting point for each measureable indicator.
4. Set a deadline for the objective, and measure progress regularly to allow for adjustments in strategies and tactics.
5. Conduct assessments and analyze results.

 

Sample Evaluation Checklist

	Measured by?	How measured?	By when?
Objective: Reach 20,000 homeowners with information on rebates and financial incentives via direct mail	Number of delivered pieces of mail	Count number of mailers stamped; subtract returned/ undeliverable items from U.S. Postal Service	By third quarter this year
Objective: Build a coalition of 10 "ally" organizations to promote your program and energy efficiency in general	Number of organizations participating in coalition		After first year; assess quarterly

 

Use the Creating an Evaluation Plan worksheet to help you organize your thoughts and methods for creating an effective evaluation plan.

Planning Worksheets: Creating an Evaluation Plan

 

Program administrators recommend looking at all the costs of a program when designing an evaluation plan. These costs include all direct and indirect staff time, incentives, and marketing materials combined to determine a total cost per upgraded home. This approach helps determine how the return on investment in your current program design compares to other available strategies. (From DOE's Driving Demand for Home Energy Efficiency Improvements report.)

 

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