Best Practices

Best Practices are meant to shine a spotlight on established methods of work that consistently produce better results.

Best Practices are listed in this chapter and linked throughout the toolkit. They are meant to shine a spotlight on established methods of work that consistently produce better results. These proven approaches are based on experience and analysis and can help organizations and their partners improve efficiency, effectiveness and overall success.

SHOWCASING PROVEN STRATEGIES

Below is a glance at several Best Practices, with more detailed information within each one. Following the Best Practices are a few “Tips and Tricks” for moving forward as a Community Energy Navigator.

  • Pathstone logo

    PATHSTONE

    Better Outreach for Better Energy Efficiency

    PathStone brings over a decade of experience to alternative energy initiatives. Its efforts began with a NYSERDA grant under the Green Jobs / Green NY program about 10 years ago and later, the agency secured funding under NYSERDA’s Clean Heating and Cooling campaigns.

  • Toledo

    NW TOLEDO REGION

    Providing Training for Contractors

    NeighborWorks® Toledo Region in Ohio offers weatherization, energy efficiency, Healthy Homes, and related industry training for new and existing contractors to build a strong contractor pool in the area.

  • NeighborImpact logo

    NEIGHBORIMPACT

    Fun and Effective Ideas for Energy Training

    To increase engagement, NeighborImpact in Redmond, Oregon, works weatherization themes into various events in fun ways, including staff training.

  • Lakeville logo

    LAKEVILLE VILLAGE (ROC)

    Community Solar in Manufactured Home Communities

    In 2019, Lakeville Village – a Resident Owned Community (ROC) in upstate New York – developed a sustainable solar energy farm with RER Energy Corporation.

  • Housing resources logo

    HOUSING RESOURCES OF WESTERN COLORADO

    Building Partnerships for Improved Energy Strategy

    For over 40 years, Housing Resources of Western Colorado (HRWC) has been committed to expanding its services and strategic objectives to include more sustainable and resilient housing.

  • CHDC logo

    COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CHDC)

    Driving Clean Assistance Programent

    The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) helps people purchase or lease a new or used battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell vehicle.

  • Chinatown logo

    CHINATOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTER

    Sustainability as Part of Community Culture

    Chinatown CDC is proof that community engagement strategies can directly enhance and boost the longevity of comprehensive sustainability strategies while effectively supporting energy and sustainability goals.

  • Codman logo

    CODMAN SQUARE

    Best Practice: Working with Governments for a Sustainable Environment

    Codman Square NDC is part of the Massachusetts Association of CDCs (MACDC), which prioritizes the creation of healthy communities.

  • Campesino

    CENTRO CAMPESINO

    Improving Energy Efficiency for Renters (Plus Landlord Verification Form)

    Renters deserve a break on energy costs too and have additional factors to consider such as getting landlord permission to do improvements.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Below is a list of “tips and tricks” including best practices, important facts to remember, and other key items to consider as you build your plan to take on tasks as a Community Energy Navigator.

Generally, state and federal tax credits are only available for households that owe taxes. If a household does not have tax liability, then that household cannot take advantage of the tax credits. Additionally, if the size of the credit exceeds the tax liability, the credit can only reduce taxes to zero, even if that means that the household cannot fully take the credit.

While energy upgrades, electrification, and solar installation are proven money savers, we cannot account for all eventualities. In some instances, the expected savings may not materialize. While unlikely, we should only project savings, not promise them.

Practitioners consistently find that calling a program “free” turns off consumers. Many don’t trust the source, or wonder if there’s a catch, even if they’re told there are no strings attached. Others may feel a sense of shame for taking advantage of such an offer or be reminded of fraudulent programs that claimed to be free. Use the language of “no cost” instead.

Older manufactured homes (MH) often need energy upgrades, while newer models are efficient and electric-ready. Before exploring upgrades, solar, or electrification, there are some unique considerations. Manufactured homes installed on a permanent foundation, on land owned by the homeowner and classified as real property, qualify for most of the same programs as site-built homes. However, those on non-permanent foundation, or on leased land (such as in parks), are generally considered personal property and may be ineligible. Assess the prevalence of these homes in your community, especially those in MH communities and resident-owned communities (ROC).

States may decide whether to require proof of modeled (estimated) or measured (exact savings) from products covered by incentives. Navigators should check with their state energy offices for clarity, as needed.

A bad hailstorm or fallen tree branch that causes damage to new solar panels can leave households with unexpected costs. Many of the most reliable solar providers will include a maintenance and/or warranty program. Additionally, homeowners and landlords will want to contact their insurance company to make sure they extend coverage to their solar panels.

 

Installing solar usually requires working with the local utility companies. Some are experienced in rooftop and community solar, while others are not or are even hostile. Navigators who understand the policies and procedures of local utilities are well-positioned to aid their clients and residents.