State and Local Guide to
U.S. EPA Climate and Energy
Program Resources
SERA
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
UPDATED OCTOBER 2011
WWW.EPA.GOV/STATELOCALCLIMATE
State and Local
Climate and Energy Program
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3 Introduction
4 Program Finder
5 Program Profiles
POLICY, PLANNING, AND ENERGY SECURITY
5 State Climate and Energy Program
7 Local Climate and Energy Program
9 Heat Island Reduction Program
11 State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
BUILDINGS
14 ENERGY STARฎ Products
15 ENERGY STAR for CommerciaVPublic Buildings
16 ENERGY STAR Residential-Existing Homes
19 ENERGY STAR Residential-New Homes
INDUSTRY
23 ENERGY STAR for Industry
ELECTRIC POWER AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
26 Combined Heat and Power Partnership
28 Green Power Partnership
30 Landfill Methane Outreach Program
32 AgSTAR
SMART GROWTH
34 Office of Sustainable Communities
WATER AND ADAPTATION
36 Climate Ready Estuaries
38 Climate Ready Water Utilities
40 WaterSense
WASTE
42 WasteWise Communities
44 Responsible Appliance Disposal Program
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 2
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In 2011, state and local governments are facing the
challenge of meeting growing energy and environ-
mental needs with dwindling budgets. Investing in
clean energy (energy efficiency, renewable energy,
and combined heat and power) and climate poli-
cies and programs continues to be one way for
state and local governments to achieve multiple
goals: improving air quality, saving money, improv-
ing public health, and decreasing greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) has many programs and
resources that can help state and local govern-
ments as they work to sustain existing programs
and to create new ones.
This guide is designed to help state and local gov-
ernments find EPA programs that can help them
expand or develop their own clean energy and
climate initiatives. The guide is an updated version
of a 2009 guide geared toward helping state and
local governments implement ARRA (the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act).
EPA Program Profiles are organized into seven
categories: policy, planning, and energy security;
buildings; industry; electric power and renewable
energy; smart growth; water and adaptation; and
waste.
Each program profile includes:
Basic information and contact details
Relevant target audiences
Ready-to-go tools and resources
Suggestions for actions a state or local govern-
ment could take to use EPA's offerings
The Program Finder table shows which programs
could be used to reach nine relevant sectors and
audiences:
Government
Industry
Residential
Commercial
Utility/Program Administrators
Public
Education
Real Estate Development
Agricultural
Getting Started
Specific project area contact information is
included in each program profile. If, after reading
this guide, you have any questions about getting
started, please contact the State and Local Climate
and Energy Program at bollerud.erica(aepa.qov
Please note: This document contains
Internet addresses that were current
when the document was produced, but
addresses may change over time. If you
discover a broken link, please notify Erica
Bollerud at bollerud.erica@epa.gov so
EPA can post a corrected version.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 3
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EPA Program (alphabetical order)
AgSTAR (p. 32)
Climate Ready Estuaries (p. 36)
Climate Ready Water Utilities (p. 38)
Combined Heat and Power Partnership (p. 26)
ENERGY STAR for CommerciaVPublic Buildings (p. 16)
ENERGY STAR for Industry (p. 23)
ENERGY STAR Products (p. 14)
ENERGY STAR Residential-Existing Homes (p. 19)
ENERGY STAR Residential-New Homes (p. 21)
Green Power Partnership (p. 28)
Heat Island Reduction Program (p. 9)
Landfill Methane Outreach Program (p. 30)
Local Climate and Energy Program (p. 7)
Office of Sustainable Communities (p. 34)
Responsible Appliance Disposal Program (p. 44)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network (p. 11)
State Climate and Energy Program (p. 5)
WasteWise Communities (p. 42)
WaterSense (p. 40)
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State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 4
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\
rogram Kronies
Policy, Planning, and Energy Security
State Climate and
Energy Program
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Technical assistance
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
Website
www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate
Contact
Denise Mulholland
(202) 343-9274
mulholland.denise@epa.gov
Description
This program helps states develop policies and pro-
grams that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
lower energy costs, improve air quality and public
health, and help achieve economic development
goals. EPA provides states with and advises them on
proven, cost-effective best practices, peer exchange
opportunities, and analytical tools.
Services
Specific assistance provided by the program
includes:
Identifying and documenting cost-effective
policies and initiatives that promote renewable
energy, energy efficiency, and related clean
technologies.
Measuring, evaluating, and communicating the
environmental, energy, economic, and public
health benefits of clean energy initiatives.
Offering a suite of national voluntary programs
that provide partners with assistance and rec-
ognition for their clean energy actions.
Fostering peer exchange opportunities for state
officials to share information on best practices
and innovative policies.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
State clean energy programs can improve air qual-
ity and public health, increase cost-effective energy
efficiency and renewable energy, reap economic
benefits, and lower GHGs.
Possible State and Local Actions
Identify policies and programs that can save
energy and reduce GHGs using EPA's tools and
resources.
Analyze projected policy and program impacts
and associated co-benefits, including air,
health, energy, and economic benefits.
Communicate the multiple benefits of clean
energy policies and programs.
Evaluate, measure, and verify results once
policies or programs are in place.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 5
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Develop an inventory of GHG emissions to
establish a baseline and identify sectors or
sources for targeted efforts.
Tools/Resources
Guidance
Clean Energy-Environment Guide to Action:
Policies, Best Practices, and Action Steps for
States
Presents 16 best practices that states have used
to develop clean energy programs and policies
Clean Energy Lead by Example Guide
Provides guidance for states in establish-
ing programs that achieve substantial energy
cost savings within their own buildings and
operations
Assessing the Multiple Benefits of Clean Energy:
A Resource for States
Provides information about the energy, air,
health, and economic benefits of clean energy
and the methods and tools available includ-
ing their strengths, limitations, and appropriate
uses to estimate them
State Activities
Provides guidance, resources, and other sup-
porting materials to assist states in develop-
ing and implementing a state climate change
mitigation strategy
State Technical Forum
Presents analytical questions to resolve key
issues surrounding state climate and clean
energy efforts. Participants include state energy,
environmental, and utility staff. Papers and pre-
sentations from past calls are available
Tools
State GHG Inventory and Projection Tool
Generates a top-down estimate of GHG emis-
sions at the U.S. state level
Co-Benefits Risk Assessment (COBRA) Tool
Estimates the impact of air quality improve-
ments on public health
GHG Equivalency Calculator
Converts energy savings into carbon dioxide
emissions and translates this information into
readily understandable terms, such as equiva-
lent gallons of gasoline or electricity from
homes
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 6
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Local Climate and
Energy Program
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Technical assistance
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
Website
www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate
Contact
Andrea Denny
(202)343-9268
dennv.andrea(aepa.qov
Description
This program helps local governments meet sus-
tainability goals with cost-effective climate change
and clean energy strategies.
Services
EPA coordinates among federal, state, and non-
governmental programs to provide comprehensive
planning, policy, technical, and analytical informa-
tion resources for municipal governments. Key
resources include: the Local Government Climate
and Energy Strategy Series, which includes docu-
ments on energy efficiency, transportation, com-
munity planning and design, solid waste and
materials management, and renewable energy;
regular webcasts on topical issues; and the Climate
Showcase Communities program.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
By implementing clean energy strategies, local gov-
ernments can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and achieve multiple community goals such as
reducing air pollutants, lowering energy costs, sup-
porting local economic development, and improv-
ing public health, quality of life, and the reliability
and security of their energy systems.
Possible State and Local Actions
Establish a baseline of energy use and emis-
sions to identify the largest opportunities for
reductions.
Review and evaluate EPA's local best prac-
tices information and Climate Showcase
Communities projects and pick options that
work for your community.
Implement cost-effective practices within gov-
ernment operations to lead by example.
Engage your community through education cam-
paigns, ordinances, and demonstration projects.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 7
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Tools/Resources
Climate Showcase Communities
This program works with 50 pilot communities
to create replicable models of cost-effective
and persistent greenhouse gas reductions that
will catalyze broader local and tribal govern-
ment actions to stabilize the climate and
improve environmental, economic, health,
and social conditions. Offers peer exchange,
training, and technical support to pilot commu-
nities, and shares their successes and lessons
learned to encourage replication across the
country.
Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy
Series
Documents in this series provide a comprehen-
sive, straightforward overview of various green-
house gas emissions reduction strategies that
local governments can employ. Documents are
made available online as they are completed.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency in Local Government
Operations (PDF)
Energy Efficiency in K-12 Schools (PDF)
Energy Efficiency in Affordable Housing (PDF)
Energy-Efficient Product Procurement (PDF)
Combined Heat and Power (PDF)
Energy Efficiency in Water and Wastewater
Facilities (in development)
Transportation
Transportation Control Measures (PDF)
Community Planning and Design
Smart Growth (PDF)
Urban Heat Island Reduction (in development)
Solid Waste and Materials Management
Resource Conservation and Recovery
(in development)
Renewable Energy
Green Power Procurement (PDF)
On-Site Renewable Energy Generation (PDF)
Landfill Gas to Energy (PDF)
Local Climate and Energy Webcasts
Webcasts discuss clean energy and climate-
related topics of interest to local government
officials; they are archived online for later
viewing
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 8
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Heat Island
Reduction Program
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/Technical assistance
/ Outreach support
Relevant Sectors
/ Commercial
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/ Public
/ Education
/ Real Estate Development
Website
www.epa.gov/heatislands
Contact
Neelam R. Patel
(202)343-9384
patel.neelam-r(aepa.qov
Description
This program helps create cooler communities and
reduce the heat island effect by sharing information
about heat island impacts, mitigation benefits, and
policy advancements with state and local decision-
makers and program implementers, the research
community, industry, and the general public.
Services
This program helps communities by providing valu-
able information about heat island science, impacts,
and mitigation strategies. The program also provides
tools and resources that support community action,
including regular online news updates, webcasts
with leading experts in the field, and regular email
announcements on heat island topics.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Elevated temperatures from urban heat islands,
particularly during the summer, can affect a com-
munity's environment and quality of life. By taking
action to cool summer temperatures, communities
can reduce:
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 9
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Energy use,
Energy bills,
ฐ Greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution,
Number of respiratory and heat-related
illnesses, and
Quantity of stormwater runoff.
Taking action to reduce the heat island effect not
only helps lower temperatures, but can improve a
community's resiliency by reducing health impacts
during extreme heat events.
Possible State and Local Actions
Implement heat island reduction strategies that
increase the use of: trees and vegetation, green
roofs, cool reflective roofs, and cool pavements,
in order to reduce air and surface temperatures.
Integrate mitigation strategies into com-
munities through voluntary efforts such as
demonstration projects, incentive programs,
weatherization, urban forestry efforts, outreach,
education, and awards.
Include mitigation strategies in local and state
policy and regulatory actions such as procure-
ment, resolutions, ordinances, action plans,
community design guidelines, zoning codes,
building standards and codes, and regional air
quality planning.
Tools/Resources
Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of
Strategies
Describes the causes and impacts of sum-
mertime urban heat islands and promotes key
strategies for lowering temperatures. The last
chapter explains the range of voluntary and
policy efforts undertaken by state and local
governments to mitigate urban heat islands
Heat Island Community Action Database
Provides examples of local and statewide initia-
tives to reduce heat islands and achieve related
energy, air quality, human health, and water
quality benefits. Each entry in the database
includes a description of the activity, its cur-
rent status, and a link to a website for more
information
Heat Island Webcasts
Webcasts showcase the latest science and
implementation activities, and highlight
upcoming meetings related to heat island sci-
ence, modeling, and mitigation strategies
Heat Island Listserv
Provides periodic announcements of fund-
ing opportunities, webcasts, publications, and
events of interest to the heat island community
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 10
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SEE Action
SEE Action
(State and Local
Energy Efficiency
Action Network)
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/Technical assistance
Relevant Sectors
/ Commercial
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
Website
www.seeaction.enerqv.gov
www.epa.gov/eeactionplan
Contact
Stacy Angel
(202) 243-9606
angel.stacy@epa.gov
Description
The State and Local Energy Efficiency Action
Network (SEE Action) is a federal-state-local effort
to assist state and local governments in implement-
ing energy efficiency policies and programs. SEE
Action is currently working across eight issue-
based working groups to remove barriers to and
increase investment in energy efficiency. Working
groups include existing commercial buildings,
residential retrofits, industrial energy efficiency and
combined heat and power, building energy codes,
customer information and behavior, financing solu-
tions, evaluation, and utility motivation.
U.S. EPA partners with the U.S. Department of
Energy on SEE Action activities, building upon the
progress of the previous National Action Plan for
Energy Efficiency (Action Plan). The Action Plan
was a federally facilitated private-public initiative to
create a sustainable, aggressive national commit-
ment to energy efficiency through the collabora-
tive efforts of gas and electric utilities, state utility
regulators, and other partner organizations.
Services
SEE Action and the Action Plan offer several
resources that are useful to state and local gov-
ernments that want to advance energy efficiency,
including a comprehensive set of policy and
program guidance documents, and a summary of
existing state-level policies for energy efficiency.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
These efforts help remove barriers to greater invest-
ment in cost-effective energy efficiency. Achieving
all cost-effective energy efficiency by the year 2025
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 11
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could reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by
500 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually,
equivalent to the emissions of 90 million vehicles.
Possible State and Local Actions
Build on what is working: leverage proven,
documented, cost-effective programs and pro-
gram designs; establish partnerships with par-
ties responsible for existing energy efficiency
efforts; build programs that can continue after
economic stimulus funding expires.
Emphasize job creation: pursue energy effi-
ciency programs that engage services and
trades; develop and deploy the workforce
training necessary to support the programs;
consider the skills that will be in demand for
the longer term.
Measure results: evaluate the energy, environ-
mental, and jobs benefits of programs; require
the use of established procedures for evalua-
tion, measurement, and verification; strive for
simplicity and for transparency in assumptions
and results.
Plan for the future: see how the energy effi-
ciency policies in your state align with the
Action Plan's Vision framework for measur-
ing progress toward all cost-effective energy
efficiency.
Tools/Resources
State Energy Efficiency Network Working Group
Blueprints
Blueprints include a comprehensive summary
of the barriers, best practices, and key actors
across the eight issues addressed by the SEE
Action Working Groups. The Blueprints guide a
suite of implementation efforts, including new
guidance documents and policy white papers,
so the stakeholders engaged in efficiency can
work together, given their roles and responsi-
bilities, to achieve the goals
National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
Vision for 2025
Details a policy framework for establishing
long-term energy efficiency policies and pro-
grams. This Vision also captures an approach
for measuring state progress toward achieving
all cost-effective energy efficiency
Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE)
Toolkit
Provides detailed program design and imple-
mentation guides for 10 broadly applicable
energy efficiency programs
Model Energy Efficiency Program
Impact Guide (PDF)
Provides guidance on evaluating the results of
energy efficiency programs
Understanding Cost-Effectiveness of Energy
Efficiency Programs (PDF)
Reviews the issues and approaches involved in
considering and adopting cost-effectiveness
tests for energy efficiency
Guide for Conducting Energy Efficiency
Potential Studies (PDF)
Identifies three main applications for energy
efficiency potential studies and provides
examples of each
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 12
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\
Utilities and Energy Efficiency
Aligning Utility Incentives with Energy
Efficiency Investment (PDF)
Describes the financial effects on a utility of its
spending on energy efficiency programs, how
those effects could constitute barriers to more
aggressive and sustained utility investment in
energy efficiency, and how adoption of various
policy mechanisms can reduce or eliminate
these barriers
Customer Incentives for Energy Efficiency
Briefings (PDF)
These two briefings summarize key policy
issues and existing approaches for motivating
customers to reduce the energy they consume
through utility rates and administered energy
efficiency programs.
Utility Best Practices Guidance for Providing
Business Customers with Energy Use and Cost
Data (PDF)
Summarizes current data practices, outlines the
business and policy cases for action, and pres-
ents both basic and advanced approaches for
providing consistent, standardized electronic
energy consumption and cost data to business
customers
Guide to Resource Planning with Energy
Efficiency (PDF)
Describes the key issues, best practices, and
main process steps for integrating energy effi-
ciency into resource planning, including how
to help ensure that energy efficiency programs
provide a resource as dependable and valuable
to utilities and their customers as any supply-
side resource
Clean Energy Resource Database
Describes key resources and documents rel-
evant to the National Action Plan for Energy
Efficiency
Energy Efficiency Benefits Calculator
Provides a simplified tool to demonstrate the
business case for energy efficiency from the
perspective of the consumer, the utility, and
society
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 13
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ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR
Products
Services Offered
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/Technical assistance
/ Public recognition
/Training
Relevant Sectors
/ Commercial
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Public
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/Agricultural
Website
www.enerqystar.gov
Contact
Energy Star Hotline
(888) STAR YES (782-7937)
hotline(aenerqvstar.qov
Description
Since 1992, the ENERGY STAR program has helped
thousands of organizations across the residen-
tial, commercial, industrial, and public sectors
take advantage of cost-effective opportunities to
improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emis-
sions. ENERGY STAR qualified products allow
consumers to identify the most energy efficient
products on the market without having to sacrifice
performance. EPA manages the ENERGY STAR pro-
gram along with the Department of Energy.
Services
EPA works with stakeholders including manu-
facturers, trade associations, utilities, and energy
and environmental advocates to develop perfor-
mance specifications for ENERGY STAR qualifying
products that deliver significant energy savings.
Manufacturers submit products for third-party
testing through an EPA-recognized laboratory. The
ENERGY STAR program has grown to encompass
more than 60 product categories including light-
ing, appliances, heating and cooling systems, home
electronics, office equipment, and commercial
products including food service equipment. EPA
provides the ENERGY STAR logo, national cam-
paigns, consumer education, marketing resources,
and training materials.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Energy efficiency is one of the lowest-cost strate-
gies to address global climate change by reducing
the amount of emissions associated with the burn-
ing of fossil fuels to produce energy.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 14
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Possible State and Local Actions
Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products for
government operations.
Require energy efficient equipment purchases
for all state and local agencies.
Encourage/provide incentives to the residential,
commercial, and industrial sectors to purchase
select ENERGY STAR qualified products (e.g.,
through rebate or coupon programs).
Offer consumers a "sales tax holiday" for the
purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified products.
Partner with local community associations to
distribute ENERGY STAR qualified products,
such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, at
public events.
Empower Americans to make energy efficient
choices by supporting grassroots, community-
based youth service projects; becoming an
ENERGY STAR pledge driver; and/or sponsor-
ing a local event during the "Change the World,
Start with ENERGY STAR" campaign tour.
Partner with local organizations to educate
communities on the benefits of using ENERGY
STAR qualified products in their businesses and
homes.
Promote computer power management
among businesses and institutions by joining
EPA's Low-Carbon IT Campaign as an ally.
Tools/Resources
Find an ENERGY STAR Qualified Product
ENERGY STAR Products for Common Shovel-
Ready Projects
Describes ENERGY STAR products, tools, and
approaches to implementing successful home
efficiency, building, and school improvement
projects
Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE)
Toolkit
Provides detailed program design and imple-
mentation guides for 10 broadly applicable
energy efficiency programs
ENERGY STAR Purchasing and Procurement
Guidelines
Assists procurement officials in smart purchas-
ing decisions; online training and case studies
are also available
ENERGY STAR Partners
Lists partners including schools, governments,
home builders, home energy raters, cable pro-
viders, mortgage lenders, product manufactur-
ers, and retailers
Learn about the ENERGY STAR Pledge
Describes the "Change the World, Start with
ENERGY STAR" campaign
Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR
Materials
Includes key messages, sample press releases,
sample newsletter, sample mayoral/ gubernatorial
proclamations for Change a Light Day, and more
Join the ENERGY STAR Low-Carbon
IT Campaign
Low-Carbon IT Campaign Template Materials
Offers templates to publicize your efforts
through newsletters, press releases, and on
your website
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
Includes updated information on economic
stimulus-related tax credits
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 15
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ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR for
Commercial/Public
Buildings
Services Offered
/ Environmental performance
benchmarking
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Public recognition
/ Training
Relevant Sectors
/ Commercial
/ Education
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Utility/Program Administrators
Website
www.enerqystar.qov/index.cfm?c=new_bldq_
desiqn.new_bldq_desiqn
www.enerqvstar.gov/qovernment
Contact
Energy Star Hotline
(888) STARVES (782-7937)
hotline@enerqvstar.gov
Description
Since 1992, the ENERGY STAR program has helped
thousands of organizations across the residential,
commercial, government, and industrial sectors take
advantage of cost-effective opportunities to improve
their buildings' energy efficiency and reduce green-
house gas emissions. State and local governments
lead by example by improving their own buildings,
and they leverage relationships with building owners
in the state to motivate them to do the same.
Services
EPA provides tools and resources necessary for
strategic energy management. Building owners and
facility managers of all kinds of buildings can use
EPA tools to benchmark their energy and water use
in order to target investments on improvements-
more than 80,000 buildings or 16 percent of build-
ing square footagenationwide have already done
so. Top-performing hospitals, hotels, office build-
ings, retailers, schools, grocery stores, warehouses,
dormitories, banks, and courthouses can earn the
ENERGY STAR certification using EPA's Portfolio
Manager tool. EPA offers live Web conferences, and
pre-recorded online trainings for general audiences,
as well as those specific to particular sectors.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Energy use in commercial buildings and manufac-
turing plants accounts for nearly half of total U.S.
GHG emissions and nearly half of energy con-
sumption nationwide. Energy efficiency is one of
the most cost-effective strategies to address global
climate change by reducing the amount of emis-
sions associated with the burning of fossil fuels to
produce energy. By 2008 alone, more than 6,000
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 16
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commercial buildings and manufacturing plants
had earned the ENERGY STAR certification for high
efficiency. These buildings typically emit 35 per-
cent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than
average buildings. In total, the buildings and plants
earning the ENERGY STAR certification in 2010
alone prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal
to the emissions from the energy use of nearly 1.3
million homes a year, protecting people's health,
while saving more than $1.9 billion.
Possible State and Local Actions
Use Portfolio Manager to determine an energy
use performance baseline (similar to a miles
per gallon rating for a vehicle), identify oppor-
tunities to improve energy efficiency in build-
ings, set energy consumption and greenhouse
gas emission improvement goals, track prog-
ress, and measure results.
Set a target to benchmark a specified num-
ber of government buildings with Portfolio
Manager by a target year (e.g., 2011).
Require state agencies (including prisons,
schools, etc.) to benchmark their buildings with
Portfolio Manager.
Establish a benchmarking competition among
state and local government agencies or among
local businesses. Recognize those achieving
highest performance or greatest improvement.
Work with utilities in the state or locality to
enable automated benchmarking.
Require state/local staff to take Portfolio
Manager online training.
Provide technical support to public, commer-
cial, or industrial building benchmarking staff.
Mandate benchmarking and disclosure for
public and privately owned buildings (e.g.,
as in California, Nevada, and the District of
Columbia).
Require new state and local government build-
ings to use the ENERGY STAR New Building
Design approach.
Join the ENERGY STAR Challenge as a participant
organization committed to increasing energy
efficiency in buildings by 10 percent or more.
Leverage ENERGY STAR communications
resources to celebrate successes and promote
energy efficiency throughout the community.
Tools/Resources
General Resources
Portfolio Manager
Allows users to assess and track energy and
water consumption within individual buildings
as well as across an entire building portfolio
Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE)
Toolkit
Provides detailed program design and imple-
mentation guides for 10 broadly applicable
energy efficiency programs
Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs
Identifies organizations in each state that spon-
sor energy efficiency programs and that are
partnered with ENERGY STAR
Service and Product Provider Directory
Locates companies that can help identify, pri-
oritize, and implement quality projects that will
improve total energy management
ENERGY STAR Qualified Products and
Procurement
Teaming Up to Save Energy
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 17
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Discusses how to structure, launch, and maintain
an organization's energy team so it can improve
energy performance across the organization
Financing Primer
ENERGY STAR Web Conferences & Pre-
Recorded Online Trainings
ENERGY STAR Web Conferences & Pre-
Recorded Online Trainings
Building Resources
Benchmarking Starter Kit
New Building Design Guidance
Building Upgrade Manual
Guidelines for Energy Management
Achieving "Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR"
Apply for the ENERGY STAR Certification
Building Profiles & Leaders' Stories
ENERGY STAR for Wastewater Plants
Showcase Dorm Rooms
Calculators
Financial Evaluation Tools
Financial Value Calculator: presents energy
investment opportunities in terms of key finan-
cial metrics. Use these powerful metrics to con-
vey the value of improved energy performance
to senior financial decisionmakers, investors
and other stakeholders.
Building Value Calculator: estimates the
financial impact of proposed investments in
energy efficiency in office properties
Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator: helps
decisionmakers answer three critical questions
about energy efficiency investments:
1. How much new energy efficiency equip-
ment can be purchased from the anticipated
savings?
2. Should this equipment purchase be financed
now, or is it better to wait and use cash from
a future budget?
3. Is money being lost by waiting for a lower
interest rate?
Target Finder
Helps architects and building owners set
aggressive, realistic energy targets and rate a
building design's estimated energy use
Communications
ENERGY STAR Challenge
National call-to-action to improve the energy
efficiency of America's commercial, industrial,
and public buildings by 10 percent or more.
More than 300 local governments and 40
states have signed up to become Challenge
Participant Organizations
ENERGY STAR Challenge Toolkit
Provides communications materials to help
spread the word on the benefits of energy effi-
ciency, communicate commitments to energy
efficiency, and promote energy efficiency
throughout the community
Bring the Challenge to Your Community
Shows how to begin a local ENERGY STAR
Challenge campaign and recruit businesses,
organizations, and localities to participate
Low Carbon IT Campaign
Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR
Campaign
ENERGY STAR for Kids
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 18
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HOME
PERFORMANCE
WITH
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR
Residential-
Existing Homes
(Home Performance
with ENERGY STAR)
Services Offered
/ Analytical Tools
/ Environmental performance
benchmarking
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Public recognition
/ Technical assistance
/ Training seminars
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Real Estate Development
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
Website
www.enerqvstar.gov/homeperformance
Contact
Energy Star Hotline
(888) STARVES (782-7937)
homeperformance(aenerqvs tar.gov
Description
Through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
(HPwES), EPA and DOE offer a comprehensive,
whole-house approach to improving energy effi-
ciency and comfort. Unlike typical energy audit
programs, the goal of HPwES is to turn recommen-
dations into improved homes. HPwES is managed
by a local sponsor that recruits, trains, and provides
quality assurance over home improvement con-
tractors who deliver comprehensive home energy
audits and efficiency installations.
Services
EPA and DOE can provide program start-up guid-
ance for potential utilities or state energy offices.
Once a sponsor has submitted an implementation
plan and signed the partnership agreement, EPA
will provide access to the Home Performance with
ENERGY STAR logo, marketing resources, sales
training, and sponsor outreach campaigns and
through which contractors, utilities, or other pro-
gram administrators can work together to increase
awareness of HPwES in the local market.
Value to Environment
Energy efficiency is the lowest-cost strategy to
address global climate change and air pollution by
reducing the amount of emissions associated with
the burning of fossil fuels to produce energy. To
date, more than 110,000 homes have been served
by ENERGY STAR Home Performance partners.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 19
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Many homes are candidates for this program to
achieve savings of 20 percent or more through
cost-effective home improvements.
Possible State and Local Actions
Enhance current HPwES program (incentives,
marketing, financing, training, etc.) if a program
already exists in your state.
Sponsor HPwES training programs for local
contractors (curricula are currently available for
purchase from NYSERDA and others).
Offer incentives to reduce the cost of HPwES
energy audits to residents.
Provide incentives for energy efficiency
improvements identified through HPwES
assessments through any number of financial
mechanisms (e.g., direct rebates, state revolving
fund disbursements).
Partner with ENERGY STAR and sponsor a
HPwES program.
Tools/Resources
General Resources
Introduction to HPwES Factsheet (PDF)
Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE) Toolkit
Provides detailed program design and implemen-
tation guides for 10 broadly applicable energy
efficiency programs
Sponsor Resources
How to Develop a Local Program
Describes who can become a sponsor, the role
of the program sponsor, where to start, and
federal grant opportunities
Fact Sheet: HPwES - A Cost-Effective Strategy
for Improving Energy Efficiency in Existing
Homes (PDF)
Sponsor Guide (PDF)
Program Implementation Plan Template (PDF)
Contractor Success Stories
Financing Guidebook (PDF)
Marketing Resources
HPwES Newsletters
Reduce Energy Use
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
HPwES Brochure (PDF)
Guide to Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling
(PDF)
Heat Smartly with ENERGY STAR at Home
Home Sealing
Duct Sealing
ENERGY STAR Home Advisor
Home Energy Yardstick
Allows homeowners to compare household
energy use with others across the country and
get recommendations for improvement; can be
hosted on a state or local government website
Change the World, Take the ENERGY STAR
Pledge
Find Incentives and Special Offers
Locate Rebates and Special Offers
ENERGY STAR Qualified Product Tax Incentives
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 20
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ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR
Residential-
New Homes
Services Offered
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/ Training/seminars
Relevant Sectors
/ Real Estate Development
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
Website
www.enerqvstar.gov/homes
Contact
Energy Star Hotline
(888) STARVES (782-7937)
hotline(aenerqys tar.gov
Description
In the residential new construction marketplace,
ENERGY STAR and its partners work together to
promote the benefits and increase sales of energy
efficient homes. Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR
label must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set
by EPA. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15
percent more energy efficient than homes built to
the 2004 International Residential Code and include
additional energy saving features that typically make
them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard
homes. Nationally, more than 1.2 million new homes
have earned the ENERGY STAR label.
Services
EPA provides the ENERGY STAR logo mark, mar-
keting resources, and sales training materials. EPA
sponsors outreach campaigns through which
builders and utilities can work together to increase
awareness of ENERGY STAR qualified homes in the
local market. EPA also hosts partner network meet-
ings and offers opportunities for recognition for
environmental stewardship.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Energy efficiency is one of the lowest-cost strategies
to address global climate change and air pollution by
reducing the amount of emissions associated with
the burning of fossil fuels to produce energy.
Possible State and Local Actions
Promote program administrator (e.g., utility,
builder, other) efforts to expand the market for
ENERGY STAR new homes.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 21
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Offer training to building inspectors and code
enforcement/compliance staff to help them
become certified Home Energy Raters.
Offer technical training to builders about build-
ing energy efficient homes.
Provide incentives for or require new public
housing to be ENERGY STAR qualified.
Provide loan guarantees for ENERGY STAR
qualified home mortgages.
Tools/Resources
General Resources
Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE)
Toolkit
Provides detailed program design and imple-
mentation guides for 10 broadly applicable
energy efficiency programs
Learn About ENERGY STAR New Homes
Learn About the Features and Benefits of
ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes
New Homes Partner Locator
Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Qualified New
Homes
Resources for ENERGY STAR Partners
Includes marketing, technical, and educational
resources
Communications Resources
Marketing Toolkit
Allows a builder to create customized promo-
tional materials to educate consumers about
the features and benefits of ENERGY STAR
qualified homes
Fact Sheets on the Features of ENERGY STAR
Qualified Homes
Provides information on many "tried-and-true"
energy efficient features found in ENERGY STAR
qualified homes related to home envelope,
heating/cooling, lighting, appliances, and third-
party verification
Presentations
Offers customizable presentation templates
that target builders, appraisers, and real estate
agents
Free Webinars and Other Training
Opportunities
Training Resources
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 22
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ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR
for Industry
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Environmental performance
benchmarking
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/Technical assistance
/ Training
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Public
/ Utility/Program Administrators
Website
www.enerqvstar.gov/industrv
Contact
Elizabeth Dutrow
(202)343-9061
dutrow.elizabeth(aepa.qov
Description
ENERGY STAR works with manufacturing compa-
nies to build and refine energy management pro-
grams, reduce energy costs and emissions, dem-
onstrate environmental leadership, and improve
competitiveness. ENERGY STAR offers road-tested
resources, tools, benchmarks, and guidance to help
companies establish energy programs that continu-
ously improve energy efficiency. Hundreds of small,
medium, and large manufacturers have adopted
the ENERGY STAR approach to achieving lasting
energy savings. ENERGY STAR industrial resources
are recommended in the State Energy Efficiency
(SEE) Action Network Blueprint for Industrial Energy
Efficiency.
Services
EPA can help utilities, states, and local govern-
ments make use of ENERGY STAR resources to help
manufacturing companies and plants in their area
develop and refine their energy management pro-
grams, achieve GHG emission reduction goals, and
define energy efficiency pathways for their opera-
tions. Specialized tools are available for 18 sectors-
cement, concrete, corn refining, dairy processing,
food processing, glass, laboratories, metal casting,
motor vehicle, petrochemical, petroleum refining,
Pharmaceuticals, pulp & paper, steel, etc. but the
ENERGY STAR approach is built to accommodate
manufacturers in any sector. General resources are
available for industries of all types. Additionally,
ENERGY STAR has energy management resources
catered specifically for small and medium
manufacturers.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 23
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Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits:
Energy efficiency is one of the lowest-cost strat-
egies to address global climate change and air
pollution by reducing the amount of emissions
associated with the burning of fossil fuels to pro-
duce energy. Using the ENERGY STAR approach,
hundreds of companies have established energy
programs, set goals, established tracking systems,
and are reducing their energy and GHG emissions.
Possible State and Local Actions
Develop an industrial energy efficiency policy
and program as recommended in the SEE
Action Network's Blueprint for Industrial Energy
Efficiency using ENERGY STAR'S platform and
resources.
Use ENERGY STAR resources to help compa-
nies develop energy efficiency programs and
ensure that manufacturers continue to focus
on efficiency after energy projects have been
completed.
Provide industries with energy program assess-
ment tools available from ENERGY STAR as
the first step toward establishing an energy
program.
Leverage ENERGY STAR tools to help improve
accountability and reporting of savings tied to
state and local energy program assistance.
Guide industry to evaluate their energy use,
set a baseline and goals, and develop an
energy savings program as part of conditions
for receiving assistance, rebates, or grants.
(ENERGY STAR offers tools to help companies
track energy use and set goals.)
Refer manufacturing companies seeking
mentoring relationships or networking oppor-
tunities with other industrial companies to the
ENERGY STAR Partnership.
Encourage industry to join the ENERGY STAR
Partnership to demonstrate a commitment to
longstanding energy performance.
Encourage companies with strong energy pro-
grams and that achieve significant savings to
seek recognition from ENERGY STAR.
Use the ENERGY STAR sector-specific Energy
Guides to identify potential technologies and
practices for greenhouse gas BACT analyses in
review of CAA permits.
Tools/Resources
Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE)
Toolkit
Provides detailed program design and imple-
mentation guides for 10 broadly applicable
energy efficiency programs
ENERGY STAR Focus Industries
Provides industry-specific tools and resources,
including information on trends in energy use
and energy intensity in the industry, a systematic
analysis and discussion of the energy efficiency
opportunities in manufacturing plants, and more
Small and Medium Manufacturer Resources
Energy management resources scaled to meet
the needs of small and medium manufacturers
Guidelines for Energy Management
Guidance on how to build an energy manage-
ment program, based on the successful practices
of ENERGY STAR partners. These guidelines
informed the development of the international
ISO 50001 energy management standard
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 24
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ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry
Easy-to-use and promote tool for engaging
industrial sites in setting goals for energy effi-
ciency improvement and rewarding achieve-
ment. Industrial sites commit to reduce energy
use by 10 percent in 5 years or less. States and
local governments and utilities can leverage
ENERGY STAR through the challenge to get
plants motivated to save energy
Plant Energy Performance Indicators
Manufacturing plant energy performance indi-
cators (EPIs) are external yardsticks that assess
how efficiently a plant uses energy, relative
to similar plants nationwide. Plants scoring in
the top quartile are eligible for ENERGY STAR
certification
Energy Guides
A compilation of the energy efficiency practices
and technologies that can be implemented in
an industry's plants
Industrial Energy Management Information
Center
Contains energy savings information tailored to
industries and focused on specific plant utility
and process improvements
Networking and Best Practice Sharing
Web-Based Seminars and Conferences
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 25
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ilectric Power and Renewable Energy
CHP
&EPA COMBINED HEAT AND /"*V.
POWER PA.RTNERSH IP \"
ru
Combined Heat and
Power Partnership
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Matching buyers and sellers
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/ Technical assistance
/Training
Relevant Sectors
/Agricultural
/ Commercial
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/ Education
/ Real Estate Development
Website
www.epa.gov/chp
Contact
CHP Partnership Helpline
(703) 373-8108
chp(aepa.qov
Description
Combined heat and power (CHP), also known
as cogeneration, is an efficient, clean, and reli-
able approach to generating electricity and useful
thermal energy (such as hot water or steam) from a
single heat source. CHP can reduce energy use by
up to 37 percent.
Services
EPA provides technical assistance and other
resources to facility managers and others who are
considering implementing CHP projects. Services
include analyses of economic viability, feasibility
studies, and information on technologies, ven-
dors, and incentives. The program also provides
public recognition to superior projects, training
through webinars and conferences, and resources
such as the Catalog of CHP technologies, the CHP
Emissions Calculator, and a database of funding
opportunities and financial incentives.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
CHP prevents emissions of CO2 and other pollutants
by reducing the fuel combusted to produce electric-
ity and useful thermal energy. CHP can also improve
the quality and reliability of a facility's power supply,
and reduce demands on often-strained electricity
transmission and distribution systems.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 26
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Possible State and Local Actions
Provide incentives/rebates for the development
of CHP projects (e.g., as in Connecticut, New
Jersey, and California).
Use State Revolving Fund money to fund the
installation of CHP systems at wastewater
treatment systems where they can use cap-
tured biogas as free fuel,
Remove policy barriers that impede the devel-
opment of CHP projects (e.g., standby utility
rates and input-based emissions regulations).
Develop an outreach campaign to promote
CHP in strategic market sectors.
Create CHP goals and targets as part of climate
and energy plans.
Allow CHP as an eligible resource under a
renewable or energy efficiency portfolio
standard.
Tools/Resources
State Policy Resources
Helps states identify and pursue policies and
programs that support the increased use of
clean distributed generation, such as CHP
Efficient Energy for Local Governments
Describes how local governments are using
CHP to reduce their operating costs, provide a
hedge against volatile energy costs, increase
their energy efficiency, and reduce emissions of
GHGs and other pollutants from the combus-
tion of fossil fuel
CHP Project Development Handbook (PDF)
Provides information, tools, and sugges-
tions on CHP project development and CHP
technologies
Strategic Markets for CHP
Offers information and outreach materials on
CHP opportunities in key sectors including:
local governments, wastewater treatment facil-
ities, hotels and casinos, and electric utilities
CHP Funding Database
Lists state and federal incentives applicable to
CHP projects, including financial incentives and
favorable regulatory treatment
CHP Emissions Calculator
Compares the anticipated carbon dioxide,
sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions
from a CHP system to those of a separate heat
and power system. The calculator also presents
estimated emissions reductions as metric tons
of carbon equivalent, acres of fir or pine trees,
and emissions from passenger vehicles
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 27
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&EPA
GREEN
POWER
PARTNER
Green Power
Partnership
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Matching buyers and sellers
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/Technical assistance
Relevant Sectors
/ Commercial
/ Government
/ Industry
Website
www.epa.gov/qreenpower
Contact
Blaine Collison
(202) 343-9139
collision.blaine(aepa.qov
Description
This promotes the use of renewable energy by pro-
viding technical assistance, networking possibilities,
and public recognition to entities that choose to use
green power (i.e., electricity that is generated from
resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass,
and low-impact hydro facilities). More than 120 local
and 9 state governments are already Green Power
Partners. To see the Green Power Partnership Top
Local Government list, visit: www.epa.gov/qreen-
power/toplists/top201ocalqov.htm
Services
The Green Power Partnership promotes and recog-
nizes Green Power Partners as environmental lead-
ers. EPA assists Partners in promoting the concept
of green power internally and externally, which
often includes media coverage. EPA also provides
organizations with a means to estimate the envi-
ronmental benefits of switching to green power
and provides technical advice on navigating the
process of making a green power purchase.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Conventional electricity use is a significant source
of air pollution and GHG emissions. Buying green
power can make a real difference environmentally
by encouraging the development of new, domestic,
renewable energy capacity, which produces elec-
tricity with significantly less air pollution and no net
increase in GHG emissions.
Possible State and Local Actions
Purchase green power for government opera-
tions (e.g., as in Connecticut, Pennsylvania,
Wisconsin).
Encourage localities to partner with EPA to
become Green Power Communities, where
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 28
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local government, businesses, and residents
collectively buy green power in amounts that
meet or exceed EPA's Green Power Community
purchase requirements.
Encourage localities, companies, and industries
to join as Green Power Partners.
Encourage existing partners in your state or
locality to recruit other companies into the
program or to expand their purchases.
Tools/Resources
Guide to Purchasing Green Power (PDF)
Includes information about the different types
of green power products, the benefits of green
power purchasing, and how to capture the
greatest benefit from purchases
Green Power Locator
Steps to Becoming a Green Power Community
Steps to Becoming a Green Power Partner
GHG Emissions Calculator
Helps users communicate the value of a green
power purchase by translating it from kilowatt-
hours purchased into more understandable
terms, such as an equivalent number of pas-
senger vehicles, homes, or coal plants
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 29
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LANDFILL METHANE
OUTREACH PROGRAM
Landfill Methane
Outreach Program
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/Technical assistance
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Utility/Program Administrators
Website
www.epa.gov/lmop
Contact
Rachel Goldstein
(202)343-9391
qoldstein.rachel(aepa.qov
Description
The Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP)
encourages the recovery of landfill gas (LFG)
mainly carbon dioxide and methanefor use as an
alternative energy source, thus reducing GHG emis-
sions. LMOP consists of four partner programs and
an endorser program designed to assist different
sectors of the LFG field. Through these programs,
LMOP works with landfill owners/operators, indus-
try organizations, energy providers and marketers,
state agencies, communities, end-users, and other
stakeholders to help them overcome barriers to LFG
energy development. The program helps partners
overcome barriers to project development by help-
ing them assess project feasibility, find financing,
and market the benefits of project development to
the community.
Services
LMOP offers free technical, promotional, and
informational tools as well as support services to
assist with the development of LFG energy projects.
These resources include the LMOP Online Toolkit;
software tools for estimating costs and emission
reductions; a variety of technical documents; and
informational brochures, fact sheets, and case
studies.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
LMOP has assisted in the development of approxi-
mately 500 LFG utilization projects. These projects
have prevented the release of more than 43 million
metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE) into
the atmosphere over the past 16 years. In 2010,
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 30
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operational LFG energy projects in the United States
prevented the release of more than 27 MMTCE. This
reduction is the carbon equivalent of the annual
greenhouse gas emissions from nearly 19 mil-
lion passenger vehicles or the carbon sequestered
annually by more than 21 million acres of pine or fir
forests.
Possible State and Local Actions
Participate in a state landfill methane outreach
task force.
Work with LMOP to hold a state-based LFG
workshop to outline progress in facilitating
project development in the state, and receive
input on state-specific issues affecting the
development of LFG energy projects.
Become an LMOP State or Community Partner
that encourages coordination among permit-
ting and regulatory offices to lower barriers and
increase opportunities for LFG recovery.
Analyze city- or county-owned landfills for the
technical and economic feasibility of an LFG
energy project using LMOP tools and resources.
Tools/Resources
Learn More
Basic Information on LMOP and LFG
Provides an overview of methane emissions
from landfills and how LMOP is working col-
laboratively with businesses, states, energy
providers, and communities to convert landfill
gas to energy
Energy Projects and Candidate Landfills
How to Become a State or Community Partner
LFG Energy Project Development Handbook
Toolkit
Communicating the Benefits of LFG Energy
Projects
Offers tips for beginning or expanding outreach
efforts for an LFG energy project
Promoting Your LMOP Participation
Provides ideas for promoting your LMOP
involvement, which can demonstrate your
commitment to improving the environment
Sample Tools for LMOP Outreach
Provides tools that can be used or adapted, or
that can serve as a springboard for new out-
reach ideas
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AgSTAR
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Technical assistance
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/ Training
/Matching buyers and sellers
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Industry
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/Agricultural
Website
www.epa.gov/aqstar
Contact
Chris Voell
(202)343-9406
voell.christopher(aepa.qov
Description
AgSTAR is a voluntary program of EPA, jointly spon-
sored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The
program encourages the profitable use of methane
recovery (biogas) technologies at livestock facilities.
These technologies produce renewable energy and
reduce methane emissions while achieving other
environmental benefits.
Services
AgSTAR offers project development resources,
including a Web-based tool to assess project
feasibility, provides technical assistance, publishes
information and guidebooks, and sponsors events
and workshops.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
The AgSTAR program has successfully encour-
aged the development and adoption of anaerobic
digestion technologies. Since 1994, the number of
operational digester systems in the United States
has grown to more than 160, producing significant
benefits. In 2010, livestock manure digester systems
in the United States reduced 80,000 tons of meth-
ane emissions and generated 275 million kWh of
energy.
Possible State and Local Actions
Use AgSTAR resources to identify livestock
facilities in the state or locality that do not have
digester systems and offer technical assistance
to evaluate potential.
Provide information on financial incentives for
facilities to install digester systems.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 32
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Provide grants or tax incentives to help level
the playing field for digester energy generation
projects versus traditional energy generation.
Include digester biogas projects in state renew-
able energy or renewable portfolio standard
incentive plans.
Implement state energy policies that provide
appropriate state standards for net metering,
standby charges, tariffs, and interconnection to
the grid for distributed biogas generators.
Tools/Resources
AqSTAR Handbook
Provides guidance on developing biogas tech-
nology at commercial farms
Market Opportunities Report (PDF)
Assesses the market potential for biogas energy
projects at swine and dairy farms in the United
States
Funding On-Farm Bioqas Recovery Systems: A
Guide to Federal and State Resources
Provides information about programs and
strategies, such as low-interest loans, grants,
and tax incentives, that can help parties inter-
ested in implementing anaerobic digestion
technology
Industry Directory for On-Farm Bioqas
Recovery Systems (PDF)
Helps farm owners and others interested in
on-farm biogas recovery systems identify
appropriate consultants, project developers,
energy services, equipment manufacturers and
distributors, and commodity organizations
A Protocol for Quantifying and Reporting the
Performance of Anaerobic Digestion Systems
for Livestock Manures Digester Performance
Evaluations (PDF)
Characterizes environmental and financial
improvements provided by anaerobic digesters
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Office of
Sustainable
Communities
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Technical assistance
/ Public recognition
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Commercial
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/ Public
/ Education
/ Real Estate Development
Website
www.epa.gov/smartqrowth
Contact
Megan Susman
(202) 566-2861
susman.meqan(aepa.qov
Description
This program provides tools, research, and techni-
cal assistance to help communities grow in ways
that are environmentally, economically, and socially
sustainable. It encourages compact, walkable
development that uses land, energy, and water
efficiently and has a mix of residential, commercial,
and other uses.
Services
The Office of Sustainable Communities helps com-
munities improve their development practices and
get the type of development they want. The office
works with local, state, and national experts to
discover and encourage successful, environmen-
tally-sensitive development strategies. OSC also
coordinates EPA's involvement in the Partnership
for Sustainable Communities with HUD and DOT
and works with other federal agencies to provide
technical assistance on development issues to
communities.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Smarter, more efficient development uses resources
more efficiently and can reduce air and water pol-
lution by making it easier for people to walk, bike,
or take transit. Compact development and open
space preservation can help protect water quality
by reducing the amount of paved surfaces and by
allowing natural lands to filter rainwater and runoff
before it reaches drinking-water supplies. Smart
growth strategies improve quality of life, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, save money for resi-
dents and local governments, and can encourage
economic development.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 34
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Possible State and Local Actions
Review land use ordinances to determine if
they allow the community to get the type of
development it wants.
Encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use by
making streets safe and comfortable for all users.
Encourage new development in infill and
cleaned-up brownfield locations rather than on
the fringe.
Build compactly and mix land uses so that homes,
stores, services, and workplaces are close enough
together for people to walk or bike.
Tools/Resources
Technical Assistance
Smart Growth Implementation Assistance
Offers assistance through an annual competi-
tive process to state, local, regional, and tribal
governments that are facing a development-
related challenge. Reports from past projects
are available on the website and may be helpful
to communities facing similar challenges
Sustainable Communities Building Blocks
Provides targeted assistance awarded through
an annual competitive process to help com-
munities with specific tools that have proven
effectiveness and wide applicability
Making Smart Growth Happen
Offers many tools and resources to help com-
munities learn about and implement smart
growth approaches
Case Studies and Examples
National Award for Smart Growth Achievement
Provides write-ups of award winners, who pro-
vide models for other communities
Smart Growth Illustrated
Offers examples of how smart growth tech-
niques look in communities around the
country
Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Urban and
Suburban Zoning Codes
Offers 11 "essential fixes" to help local govern-
ments amend their codes and ordinances to
promote more sustainable development
Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural
Communities
Focuses on smart growth strategies that can
help guide growth in rural areas while protect-
ing natural and working lands and preserving
the rural character of existing communities
Getting to Smart Growth, Volumes I and II
Each volume provides 100 concrete techniques
for putting smart growth principles into action,
along with resources and brief case stud-
ies of communities that have applied these
approaches to achieve better development.
Also available in Spanish
Leveraging the Partnership: DOT, HUD, and EPA
Programs for Sustainable Communities (PDF)
Helps communities identify federal resources
that can support their efforts to promote more
sustainable communities
Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design
and Development
Provides guidelines that can serve as a checklist
to ensure that programs, plans, and proposed
developments incorporate the elements needed
at the location, site, and building levels to result
in more sustainable, affordable housing
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 35
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CLIMATE READY
ESTUARI ES
3BK
Climate Ready
Estuaries
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Training
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Residential
/ Public
/ Education
Website
www.epa.gov/cre
Contact
Michael Craghan
(202) 566-1946
craqhan.michael(aepa.qov
Jeremy Martinich
(202) 343-9871
martinich.ieremv(aepa.qov
Description
The Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) program works
with the National Estuary Programs and other
coastal managers to: 1) assess climate change
vulnerabilities, 2) develop and implement adapta-
tion strategies, 3) engage and educate stakeholders,
and 4) share the lessons learned with other coastal
managers.
Services
The CRE program provides direct technical assis-
tance to the 28 National Estuary Programs; how-
ever other coastal managers can benefit from the
guidance/lessons learned documents that the
program produces. The Climate Ready Estuaries
website offers information on climate change
impacts to different estuary regions, access to tools
and resources to monitor changes, and informa-
tion to help managers develop adaptation plans for
estuaries and coastal communities.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Estuaries and coastal areas are particularly vulner-
able to climate variability and change. In order to
protect their ecosystems from projected impacts
of sea level rise, increasing temperatures, and other
effects, coastal managers may need to develop and
implement adaptation measures. The CRE pro-
gram works with NEPs to better understand these
vulnerabilities and plan for them, thereby increasing
resilience.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 36
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Possible State and Local Actions
Identify and partner with local planners and
coastal managers working on adaptation to
climate change.
Learn about efforts being undertaken around
the United States, to better understand climate
change vulnerabilities to coastal areas, engage
stakeholders, and implement adaptation
strategies.
Engage your community through education
campaigns, ordinances, and demonstration
projects.
Tools/Resources
2010 Climate Ready Estuaries Progress Report
This document focuses on the accomplish-
ments of the existing CRE Partners. This report
complements the 2009 CRE Progress Report:
together they provide a summary of the design
and accomplishments of CRE to date
Synthesis of Adaptation Options for Coastal
Areas
This guide provides a brief introduction to key
physical impacts of climate change on estuar-
ies and a review of on-the-ground adaptation
options available to coastal managers to reduce
their systems' vulnerability to climate change
impacts
Adaptation Planning for the National Estuary
Program
This white paper developed by the Climate
Ready Estuaries program describes five criti-
cal elements of adaptation planning in coastal
areas and provides examples and resources for
more information
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 37
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CLIMATE READY
WATER UTILITIES
Climate Ready
Estuaries Water
Utilities
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Technical assistance
/Training
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Commercial
/ Industry
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/ Public
/ Education
/Agricultural
Website
water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/climate/
Contact
Curt Baranowski
(202)564-0636
baranowski.curt(aepa.qov
Description
EPAs Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative
provides resources for drinking water, wastewater
and stormwater (water sector) to adapt to climate
change by promoting a clear understanding of cli-
mate science, adaptation options, and the consid-
eration of integrated water resources management
planning in the water sector.
Services
CRWU coordinates with federal, state, and local
water utilities and their associations to support
water sector climate resilience. CRWU support
includes access to relevant climate information,
climate risk assessment and adaptation tools, and
other outreach and technical assistance.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Climate change impacts pose challenges to water
sector utilities in fulfilling their public health and
environmental missions. Extreme weather events,
sea level rise, shifting precipitation and runoff pat-
terns, temperature changes, and resulting changes
in water quality and availability have significant
implications for the sustainability of the water sec-
tor. It is important for the water sector to be better
informed of climate risks so they can take action-
able steps to address these risks through no- or
low-regret adaptation strategies.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 38
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Possible State and Local Actions
Conduct an assessment to evaluate water sys-
tem risks from climate change.
Identify and evaluate utility climate adaptation
and mitigation practices.
Build local decisionmaker, interdependent
sector, and general community support for
planned organizational and operational cli-
mate-related changes.
Avoid making large, long-term investments that
do not consider and reflect the potential need
to adapt to or minimize climate impacts.
Improve energy management practices and
implement cost-effective energy efficiency
upgrades.
Stay informed of climate science developments
by establishing a relationship with local climate
science researchers or participating in water
sector association-led climate events.
Tools/Resources
Climate Ready Water Utilities Website
The CRWU website contains tools, resources,
and outreach and planning materials for utili-
ties, such as an Adaptation Strategies Guide
and a program overview
Climate Ready Water Utilities Working Group
Report (including a short overview)
The report includes 11 findings and 12 recom-
mendations, an adaptive response framework
to guide climate ready activities, and the
identification of needed resources and possible
incentives to support and encourage utility
climate readiness
Climate Resilience Evaluation and Assessment
Tool (GREAT)
This software tool assists drinking water and
wastewater utility owners and operators
in understanding potential climate change
impacts and in assessing the related risks at
their utilities. GREAT allows users to evalu-
ate adaptation strategies by using both tra-
ditional risk assessment and scenario-based
decisionmaking
Climate Ready Water Utilities Toolbox - Beta
This searchable toolbox contains resources
that support all stages of the decision process,
from basic climate science through integration
of mitigation and adaptation into long-term
planning
Tabletop Exercise Tool for Water Systems
The TTX Tool introduces users to the potential
impacts of climate change on the water sector
by providing five customizable tabletop exer-
cise scenarios utilities can use to consider and
implement long-term planning measures
EPA's Watershed Academy December 2nd,
2010 Webcast: "Climate Adaptation Tools for
Addressing Water Issues"
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 39
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EPA
WaterSense
WaterSense
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/ Matching buyers and sellers
/Technical assistance
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Commercial
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/ Public
/ Education
/ Real Estate Development
Website
www.epa.gov/watersense
Contact
Veronica Blette
(866) 987-7367
watersense(aepa.qov
Description
WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored
by EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation's
water supply by offering people simple ways to
use less water with water-efficient products, new
homes, and services. Since the program's inception
in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save a
cumulative 125 billion gallons of water and $2 bil-
lion in water and energy bills.
Services
The WaterSense Program labels products that are
independently certified to meet EPA's criteria to use
20 percent less water and perform as well as con-
ventional models. The WaterSense label is currently
available on residential toilets, bathroom faucets
and faucet accessories, showerheads, flushing uri-
nals, and single-family new homes. The WaterSense
label also appears on professional certification pro-
grams for landscape irrigation professionals. These
WaterSense labeled programs verify professional
proficiency in water-efficient irrigation system
design, installation/maintenance, and auditing.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Water efficiency measures, as part of broader
conservation efforts, can help communities with
demand management as an adaption response.
Efficiency can also reduce water treatment and
infrastructure costs by reducing the need to expand
capacity. Saving water also provides greenhouse
gas mitigation benefits by reducing the amount of
energy needed to transport, treat, and heat water.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 40
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Possible State and Local Actions
Partner with WaterSense for free access to
tools, materials, and resources to promote
water efficiency.
Recommend, install, and or provide financial
incentives for use of WaterSense labeled prod-
ucts or water efficient practices.
Network with water efficiency leaders to learn
new ways to implement water efficiency.
Participate in national outreach programs to
help consumers save water.
Recommend WaterSense Irrigation Partners for
irrigation system installation and audits.
Tools/Resources
Water saving tips and messages for consumers,
utilities, and other organizations
List of WaterSense labeled products and irriga-
tion partners
Tools to calculate water savings
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 41
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*EFA
W\STE
WISE
Preserving Resources,
Preventing Waste
WasteWise
Communities
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Technical assistance
/ Professional networking
/ Public recognition
/ Environmental performance
benchmarking
/ Training
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/ Public
/ Education
Website
www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/wastewise
Contact
Jan Canterbury
(703) 308-7264
canterburv.ianice(aepa.qov
Description
WasteWise Communities is a campaign support-
ing local governments in their efforts to reduce
residential municipal solid waste and its impact on
climate change. Efforts such as waste prevention
and recycling reduce the demand for new products
and conserve valuable natural resources and, from
a life-cycle perspective, significantly cut green-
house gas emissions.
Services
EPA has developed calculators, targeted programs,
technical guidance, and other resources to assist
municipalities seeking to reduce their waste stream
and mitigate their climate impacts. To learn more
about resources available to WasteWise members,
visit the Benefits page on the WasteWise website.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Waste reduction saves cities money and also helps
to mitigate global climate change. Every stage of a
product's life cycleextraction, manufacturing, dis-
tribution, use, and disposalconsumes energy and
releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute
to climate change. WasteWise works with munici-
palities to decrease GHG emissions by providing
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 42
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tools and resources that help communities find
economically viable solutions that reduce waste
and help fight climate change.
Possible State and Local Actions
Implement omposting programs.
Practice resource management.
Implement Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs.
Purchase products with recycled content.
Tools/Resources
WasteWise Communities
Supports local governments in reducing resi-
dential municipal solid waste and its impact on
climate change.
Technical Assistance
Success Stories (case studies)
Resource Conservation
Provides information on managing materials
more efficiently, including reducing, reusing,
and recycling.
Pav-As-You-Throw (PAYT)
In communities with pay-as-you-throw pro-
grams (also known as unit pricing or variable-
rate pricing), residents are charged for the
collection of municipal solid wasteordinary
household trashbased on the amount they
throw away. This creates a direct economic
incentive to recycle more and to generate less
waste
Composting
Organic materials yard trimmings, food
scraps, wood waste, and paper and paperboard
products are the largest component of our
trash and make up more than two-thirds of the
solid waste stream
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 43
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Responsible Appliance
k. Disposal Program
&RAD.
Responsible
Appliance Disposal
Program
Services Offered
/Analytical tools
/ Guidebooks/toolkits
/ Outreach support
/Technical assistance
/ Public recognition
Relevant Sectors
/ Government
/ Commercial
/ Industry
/ Residential
/ Utility/Program Administrators
/ Public
Website
www.epa.gov/ozone/partnerships/rad
Contact
Evelyn Swain
(202)343-9956
swain.evelvn (aepa.gov
Description
EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD)
Program is a partnership program to help protect
the ozone layer and reduce emissions of green-
house gases. The RAD Program recognizes partners
that ensure the disposal of refrigerant-containing
appliances using the best environmental prac-
tices available. The program invites utilities, retail-
ers, manufacturers, state and local governments,
universities, and other qualifying organizations to
become partners.
Services
The RAD Program provides partners with techni-
cal assistance to develop successful recycling
programs for refrigerant-containing appliances.
Partners can receive public recognition and have
access to program resources.
Value to Environment
and Other Co-benefits
Partners reduce emissions of ozone-depleting sub-
stances (ODS) and greenhouse gases by recovering
appliance foam and refrigerant. They also prevent
the release of hazardous materials including oil,
PCBs, and mercury, as well as saving landfill space
and energy by recycling durable materials.
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 44
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Possible State and Local Actions
Promote responsible appliance disposal
through strategic outreach and information
discrimination.
Encourage local utilities and retailers to join the
RAD Program.
Set up a local haul away and recycling program
for refrigerant-containing appliances.
Tools/Resources
Basic Information on the RAD Program
Partner Resources
Case studies, fact sheets, program evaluation
reports
Guidance Document for Partners
Discuses best practices for appliance disposal
How to Become a Partner
State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Program Resources | 45
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SERA
EPA 430-B-11-002
OCTOBER 2011
WWW.EPA.GOV/STATELOCALCLIMATE
State and Local
Climate and Energy Program
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed on paper that contains at least 50% post c
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