This paper examines how the process of producing energy savings in energy efficiency programs can be compared to the Total Quality Management approach to process control for an industrial process producing manufactured products. The comparison indicates how a process of continuous feedback and process improvement can be appropriately designed for energy efficiency programs. A combination of software tools was developed to support this ideal process. The system includes building modeling tools, benchmarking tools and online databases, with information flowing between the different components. Appropriate feedback from the system is available to a variety of types of users including program managers, contractors and customers. The system is being implemented in residential energy efficiency programs in New Hampshire, New York and California. The elements of the system are described and the future impacts of this approach are forecasted.
Tagline: August 2003, Ithaca, NY
Written By: Greg Thomas
