About the Consumer Energy Code Awareness Campaign
BCAP and Consumers Union are excited to launch a new effort to educate the public on the impact of home energy use, the role of energy codes in addressing home energy performance, and what you can do to save energy—and money.
Our primary goal is to educate and engage everyone in support of energy codes. You have a right to a home that meets national standards for energy efficiency.
Why You Should Care About Energy Codes
Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, everyone has a huge stake in the energy efficiency, environmental quality and long-term affordability of your home. Energy codes offer a cost-effective way to reduce energy use and monthly bills while also lowering carbon emissions. It’s a win-win-win!
By The Numbers
People want to save energy and cut costs. Just look at the numbers:
- 82% of consumers say homeowners should have a right to a home that meets national energy standards. (Consumers Union)
- 81% of homeowners want to make informed decisions before purchasing a home, such as knowing the home's energy use. (Consumers Union)
- 80% of consumers express interest in environmental performance ratings for products (Consumers Union)
- 80% of consumers say cutting energy costs is their top motivation for conserving energy. (GfK Roper)
Lack of Awareness
However, there is a significant lack of consumer awareness surrounding energy codes. BCAP and Consumers Union believe that engagement with the public is critical to attaining tangible improvements in home energy use through the adoption of stronger energy codes.
The Results
Based on a survey of over 5,000 respondents conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center—a research arm of Consumer Reports' National Testing and Research Center —BCAP and Consumers Union created user-friendly checklists, guides, and other tools to help you understand the importance of energy codes and empower you to reduce energy use in your own home.
Click here to download the full results of the survey by region.
These resources will help you figure out how your home compares to the minimum energy efficiency standards your residence should meet.
Throughout the process, we engaged a diverse group of stakeholders and allies. The materials have been shared and vetted with an informal working group, which includes local, state, and national representatives from:
- Washington, Department of Commerce
- Utah Clean Energy
- Alabama, Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)
- Kentucky, Department for Energy Development and Independence
- New Hampshire, Office of Energy and Planning
- South Dakota, Energy Management Office
- Nevada State Office of Energy
- Michigan, Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Lawrence Berkeley Labs
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
- Walmart
- Sierra Club
- Habitat for Humanity
- Rebuilding Together
- League of Women Voters
