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Programs - BetterBuildins

Program Summary

The SEEA BetterBuildings Program, branded WISE (Worthwhile Investments Save Energy) - is a partnership establishing and/or expanding building energy efficiency improvement programs in 12 partner cities and towns across eight states and one territory. The SEEA WISE program will work to meet the goal of improving the energy efficiency of approximately 10,000 commercial and residential facilities over 36 months.

SEEA will develop and leverage a common approach to program structure, measurement & verification, data-sharing, and engagement & communications. By establishing a regional framework for municipal building efficiency improvement programs, this project will create models for replication across the Southeast and beyond.

Sub-grantees click here to enter protected site for more program resources and information.

Funds Awarded

$20 Million

Partner Cities

Atlanta

Carrboro and Chapel Hill

Charleston

Decatur

Hampton Roads

Huntsville

New Orleans

US Virgin Islands

Charlotte

Charlottesville

Jacksonville

Nashville

 

Partner Organizations

  • Alliance to Save Energy
  • American Council for a Energy Efficient Economy
  • Clean Energy Solutions, Inc.

 

Latest Updates

Turn off everything not in use: lights, TVs, computers, etc.

During hot months, keep window coverings closed on the south, east and west windows. In winter, let the sun in.

Glass fireplace doors help stop heat from being lost up the chimney. Also, close the fireplace damper when not in use.

ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power down when not in use for a while.

Dress appropriately for the weather, and set your thermostat to the lowest possible comfortable setting.

When cooking, keep the lids on pots. Better yet, use a microwave oven instead.

Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to reduce hot water use.

Replace your five most used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent bulbs to save $60 each year in energy costs.

Only heat or cool the rooms you need - close vents and doors of unused rooms.

Use cold water for laundry and save up to $63 a year - detergents formulated for cold water get clothes just as clean.

Storm windows can reduce heat lost by single-paned windows by 25-50 percent during the winter.

To save on hot water, take five-minute showers instead of baths.

In summer, use fans whenever possible instead of AC, and ventilate at night this way when practical. Fans cost less to use than AC.

Turn off office equipment during longer periods of non-use to cut energy costs and improve longevity.

Seal and weatherstrip your windows and doors to ensure that you're not wasting energy heating or cooling through leaks to the outdoors.

Your water heater should be set at "warm", so that a thermometer held under running water reads no more than 120 degrees.

Check the furnance or air conditioner filter each month, and clean or replace it as needed.

Insulate ducts to improve your heating system’s efficiency and your own comfort.

Do only full loads when using the clothes washer or dishwasher.

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