Reduce Residential Energy Demand through Education and Outreach (RCI Action 4.3)

Develop a community-based outreach and education program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the residential sector. Because residential greenhouse gas emissions account for roughly half of all such emissions (when personal vehicles are included), an organized effort to engage residents in voluntary reductions of their household energy use would be effective. This program would provide the needed information, tools, and support to help residents understand how they use energy and how to map out strategies that would reduce their household energy consumption and energy costs. The program should make use of existing networks and communities (e.g., towns, neighborhoods, civic groups, faith-based organizations, businesses, environmental organizations) to maximize participation. Research-based behavioral change strategies targeting the root causes of climate change inaction should be employed through outreach activities that strengthen communities and do not rely solely on information-based campaigns.