U S Environmental Protection Agency

Local Climate and Energy Program Model Design Guide U S Environmental Protection Agency

This guide was developed for local climate and clean energy program implementers to help create or transition to program designs that are viable over the long term by considering how programs create and deliver value for target audiences and partners, how they raise revenue, and how they can operate cost effectively. Around the country, many local governments and their partners are taking up the challenge of implementing programs that help local residents and businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, create jobs, and save money. Although climate change has global impacts, local programs play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of residents and businesses, and building stronger, healthier communities. Some existing programs were created by an initial investment of public funds (including, but not limited to, economic stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) to get new programs off the ground, and test and refine program designs that can be replicated in other communities. As these programs near the end of initial start-up funding-and as other communities embark on new programs-local governments and their partners are evaluating how they will raise revenue and deliver services over the long term-in short, how they will become financially viable. Whether a program is adapting to changing circumstances or just starting out, it is useful to think about a design that will keep the program financially solvent and viable over the long term. This guide was developed for local climate and clean energy (i.e., energy efficiency, renewable energy, and combined heat and power) program implementers to help create or transition to program designs that are viable over the long term by considering how programs create and deliver value for target audiences and partners, how they raise revenue, and how they can operate cost effectively. This guide also has universal applications for basic principles of program design, but is based on experiences with climate and energy programs. This guide emphasizes strategies for: Creating value and turning it into adequate program revenues, Developing effective partnerships that leverage each partner's strengths to enhance value and strengthen the bottom line, and Delivering a set of services that meet your audiences' needs and align with your organization's strengths and resources.