How Retrofit Block by Block Works

Promoting Energy Efficiency Upgrades One Block at a Time

Retrofit NYC Block by Block is based on one basic principle: that more households will improve their homes to be energy efficient if they learn about the positive results from their neighbors; therefore, outreach is conducted by trusted community-based organizations in targeted geographic areas. It builds on lessons from Retrofit Bedford-Stuyvesant, a pilot program launched in 2009.

The Block by Block model takes advantage of geographic concentration to promote widespread adoption of energy efficiency measures among property owners in a neighborhood. It taps social networks built through institutions like religious congregations and block associations, as well as brand recognition and trust in established local community development organizations. The increased demand for retrofit work in a neighborhood generates local hiring and economies of scale achieved through multiple building audits and upgrades within a small area.

Participating organizations go through six steps to implement a local retrofit campaign:

Step 1

Assemble a Team

Participating organizations put together their Retrofit NYC team, including outreach staff, community contacts, job training and placement partners and the contractors who will do energy audits and retrofit work for homeowners through existing retrofit incentive programs offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Con Edison, National Grid and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Step 2

Select Target Green Blocks

Partners identify blocks within the target area with high potential for receptivity to outreach. Characteristics of these blocks include: A large number of owner-occupied buildings; fit between demographic characteristics and available incentive programs; presence of community leaders (block associations, community gardens, religious institutions, elected officials); existing projects that provide momentum, such as existing weatherization projects or organizations' development programs; organizations and institutions that can support your campaign, e.g., strong block, homeowner or civic associations, ethnic associations, religious institutions, community gardens, and schools; suitable sites for street trees and/or other physical improvements; expected high interest among residents.

Step 3

Organize the Kick-Off

A highly publicized public kick-off event is the focus of an effort to refer 25 percent of homeowners in target blocks to incentive programs and energy audits.

Step 4

Schedule Audits and Sign Up for Programs

Following up on signups from the kick-off event and related outreach, Retrofit NYC Block by Block coordinators work with individual property owners to schedule energy audits from certified contractors and identify appropriate incentive programs to help pay for energy efficiency upgrades.

Step 5

Deliver Audit Results

Outreach staff works with homeowners to convert audits into energy saving retrofits, aiming for at least two recommended measures to be done in every audited home. They take the time to translate the auditor’s recommendations into plain language, answer a homeowner's questions, and identify financing resources that are most appropriate for the household's needs and situation.

Step 6

Retrofit and Track

Retrofit NYC Block by Block follows up to help property owners schedule retrofit work and set priorities among possible options. The program also helps property owners track their energy use and calculate energy savings compared with prior usage and with neighbors' consumption.