Brittle Power- PARTS 1-3 (+Notes) - Natural Capitalism Solutions

324National Energy SecurityRetrofit ordinances usually include such measures as attic insulation, caulking,weatherstripping, blankets for water heaters, flow restrictors, duct insulation,hot water line insulation, and sometimes shading. They usually requirecompliance at time of sale; some require it within ten years in any event.Many require on-site inspection: the Davis checklist takes one person a totalof about fifteen minutes. Some ordinances place a limit on costs (for example,one-half to one percent of the house’s sale price), so that lower-income peopledo not have to spend as much as higher-income people. Some, like a state lawin Minnesota, are aimed especially at ensuring that rented housing, which isoften occupied by low-income people with little control over it, is retrofitted.Retrofit ordinances are only part of a comprehensive program. Eugene, forexample, couples retrofit requirements with low-interest financing. New York hasa “truth-in-renting” law requiring that prospective renters be entitled to inspectpast utility bills. Some localities are considering house efficiency labeling—perhapsa nominal “gallons-per-year” rating shown on the For Sale or For Rent sign. 100Programs to guard against fraud and ensure quality control are also veryimportant. Simple methods which can be quite effective include:•a toll-free number from which one can ascertain if there are any complaintson record against a contractor, including any previous incarnations in whichthat contractor might have done business;•a periodically published survey of performance and complaints, compiled bya knowledgeable person at a local or state consumer affairs agency (knowledgethat such a survey will be published tends to deter shoddy work);•a provision in financing contracts that the contractor is not entitled to paymentfor labor until a competent inspector of the buyer’s choice has found that thework was indeed properly done;•consumer education programs to increase sophistication in what to look for; and•ways for people to advise each other of their experiences.Information feedback appears to be the cheapest form of protection, thoughothers may also be needed.Land use planning Local governments have reflected energy concerns inland use controls in several ways: 101•making a policy statement on energy, as fifty-five cities and fourteen countiesin California have already done; 102• including an energy element in a comprehensive master plan;•removing or changing land use regulations which hinder energy efficiencyor development of renewables;•providing incentives;