The Energy Efficiency Market in the Greater Cincinnati Region:

Energy Savings Potential and Strategies to Improve Performance of Residential and Non-Profit Buildings

The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance has released a report that found routine energy efficiency upgrades, performed by a fraction of eligible homeowners and non-profit groups in the Greater Cincinnati area would create a ripple effect of positive outcomes for the region.  The study, conducted by the University of Cincinnati’s Economics Center and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, is the first of its kind in the region.

The report determined that if 69,000 homeowners and 460 non-profit groups make energy improvements using the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance’s program, homeowners could save $59.6 million in lower energy bills in 2030.

Other findings:

• Most participating homeowners would see immediate cash savings the first year of the energy upgrade and an average annual savings of $500 for 18 years.
• More than 317 local jobs would be created, pumping $13 million in additional wages into the local economy.
• Emissions of carbon dioxide would decrease by 250,000 metric tons.
• Emissions of nitrogen oxides would fall by 340 metric tons.
• Emissions of sulfur dioxide would drop by 1,640 metric tons.
• Investors in the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance residential and non-profit program fund would expect to see financial returns averaging at least 5.3 percent and 4.6 percent for each year from 2012 through 2030.

Read more about the market study on the Wall Street Journal's Market Watch or local coverage with the Business Courier.    local coverage thr

The findings were shared last month with leaders from local governments, businesses, banks and foundations to increase awareness and spur continued partnership with the Energy Alliance.