Give It To Me Straight, Doc!

In their better natures, I truly believe people really do like to help. Whether it's holding a door for the elderly or giving unsolicited advice to a friend, people are often taking action for the "benefit" of others. Often times this "help" is not perceived as such, rather its viewed as interference or suspiciously regarded as a play for a favor in return.  The older man takes it as an affront to his fitness ("Don't hold the door for me sonny!") or "mind your own business" from the friend who didn't ask for advice. It seems to me that oftentimes people over think a situation, rather than communicating in a straightforward way. 

$11M DOE Award for EPS Builds Retrofit Momentum

It’s not often that you see a concept get traction fast, but the Energy Performance Score (EPS) is an idea that has gained considerable interest and a growing track record.

The most recent milestone for this residential energy labeling system – a miles-per-gallon style indicator that enables home-to-home comparisons of energy consumption and related carbon emissions -- is a multi-state award from the US Department of Energy for $11 million to roll out an EPS infrastructure for locales in Massachusetts, Virginia, Alabama and Washington. 

Training to Boost Home Energy Upgrades

Seattle real estate professionals and appraisers will receive free training to boost home energy upgrades. Brokers will play a key role in transforming the Seattle residential marketplace by marketing the benefits of the EPS. It will also be important for residential appraisers to understand the EPS and how it applies to homes. EPS is a points-based home energy scoring system and audit that can include energy upgrade recommendations. The City's objective is to boost the number of residential energy upgrades.