Easy and Enticing: How a Collaborative Approach to Emerging Technology Adoption in the Commercial Building Sector Has Made its Mark

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with interested partners (e.g., applicable trade groups), initiated a novel market transformation approach, technology adoption campaigns, to speed the adoption of new technologies that save energy and money in buildings - first with lighting and later with other building technologies. This approach couples technical performance evaluation, guidance, data tracking and technical assistance with recognition for exemplary performance and best practices. Campaigns can be designed around emerging technologies that have significant, cost-effective national energy savings potential and where there is strong public- and private-sector interest in sharing performance criteria and outcomes. Participants in the campaigns share project data with the national laboratories and DOE, benefit from technical support and assistance from objective experts, and highly value recognition for their accomplishments. DOE and its campaign partners benefit from accelerated adoption of new energy-saving technologies and engagement with manufacturers and end users that allows for data collection and insights into technology research needs. This paper documents the success, challenges, lessons learned, and energy and cost savings of lighting campaigns, and in many cases compares these findings with other campaign efforts. This paper also presents recommendations for how other programs of various sizes can employ this model.