Around the Web: Energy Circle's Hand-Picked Links, Chosen Especially for Energy Efficiency Pros.

From Energy Circle:

On the Language of Saving Energy: In Defense of Energy Efficiency.

David Fenton recently gave a speech at the invitation of the DOE in which he lambasted the progressive energy community for poor marketing. While his intentions are all good; and, indeed, some of his claims very well-founded, we think the arc of his argument is counterproductive and, well, maybe just wrong. 

4 Fresh Offline Marketing Ideas for Home Performance Professionals.

In our increasingly ‘word of mouth’ world, it’s important for home performance contractors to look beyond traditional forms of advertising. Here are 4 simple ideas for building trust, spreading your message, and increasing business in your community.

Curated Links from the Web:

The PACE Battle from a Different Perspective.

Will Clark, a multi-family real estate finance expert, and passionate renewable energy advocate, gives an even-handed view of the Fannie Freddie PACE issue.

PACE Problems Strangling Startups.

Holdups in PACE financing are bouncing off the backs of the larger home performance companies; but are proving to be an insufferable burden for the small businesses struggling to get off the ground. (From Earth2Tech)

Why We Need to Get it Right This Time.

Chris Cheatham, always insightful at Green Building Law Update, points out lessons we need to heed from the last great green building cycle in the 70’s, and why we mustn’t repeat the mistakes we made back then. (From Green Building Law Update)

“Our Ineptitude” in the Building Profession.

Michael Anschel is once again beside himself with frustration, wondering how we can successfully retrofit millions of homes for increased comfort, health and energy efficiency, when many “builders” can’t even get a window installation right. (From Remodeling Mag)

The PACE Struggle: Is it About States’ Rights?

Leah Edwards at Ecopreneurist discusses PACE’s life and death struggle, points out some further problems with the programs, and suggests that maybe the private sector could pick up where local and state governments are being forced by the Feds to leave off. (From Ecopreneurist)

Event: Why is the Low Hanging Fruit so High?

We all know that energy efficiency is the low hanging fruit of any energy strategy, yet it’s not being implemented at the scale it should be. This July 22nd event in Boston features a panel of experts including our own Peter Troast as well as Martin Flusberg, CEO of PowerHouse Dynamics, and will be well worth your time if you're in the area. (From Energy Saving Weekly)

Not Yet BPI Certified? Here’s What It’s All About.

Everblue, one of the nation’s largest training providers for BPI Certification, explains in this short video what the certification is all about, and how it can help your business. (From Everblue)

Featured Home Performance Blogger of the Week:

Allison A. Bailes III, PhD. at Energy Vanguard.

Allison is the kind of guy that everyone remembers from their PhD. program (yeah, right) who couldn't possibly be sleeping more than two hours a night with the amount of work he gets done. In addition to providing HERS training, he publishes a steady stream of high-level, insightful blog posts on everything from the technical (HVAC filter horror stories) to the philosophical (Is the HERS rater test too difficult?), and maintains an active presence on Twitter (@EnergyVanguard).