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Research

Research

Research


Summary

Energize Phoenix was a three-year (2010 – 2013) energy efficiency program led by an joint collaboration of major institutions; the City of Phoenix, Arizona State University, and Arizona Public Service (the state’s largest electricity provider). The program was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as part of a federal effort to stimulate jobs while reducing the country’s carbon footprint and promoting the shift to a green economy.

The purpose of Energize Phoenix was to create a sustainable large-scale model of urban energy efficiency in a 10-square-mile urban corridor of Phoenix along the newly constructed Metro light rail. The goals were to upgrade the energy efficiency of 1,700 residential units and 30 million square feet of office and industrial space, while decreasing energy consumption by 30% (residential) and 18% (commercial), and reducing carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tons per year.

ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability conducted inter-disciplinary research throughout the course of the program to evaluate results, identify opportunities and best practices. The Institute shared findings and recommendations in various reports, as well as an Ideas Guide to help other state and local governments create better programs and policies to scale energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The research team included over 50 ASU sustainability scientists and students in the fields of behavioral science, engineering, geography, economics, architecture, policy, law, and finance, all working to address the technical, social and economic challenges faced in conducting energy efficiency efforts on an urban scale.

 

Funding

U.S. Department of Energy and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Timeline

August 2010 — July 2013