For the Alliance to Save Energy, the year 2010 was marked by major gains in energy efficiency. From the adoption of historic model building energy codes to the creation of new coalitions worldwide, we are laying the foundation for the “decade of energy efficiency.”

Our 2010 Accomplishments

Around the Alliance

Across the last year and into the current one, we increased our staff by a whopping 70% – up from 55 full-time staff members at the end of 2009 to a cadre of 97 in 2011.

We also added 31 new Associate members in 2010, reaching a total of 177.

In addition, our Board of Directors became a more diverse group that now embodies expertise in R&D, engineering and finance, alongside the many other disciplines already represented.

Policy

The 111^th Congress extended tax incentives for energy-efficient new homes, home improvements and appliance manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) announced broad energy efficiency legislation that was later introduced in the 112^th Congress. The Alliance also named Shaheen as our Honorary Board Chair.

Events & International Initiatives

The 2010 Energy Efficiency Global Forum (EE Global) – the largest international congregation of policy makers, innovators and other energy efficiency leaders – was held in Washington, D.C. in May.

The D.C.-based International Team worked with Alliance offices and local organizations abroad to build on-the-ground energy efficiency programs and promote energy efficiency policy in Southeastern Europe, India, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Asia-Pacific region.

Buildings & Industry

Due to the persistence of the Alliance’s Energy Efficient Codes Coalition, the International Energy Code Council approved our recommendations to boost energy savings by 30% for residential and commercial buildings.

In addition, the Building Codes Assistance Project nearly tripled the number of states that met or exceeded the national model building energy code for commercial and residential buildings.

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) initiated its Better Buildings Program to establish or expand retrofit programs in 12 cities across eight Southeastern states and one U.S. territory.

The Alliance Industrial Team also made great strides in supporting the development of the ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard.

Education

The Education Team’s Green Schools and Green Campus programs taught students at 16 universities and more than 200 elementary, middle and high schools to lead energy-efficient changes in their schools, homes and communities.

Communications

Collaboration began for the Lighting Understanding for a More Efficient Nation (LUMEN) Coalition, which aims to facilitate consumer decision-making, address concerns about energy-efficient lighting and increase awareness of and correct misunderstandings about the lighting transition.

Looking Ahead

Although we will face challenges in making 2010-2020 the decade of energy efficiency – including partisanship and a focus on budget cutting at all levels of government – we are up for the challenge.

Volatile energy prices, growing energy demand and the global race to profit from a clean energy economy dictate that we redouble our efforts to make energy efficiency the first fuel of choice for the future.