Clean Energy Coaches: An Emerging Sustainability Service

Targeting individual homeowners, Massachusetts organisation HeatSmart Alliance connects those curious about heat pumps with one of its 21 coaches, who act as a guide during the transition process. Since its 2020 launch, the company has facilitated over 250 installations. Similarly, operating in Colorado and Massachusetts, start-up Elephant Energy plans how homes can switch to renewable power, and sources contractors experienced in such installations. For a speedier process, US app Zero lets users complete a survey to quickly get a setup quote, and then connects them with a professional.

There’s also mileage for businesses that consult on bigger projects, retrofits and new builds, like UK start-up Ecospheric. The Cheshire-based firm works with architects and developers seeking to follow net-zero and Passive House principles, alongside larger buildings looking to reduce their power consumption. As the UK seeks to slash the utility expenditure of its older homes and reach its net-zero target by 2050, expect the number of British firms specialising in energy-efficient home retrofits to rise.

Consumer brands can also support individuals embarking on renewable retrofits. In 2022, Airbnb launched a programme in the UK and France that offers cash rebates to hosts who electrify and weatherproof their rental properties. Refunds range from $500 for improved insulation to $2,000 for installing a heat pump. The initiative expanded to the US this spring.

While clean energy conversions may currently seem a niche space, as demand grows alongside increased climate concerns and net-zero deadlines, expect these services to become mainstream.

For more on sustainability attitudes, see Meet the Eco-Pragmatists.