Centering Equity with Metrics (Introduction)

A history of environmental racism and inequitable energy decision-making have led to historically marginalized communities bearing the largest burdens of the fossil fuel economy, but not receiving any of the benefits. Discriminatory practices in the energy and housing space have meant that historically marginalized and/or underserved communities now live in older buildings in need of repair, experience a higher energy burden, and lack input into the programs meant to serve them. Across the United States, policymakers, advocates, and program implementers have started to look at how energy efficiency can help to combat these injustices of the past by prioritizing energy equity. This shift in goals will require policymakers and program implementers to make changes in program design and objectives to better center equity alongside the long-standing goals of energy efficiency programs so that they deliver cost-effective energy savings to everyone.