About SWEEP

General Contact Information

SWEEP
2260 Baseline Rd. #212
Boulder, CO 80302
Ph: 303/447-0078
Fax: 303/786-8054
Email: info@swenergy.org

Additional Information

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This is a high growth region where energy efficiency efforts have been lagging compared to some other regions, air pollution is a growing concern, and many new power plants are planned including some new coal-fired power plants.

SWEEP focused initially on electricity and natural gas conservation along with the promotion of combined heat and power systems. In 2008, SWEEP initiated programs targeting energy efficiency in the industrial and transportation sectors. SWEEP advances energy efficiency through work on:

state and local legislation, incentives, and regulations
utility energy efficiency policy and programs
building energy efficiency
direct support to the private sector
education and training, and
information development and sharing.

SWEEP collaborates with utilities, state agencies, local governments, environmental groups, universities, private businesses, and other energy specialists.

SWEEP was founded in 2001 by Howard Geller, who previously served as the Executive Director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy in Washington, DC. Major funding for SWEEP has been generously provided by the Energy Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Sea Change Foundation, Edwards Mother Earth Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Current Projects

Expansion of state and utility energy efficiency programs. SWEEP is developing, analyzing, and advocating energy efficiency incentives, savings goals, and savings requirements. Due in part to SWEEP's efforts, funding for electric utility energy efficiency and load management programs in the Southwest increased from about $21 million in 2001 to $172 million in 2008.
Demand-side management (DSM) programs. SWEEP is assisting utilities throughout the region in the design and analysis of DSM programs for both households and businesses. We have had an impact on programs now being implemented by all major electric utilities in the region, as well as a number of natural gas utilities.
Energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings. SWEEP is supporting the adoption of stronger building energy codes throughout the region as well as code implementation and enforcement efforts. In addition, SWEEP is promoting construction of new homes and commercial buildings that are 25-50% more energy-efficient than minimum code requirements, and strategies for expanding retrofit of existing homes and buildings.
Transportation efficiency. SWEEP is advancing state policies that will increase the fuel efficiency of new vehicles as well as reduce motor vehicle use (vehicle-miles traveled).
Industrial efficiency. SWEEP is launching an Industrial Energy Efficiency Challenge and Recognition Program for Colorado and is planning to support industrial efficiency efforts in other Southwest states.
Combined heating, cooling, and power. SWEEP is promoting greater adoption the adoption of combined heating, cooling, and power (CHP) systems. We partner with two other organizations to implement the Intermountain Combined Heat and Power Application Center.
Education and training. SWEEP has prepared web-based energy efficiency guides for businesses in Colorado and Utah. In addition, SWEEP has helped to train builders and contractors on energy-efficient new construction and energy retrofit techniques.
Information development and sharing. SWEEP provides fact sheets, news, program summaries, case studies, and publications through its website, www.swenergy.org. In addition, SWEEP organizes workshops to foster exchange of information on state-of-the-art technologies, policies and programs.

© 2002- Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
2260 Baseline Rd. Suite 212, Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 447-0078 fax: (303) 786-8054 info@swenergy.org

Last Updated: 03/05/2009