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Rigorous evaluations can be a critical element of resource conservation programs, since theyprovide documented results and feedback important for designing and improving effectiveprograms. Evaluations are uncommon in the world of water conservation programs. This paperdiscusses the methodology and findings of a comprehensive impact and process evaluation ofSeattle Public Utility's 2001 Water Smart Technology program (WST). WST provides financialincentives for commercial and industrial customers to install a variety of water-saving measures.The impact portion of the evaluation estimated actual gross savings from a sample of 25 WSTprojects using pre- and post-installation measurements of system performance. The impactevaluation also estimated net savings for these projects based on decision-maker interviews.The evaluation then systematically extrapolated gross and net results from evaluated measures tothe entire program.The process portion of the evaluation relied upon data gathered in interviews with bothparticipants and non-participants. It yielded insights into organizational structures and decision-makingprocesses among commercial customers, WST program knowledge and satisfaction,barriers to implementing conservation projects, and program tracking and delivery needs. Theinformation gleaned from both the process and impact portions of the evaluation are expected toguide future improvements to the WST program. Includes tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 06/15/2003 Number of Pages: 12File Size: 1 file , 340 KB