A Learning Network for Boston's Innovative Energy-Efficiency Program

New Directions Collaborative participates in a learning network of consultants around Boston who specialize in networks for social change. A local foundation supporting this work provided the opportunity for us to collaborate on a client project. We worked with a team of consultants for  Renew Boston, a partnership among the City of Boston, utilities, and other service providers to deliver energy-efficiency residential upgrades in inner-city neighborhoods not traditionally benefiting from utility efficiency programs. The short-term goal is to retrofit 3,000 homes meeting certain criteria by March 2012.

Renew Boston is partnering with 13 community-based organizations to outreach and enroll to residents in the programs. Our work helped to catalyze a learning network among the community organizations and other key players to ensure the program delivers on its goals. A one-day workshop helped participants see how their work fits into the larger system and share what was working so far and where there were challenges. Steve Waddell of Networking Action shared several network mapping techniques, including mapping the relationships among stakeholders, which are highlighted in his blog about the workshop.