Under the Hood: How Scope Zero’s Marketplace Powers Affordable, Sustainable Upgrades

Why Affordable Living Solutions Matter Now More Than Ever

The numbers tell a clear story. At a time when Americans are feeling financial strain, there’s a $300 billion annual opportunity in reducing utility and fuel expenses through simple, effective home upgrades and lifestyle changes.

• Utility Costs: The average U.S. household spends over $3,300 annually on utilities alone (U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
• Transportation Costs: Households spend approximately $13,174 annually on transportation, the second-highest expense after housing (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Work-from-Home Impact: Employees working remotely have seen their utility bills rise by 10% or more due to increased daytime usage of heating, cooling, electricity, and water devices (TIME).

A Closer Look: Marketplace for Eligible Upgrades

Scope Zero’s marketplace isn’t just a shopping site — it’s a carefully curated ecosystem that connects employees with sustainable, cost-saving solutions. Here’s how it works:

Robust Shopping Experience

The marketplace provides a smooth, intuitive user experience. Employees can browse eligible products across key categories, access customized recommendations, and use our smart search to find upgrades that match their needs and budgets.

Each product listing highlights:

• CSA eligibility criteria (e.g., ENERGY STAR certification, electrification standards)
• Estimated financial savings (upfront cost vs. long-term savings)
• Environmental benefits (energy saved, emissions reduced)
• Helpful hints on device usage and maintenance

Pre-Vetted Example Products and Recommended Items

We do the heavy lifting so employees don’t have to. Every product featured in the marketplace is selected based on rigorous sustainability and efficiency standards. Recommendations are tailored to maximize financial return on investment and environmental impact.

Clear Eligibility Criteria

Transparency is key. Each product category comes with clear CSA eligibility criteria. For example:

• Appliances must be ENERGY STAR® certified and electric-powered
• Heating and cooling upgrades must promote electrification and high efficiency
• Transportation options must reduce fossil fuel dependence (e.g., electric vehicles, e-bikes, public transit passes)

Savings Calculator

One standout feature is our proprietary Potential Savings Calculator. Employees can input potential purchases and instantly view estimates for:

• Annual financial savings
• Annual utility savings (kWh of electricity, gallons of water, therms of natural gas, gallons of fuel)
• Environmental impact (carbon emissions reduced)

This data-driven tool helps employees make informed decisions and visualize their long-term benefits.

What Can You Purchase Through the CSA Marketplace?

Our marketplace offers a wide range of CSA-eligible goods across multiple categories, from lights to appliances and outdoor devices to transportation. Here’s a closer look at what employees can buy:

Whether it’s installing better insulation at home, switching to an EV, or upgrading to a water-efficient showerhead, every purchase moves employees toward a future of greater affordability and sustainability.

Helpful Hints for Purchases, Usage, and Maintenance

The CSA Marketplace goes beyond shopping to support long-term success:

• Usage tips help employees maximize efficiency (e.g., setting smart thermostats properly)
• Maintenance advice keeps appliances and upgrades working longer
• Replacement guidance ensures sustainable choices remain front-of-mind when it’s time to refresh home goods

These small actions compound into big savings over time — financially and environmentally.

The Future of Employee Benefits is Here

The CSA marketplace arrives at a critical inflection point for employers and employees alike.

The CSA marketplace isn’t just a feature — it’s a fundamental reimagining of how organizations can empower employees to save money, live more sustainably, and take control of their financial futures.

With a best-in-class shopping experience, transparent eligibility guidelines, vetted sustainable products, and powerful savings calculators, employees have everything they need to turn financial and environmental goals into reality.

By participating, employees can save over $5,000 per year through CSA-eligible upgrades — combining reduced utility bills, lower transportation costs, and fewer maintenance expenses. On a macro scale:

• There’s a $300 billion annual opportunity in utility bill and fuel savings.
• CSA-enabled upgrades are low-cost, high-impact solutions for immediate financial relief and long-term sustainability.
• Organizations can champion a triple bottom line approach: saving employees money, improving environmental outcomes, and enhancing company-wide ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance.

In addition to the marketplace, the Carbon Savings Account includes several key features designed to maximize impact and ease of use. Explore the resources below to learn more.

• Unlock Thousands in Savings: A Deep Dive Into Scope Zero’s Incentives Portal
• How the CSA’s Fintech Platform Powers Employee Financial Wellness
• The Power of Integrations: Unlocking the Full Potential of the CSA

Affordable living. Sustainable futures. Real impact.

That's what the CSA Marketplace delivers — and why it's the benefit employees want, and companies need, today.

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