The Energy Efficiency Manual helps you make the best use of both these resources. The Ratings in each Measure suggest its overall priority, taking into account the economics of the Measure, the difficulty of accomplishing it, and the degree of risk. To refine your ranking, the Selection Scorecard, just below the title, rates these factors individually. At the end of each Measure, the Economics gives you general estimates of the potential savings, the cost, and the rate of return. Recognize that your time is a more precious resource than the money needed to make the improvements.
Energy efficiency is a profit maker.
So, you could borrow money to fund any project that you know will pay off. The skills and effort of the people involved are the real limiting factors. Give priority to the Measures, or groups of Measures, that will produce the largest savings, even though they may not pay off most quickly. Don't divert your time to minor activities while there are more important things to be done. On the other hand, if you see that you can accomplish a Measure quickly and reliably, go ahead and do it.