Katherine Cort

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PO Box 999
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 372-4374
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Biography

Katherine Cort is a senior economist and project manager with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) where she has worked since 1998. Prior to joining PNNL, she worked as an economic analyst for the State of Washington, Seattle Public Utilities, and spent a year as a research associate with the Tropical Science Center of Costa Rica. Ms. Cort supports a variety of projects related to the assessment of energy-efficiency programs, technologies, and research. She provides technical support for the Department of Energy's (DOE) Building Technologies Program and has conducted business case and economic impact studies for emerging building technologies ranging from advanced nanolens window coatings for daylighting to self-correcting controls for HVAC systems. She currently leads PNNL’s Residential High-R Window and Window Attachment programs.

Ms. Cort also supports research, strategies, and policy development related to energy and water resilience for the U.S. Department of Army developing definitions, metrics, valuation methodologies, and budget justification for increased Army and Department of Defense investments in energy and water security. Ms. Cort also regularly performs economic impact analyses for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, related to the startup, re-licensing, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants. She also has worked on projects for the DOE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security related to the reducing the global threat of terrorism as well assessing the economic impacts of energy management and infrastructure.

Research Interests

Benefit/Cost and Regulatory Analysis
Energy Efficiency Economics
Socioeconomic Analysis

Education and Credentials

B.S., Economics, Southern Methodist University
M.A., Economics, University of Washington
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

PNNL Publications

2022

Cort K.A., C.A. Antonopoulos, T.L. Gilbride, M.G. Hefty, and A. Tidwell. 2022. Residential Fa�ade Upgrades: Market Assessment and Recommendations. PNNL-32076. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Residential Fa�ade Upgrades: Market Assessment and Recommendations

2020

Anderson D.M., K.A. Cort, S. Ganguli, and S.R. Bender. 2020. 2020 Review Panel Workshop on Energy Intensity Indicators: Summary Findings and Meeting Notes. PNNL-29798. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. 2020 Review Panel Workshop on Energy Intensity Indicators: Summary Findings and Meeting Notes
Belzer D.B., K.A. Cort, and S. Ganguli. 2020. A Comprehensive System of Energy Intensity Indicators for the U.S.: Methods, Data and Key Trends. PNNL-22267 Rev. 3. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. A Comprehensive System of Energy Intensity Indicators for the U.S.: Methods, Data and Key Trends
Hunt W.E., and K.A. Cort. 2020. Evaluation of Exterior Shades at PNNL Lab Homes and Occupied Field Sites. PNNL-30536. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

2019

Cort K.A., and T.L. Gilbride. 2019. Field Validation of High-R Windows: Market Assessment and Program Plan. PNNL-28823. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Field Validation of High-R Windows: Market Assessment and Program Plan
Gilbride T.L., S. Selkowitz, O.G. Dingus, and K.A. Cort. 2019. Double or Triple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Builders. PNNL-28809. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Double or Triple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Builders

2018

Cort K.A., J.A. McIntosh, C.E. Metzger, T.D. Ashley, and G.P. Sullivan. 2018. "Completing the Connected Home with Smart Window Shades." In ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 12-17, 2018, Pacific Grove, CA, 12-1 - 12-12. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-135343.
Cort K.A., J.A. McIntosh, G. Sullivan, T.D. Ashley, C.E. Metzger, and N. Fernandez. 2018. Testing the Performance and Dynamic Control of Energy-Efficient Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes. PNNL-27663 Rev 1. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

2017

Belzer D.B., S.R. Bender, and K.A. Cort. 2017. A Comprehensive System of Energy Intensity Indicators for the US: Methods, Data and Key Trends. PNNL-22267 Rev 2. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. A Comprehensive System of Energy Intensity Indicators for the US: Methods, Data and Key Trends

2016

Cort K.A., J.N. Haack, S. Katipamula, and A.K. Nicholls. 2016. VOLTTRON™: Tech-to-Market Best-Practices Guide for Small- to Medium-Sized Commercial Buildings. PNNL-25405. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. VOLTTRON™: Tech-to-Market Best-Practices Guide for Small- to Medium-Sized Commercial Buildings
Gilbride T.L., and K.A. Cort. 2016. "Low-E Storm Windows Gain Acceptance as a Home Weatherization Measure." Home Energy 33, no. 3:12-17. PNNL-SA-115342.
Petersen J.M., G. Sullivan, K.A. Cort, C.E. Metzger, and M. Merzouk. 2016. Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes. PNNL-24857 Rev. 2. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes
Petersen J.M., K.A. Cort, S.H. Widder, T.D. Culp, and G. Sullivan. 2016. "Mind the Gap: Summary of Window Residential Retrofit Solutions." In ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 21-26, 2016, Pacific Grove, CA, 1-1- 1-12. Washington Dc:American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-117151.
Tardiff M.F., G.T. Bonheyo, K.A. Cort, T.W. Edgar, N.J. Hess, W.J. Hutton, and E.A. Miller, et al. 2016. "Applying the Scientific Method of Cybersecurity Research." In IEEE Symposium on Technologies for Homeland Security (HST 2016), May 10-11, 2016, Waltham, MA. Piscataway, New Jersey:IEEE. PNNL-SA-117303. doi:10.1109/THS.2016.7568886

2015

Culp T.D., and K.A. Cort. 2015. Energy Savings of Low-E Storm Windows and Panels across US Climate Zones. PNNL-24826. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Energy Savings of Low-E Storm Windows and Panels across US Climate Zones
Culp T.D., S.H. Widder, and K.A. Cort. 2015. Thermal and Optical Properties of Low-E Storm Windows and Panels. PNNL-24444. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Thermal and Optical Properties of Low-E Storm Windows and Panels
Petersen J.M., G. Sullivan, K.A. Cort, M.B. Merzouk, and J.M. Weber. 2015. Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes. PNNL-24857 Rev. 1. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes
Petersen J.M., G. Sullivan, K.A. Cort, M.B. Merzouk, V. Srivastava, and J.M. Weber. 2015. Evaluation of Interior Low-E Storm Windows in the PNNL Lab Homes. PNNL-24827. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Evaluation of Interior Low-E Storm Windows in the PNNL Lab Homes

2014

Cort K.A., and K.S. Judd. 2014. The Cost-Effectiveness of Investments to Meet the Guiding Principles for High-Performance Sustainable Buildings on the PNNL Campus. PNNL-23506. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The Cost-Effectiveness of Investments to Meet the Guiding Principles for High-Performance Sustainable Buildings on the PNNL Campus
Culp T.D., and K.A. Cort. 2014. Database of Low-e Storm Window Energy Performance across U.S. Climate Zones. PNNL-22864 Rev 2. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Database of Low-e Storm Window Energy Performance across U.S. Climate Zones

2013

Cort K.A. 2013. Building America's Low-e Storm Window Adoption Program Plan (FY2014). PNNL-23070. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Building America's Low-e Storm Window Adoption Program Plan (FY2014)
Cort K.A. 2013. Low-e Storm Windows: Market Assessment and Pathways to Market Transformation. PNNL-22565. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Low-e Storm Windows: Market Assessment and Pathways to Market Transformation
Cort K.A., and T.D. Culp. 2013. Database of Low-E Storm Window Energy Performance across U.S. Climate Zones (Task ET-WIN-PNNL-FY13-01_5.3). PNNL-22864. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Database of Low-E Storm Window Energy Performance across U.S. Climate Zones (Task ET-WIN-PNNL-FY13-01_5.3)
Cort K.A., D.J. Hostick, R.M. Underhill, N. Fernandez, and S. Katipamula. 2013. Small Commercial Building Re-tuning: A Primer. PNNL-22731. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Small Commercial Building Re-tuning: A Primer
Sandahl L.J., K.A. Cort, and K.L. Gordon. 2013. Solid-State Lighting: Early Lessons Learned on the Way to Market. PNNL-23059. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Solid-State Lighting: Early Lessons Learned on the Way to Market

2012

Cort K.A., and R.S. Butner. 2012. An Analysis of Statewide Adoption Rates of Building Energy Code by Local Jurisdictions. PNNL-21963. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. An Analysis of Statewide Adoption Rates of Building Energy Code by Local Jurisdictions

2011

Brambley M.R., N. Fernandez, W. Wang, K.A. Cort, H. Cho, H. Ngo, and J.K. Goddard. 2011. Final Project Report: Self-Correcting Controls for VAV System Faults Filter/Fan/Coil and VAV Box Sections. PNNL-20452. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Final Project Report: Self-Correcting Controls for VAV System Faults Filter/Fan/Coil and VAV Box Sections
Livingston O.V., and K.A. Cort. 2011. Analyzing the Impact of Residential Building Attributes, Demographic and Behavioral Factors on Natural Gas Usage. PNNL-20235. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analyzing the Impact of Residential Building Attributes, Demographic and Behavioral Factors on Natural Gas Usage

2009

Cort K.A., D.J. Hostick, J.A. Dirks, and D.B. Elliott. 2009. Analyzing the Life Cycle Energy Savings of DOE Supported Buildings Technologies. PNNL-18658. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analyzing the Life Cycle Energy Savings of DOE Supported Buildings Technologies

2008

Dirks J.A., D.M. Anderson, D.J. Hostick, D.B. Belzer, and K.A. Cort. 2008. Lost Opportunities in the Buildings Sector: Energy-Efficiency Analysis and Results. PNNL-17623. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Lost Opportunities in the Buildings Sector: Energy-Efficiency Analysis and Results
Livingston O.V., M.J. Scott, D.J. Hostick, J.A. Dirks, and K.A. Cort. 2008. Impact of the FY 2009 Building Technologies Program on United States Employment and Earned Income. PNNL-17598. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Impact of the FY 2009 Building Technologies Program on United States Employment and Earned Income
Scott M.J., J.M. Roop, R.W. Schultz, D.M. Anderson, and K.A. Cort. 2008. "The Impact of DOE Building Technology Energy Efficiency Programs on U.S. Employment, Income, and Investment." Energy Economics 30, no. 5:2283-2301. PNNL-SA-48831.

2007

Cort K.A., D.J. Hostick, D.B. Belzer, and O.V. Livingston. 2007. Modeling EERE Deployment Programs. PNNL-17089. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Modeling EERE Deployment Programs
Scott M.J., J.A. Dirks, and K.A. Cort. 2007. "The Value of Energy Efficiency Programs for U.S. Residential and Commercial Buildings in a Warmer World." Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 13, no. 4:307-339. PNNL-SA-45117. doi:10.1007/s11027-007-9115-4

2005

Belzer D.B., K.A. Cort, D.W. Winiarski, and E.E. Richman. 2005. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting a Commercial Building Energy Standard in South Dakota. PNNL-15101. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting a Commercial Building Energy Standard in South Dakota
Scott M.J., J.A. Dirks, and K.A. Cort. 2005. "The Adaptive Value of Energy Efficiency Programs in a Warmer World." In Reducing Uncertainty Through Evaluation: 2005 International Energy Program Evaluation Conference, 671-682. Madison, Wisconsin:International Energy Program Evaluation Conference. PNNL-SA-45118.
Scott M.J., J.A. Jaksch, and K.A. Cort. 2005. "A Ten Year Retrospective on Environmental Justice: What Have We Learned?." In Proceedings, Waste Management 2005, February 27 - March 3, 2005, Tucson, Arizona."Global Accomplishments in Environmental and Radioactive Waste Management: Cost-Effectiveness, Risk Reduction, and Technology Implementation". Tuscon, Arizona:Waste Management Symposia Inc. PNNL-SA-43942.

2004

Belzer D.B., and K.A. Cort. 2004. "Statistical Analysis of Historical State-Level Residential Energy Consumption Trends." In Proceedings, 2004 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 22-August 27, 2004 in Pacific Grove, California, Panel 1, 25-38. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-41129.
Cort K.A., D.B. Belzer, D.W. Winiarski, and E.E. Richman. 2004. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Updating the Commercial Building Energy Code in North Dakota. PNNL-14637. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Updating the Commercial Building Energy Code in North Dakota
Cort K.A., D.W. Winiarski, D.B. Belzer, and E.E. Richman. 2004. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001 as the Commercial Building Energy Code in Tennessee. PNNL-14865. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001 as the Commercial Building Energy Code in Tennessee
Elliott D.B., D.M. Anderson, D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.A. Dirks, and D.J. Hostick. 2004. Baseline Inputs for BEAMS: Data used in preparing Methodological Framework for Analysis of Building-Related Programs: The GPRA Metrics Effort, June 2004. PNNL-14696. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Baseline Inputs for BEAMS: Data used in preparing Methodological Framework for Analysis of Building-Related Programs: The GPRA Metrics Effort, June 2004
Elliott D.B., D.M. Anderson, D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.A. Dirks, and D.J. Hostick. 2004. Methodological Framework for Analysis of Buildings-Related Programs: The GPRA Metrics Effort. PNNL-14697. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Methodological Framework for Analysis of Buildings-Related Programs: The GPRA Metrics Effort
Hostick D.J., D.M. Anderson, D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.P. Dion, J.A. Dirks, and S.C. McDonald. 2004. "Scenario-Based R&D Portfolio Analysis: Informing the Tough Decisions." In 2004 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 4-148 - 4-162. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. PNNL-SA-41698.
Scott M.J., D.M. Anderson, D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.A. Dirks, D.B. Elliott, and D.J. Hostick. 2004. Impact of the FY 2005 Building Technologies Program on United States Employment and Earned Income. PNNL-14813. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Impact of the FY 2005 Building Technologies Program on United States Employment and Earned Income
Scott M.J., D.M. Anderson, D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.A. Dirks, D.B. Elliott, and D.J. Hostick. 2004. Impact of the FY 2005 Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program on United States Employment and Earned Income. PNNL-14812. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Impact of the FY 2005 Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program on United States Employment and Earned Income

2003

Anderson D.M., D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.A. Dirks, D.B. Elliott, D.J. Hostick, and M.J. Scott. 2003. Methodological Framework for Analysis of GPRA Metrics: Application to FY04 Projects in BT and WIP. PNNL-14231. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Methodological Framework for Analysis of GPRA Metrics: Application to FY04 Projects in BT and WIP
Hostick D.J., K.A. Cort, D.B. Belzer, J.A. Dirks, D.B. Elliott, D.M. Anderson, and J.P. Dion. 2003. "Measurement and Baseline Issues Related to Evaluating a Diverse Portfolio of Federally-Supported Building Energy-Saving Programs." In 2003 International Energy Program Evaluation Conference Proceedings. Evaluation: Meeting Diverse Needs, August 20-22, 2003, Seattle, WA.. Madison, Wisconsin:IEPEC Committee. PNNL-SA-38308.
Scott M.J., D.M. Anderson, D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.A. Dirks, D.B. Elliott, and D.J. Hostick. 2003. Impact of 2004 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Buildings-Related Projects on United States Employment and Earned Income. PNNL-14209. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Impact of 2004 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Buildings-Related Projects on United States Employment and Earned Income

2002

Belzer D.B., K.A. Cort, D.W. Winiarski, E.E. Richman, and M. Friedrich. 2002. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 as a Commercial Building Energy Code in Illinois Jurisdictions. PNNL-13870. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 as a Commercial Building Energy Code in Illinois Jurisdictions
Cort K.A., and D.B. Belzer. 2002. Statewide Savings Projections from the Adoption of Commercial Building Energy Codes in Illinois. PNNL-14015. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Statewide Savings Projections from the Adoption of Commercial Building Energy Codes in Illinois
Cort K.A., D.B. Belzer, E.E. Richman, and D.W. Winiarski. 2002. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Updating the Commercial Building Energy Code in Iowa. PNNL-14016. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Updating the Commercial Building Energy Code in Iowa
Cort K.A., D.B. Belzer, M.A. Halverson, E.E. Richman, and D.W. Winiarski. 2002. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 as a Commercial Building Energy Code in Michigan. PNNL-14017. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Analysis of Potential Benefits and Costs of Adopting ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 as a Commercial Building Energy Code in Michigan
Hostick D.J., D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, and J.A. Dirks. 2002. Documentation for FY2002 BTS GPRA Metrics. PNNL-13766. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Documentation for FY2002 BTS GPRA Metrics
Hostick D.J., D.B. Belzer, K.A. Cort, J.A. Dirks, and R.H. Pool. 2002. Documentation for FY2003 BTS GPRA Metrics. PNNL-13845. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Documentation for FY2003 BTS GPRA Metrics