On average, some homes in Austin, TX waste up to 50% of
the energy delivered by the local power utility, in part because many of these
20–30-year-old homes have had little or no
energy improvements. In the past, Austin has done a lot to increase energy
efficiency, including 0% loans for upgrades and policies aimed at encouraging
renewable energy on a residential and commercial level. As a result of these efforts, Austin has
seen a significant improvement: more than 23,000 residential customers have
upgraded their homes, resulting in a reduction of energy use by 38 million kWh
and a total savings of $3 million.
But Austin is not resting on its laurels. Starting next
week, home sellers will be required to conduct an energy audit on any homes
listed for sale, and the results of those audits must be made available to
potential homebuyers. Considered by city officials as nothing more than an added
“home inspection,” the audits—which will
costs between $200–300 for an 1,800 square
foot home—are considered an added tool for
homebuyers trying to determine exactly how much house they can afford. The
ordinance will go into effect June 1, and includes separate provisions for
commercial and multifamily properties. The audits must be performed by
individuals certified by the Building Performance Institute and must cover every
thing from insulation to HVAC systems. Mayor Will Wynn included the audit
ordinance as part of an overall energy initiative for Austin that aims to shrink
demand, minimize the need for new power plants, and reduce the city’s carbon
footprint.
The hope is that these audits will help Austin lower
residential energy consumption, but those in the real estate industry fear that
the added burden will further hinder an already decimated housing market.
Additionally, the lack of incentives or rebates and the shifting of the cost of
upgrades to the seller rather than the buyer have generated some resistance to
the ordinance.
So what do you think? Are energy audits an effective way
to encourage energy efficiency? Or will government-mandated audits hinder
economic recovery in areas already struggling with a severely devalued housing
market?
For more information, go to www.austinenergy.com