Austin, Texas Leads Nation in Home Efficiency and Calls for all New Homes to be Zero Energy Capable

Austin, Texas Leads Nation in Home Efficiency
and Calls for all New Homes to be Zero Energy Capable by 2015

The Austin City Council approved a breakthrough program that sets Austin apart as the clear national leader on home energy efficiency.

"We're taking action today that will lower the cost of utility bills, make housing more affordable, help improve air quality and take critical steps in the fight against global warming," Mayor Will Wynn said.

Today the Austin City Council adopted the first in a series of code amendments that by 2015 will make all new single-family homes in Austin zero energy capable. A zero-energy home is one capable of producing as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.

Code changes will incrementally increase efficiency so that, on average, homes built in 2015 will require 65 percent less energy than those built today. Home owners who choose to do so will be able to add solar panels or use other strategies to bring homes to zero net-energy use.

...

"The city brought together a broad coalition representing the housing industry, business, non-profits and government. The final product is much better for having sought and followed the advice from a diverse group," said Eric Perkins, President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.

...

Posted 22nd October 2007