Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance
for Multifamily Properties
The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance requires Austin multifamily properties that receive electricity from Austin Energy to have an energy audit by June 1, 2011.
Exemptions
The multifamily property does not need an audit if it meets one of the following:
- The property is less than 10 years old on June 1, 2009
- The owner has completed comprehensive duct remediation work through the Austin Energy rebate offering within 10 years before June 1, 2009
- The owner has replaced air conditioning equipment for all units through the Austin Energy rebate offering within 10 years before June 1, 2009
Multifamily Property Audit
If the property is not exempt or qualifies for a variance, it needs an ECAD audit.
ECAD Auditors
The ECAD audit must be performed by an auditor who is a certified Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Rater or a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional. See a list of certified ECAD auditors who have registered with Austin Energy.
What the Auditor Does
The time needed for a multifamily ECAD audit depends on the number of buildings and the number of different types of floor plans the auditor must inspect. The ECAD auditor checks about 10% of each type of floor plan in each building. The auditor:
- Pressure tests the duct system
- Identifies windows that receive more than one hour of direct sunlight
each day
- Inspects and measures attic insulation in the top of every building
Audit Costs
Auditors set their own prices, which depend on the size and complexity of the multifamily property.
Audit Results
After the audit, the multifamily property owner receives the audit report. A copy must be posted at the property and provided to prospective tenants and buyers. The auditor must send the audit to Austin Energy within 30 days of audit completion. We enter the information into a database. Austin Energy also spot checks ECAD audits to ensure the quality of the program.
High Energy-Use Multifamily Properties
The ECAD ordinance defines a high energy-use property as one using more than 150% of the average energy use per square foot by multifamily properties in the Austin Energy service area. The ordinance requires high energy-use multifamily properties to reduce energy use.
After receiving an audit report, Austin Energy notifies the owners of high energy-use properties. Within 18 months of receiving the notice, owners must make energy-efficiency improvements to bring the property within 110% of average.
Within 90 days of receiving notice, property owners may request additional time to complete improvements by email, or by writing to the:
Director of Energy Efficiency Services
Austin Energy
811 Barton Springs Road, 3rd Floor
Austin, TX 78704
Energy-Efficiency Improvements
The ECAD ordinance seeks to improve Austin’s energy efficiency. Improving energy efficiency can increase the value of multifamily properties, increase tenant satisfaction by lowering energy bills, and help tenants choose properties that are energy efficient. Between June 1, 2009 and June 1, 2011, Austin Energy will offer enhanced multifamily rebates to encourage property owners to make energy-efficiency improvements.
Enforcement
Non-compliance with the ECAD ordinance is a Class C Misdemeanor. Reported violations will be forwarded to the City of Austin Legal Department for review and action.
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