The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance (pdf) requires commercial building owners to benchmark and report their energy use rating by June 1st each year. The ordinance applies to commercial buildings 10,000 sf or larger that are located within the Austin city limits and receive electricity from Austin Energy.
Benchmarking your commercial building for its energy use not only helps you comply with the City’s ECAD ordinance, but it also helps you take key measures to reduce your energy consumption. Your building’s energy rating may uncover opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint and save money.
As part of the Key Code Reporting Process, Austin Energy has calculated the energy use data for the buildings you own. To comply with the ordinance, confirm that the property information we have on file is accurate.
In March of each year, you will receive a letter asking you to confirm your property information for quick and easy ECAD compliance. This letter will include:
If you have not received information regarding the new reporting process, please call 512-482-5346 or email us for assistance.
Alternatively, you may continue to submit a report via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a free, industry-standard online tool created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It allows you to track the energy consumption of your building(s) and compare them to similar buildings nationwide.
The ECAD ordinance may uncover opportunities to both reduce your energy consumption and save money. Austin Energy recommends investigating energy efficiency improvements if your building ranks below 50.
Austin Energy maintains a list of qualified energy professionals who can provide business and consulting services to help you with your ECAD compliance. These services include comprehensive energy audits that can identify opportunities to increase your building’s energy efficiency.
Download a list of qualified energy professionals (pdf)
View Chapter 6-7 Energy Conservation of the Austin City Code
ECAD is a law similar to other energy ordinances in the nation and the world. Non-compliance with ECAD is a Class C misdemeanor with fines from $500 to $2,000. Anyone may file violations with the City of Austin Municipal Courts for review and action.
Download the City of Austin Municipal Court Violation Complaint form (pdf)
If you have not received information regarding the ECAD ordinance reporting process for commercial building owners, please call 512-482-5346 or email us for assistance.