What’s the alternative?

We support initiatives to promote energy efficiency in Austin, but the mandates under consideration are the wrong approach. Instead, we believe that a voluntary program that rewards Austinites in a meaningful way for making good decisions about energy efficiency is the right way to build long-lasting support.

Specifically, we think the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Task Force should examine the option of offering annual rewards for energy efficiency improvements. They can do this through a series of options, such as: local homestead exemptions, sales tax exemptions and an expansion of the Austin Energy rebate and 0% fixed-interest loan program. Not only would this program increase the number of participants, it would put more money into the pockets of those already focused on efficiency and encourage them to go even further in their efforts to care for our environment.

The City of Austin and Austin Energy already have the initial framework program in place through which this could be implemented (the “Home Performance with Energy Star” program) and two sections of the Texas Constitution allow for such a local option homestead exemption (Article VIII, Section 1-g; Article VIII, Section 1-l). Both incentives would enable homeowners to choose the best options for them and the loan program could be reserved for low-income and first-time homeowners. Such incentives would allow the City of Austin to promote energy efficiency in a positive manner and be recognized among the citizenry as a leader and champion for the environment and housing affordability.

As the Austin Board of REALTORS®, we also want to partner with the city for energy efficiency. Comprised of 9,000 REALTORS® who conduct 25,000 real estate transactions per year in Austin, we have an excellent opportunity to educate Austin homeowners about efficiency and encourage them to take advantage of the many programs available to them.

Specifically, such a program could include:

• Creation and promotion of a co-branded campaign with the City of Austin and the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) that promotes energy efficiency for existing homes;
• Creation of a set of energy efficiency standards that designate a home as “Austin Energy Recommended” to be promoted on “For Sale” signs and in other promotional materials, including the Multiple Listing Service (MLS);
• Creation and promotion of a “Green REALTOR®” designation that identifies a REALTOR® as particularly knowledgeable about environmental issues (including class instruction collaboratively developed by the City of Austin and ABoR);
• Creation of a Green Living Packet that REALTORS® would provide to clients at closings that includes information about Austin Energy’s efficiency programs, rebates and tax exemptions, with particular focus on encouraging Austinites to schedule a free energy audit of their new home;
• Addition of a “Green Living” page to AustinHomeSearch.com (which receives 70,000 unique visitors each month) educating homebuyers and sellers about the many ways they can make their homes and lifestyles more environmentally friendly;
• Introduction of energy audits for single family homes at the time utilities are transferred;
• Providing space on ABoR’s Sellers Disclosure Form to disclose the findings of the energy audits; and
• Other ideas for promoting green living in Austin, such as an Austin Energy booth at Realty Round Up (ABoR’s annual convention that draws upwards of 3,000 attendees each year).

Austinites are independent free-thinkers, which is how we’ve come to be leaders in environmental protection. A voluntary program that offers meaningful incentives and consumer education is the right way for Austin to achieve energy efficiency. Help us share that message with Austin Mayor Will Wynn and the Austin City Council.