Bill > HB1015

This bill aims to establish a method for energy labeling of existing residential buildings by allowing cities and counties to require homeowners to obtain and provide a home energy performance report before advertising a property for sale. The report, which must be prepared by a qualified home energy auditor certified by the U.S. Department of Energy, will include comprehensive information such as a home energy score, estimated annual energy usage and costs, greenhouse gas emissions, potential efficiency improvements, and comparative performance metrics. To protect low-income homeowners, local jurisdictions must first conduct a financial impact analysis and develop a mitigation program, such as subsidizing the cost of the energy performance report. The reports will be valid for eight years, assuming no significant changes are made to the home's mechanical systems, building envelope, energy efficiency, or square footage. By November 30, 2025, the state department is required to develop a standardized format for these reports that allows local governments to add additional criteria. The underlying motivation is to help homebuyers make more informed decisions about a property's energy efficiency and environmental impact, ultimately encouraging market-driven improvements in residential energy performance.