Multifamily Properties Additional Information

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 Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional or a Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Rater. 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.