Home Energy Score Project

Introduction

The City of Eugene is exploring opportunities to expand the use of Home Energy Scores to help residents identify cost-saving upgrades that can improve energy efficiency. Inefficient energy use in buildings not only increases expenses, but also threatens health, safety and comfort. It also contributes to emissions associated with climate change.

What is a Home Energy Score?

A Home Energy Score is a tool that can help people understand how their home uses energy and where there are opportunities to save. Similar to a car’s miles per gallon fuel rating, it rates a home based on a variety of energy features, such as insulation, heating and cooling systems, windows, roof and more. The score report provides

• Rating of a home’s energy efficiency on a scale of 1-10
• Estimated utility bills
• Condition of heating systems, water heating, insulation and more
• Customized recommendations for energy improvements
• Low-cost tips for saving money on energy bills
• $130-$300 to get a Home Energy Score
• View a sample Home Energy Score report

Project Focus

The City of Eugene is exploring ways to expand the use of home energy scores to help residents better understand energy usage and opportunities for improvement. Through this project, the City will:

• Engage residents to understand their priorities and concerns.
• Consider possible ways to integrate home energy scores into standard real estate transactions.
• Research what other cities have done and identify best practices.
• Gather ideas for ways to make policies fair and effective.

Timeline

• May through October: Research existing policies in other jurisdictions and understand best practices.
• July through November: Engage the community to understand priorities and concerns.
• Late Fall/Early Winter: Return to City Council to share possible pathways forward.

Background

Our region faces serious challenges with inefficient energy usage in homes and buildings leading to high energy costs. Many homes in our community need energy efficiency improvements, but many residents don't know where to start or what resources are available. In Lane County, 34% of households are considered energy-burdened. Poor insulation, inefficient heating systems, and outdated appliances drive up these costs. Inefficient energy use also leads to poor indoor air quality, higher greenhouse gas emissions and greater vulnerability during extreme weather. These issues are especially common in older and rental housing. Expanding the use of home energy scores is one way to address these challenges.

Previous community engagement efforts have reinforced that increasing awareness about energy usage and efficiency improvements is a top priority. City Council has directed staff to explore home energy score policy options and present possibly pathways forward. Eugene currently offers free home energy scores for renters and low-income homeowners through a partnership with EWEB and UO's Home Energy Score Program. Four Oregon cities currently require a home energy score when listing a home for sale, including Portland, Hillsboro, Bend and Milwaukee. Many other cities across the nation and some states have home energy score policies with varying degrees of regulatory strength and measures.