Austin, Texas, launches Zero Energy Capable Homes Initiative

October 2007

The Achievement

The Zero Energy Capable Homes (ZECH) program in Austin, Texas, requires new single-family homes to be zero net-energy capable by 2015. These homes will be 65% more efficient than homes built to the Austin Energy Code in 2006, and it will be cost-effective to install renewable on-site generation and become zero energy homes.

The program will be implemented in phases. The first of four planned local amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was approved by the City Council in October, 2007.

Austin's program demonstrates that increasing energy efficiency and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions can both be cost-effective. When the increased cost of building the home is rolled into a 30-year mortgage, reduced energy costs are greater than increased mortgage payments.

The Key Step

Historically, the main obstacle to adopting effective energy codes has been resistance from the home building industry and affordable housing advocates, due to cost concerns. Austin overcame this resistance by forming a task force that included representatives from these groups as well as industry trade associations, energy efficiency advocates, the Electric Utility Commission, Texas Gas Service, and City Staff. Reaching agreement with this group often required extensive discussion and compromise. A positive and productive task force addressed the needs of stakeholder groups, increased buy-in from the community, enhanced participation in the program, and will help insure the long-term success of the project.

The Benefits

These program's initial amendments increased the overall efficiency of homes by 11% and electric energy efficiency by 19%. For 2008, based on average annual construction of 6,400 new homes, this translates into an annual reduction of 9,367 metric tons of CO2. The first amendments also reduce annual household energy consumption by 2515 kWh and 4 therms of gas. This decreases household energy costs by $227.68 per year, with an estimated payback of 5.2 years. And finally, the changes will reduce SO2 emissions by 3.9 tons and NOx by 19.8 tons.

>> Read a September 2007 Memorandum

>> Read a Zero Energy Home Impact Study