Builders hot over energy code proposal

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The city of Austin prides itself on having one of the strictest energy codes in the country for new home construction.

Third party inspectors set out nearly two years ago to crack down on inefficient amenities. During a review this summer the city lost confidence in their system.

"Over 60-percent of the homes built in Austin weren't being tested," said John Umphress, with Austin Energy Green Building.

Four to five volume builders have been getting a break on energy code inspections due to 'batch testing.' Those who have similar homes that are completed around the same time only have to get one home tested. Inspectors pick one at random, and if it passes, then the rest of the homes pass.

"We found out that some of the houses that were in batches failed subsequent testing," said Umphress. "So we didn't have a lot of confidence that houses that were in a batch and not tested actually met code requirements."

In addition, the homes may not have been as energy efficient as the home owners believed them to be.

Austin Energy wants to ensure inspectors are required to check every home in the future.

Staff members also laid out amendments to the existing code that would require the following:

• more insulation in the walls
• better windows
• more efficient lighting
• insulation of the hot water lines

The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin questions the decision making process that led to the proposed changes.

"They did come over here and they said 'here's the code thank you very much," said Harry Savio, Executive Vice-President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.

The group served on a task force put together by former Austin mayor Will Wynn that was involved in creating the initial energy code along side builders, architects, heating and air conditioning contractors and environmental representatives.

The HBAGA sat down and calculated the additional requirements would cost home buyers an extra $1500.

"Our concern is that increases in cost are being accumulated and no one is really paying attention to it," said Savio.

According to Umphress, 25 to 30-percent of home builders in Austin are already building homes that meet the proposed code. It would raise costs for builders currently doing the bare minimum.

Streetman Homes, behind the Meuller development near Dell Children's, is one of the builders already meeting the proposed energy code. Inspectors do not batch test their five star green energy homes. Umphress said each home is checked by an energy code inspector.

Based on the city's analysis the payback to the homeowner for the extra initial cost would be one to five years, and after that more money would go in their pockets.

"We tried to strike a balance between cost impact and the return to the homeowner in lower utility bills," said Umphress.

Savio hopes the city will step back and direct staff to go through a different decision making process. As of right now, the amendments are expected to be presented to the city council in January of 2010. If approved, the new energy code would go into effect in April 2010.

Note: The video of the Streetman Homes under construction in the Mueller neighborhood are five-star green energy homes. Energy inspectors check each home. They are not batch tested.