Zero Waste Australia

Starting next summer, Austin homeowners would be required to have their homes checked for energy efficiency before selling their property under an ordinance being considered today by the City Council.

Homeowners would also be required to share the result of their efficiency audit, likely to cost between $200 and $300, with potential homebuyers.

Any upgrades would be voluntary, although officials are hoping that the disclosures would prompt either buyers or sellers to gradually make improvements that will cut energy use in the city. The ordinance includes a goal of having 25 percent of homes sold between June 2009 and 2010 to have some sort of upgrades, and then more homes in subsequent years.

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