Description
Reducing energy and fossil fuel use in residential homes at scale to achieve overall GHG reduction goals will require more than voluntary incentives and locally supported direct retrofit programs. Residential energy disclosure would require, at the point-of-sale, that new home buyers are provided information on the energy consumption and the lowest-cost options to improve a home’s efficiency. The County will evaluate options for implementing a residential energy disclosure and performance standard program. King County has the legal authority to implement a program in unincorporated King County, though the intent of this action is to coordinate with other jurisdictions to support program adoption across the County. Program design would prioritize reducing GHG emissions and potential disproportionate impacts for low-income households, including potentially funding audits or retrofits for low-income households. King County will produce an equity report prior to taking action. If implemented, the Department of Local Services (DLS)–Permitting would require additional resources for enforcement.