Portland residents include energy efficiency as home selling point
PORTLAND—When you’re buying a home, location matters, but Portlanders also believe in the value of energy efficiency.
That’s why Portland residents wishing to sell their homes will need an audit to provide information about energy efficiency to prospective buyers. According to a news release from Mayor Charlie Hales, the policy will provide an energy score similar to the miles-per-gallon rating on a car and will help buyers estimate the true costs of owning a particular home.
Hales said the new Home Energy Score Policy, recently approved by City Council, will provide buyers and sellers with valuable information on energy use, energy costs and home improvements. It is aimed at cutting utility bills and reducing carbon emissions.
This policy will build on Portland’s reputation as an international leader on climate action, Hales said.
The policy requires sellers of single-family homes to obtain a home energy performance report, including a home energy score, before it is listed for sale in Portland. The report and score must be included in real estate listings, and the audit costs about $200.
Charity Fain, executive director of the Community Energy Project, said the energy score is particularly important to lower-income homebuyers. Knowing the potential heating and cooling costs will help these buyers consider whether a home will be affordable, she said. — Monica von Dobeneck