Title
Energy Efficiency Ratings (B)
Explanation
At the end of the April 16, 2019 meeting, the Subcommittee expressed an interest in discussing the topic of requiring landlords to obtain an energy efficiency rating for each rental unit. Commissioner Hayes-Santos expressed interest in the Boulder, Colorado model of energy efficiency ratings.
To assist the Commission in having a discussion on this topic, staff has included the Boulder, Colorado Guidebook in the back-up to this agenda item, so the Commission can better understand those regulations. The Commission should be aware that the Boulder model is not directly transferrable to Florida, because its requirements give more weight to heating and insulation in a cold environment. In addition, the rating system includes improvements that go above and beyond the minimum energy efficiency requirements that staff included in the draft regulatory framework for Item No. 180958 titled “Rental Housing Code.”
If the desire is to impose additional requirements through a regulatory code, the Commission should consider whether the increased cost of these additional requirements is likely to result in increased monthly rent, in particular with respect to older “affordable” units that would most likely need the most upgrades to become compliant.
If the desire is simply to provide a rating score so that tenants are better informed when shopping for a rental unit, staff notes there are several existing independent agencies that will provide a property owner with an energy efficiency score so that the owner can better market their rental unit.
Fiscal Note
Unknown at this time.
Recommendation:
Discuss this item.