Austin Energy Green Building Program

Description

The Green Building Program promotes the construction of energy- and resource-efficient structures in the Austin area by offering rebates, technical assistance and free publicity to developers who incorporate "green" features into their homes and other structures.

An outgrowth of the City of Austin Energy Star Rating Program, a home energy rating system, the Green Building Program was designed to expand efficiency specifications from energy use to include water consumption, use of building materials and solid waste production. Like the Energy Star Rating Program, structures included in the Green Building Program receive a rating of one to four stars, indicating the structure's level of compliance with available efficiency specifications.

The program has proven popular at the outset as Austin is one of the many municipalities around the country that supports strong environmental initiatives. In addition, the community has long scrutinized development for environmental impact and this program helps to minimize development's impact in this area.

Finally, the local builder's association ratified the Green Building Guide, which sets out the Green Building Program specifications, and has been included in an advisory capacity since the program's introduction. Securing the participation of the builder's association early on dramatically improved the program's acceptance when ultimately introduced.

While the energy specifications are the most thoroughly evolved, water and air quality assessments are undergoing significant development to expand the environmental benefits available through the green building program.

Program Highlights

How it Works

• Construction efforts that are reviewed by the Green Building program receive a rating of one to four stars, depending upon the degree to which a building incorporates energy-efficient and water-efficient designs, conserves building materials and reduces solid waste. 
• The program lists more than 130 "green" building specifications -- stars are awarded for progressive compliance with these specifications.
• Passive solar heating and cooling, efficient appliances, "daylighting" and solar water heating are among the recommended energy options.
• Low flow fixtures, xeriscaping (use of plants that require little water) and rainwater collection are among the recommended water conservation measures.
• Builders who participate receive marketing and technical assistance in exchange for promoting green building.
• A pilot rebate program was recently implemented that pays up to $1,415 for green building packages. The rebate is dependent upon completion of the project and realized water and energy savings to the utility.
• The Green Building Program budget is currently justified through electrical demand savings to the city-owned utility.

Whole Foods Corporate Headquarters

• The grocery store's ceiling is constructed of recycled wood taken from a dismantled warehouse.
• The exterior of the building is made from native limestone.
• The reflective roof is constructed from recycled metal.
• To save energy, the concrete used consists of flyash, a byproduct of coal plants. 
• The landscaping features native plants.

Habitat for Humanity Demonstration Home

• All water fixtures exceed code requirements for flow conservation.
• Rainwater from the roof is be diverted to the xeriscaped landscape.
• The house contains passive solar features (increased thermal mass, stategic window placement, strategic house orientation) for heating and cooling.
• Ceiling fans located in all primary areas allow the comfort level for individuals to be at least 5 degrees higher than otherwise.
• Interior lighting is provided by fluorescent fixtures.
• The insulation is composed of recycled content cellulose.
• The carpeting in the bedrooms is made from recycled post-consumer plastic.
• The house features a composting system.

Vital Statistics

Program Management/Partnerships: The City of Austin Green Building Program is managed by the City of Austin's Environmental and Conservation Services Department. Partnerships have been formed with the Sustainable Building Coalition, the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems, the Texas Capitol Area Builders Assocation, the American Institute for Learning, the Sierra Club, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Home Depot and many others.

Budget: The program employs seven people and has an annual budget of $270,000.

Community Served: The 500,000 residents of Austin.

Measures of Success:

• Program staff are currently assisting three separate developers on major green housing projects.
• Program staff are developing salvage and recycling programs for the recently closed Air Force base that is being converted into the new Austin airport.
• Sustainable building guidelines were incorporated into the new Wildflower Research Center currently under construction in Austin.
• Several straw bale and compressed soil block homes have been built in the area since the program's inception.
• In partnership with the American Insitute for Learning (AIL) at-risk youth training and education program, a $1 million HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) grant has been received to build low-income green homes.
• In 1992, the Green Building program was selected as one of twelve finalists worldwide for the United Nations Local Government Honours Programme.
• More than 1,200 copies of the Green Building Guide have been distributed.
• More than 500 copies of the Sustainable Building Sourcebook have been sold nationwide.
• Four rainwater "harvesting" services have appeared in Austin since the program's inception.
• A manufacturing facility that produces recycled content cement blocks is being built in Houston.