Title
Resolution for Evaluation of Integration of Home Energy Score (HES) Assessments in Residential Inspection Process
Staff
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City Building, Rental and Inspection Services is the city department that oversees building inspections and permits,
Whereas, The Michigan Energy Code allows four different options to meet the energy code requirements, including: the building thermal envelope (prescriptive) methodology, the simulated performance alternative (performance) methodology, the Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance alternative, and above code programs;
Whereas, By implementing a voluntary Home Energy Score (HES) assessment option at the City Building, Rental and Inspection level, the city could offer a means for interested stakeholders to get a HES immediately following major renovations;
Whereas, The ERI performance path written into the 2015 IECC provides a possible pathway for evaluating alignment with the Michigan Energy Code;
Whereas, A Home Energy Score may be an eligible ERI pathway;
Whereas, Housing inspectors that are full time staff at the City are required to obtain the ICC Residential Inspectors Certification for Home Inspectors;
Whereas, The training associated with ICC Home Inspector Certification likely aligns with some of the training associated with becoming a Home Energy Score Assessor; and
Whereas, The Building, Rental and Inspection Services Department is expected to issue 14,000 permits and 5,000 Housing Certifications between January 2023 and December 2023;
RESOLVED, The City Administrator shall collaborate with the Building and Code Compliance Officials to explore comprehensive training of City-employed housing inspectors, enabling them to function competently as Home Energy Score Assessors,
RESOLVED, The City Administrator is directed to identify pathways for individuals to indicate interest in a voluntary Home Energy Scores (HES) during the permit application process;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is directed to investigate how data collected as part of an HES assessment can be utilized for the launch of precision-targeted energy usage campaigns, gathering insights on energy usage trends post-renovations and new constructions, and to develop and enhance financial assistance programs; and
RESOLVED, Within six months after passage of this Resolution, the City Administrator is directed to advise City Council on the expected staffing, funding, or other needs necessary to integrate a voluntary HES program, including data collection, into the City’s permitting and inspection process.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Harrison, Disch, Eyer, Radina, and Ghazi Edwin