Austin Energy Green Building 2026 Single Family Rating Update – speakupaustin.org

AEGB Single Family Rating Update Report

About the Update

Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) is revising its Single Family Rating system to align with new building codes and City policies, including the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code and the City of Austin Climate Equity Plan. This update emphasizes the importance of community feedback to develop a rating tool that supports sustainable, high-performing, and health-promoting buildings, directly contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Program Background

Since 1991, AEGB has driven innovation in green building to enhance environmental, economic, and human well-being within the Austin community. The program promotes sustainability through green building ratings, consulting, code advancement, education, and professional development. As Austin grows, AEGB continuously raises standards in key sustainability areas such as:

• Energy efficiency (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)
• Water quality and conservation (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)
• Indoor environmental quality (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being)
• Material resource management (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)
• Site development (SDG 15: Life on Land)

The 2023.1 Single Family Rating update reflects recent changes in local goals, codes, policies, and advances in building technology and practices. It addresses Central Texas’ environmental, community, health, and economic priorities, with a broader impact on the global ecosystem, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Our Process

The AEGB residential team collaborates with City departments, local non-profits, building professionals, and the community to develop standards that encourage higher performance in design and development. The rating system:

1. Rewards sustainable building practices
2. Leads to high-performing buildings
3. Creates market demand for sustainable buildings

Projects are rated on a one to five-star scale based on a points system that includes required and voluntary sustainable measures. As sustainable practices gain market recognition through AEGB ratings, these measures are integrated into Austin’s building codes and regulations, advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Alignment with Austin Plans

The AEGB Single Family Rating update aligns with several City of Austin plans, including:

• Austin Climate Equity Plan (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 13: Climate Action)
• Austin Water Forward (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)
• Austin Resource Recovery Zero Waste by 2040 (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)
• Imagine Austin (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035 (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action)

These plans collectively aim to foster a community that is healthy, affordable, accessible, and culturally reflective, supporting the achievement of multiple SDGs.

Get Involved

Community participation is essential to the success of this program update. Interested parties are encouraged to register for project updates via the Registration tab on the AEGB website. For questions or to provide feedback, contact AEGB directly via email.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article emphasizes health-promoting buildings and indoor environmental quality, which relate to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • References to water quality and conservation align with ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Focus on energy efficiency and the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035 connect to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable energy.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses sustainable building practices, affordable and accessible environments, and local culture, which relate to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Material resources and zero waste goals align with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
6. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The Austin Climate Equity Plan and climate protection efforts relate directly to combating climate change and its impacts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution by improving indoor environmental quality.
2. SDG 6 – Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency and ensure sustainable withdrawals.
3. SDG 7 – Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
4. SDG 11 – Target 11.1: Ensure access to safe and affordable housing and basic services.
5. SDG 12 – Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
6. SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Building Rating Scale (1 to 5 stars): Measures the level of sustainable building practices implemented, reflecting progress on energy efficiency, water conservation, and material resource use.
2. Points System for Sustainable Measures: Quantifies required and voluntary sustainable building measures, serving as an indicator of adoption and performance.
3. Incorporation into Local Codes and Regulations: The extent to which sustainable measures are adopted into city codes indicates progress towards climate action and sustainable urban development.
4. Community Participation and Feedback: Engagement levels can be an indicator of inclusiveness and awareness in sustainable development efforts.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: speakupaustin.org