During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implementation of new energy efficiency programs aimed at improving the sustainability of rental housing in Ann Arbor. The meeting highlighted two key initiatives: the Home Energy Rating Disclosure (HEARD) program and the Green Rental Housing Program.

The HEARD program mandates that homes for sale undergo an energy score assessment, providing potential buyers with crucial information about the home's energy performance. This initiative is designed to encourage homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades, which can yield cost savings over time.

The Green Rental Housing Program focuses on enhancing energy efficiency in rental units. Officials noted that Ann Arbor has approximately 31,500 rental units, many of which were built before energy efficiency standards were established in Michigan in 1977. This context underscores the need for targeted policies to address the energy performance of older buildings.

To develop these programs, the city convened a task force comprising representatives from tenant and landlord advocacy groups, low-income housing providers, and building experts. This collaborative approach aims to create policies that are informed by best practices from other cities while considering local conditions.

The proposed energy efficiency requirements for rentals include two compliance pathways: a checklist pathway and a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) pathway. The checklist pathway allows landlords to achieve compliance by accumulating points through various energy efficiency measures, while the HERS pathway requires a certified energy rater to assess the unit's performance.

Feedback from public consultations indicated that some stakeholders found the proposed changes overwhelming, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. In response, officials are working to streamline the process and ensure that the requirements are both achievable and equitable.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining these programs, emphasizing the importance of balancing energy efficiency improvements with the needs of tenants and landlords. As Ann Arbor moves forward with these initiatives, the city aims to enhance the comfort and sustainability of its rental housing stock while reducing overall energy consumption.