Residents push Tumwater to require home energy audits; advocates say $200 audit can reduce emissions and help buyers

Climate and sustainability advocates pressed the Tumwater City Council on Jan. 6 to advance a home energy performance rating and disclosure ordinance.

Natasha Hayes, president of Restoring Earth Connections, asked the council to “please, as soon as possible, pass and implement the home energy savings audit.” Hayes said an audit would typically cost about $200, apply to buyers (and landlords), and both reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions and give buyers information to negotiate energy performance during sales.

Tom Crawford of the Thurston Climate Action Team said the proposed residential energy performance and disclosure ordinance is one of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan’s earliest measures. He told the council staff had coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions and stakeholders and described the $200 audit as “a rounding error” relative to typical home sale prices.

Lynn Fitzhugh (Restoring Earth Connection) asked the council to set a date for a briefing by the sustainability coordinator so council members could consider the ordinance at a future meeting. Staff and council indicated they would schedule a briefing for further discussion.