FAQs

ECAD improves energy efficiency by requiring energy audits or energy benchmarking that uncovers energy improvement opportunities. Commercial building owners are required to report an energy benchmark rating to the City of Austin.

You have a choice to use either the Key Code Reporting option or the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager option.

All non-manufacturing buildings (those not qualifying for the manufacturing exemption) must report an energy benchmark rating to the City of Austin by June 1st of each year.

Yes. You must rate your building each year from the initial reporting date. Each energy benchmark must be done in the calendar year in which it is required.

No. Only buildings that qualify for a tax exemption from the State of Texas for manufacturing are not required to rate their building. The manufacturing tax exemption for electricity must also be filed with Austin Energy.

Manufacturing means a use that has met all requirements of a State of Texas sales tax exemption for manufacturing, processing, or fabricating tangible personal property for sale and the utility account holder has qualified for a Predominant Use Exemption for the Utility account(s) of the entire commercial facility.

It is the seller’s responsibility to report the building’s energy benchmark rating to Austin Energy and disclose the score with potential buyers.

You must disclose this to the buyer at the time of sale. 

The building’s Commercial Energy Guide Report or the Portfolio Manager “Statement of Energy Performance” report from the prior year must be disclosed to the buyer before the sales contract is executed.

No. Energy efficiency upgrades are not required. The City of Austin has set voluntary energy efficiency goals for commercial buildings.

Austin Energy supports the city’s energy efficiency goals by encouraging participation in its commercial energy-efficiency rebate and incentive programs.

Browse our commercial rebate and incentive offerings

Yes. PACE financing enables owners of non-profit, commercial, and industrial properties to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for water and energy efficiency improvements and solar generation retrofits. Private sector lenders in Travis and Williamson counties finance qualified improvements and property owners voluntarily agree to contractual assessments imposed on the property. PACE improvements generate positive cash flow with no out-of-pocket cost to the property owner. If the property is sold before the full amount is repaid, the repayment obligation automatically transfers to the next owner. PACE assessments complement Austin Energy incentive programs. 

Learn more about the Texas PACE Authority

Browse Texas PACE Authority case studies and other resources