Energy Audit Information for Public Housing Authorities

Energy audits of buildings are required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD for all housing authorities and public housing authorities. A certified home energy rater can provide energy audits and cost-effective energy efficiency measures using approved software. Energy professionals certified by the Building Performance Institute or BPI can also perform energy audits and evaluate cost-effective energy efficiency measures.

HAs and PHAs who have maintenance budgets can upgrade their facilities by using the money saved by energy efficiency improvements to pay for the upgrades. Housing authorities that need to finance their energy improvements through third party financing will need to have a "Performance Contract" performed on their buildings that will determine the energy-savings potential. Certain energy improvements will be able to pay for themselves using the money saved. Other energy improvements may not save enough money to fit the time-frame or other parameters required.

Information about Performance Contracts can be found using the links below or on the HUD website. Performance Contracts can be written and/or evaluated by Certified Energy Managers (CEMs) through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). However, a licensed professional engineer will need to review and sign-off on any Performance Contracts that participate in the HUD-approved process.

Please visit the websites listed on the links below for additional information. Thank you.

(Please check back often for updates to this energy audit information.)

Association of Energy Engineers (AEE): Http://www.aeecenter.org

The Association of Energy Engineers or AEE is a recognized organization in both the energy and environmental fields. AEE offers certification for energy managers (CEMs) and other specialties, including indoor air quality professionals (CIAQPs), lighting efficiency professionals (CLEPs) and green building engineers (GBEs).

Please visit the AEE website for additional details.

Building Performance Institute - BPI: Http://www.bpi.org

The Building Performance Institute promotes excellence in the contracting trades by establishing standards of performance for technicians and providing certifications for qualified contractors. BPI contractors use a "whole house" approach to create energy efficient, durable buildings that are both comfortable and safe for the people who occupy them.

Energy & Environmental Ratings Alliance: Http://www.ratingsalliance.org

The Energy and Environmental Ratings Alliance (EERA) is a Home Energy Ratings Provider organization accredited by the RESNET Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee, a nationally recognized accrediting body. EERA empowers Home Energy Raters to offer a full range of home diagnostic services to their clients, and provides Raters professional development and continuous training options.

Residential Energy Network: Http://www.natresnet.org

The national Residential Energy Network has become the "go to" organization for information on energy raters, energy efficient mortgage providers, local, regional and national energy & environmental programs, and a great deal more. RESNET has an annual conference that offers seminars and workshops focused on the energy professional. Most of the national energy legislation filtering through congress has input from RESNET.

The Metropolitan Energy Center: Http://www.kcenergy.org

The Metropolitan Energy Center, located at 3808 Paseo in KCMO, is a unique resource for the greater Kansas City region. The MEC offers many diverse programs that help save energy, conserve precious natural resources and introduce innovative technology. Please visit the MEC website for more information.

Mid-America Regional Council: Http://www.marc.org

The Mid-America Regional Council has been a driving force for air quality programs, recycling initiatives, storm water runoff programs and much more for many years.

Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City: Http://www.kchba.org

The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, or KC HBA, has advocated for the home building professional for many years. KC HBA offers two successful annual shows: the Home Show, offered in the spring months and the Fall Home Show, normally offered in late October or early November. These shows are extremely well attended and have a variety of products related to the home construction industry.

Affordable Comfort Conference: Http://www.affordablecomfort.org

The Affordable Comfort Conference is one of the premier energy conferences for the residential and commercial energy contractor. This conference came to Kansas City in the spring of 2003 and was affectionately dubbed, "The ACKC Conference". Some of the best known energy experts in the United States have shared their thoughts and experiences at this conference. For anyone interested in becoming involved in the energy field, this conference is a "must attend" for them.

Other Home Energy Rating Programs Across the USA

National Registry of Accredited Home Energy Rating Systems: http://www.natresnet.org/accred/registry.htm

The list of HERS providers or other accredited programs expands continuously. After you click on the link above you can scroll down the list and find the programs offered in various neighboring states. The entire field of energy services is growing at an exponential rate.