"On Jan. 1 the city of Berkeley implemented a critical new measure toward reaching its ambitious goal of zero-net energy consumption for new and existing buildings, and it has a big impact on people selling and buying homes. Also, homeowners staying put can consider it as a road map for updates. The Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) that once required only an assessment of energy efficiency at the time of sale, now demands further action from sellers and buyers."
"Sellers can no longer defer hiring an assessor to generate a home energy report and score. After receiving their score, they will now have a strategic choice: complete some number of efficiency upgrades to achieve the required six credits before listing or defer compliance to the buyer by paying a non-refundable $2,500 deposit to the city. That deferral option is really important for sellers to understand, says Megan Micco, a Berkeley real estate agent with Compass."
Berkeley implemented the Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) to advance zero-net energy goals for new and existing buildings. The city previously adopted Measure G in 2006 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 and followed with a Climate Action Plan targeting zero-net energy through efficiency and renewables. Under BESO, single-family homes and buildings with up to four units must earn credits at ownership change via upgrades such as heat pump HVAC and water heaters, solar with battery storage, improved insulation, electrical panel upgrades and EV chargers. Sellers must obtain an energy assessment and either complete upgrades to reach six credits or pay a non-refundable $2,500 deferral deposit that effectively credits the buyer. Homeowners remaining in place can use the credit categories as a roadmap for retrofits.
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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