Hayward Point-of-Sale Update: On Wednesday, August 11 the City of Hayward held a public workshop about a proposed Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO). City staff provided background information on why Hayward was considering adopting a RECO.
If adopted the ordinance could require, among other things, that a property owner add insulation and seal air conditioning ducts before they sell their home. Hayward city staff estimate the cost of these upgrades could range from $1,000 to more than $3,800 per home.
More than a dozen Bay East members (who are also Hayward residents) attended the meeting. Several testified about the status of the local residential real estate market and how point-of-sale requirements are unrealistic and would complicate transactions. They emphasized the importance of promoting energy efficiency through education and incentive programs that benefit all residents. Bay East staff suggested leveraging the current neighborhood planning and outreach programs to educate homeowners about cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades and partnering with the REALTOR® community to help spread the word.
The Hayward Sustainability Committee meets on Wednesday, September 1 to study the RECO issue further. Hopefully the testimony provided at the August 11 meeting will convince the city that there are better strategies for making homes more energy efficient.
For more information: http://www.bayeast.org
