Energy Inspectors – Is this an idea or reality for municipalities? Well, to all those installing solar panels, insulation products and other green appliances and products, in some areas the use of energy inspectors is reality.
In cities like Austin, TX, an Energy Inspector is now a required position. His or her job is to inspect new residential dwellings and make sure they are up to the city’s strict code.
Austin is not the only place in the US with such a position, states such as California have similar positions. I came across this interesting bit of green construction knowledge when reading this New York Times Article “A New Enforcer in Buildings, the Energy Inspector”
The article reports that we lose or waste more energy in our homes than necessary. Old homes that were build to outdated codes are just throwing money and energy literally out the window. States like Florida, Texas and California are being proactive in the fight to save energy and costs for consumers.
We’ve reported in the past that Louisiana is leading the country in some areas related to green building, and so it shouldn’t be surprising that New Orleans has an engery inspector positions as well. Heck, the New Orleans energy inspector has even been quoted by the New York Times in a piece they ran about the green movement in Louisiana. (A Sustainable New Orleans Slowly Rises in Katrina’s Wake). In the article the energy inspector, Zach Embry, is referred to as the city’s “renewable energy permitting specialist.”
It’s important for contractors, suppliers and others in the industry to think the energy inspector position, not only because of what it means for the green movement in general, but also because it will affect your ability to provide green products and services to clients.
And of course, in this area, the laws, regulations and inspections can be a moving target. So, be careful.
This article was originally posted on Wolfe Law Group’s topic-specific Louisiana Green Building Law Blog.
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