Energy disclosure impact report: January 2020 to December 2023
A common myth about home energy efficiency is that only new homes can be energy efficient. Homes of any age can be energy efficient with the right improvements. When homeowners receive information on home energy efficiency during the real estate process, they can more confidently make decisions on future upgrades and re-investments in their homes.
Take charge of your home energy performance
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) has partnered with the City of Minneapolis on a residential energy disclosure program since January 2020, with additional outreach and engagement support from CenterPoint Energy for the first four years of the program. This program educates single-family homeowners on the energy performance of their homes at the time of sale, then provides them with guidance and resources to make energy efficiency improvements. By streamlining the energy improvement process for buyers and sellers, we’re making it easier than ever before for homeowners to experience long-term comfort and savings in their new homes.
Measuring the impact of energy disclosures: By the numbers
Between January 2020 and December 2023, nearly 22,000 homes in Minneapolis received energy disclosure evaluations through the Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH) energy disclosure policy. In that same period, nearly 1,500 energy improvements were completed in homes that previously received evaluations. That adds up to significant energy savings.
Total savings from 2020 to 2023
Throughout the life of the TISH program, residences with evaluations have made 1,454 improvements. Those improvements include 1,018 high-efficiency heating system installations and 436 air sealing and insulation improvements.
Across all the energy improvements tracked, residents have saved 31,000 dekatherms of energy, which roughly translates to $272,000 in energy bill savings and 1,600 metric tons reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. If you were to compare this to a reduction in emissions from a gas-powered car, it would be like driving 4.1 million fewer miles.
Estimated savings through 2030
Based on the savings and results so far, we can estimate the total savings the program will have over time. Through 2030, we expect the Minneapolis energy disclosure program to save 132,000 dekatherms of energy. That will lead to an estimated $1 million in energy bill savings for participating residents and 7,000 metric tons reduction of CO2 equivalent, which would be a 1.3% reduction in emissions from residential natural gas across the city.
Pair your energy disclosure report with expert project guidance
Energy disclosure programs educate and motivate homeowners to take on home energy improvements by providing efficiency information at the time of sale. Since the City of Minneapolis launched its policy in 2020, nearly 22,000 homes have received Energy Disclosure Reports, leading to nearly 1,500 energy efficiency improvements in those homes. In 2022, the City of Bloomington launched the Time of Sale (TOS) Housing Inspection Program, a similar program that evaluates homes and supports improvements.
For current homeowners, an Energy Disclosure Report can help you identify opportunities to invest in your home before you sell. For prospective homeowners, your report can help you prioritize your next energy improvement project. No matter who you are, though, we’re here to help. If you’ve received an Energy Disclosure Report, contact CEE’s trained energy advisors for free, no-pressure guidance. We can answer your questions, determine which rebates or incentives are available to you, and connect you with qualified contractors for your next project.