Home Energy Score Public Comment Form |
On March 17, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners approved County Ordinance No. 16619, requiring a Home Energy Score (HES) when a home is listed for sale. The requirement is expected to take effect in 2027.
The Home Energy Score (HES) is a standardized assessment of heating and cooling systems, insulation, foundation, windows, and more that generates a 1-to-10 rating. It removes the guesswork for buyers when comparing homes and budgeting for energy use and costs.
The HES was developed by the US Department of Energy and provides an energy performance rating, an estimate of annual energy costs, and a list of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements that are estimated to pay back in ten years or less. Improvements are not required by the ordinance.
The HES assessment is conducted by a certified Home Energy Score Assessor, takes about one hour to complete, and typically costs $150-350.
For more information about the HES policy, please visit https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/climate/home-energy-score
Your response will help the County as it prepares to implement the new policy in 2027. Thank you for help!