DEVELOPMENT OF HOME ENERGY RATINGS

(a) The laboratory shall develop a standardized report format to be used by providers of home energy ratings. The laboratory may develop different report formats for rating newly constructed residences from those for existing residences. The form must be designed to give potential buyers information on a structure's energy performance, including: (1) insulation; (2) types of windows; (3) heating and cooling equipment; (4) water heating equipment; (5) additional energy conserving features, if any; (6) results of performance measurements of building tightness and forced air distribution; and (7) an overall rating of probable energy efficiency relative to the minimum requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code or the energy efficiency chapter of the International Residential Code, as appropriate. (b) The laboratory shall establish a public information program to inform homeowners, sellers, buyers, and others regarding home energy ratings. (c) The laboratory may cooperate with an industry organization or trade association to: (1) develop guidelines for home energy ratings; (2) provide training for individuals performing home energy ratings and providers of home energy ratings; and (3) provide a registry of completed ratings for newly constructed residences and residential improvement projects for the purpose of computing the energy savings and emissions reductions benefits of the home energy ratings program. (d) The laboratory shall include information on the benefits attained from this program in an annual report to the commission.