Austin, TX Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Launched
- 1990, first US municipal
- Rating scale
- One to five stars
- Mandatory for
- New homes in service area
- Density bonus link
- 2-3 star minimum
- Lead agency
- Austin Energy Green Building
Summary
Austin Energy Green Building, launched in 1990 as the first municipal green building rating program in the United States, evaluates new and remodel projects on a one-to-five-star scale and is referenced by Austin Code Title 25 for incentives and density bonuses.
Sec. 388.003. (b) To achieve energy conservation in all other residential, commercial, and industrial construction, the International Energy Conservation Code as it existed on May 1, 2001, is adopted as the energy code for use in this state for all other residential, commercial, and industrial construction. The State Energy Conservation Office may adopt and substitute for that energy code the latest published edition of the International Energy Conservation Code, based on written findings on the stringency of the edition submitted by the laboratory.
Full Breakdown
Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) predates LEED and provides Austin-tailored ratings on five attributes: energy, water, health, materials, and community. New homes earn one to five stars based on points across each attribute. Commercial and multifamily projects use a separate but parallel rating tool. AEGB rating is mandatory for all new homes built in Austin Energy service territory under utility tariff and is required for residential projects above certain sizes. Several Land Development Code density-bonus programs require minimum two- or three-star ratings to unlock higher floor-area ratio. Affordability Unlocked requires three-star at minimum. AEGB also publishes plan reviews, blower-door testing, and on-site inspections.
Violations & Fines
Failure to achieve required AEGB rating blocks density bonus approvals and Affordability Unlocked entitlements. Non-rated homes inside Austin Energy service area may not receive final inspection sign-off; builders must redo testing and submit pass results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin Green Building rating mandatory?
How does AEGB differ from LEED?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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