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.
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.
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.
Austin, TX
Austin Energy Code, an amended version of the 2021 IECC adopted under City Code Title 25, requires high-reflectance and high-emissivity roofing on low-slope ...
Austin, TX
Austin Land Development Code offers multiple density-bonus programs, including the citywide Affordability Unlocked program adopted in 2019, allowing develope...
See how Austin's green building code rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.