HB1027 Summary

• Establishes the "Sustainable Energy-Efficient Home Program" administered by the Arkansas Energy Office to promote energy and water conservation in privately owned homes.

• Requires new construction and major home renovations (costing more than 50% of appraised value) to achieve at least 10% reduction in energy consumption below baseline standards using the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Standard 90.1-2007.

• Mandates new construction to reduce indoor water use by 20% and outdoor water consumption by 50% through efficient landscape materials and irrigation strategies.

• Requires the Arkansas Energy Office to develop an energy management program targeting 20% energy consumption reduction by 2016 and 30% reduction by 2019, with participating homeowners required to submit annual utility reports.

• Exempts historic properties on the National Register of Historic Places, homes in historic districts, and homes with unique architectural characteristics from program requirements if energy conservation measures conflict with preservation requirements.