Home Energy Score Model Ordinance
One of the TCMC’s 2024 regional initiatives is to create a model ordinance for a regionally coordinated home energy score disclosure program. A Home Energy Score (HES) is a standardized rating system for home efficiency, developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, which can be adopted readily by local governments. A HES looks at the assets and infrastructure of the home to estimate energy use/costs and provide recommendations to cost-effectively improve the home’s efficiency. This information allows prospective homebuyers to consider the home’s energy burden as part of their purchase decision and financing. The model ordinance has been adopted in Thurston County and Olympia.
Upcoming and Recent HES Ordinance meetings at Jurisdictions:
Thurston County:
The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) adopted the ordinance on March 17, 2026.
Board of County Commissioners Business Meeting (3/17/2026)
Board Public Hearing (2/17/2026)
Board of County Commissioners Work Session (12/10/2025, 51:10)
Board of County Commissioners Work Session (10/15/2025, 1:00:53)
Olympia:
The Olympia City Council adopted the ordinance on April 14, 2026.
Land Use & Environment Committee Meeting (2/20/2025)
City Council Study Session (3/11/2025)
Lacey:
The city of Lacey will place the HES model ordinance on their 2027 workplan in early 2027 for consideration and adoption by the city council.
Tumwater:
City of Tumwater has held multiple meetings to discuss the HES Ordinance.
Documents:
