The Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) Single Family Rating focuses on sustainability through energy efficiency, water efficiency, healthy materials, environmental quality, and more. The comprehensive rating system incorporates green building strategies that advance Austin's environmental initiatives. The rating system evolves along with new technologies and building practices. Residence types include single family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. New construction and major renovations are eligible for ratings in the Austin Energy service territory and in the 27-county extended-rating service area by participating through AEGB prequalified extended area raters. The rating process begins during design, continues through construction site visits, and completes after verification of achievements. 

The rating includes basic requirements for all rated projects and additional measures in seven categories to achieve more points for a higher rating. Compliance with all basic requirements satisfies the requirement for a 1-star rating. Learn more about the current, 2023 AEGB Single Family Rating and previous ratings by accessing guidebooks and other resources in our Online Rating System (ORS) Help section.

The AEGB Single Family Rating was developed in 1991. It was the first rating system in the U.S. for evaluating the sustainability of buildings. The first home was completed and received a rating in 1993. This timeline shows the number of rated homes since the start of the program. Hover over the bar chart to see the ratings for each year.

The cards indicate total number of rated single family projects and S.M.A.R.T. Housing projects that are included in developer agreements (see below). The bar chart shows the number and percentage of projects for each star rating. Hover over each bar to see details. The AEGB rated residences are displayed by census track. Click on the legend to see the corresponding colors and number of residences.

True affordability goes far beyond initial building costs. It includes the price of transportation, ongoing maintenance, utilities, and even healthcare. The City of Austin includes green building requirements as part of its holistic approach to lowering costs for all Austinites. Read more about S.M.A.R.T. Housing development incentives.

Each year we celebrate rated projects by highlighting the metrics and participants for our fiscal year from October to September.  The map and list below feature master-planned developments, small communities, and custom homes. Private residences are indicated by neighborhood only. Hover over each point on the map to see the number of homes rated in each neighborhood.

View additional projects in the Case Studies Database.