ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN SINGLE AND MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS.

(a) A newly constructed single or multifamily dwelling that is constructed with assistance awarded by the department, including state or federal money, housing tax credits, or multifamily bond financing, must include energy conservation and efficiency measures specified by the department. The department by rule shall establish a minimum level of energy efficiency measures that must be included in a newly constructed single or multifamily dwelling as a condition of eligibility to receive assistance awarded by the department for housing construction. The measures adopted by the department may include:

(1) the installation of Energy Star-labeled ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms;

(2) the installation of Energy Star-labeled appliances;

(3) the installation of Energy Star-labeled lighting in all interior units;

(4) the installation of Energy Star-labeled ventilation equipment, including power-vented fans, range hoods, and bathroom fans;

(5) the use of energy efficient alternative construction material, including structural insulated panel construction;

(6) the installation of central air conditioning or heat pump equipment with a better Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) than that required by the energy code adopted under Section 388.003, Health and Safety Code; and

(7) the installation of the air ducting system inside the conditioned space.

(b) A single or multifamily dwelling must include energy conservation and efficiency measures specified by the department if:

(1) the dwelling is rehabilitated with assistance awarded by the department, including state or federal money, housing tax credits, or multifamily bond financing; and

(2) any portion of the rehabilitation includes alterations that will replace items that are identified as required efficiency measures by the department.

(c) The energy conservation and efficiency measures the department requires under Subsection (b) may not be more stringent than the measures the department requires under Subsection (a).

(d) The department shall review the measures required to meet the energy efficiency standards at least annually to determine if additional measures are desirable and to ensure that the most recent energy efficiency technology is considered.

(e) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a single or multifamily dwelling that receives weatherization assistance money from the department or money provided under the first-time homebuyer program.