Columbia, Mo., may require rentals to pass energy-efficiency test

The Columbia, Mo., City Council is considering a new requirement that would require new rental units to pass an energy-efficiency test before being awarded a rental certificate.

The proposed policy offers two options for an energy-efficiency test: the Department of Energy’s “Home Energy Score” or a similar energy-efficiency score through Columbia Water and Light. The city’s Environment and Energy Commission says the policy would provide a better indication of how energy-efficient a building is than existing requirements. The tests examine building qualities such as how well insulated the home is and how effectively the home’s windows prevent air leaks.