Development that could effect energy-efficient home appraisals

The Appraisal Foundation and the US Department of Energy to Collaborate on Issues Relating to Green Building Valuation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2011

Contact:
Paula Douglas Seidel
Executive Administrator
The Appraisal Foundation
paula@appraisalfoundation.org
direct phone 202.624.3048

Washington, DC — The Appraisal Foundation, the Congressionally authorized source of appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications in the United States, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, to collaborate on a series of activities focusing on energy efficiencies and the valuation of green buildings.

The Appraisal Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1987, is dedicated to the advancement of professional valuation and serves as the parent organization for three independent Boards: the Appraisal Practices Board (APB), the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB), and the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB). 

A principal component of the MOU is that the generally accepted standards of the appraisal profession, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), are applicable to green valuations.

Collaborative activities between The Appraisal Foundation and the Department of Energy will include:

·       Engaging the appraisal community on energy efficiency and green valuations.

·       Development of additional guidance from all three of the Foundation’s independent Boards relating to applicability of the existing standards to the valuation of green buildings. This guidance could take on a number of forms such as USPAP Frequently Asked Questions or Advisory Opinions from the ASB, and voluntary guidance from the APB on recognized valuation methods and techniques.

·       Development of one or more databases, through the Department of Energy, to provide data on energy performance for specific building types and upgrades, to the valuation arena. Data of this type has historically been sparse and/or difficult to collect, whereas this new initiative is intended to be of great assistance to the valuation community.

·       Development of educational course curriculum, through the Department of Energy and based on the guidance of the Foundation’s APB, relating to energy performance and sustainability in commercial buildings.

The importance of energy efficiency is gaining traction throughout the marketplace. On June 13, the issue was raised with President Barack Obama as part of the Council on Jobs and Competitiveness meeting and is a component of his Better Buildings Initiative.                                                                                                                 

Examples of the importance of education on energy efficiency and green valuations in the appraisal community include:

·      Energy efficient items result in lower operating costs for commercial properties, thereby increasing the net income potential for the property.  Since income potential is the primary factor considered by investors when buying commercial properties, this translates into a higher value potential for the property.

·      Some municipalities and local jurisdictions are starting to require a certain level of energy efficiency for their commercial properties.  Because many existing buildings do not meet the new standards, investors are likely to place a premium on those properties that do comply, thereby resulting in higher values for properties of these types.

·      The increasing costs related to energy consumption make less efficient properties less desirable to many potential buyers, including owner occupants.  Because the appraiser’s job is to “mirror the marketplace,” any premiums placed on properties due to their energy efficiency should be recognized by appraisers when providing opinions of value.