When residential units are sold in the City of Chicago, require that they receive an energy efficiency rating.  This rating would be determined by a certified home energy auditor and based on an existing national standard. The energy efficiency rating would be included in MLS just as other characteristic such as the number of rooms, baths, garage spaces, granite countertops, etc. are.

In the short term, this requirement could:

 - Create local jobs for building inspectors and home energy auditors

 - Create local jobs for insulation installers, heating and cooling professionals, home renovators, etc

 - Provide the buyer with additional information to make a more informed buying decision

 - Provide realtors  with a nationally recognized standard to differentiate their homes to increase sales

In the longer term this requirement could shift the marketplace to:

 - Reduce home owner's utility bills

 - Increase the comfort of the home

This energy efficiency rating standard should not be developed locally. It should be based on nationally recognized standards such as RESNET www.natresnet.org or Energy Star for Homes www.energystar.gov.