Public Comment Period Opens for 2024 National Green Building Standard Update
The 45-day public comment period opened Aug. 18, and comments must be submitted by Oct. 2, 2023
The Inefficiencies of the Latest Energy Code
The 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) hampers the return on investment for builders and homebuyers
New RESNET Label Provides Home Energy-Efficiency Ratings and Certifications Info
A one-page, consumer-friendly label is now available for all homes in the RESNET Registry
Meet the Zero Energy Ready Home Program Version 2
The latest version of the ZERH program aims to push home energy efficiency and performance to the next level
Utah’s Housing Recovery Hinges on Federal Permitting Reform
Despite a fast pace of new-construction projects statewide, demand for housing in Utah continues to outpace supply. Local builders say reforming an outdated federal permitting process could help
2020 National Electrical Code Resets GFCI Rule
NAHB Policy Briefing: Electrical code updates regarding ground-fault circuit interrupters out of step with currently available HVAC products; number of women employed in construction rises
California’s drought prompts tougher water use rules
Restrictions on spraying and even water fountain use could lead to fines up to $500.
Google moves to advance new standard for home device networks
The Internet giant is the latest company to turn its efforts to integrating smart home gadgets.
Sustainability
Coastal Flooding Increasing Along East Coast of U.S.
A sharp rise in flooding the last 40 years seems to correlate with an 8-inch average rise in sea levels over the past century.
Vermont passes law to promote use of heat pumps
Provisions of the law include an incentive program to lower the cost of the most efficient cold climate heat pumps.
NIST zero-energy test house generates more energy than it uses
Even after a difficult winter, the NZE home has managed to save $4,373 over the last year.
Justice Department, HUD crack down on lending discrimination against pregnant women
Both agencies have begun fining lenders and insurers over the last several years.
Mortgage bankers fear another real estate bubble
While homeowner equity is at its highest level since 2007, 6 million homeowners are still underwater on their mortgages.
Codes + Standards
Latest construction accident fatality statistics reverse trend of declining deaths
2012 statistics show construction fatalities on the rise, with North Dakota's rate 10 times the national average
Energy Department rolls out new efficiency standard for furnace fans
The new standard could reduce carbon pollution by up to 34 million metric tons and reduce energy use by 46 percent.
Should there be a ‘Pretty Good House’ standard?
Builders are considering a new standard higher than code-minimum but less demanding than LEED and other certifications.