EPA Introduces New Certification: Energy Star NextGen
The EPA's newest certification aims to boost national energy and emissions savings and act as a catalyst for the construction of new, energy-efficient homes
Public Comment Period Opens for National Green Building Standard Updates
The 45-day public comment period for draft 2 of the 2024 NGBS begins on April 12, 2024
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
New York City Tightens Restrictions on Construction During Pandemic
New York City has strengthened its ban on nonessential construction, and the city’s Department of Buildings has stepped up enforcement. The…
Coronavirus Resources and Information
ASHRAE, WELL Panels to Tackle Revising Standards to Limit Spread of Viruses in Buildings
Both ASHRAE and the International WELL Building Institute have formed panels to address how building standards could limit the spread of viruses…
Dept. of Labor Issues Guidance for Respiratory Protection During N95 Shortage
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued interim enforcement guidance to help combat supply shortages of disposable N95…
California’s Housing Crisis Prompts Rent Strikes and Squatting
In parts of California, the lack of affordable housing has reached the point where people are resorting to rent strikes and squatting. Some face…
Is Biodiversity the New Frontier for Sustainable Home Development?
In recent years, sustainability for new development has centered on reducing resource use and emissions in water, waste, and energy. A more recent…
COVID-19 Taking a Toll on Energy Efficiency Projects
Some 2.4 million workers provide energy efficiency services for homes and businesses. Indications are that this sector is being hit hard by the…
Using Conventional Materials to Reduce Embodied Carbon Footprint
Builders for Climate Action have found that embodied carbon accounted for an outsized portion of greenhouse gas emissions for new low-rise…
Coronavirus Resources and Information
What Building Science Says About Reducing COVID-19 Transmission
In theory, adjusting indoor environments—particularly temperature and relative humidity—could help slow the spread of pathogens like COVID-19…
Coronavirus Resources and Information
Standards and Codes Meetings Halted, Postponed
Notable meetings pertaining to standards and codes have been canceled or postponed this week due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The U.S.…
Energy Efficiency
Aaron Nitzkin on Carbon Reduction Using All-Electric Home Incentives
Aaron Nitzkin, chairman of the city of Davis, Calif.'s solar task force, weighs in on reach codes and how the municipality is using the carrot rather than the stick to encourage all-electric homes to reduce carbon emissions