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
BioCasa_82 in Italy sets high bar on sustainability
Aiming for LEED Platinum, the home discharges 60 percent fewer emissions than average buildings.
Federal Reserve still concerned about housing recovery
Chairwoman Yellen notes that mortgage rates have finally begun to fall, dropping .36 percent since last July.
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