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
Researchers recommend new homes have safe rooms for tornado survival
New practices recommended in light of 2013 Oklahoma tornado
SolarCity expands service to Nevada beginning this fall
Company will offer 3-kw systems starting at $25 to $100 a month
North American Passive House conference in San Francisco in September
Passive House Institute U.S. currently accepting papers, presenters
OSHA’s Stop Falls web site includes fall prevention videos
OSHA is also planning a National Safety Stand-Down event for next month.
Door knob code revisions generating controversy
Vancouver banning doorknobs in favor of levers; Colorado county doing the opposite in favor of safety
Codes + Standards
Tougher penalties needed for violation of construction safety standards, says advocacy group
National Council for Occupational Safety and Health concerned about falls, silica dust exposure
California commission moves to exempt solar power storage for extra fees
Solar battery systems would be treated as net-metered solar systems under the proposed decision
New hurricane warning maps will include storm surge data
Superstorm Sandy prompted change to include maps with coloring to represent depth of flash floods.
Senate committee struggles to reach agreement on replacing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
Disagreements arise over regulatory powers and lending in disadvantaged communities, among other issues.
Arizona may impose property taxes on rooftop solar leases
A new interpretation of state law could mean an extra $152 a year in taxes on solar panels