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
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 Local builders say reforming an outdated federal permitting process could help
Time to consider floating homes in coastal areas
The sight of shoreline homes washed away in recent storms suggests it is time to give serious consideration to innovative proposals like a plan for a “float yard” along Boston Harbor.
Priority Energy to host networking, educational event
Priority Energy, a home-energy audit training company based in the Chicago area, invites builders, architects, contractors, code officials, and HERS raters to mingle with industry peers and browse its IECC booths on Wednesday, May 15.
Passive House airtightness standard depends on diligence of crew
Meeting the Passive House airtightness standard is more a matter of art than of software. It takes top-notch materials for taping and sealing and great diligence in applying them.
Contest promotes design of safer, healthier products
Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and Make It Right have announced a Product Innovation Challenge to encourage manufacturers to design goods for the affordable housing market that are safe for human and environmental health.
Number of LEED homes could grow if savings is emphasized
The ranks of LEED certified homes would grow faster if builders appealed more to homeowner’s desire to save money on utilities, says Paul Fisette, a sustainable building expert at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Immigration reform must address labor shortage
The NAHB and other organizations are recommending any new immigration law to include a program that opens a legal path for foreign workers to enter the United States when the economy needs them.
Coalition opposes building codes that would allow non-flame retardant foam insulation
The newly formed Energy Efficient Foam Coalition announced its opposition to two building code proposals that would side-step the current code requirement for a long-standing fire safety test known as the E-84 Steiner Tunnel Test.
Lawsuit: What's in a design?
Proving copyright infringement of a song, screenplay, or house design typically relies on circumstantial evidence because eyewitnesses or a confession by the defendant are rarely available.
Fenestration Council allows some shading systems, dynamic glazing to be rated for U-factor
The National Fenestration Rating Council approved changes to its NFRC 100 and NFRC 200 standards, allowing certain shading devices to be rated for U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
Berkeley Lab researchers developing new indoor air pollution standards
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is working on new building standards after discovering previously unknown indoor air pollutants.
