Energy Efficient Construction

Energy-Efficient Construction

• Revised Code Could Add $5K to Illinois New-Home Prices

  Tougher blower-door testing could be particularly problematic, says a state HBA chief.

   

• The NAHB Research Center Recognizes Outstanding Green Certification Program Partners for 2011

  Builders, remodelers, verifiers, and other program champions applauded for helping promote high-performance home building.

   

• More Expensive Homes with New Minn. Building Code?

  May 7--Proposed changes to Minnesota's building code that are meant to make houses safer and more energy-efficient have roused the ire of some local builders, who say the guidelines could significantly jack up prices of new homes.

   

• Giving the Green Light: A Remodeler Uses His Own Home as a Green Test Case

  A remodeler uses his own home to train himself and his crew in specific green practices so he can better inform clients.

   

• Convincing Customers That Energy Star Saves Money

  Energy Star saves money. Repeat. If only it were that easy. A builder in Chicago talks about the hurdles of being an Energy Star partner, and what you can do to get your clients to build green. (Hint: It’s about the utility bills.)

   

• Alabama Adopts Its First Statewide Building Code

  Enforcement of the 2009 International Residential Code begins on October 1.

   

• EnergyValue Housing Award Top Winners

  Nexus EnergyHomes and Ferrier Builders take top honors.

   

• Cooling Your Roof

  Proper ventilation of the roof can save homeowners money.

   

• Tougher Energy Codes Push Framing Forward

  Three experts argue for using advanced building systems to meet new standards and reduce overall costs.

   

• Top Energy-Efficient Builders Feted

  Seventeen companies in 12 states won EnergyValue Housing Awards this year.

   

• Energy Use Projections for U.S. Buildings Down Sharply

  Further reductions are likely to come from design improvements, predicts Architecture 2030’s CEO.

   

• First Model Energy Code Goes on the Books

  Measures passed set stage for future compliance via tracking a building's energy consumption.

   

• Helping Homeowners Boost Energy Efficiency Drives Growth of Maryland Startup

  Nexus EnergyHomes marries construction design with in-home monitoring.

   

• Water Efficiency Should Be on Home Builders' List of Standard Features

  Water shortages will affect counties in nearly every state.

   

• Straw House, Rock-Solid Efficiency

  Straw bale walls provide good insulation. But that’s just one reason why this Santa Cruz house is so energy-smart.

   

• MIT Students Take First Step Towards Goal of Building a House for $1,000

  While target is rural areas hit by earthquakes, a variation of the design might by useful in North America, too.

   

• Free Energy: Passive Building Strategies Every Builder Can Use

  Even for those not ready to make the jump to a fully passive home, there are steps every builder can take to dramatically boost a home's performance.

   

• SAVE Act Would Make Efficient Homes More Affordable

  The bipartisan-sponsored bill would require federal mortgage lenders to factor in energy efficiency.

   

• New Bill Factors Efficiency into Home Values

  The Sensible Accounting to Value Energy Act, to be introduced tomorrow, would include a home's energy savings in loans and appraisals.

   

• Beating the Cost of LEED: Dallas

  Affordable LEED Gold housing comes to Dallas, with no corrugated steel or recycled tires involved.