flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Debate in the Northwest over how to apply lessons of net-zero construction in codes

Debate in the Northwest over how to apply lessons of net-zero construction in codes


By BD+C Staff | May 31, 2013

Success in constructing net-zero homes in the Northwest has sparked debate over how far green codes should go.

"You can build more efficiently and you can get to net zero,'" says Neil Grigsby, manager of NEEA's Next Step Homes project. "But what we're trying to do with this specification is really find that sweet spot where you are maximizing energy efficiency before you start hitting diminishing returns with added costs."

Grigsby says his organization wants to put the most cost effective measures into mandatory state building codes. But Jan Himebaugh, government affairs director of the Building Industry Association of Washington is concerned that more stringent codes could make new houses less affordable.

(http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-super-energy-efficient-homes-built-to-inspire-more-stringent-codes/)

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Apr 2, 2021

Intl. Code Council’s new development system could be a brake on building decarbonization

Local governments lose influence on creating new energy efficiency rules.

Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2021

Cuomo proposes strengthened NY building codes to boost efficiency

Would apply to appliance, equipment efficiency and reduce water use.

Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2021

N.C.’s Outer Banks’ communities struggle for ways to keep the sea from overrunning them

Tax hikes for beach replenishment offer temporary solution.

Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2021

The 15-minute city may not work in much of North America

Segregated neighborhoods and car-centric cities may not adapt to the European model.

Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2021

Think tank offers plan for new approach to reduce neighborhood poverty

Strategy uses more targeted approach to invest in low-income areas.

Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2021

California city bans construction of new gas stations

Existing stations will not be allowed to add more pumps.

Codes and Standards | Mar 18, 2021

Congressmen ask Biden to tackle rising lumber costs

Rising materials costs and supply shortages threaten economic recovery, housing starts.

Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2021

Massachusetts bill would mandate rooftop solar on new homes, commercial buildings

Proposed Bay State mandate modeled on California’s.

Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2021

Nevada may create areas for tech companies to form own governments

Legislation calls for ‘Innovation Zones’ that could become smart cities.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021