Groups celebrate updated energy efficiency rules for new US-backed homes

(ACEEE blog, 25 Apr 2024) Advocates and industry groups welcomed the newly adopted energy codes for federally supported homes across the country. The significant update from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) will reduce housing costs, default risks to lenders, and greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution

By improving energy efficiency, the congressionally mandated requirements will save residents an estimated $15,071 for single-family homes and $5,886 per multifamily unit over 30 years, net of costs (compared to homes under existing U.S. requirements), the agencies said. Residents of single-family homes would save $963 every year on energy costs, on average.

Lowell Ungar, federal policy director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, said: “This long-overdue action will protect homeowners and renters from high energy costs while making a real dent in climate pollution. It makes no sense for the government to help people move into new homes that waste energy and can be dangerous in extreme temperatures. Now the Federal Housing Finance Agency should do its part and direct Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to adopt these codes for even more homes.”

Jessica Garcia, senior policy analyst for climate finance at Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund, said: “​​As the frequency of extreme temperatures increases due to climate change, so too will home energy costs. Implementing up-to-date energy codes will help ease the financial strain on homeowners and renters across the country as they fight to remain housed.

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ACEEE blog, 25 Apr 2024: Groups celebrate updated energy efficiency rules for new US-backed homes