Energy Efficiency Enhancements in Existing Buildings

Resolved that NAHB urge lawmakers, regulators, and other policymakers to develop policies to incentivize the transformation of America’s existing housing stock through the application of the methods and materials used in modern, high-performance residential construction which presents an opportunity for a much greater cumulative reduction in energy use, peak energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions;

Further resolved that NAHB support energy codes for existing buildings that:

1. Align the required energy provisions with the scope of work for the retrofit project;
2. Evaluate the life-cycle cost-effectiveness of the required provisions for the consumer;
3. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each energy measure individually and incrementally;
4. Provide a performance-based path for compliance;
5. Allow the flexibility in determining the feasibility of the required energy provisions based on the configuration and condition of each individual building by granting code officials the power to modify the requirements accordingly; and
6. Recognize jurisdictions’ power to exempt historic buildings from compliance with provisions that would threaten, degrade, or destroy their historic form, fabric, or function;

Further resolved that NAHB support public and private programs for energy-efficient home improvements (including not only modifications to current programs but also new, innovative approaches) that offer homeowners near-term financial incentives as close to the point of sale as possible and/or incentivize community-scale investment;

Further resolved that NAHB urge lawmakers, regulators, and other policymakers considering programs and policies for energy-efficient home improvements to demonstrate that such policies are based on principles of building science and safety codes and, before enacting them, consider and balance the proposals’ effects on housing affordability and attainability;

Further resolved that NAHB urge jurisdictions and communities to establish new programs and/or modify current programs for workforce training and development to meet the qualifications to implement energy-efficient home improvements;

Further resolved that NAHB support standards and practices for residential appraisal, lending, and real estate transactions that incorporate investment in energy efficiency and appropriately value such improvements to provide consumers greater opportunities for affordable and attainable housing; and

Further resolved that NAHB support the development of education and outreach programs through state and local homebuilder associations to help contractors, consumers, and other industry stakeholders raise their awareness of the benefits of voluntary energy audits, energy-efficient home improvements, and available public and private programs.

Resolution originally adopted: 2024.10, Resolution No. 2

Committees and Councils with primary jurisdiction:

• Construction, Codes & Standards Committee
• NAHB Remodelers Board of Trustees