Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Resolved that NAHB urge lawmakers, regulators, and other policymakers, when considering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, to focus resources and attention on the largest emissions sources and simplest and most cost-effective reductions;

Further resolved that NAHB urge lawmakers, regulators, and other policymakers seeking to regulate or limit operational or embodied GHG emissions in residential construction to demonstrate that such policies are effective without compromising:

1. The affordability, attainability, and durability of the home;
2. Energy supply reliability and affordability; and
3. Home design choices based on climate zone and/or market availability of building materials and fuel type;

Further resolved that NAHB urge lawmakers, regulators, and other policymakers to support energy codes, standards, and other policies that justify tradeoffs between embodied and operational GHG emissions impacts;

Further resolved that NAHB urge standards development organizations responsible for developing model energy codes to consider the possible adverse impacts of more stringent energy efficiency provisions on embodied GHG emissions;

Further resolved that NAHB support programs and policies that provide information, resources, and incentives to upgrade the existing housing stock, both individually and at the community scale, to reduce its overall GHG emissions;

Further resolved that NAHB support renewable energy generation from all sources, sites (including onsite and offsite), and methods (including community- and utility-scale) as well as other energy sources that reduce GHG emissions;

Further resolved that NAHB urge manufacturers to develop more accessible and understandable information on the GHG emissions and other environmental impacts of their products; and

Further resolved that NAHB support continuing research regarding cost-effective carbon reduction strategies across all economic sectors and educating NAHB members and other industry stakeholders about voluntary approaches to reducing GHG emissions in residential construction.

Resolution originally adopted: 2024.10, Resolution No. 3

Committees with primary jurisdiction:

• Climate Risk and Sustainability Committee Construction
• Construction, Codes & Standards Committee
• Environmental Issues Committee