Updating and Improving the Methodology for Assessing Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness of Building Energy Codes

Building energy codes have significantly increased the costs of building a home and extended average consumer payback periods. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has prioritized affordability in housing and new construction across the U.S., including taking swift action via building codes to lower construction costs and deliver greater value to American households and businesses. As part of this effort, DOE is seeking input on its methodology for assessing consumer impacts associated with residential and commercial building energy codes, toward the objective of ensuring transparency in building energy code evaluations. As directed by statute, DOE conducts technical analysis to quantify consumer cost increases associated with building energy codes, as well as the related savings. DOE requests feedback on its analysis methodology, data sources, and assumptions. In addition, DOE welcomes a critical examination of how to broadly reduce the cost of new construction and reduce regulatory burden to improve housing affordability and consumer choice.