Green codes would add $14,000 to cost of new homes, Energy Department warns

The Energy Department has highlighted that updated green building codes could hike the cost of new homes by around $14,000, adding to the already steep expenses in the housing market. The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code aims to enhance energy efficiency, but the associated cost increases raise concerns about affordability. This move could impact not just builders but also prospective homebuyers, affecting the housing market's overall accessibility and sustainability goals. The debate underscores the tension between environmental responsibility and economic feasibility.