The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Settle on New Energy-Efficiency Standards for Construction of Homes
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have settled on new energy-efficiency standards for the construction of new single-family and multifamily homes. This fulfills a requirement laid out in a 2007 law that directs the departments to adopt the most recently published energy-efficiency standards following reviews by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and HUD itself.
The Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing
The “Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing” was published on Friday in the Federal Register, and will go into effect on May 28.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law by President George W. Bush that December, featured a statutory requirement directing HUD and USDA to “jointly adopt the most recently published energy efficiency standards for single family and multifamily homes, subject to an energy efficiency determination by the [DOE] and a cost-benefit housing ‘affordability and availability’ test by HUD,” according to an announcement from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
Preliminary Determination
A preliminary determination was published by HUD and USDA in May 2023, based on energy-efficiency standards developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Benefits of the New Standards
These standards will “lower energy costs for owners of newly-constructed homes, benefitting homeowners, FHA, and communities,” the announcement stated. “HUD expects this to be particularly beneficial for low-income and rural homeowners who typically face disproportionately high energy cost burdens.”
Implementation Timeline
The implementation timeline varies based on the type and location of new construction. For FHA-sponsored single-family homes, new construction must comply with the 2021 IECC if building permit applications are submitted 18 months or later following the May 28 effective date.
For new construction in persistent rural poverty areas, as defined by the USDA Economic Research Service, compliance with the 2021 IECC will be required 24 months after the May 28 effective date. Within the next month, USDA will “publish a map of rural areas covered by this extension no later than 30 days after the effective date of this notice.”
Additional Implementation Details
FHA will also publish a mortgagee letter with additional implementation details for its single-family programs sometime prior to the May 28 effective date.
HUD’s Pursuit of Greater Climate Resiliency
This announcement is the latest in a series of actions HUD has announced in pursuit of greater climate resiliency. On Thursday, HUD detailed a slew of actions and initiatives it has undertaken to bolster climate resiliency while supporting green housing initiatives that stem from Inflation Reduction Act funding. It also recently announced plans to combat the effects of extreme heat.
Related
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the adoption of new energy-efficiency standards for the construction of new homes, which aligns with SDG 7’s goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also mentions the benefits of these standards for low-income and rural homeowners, which relates to SDG 11’s aim of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the focus on energy efficiency and climate resiliency supports SDG 13’s objective of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The adoption of new energy-efficiency standards for housing construction contributes to SDG 7.3 by promoting improvements in energy efficiency. It also supports SDG 11.1 by ensuring that newly constructed homes are energy-efficient and affordable for all, including low-income households. Furthermore, the focus on climate resiliency aligns with SDG 13.2, as it involves integrating climate change measures into housing policies and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Energy-efficiency standards developed by ASHRAE and IECC
- Compliance with the 2021 IECC for new construction
- Publication of a map of rural areas covered by the extension
- Publication of a mortgagee letter with implementation details
These indicators reflect the adoption and implementation of energy-efficiency standards, compliance with specific codes, and the dissemination of information to stakeholders. They can be used to track progress in improving energy efficiency, ensuring affordable housing, and integrating climate change measures into housing policies.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | – Energy-efficiency standards developed by ASHRAE and IECC – Compliance with the 2021 IECC for new construction |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums | – Compliance with energy-efficiency standards for affordable housing – Publication of a mortgagee letter with implementation details |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Compliance with energy-efficiency standards for climate resiliency – Publication of a map of rural areas covered by the extension |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: housingwire.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
