Pushback on New Building Energy Codes in NH Spotlights Climate and Affordability Concerns
New Hampshire is on the brink of updating its building codes, which ensure homes and commercial buildings are safe and comfortable.
However, in the bill nearing Governor Chris Sununu’s approval, the energy efficiency standards for new homes are slated to remain at the 2018 levels.
According to the Valley News, proponents of adopting the 2021 energy conservation code highlight that more efficient homes would help people reduce energy use, lowering monthly bills and reducing the climate-warming pollution that homes produce.
Federal agencies that insure mortgages adopted the codes after making the assessment that they won’t impact the affordability and availability of the housing they cover.
Some studies have shown that households save money in more energy efficient homes, though updates do have an increased upfront cost.
The codes have faced strong opposition, particularly from New Hampshire’s chapter of the Home Builders Association. In keeping with years of work pushing back on energy efficiency efforts, that group has come out in force against the 2021 codes across the country.
