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Chart: Average U.S. Homeowner Costs 2008

Data Source: Energy | EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2011 (released April 2011), calculated as the sum of residential sector non-renewable energy expenditures and wood expenditures, divided by number of households | Property Tax | U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 American Community Survey (released Sept 2010), Data Series B25103 | Homeowners Insurance | National Association of Insurance … Continued

The SAVE Act: Driving Job Creation and Consumer Energy Savings

The Sensible Accounting to Value Energy (SAVE) Act of 2011 is proposed federal legislation which calls for inclusion of energy costs in underwriting for federally financed single-family mortgages. Over time, the SAVE Act would drive growth in energy-efficient home construction and energy efficiency upgrades in existing homes, generating 83,000 jobs and $1.1 billion in consumer … Continued

$810 Million Funding Needed to Achieve 90% Compliance With Building Energy Codes

Building energy codes are one of the nation's most effective means of reducing energy costs and cutting pollution, but widespread noncompliance weakens these savings. An analysis by an IMT-led task force of experts reveals an annual spending need of $810 million for compliance initiatives at all levels of government, including training, outreach, implementation, and enforcement. … Continued

Energy Assessor Credentialing Program Profiles: Commissioning (Cx) and Energy Auditor Programs

Update, 7/2012: See a comprehensive list of training and certification programs for energy engineers, auditors, and managers; in commissioning and retro-commissioning; and for facility managers. See also a list of HVAC technician training and certification programs. IMT conducted a review of professional certification programs in the building industry.  There is growing demand from local, state, … Continued

Empowering the Market: How Building Energy Performance Policies Encourage U.S. Energy Efficiency

There is tremendous potential to achieve energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the U.S. building stock. Today, U.S. policymakers are turning their attention to existing buildings, where opportunities for greater energy efficiency are abundant but fraught with barriers that continue to severely impede progress. This paper examines how mandatory rating and disclosure policies can help … Continued

The Future of Building Energy Rating and Disclosure Mandates: What Europe Can Learn From the U.S.

Worldwide, commercial building energy rating and disclosure mandates are becoming more common as policymakers target the building sector in energy and climate protection policies. Although the United States has no policy equivalent to the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), rating and disclosure policies are beginning to appear in states and local jurisdictions. … Continued