2026 Energy Codes Outlook
Rylyn Kelley explains what’s happening with building energy codes in 2026
Affordability
Affordability is essential to getting the biggest greenhouse gas reductions across the country by ensuring that people and families across all income levels are able to both implement energy efficiency in their homes and spaces, and reap the benefits of energy efficiency as well. To learn more about IMT’s strategies for affordability, check out our resources below.
The Latest
Community Health Priorities and Building Performance Policies
This document can serve as a starting point for both governments and advocates to craft decarbonization policies that center community priorities, and for insights on how to collaborate across sectors and interest groups.
Tenants at the Center: An Equitable Path to Building Decarbonization
Case studies and policy recommendations that focus on passing strong tenant protections to prevent rent increases and displacement stemming from building decarbonization efforts.
Tenant Protections in Building Decarbonization Policy
Recommendations for tenant protections in building decarbonization policies.
Transforming Climate Governance With Community Accountability Boards
This toolkit explores the concept of a community accountability board (CAB) including its framework, core principles as a model for community empowerment, and its challenges.
HUD Decision Helps Residents Save on Energy
IMT celebrates the decision by HUD and USDA to update their minimum energy efficiency standards for new homes.
Why Leslie Knope Would Be Proud of the New Federal Energy Efficiency Requirements
Cherylyn Kelley explains why the latest HUD announcement is a big deal for energy efficient, affordable homes
What are the Social Priority Briefs?
A video introduction outlining the creative, impactful policy toolkits that drive cities, counties, and states to address complex societal challenges in building performance standards (BPS).
Building Performance Standard Module: Housing Affordability
Building performance policies can play a big role in carbon reduction, but to be equitable, they must also address housing affordability.
Are Energy Codes Exacerbating the Housing Affordability Crisis?
Cherylyn Kelly explains misconceptions around the costs of more efficient building codes.