The Passive House standard is gaining traction with builders looking to build more energy-efficient and high-performance homes

A Portland, Ore.-based nonprofit group recently showcased 13 extremely energy-efficient homes in four Northwest states. The homes were designed to use 30 percent less energy than a traditional house.

Installation of these solar shingles would cost the homeowner an additional $10,000, though the price of the products is expected to fall.

The 10 measures passed include the support of resilient communities, stronger building energy codes, Tiger grants, and improving infrastructure.

Cool-roof material choices have expanded from reflective paint to vinyl sheeting, light-colored gravel, and other roofing products designed to reflect 90 percent of sunlight.

A district judge has ruled invalid the fire ordinance of Helena, Mont., adopted in 2008 to restrict exposed wood building materials and require fire-resistance roofing materials on new or extensively repaired structures.

The increased cost to build underground safe rooms is the major reason that codes in tornado-prone areas of the Midwest do not require them.