Homebuilders in Virginia are pushing back on efforts to update the state’s building code to promote energy efficiency. A U.S. Green Building Council official told Southeast Energy News that the Virginia code has a lot of room for improvement. But any energy changes in the state’s residential construction code would have to be approved by the board of the Department of Housing and Community Development, which includes several private homebuilders and developers.
A lobbyist for the Virginia Homebuilders Association says his organization will continue to oppose efforts to raise energy efficiency standards because they would raise home prices.