88% of New Homes are Crappy GHG Spewing Energy Hogs

It doesn't take a lot to get a house rated for Energy Star; it only has to be at least 15% more efficient than the standard 2004 Building Code (the minimum standard one can build to) and have other energy-saving features to bring them up to 20 to 30% more efficient. It is not a big deal.

But the EPA is patting itself on the back because last year 12% of houses qualified. "EPA is pleased to see builders in so many states leading the effort to offer their customers high-efficiency, low-emission choices in new homes."

So 88% of houses are built to a standard developed before anyone was thinking seriously about the 17% of greenhouse gases and 21% of energy consumption that comes from houses.

This is a scandal. Energy Star should be compulsory in every new house built in the United States and Canada right now. The customers get it back in better performance and lower utility bills; If the developers complain that this makes the prices higher and affects affordability, let them build smaller houses. 12% is an embarrassment, not something to be proud of. ::EPA via ::Green Wombat