Kansas City walks back its energy code, solar balcony and geothermal legislation considered, and one city’s creative way to provide teacher housing. This is the news for the week of March 16.
In the latest episode of This Week in Sustainable Building News, we explore several developments that highlight how affordability, resilience, and innovation are colliding across the industry. Here’s a summary—you can get the full story by downloading the podcast.
New data from the National Association of REALTORS suggests the housing market may be at the early stages of a broader green shift. Get the key In
Kansas City, officials recently rolled back portions of their energy code—raising questions about how local decisions may impact long-term energy costs for homeowners.
In Illinois, a proposed bill would allow plug-in balcony solar systems.
Where rising insurance costs hit hardest and what’s in store for premiums.
A new bipartisan effort in Congress aims to expand geothermal development. If successful, it could help stabilize energy prices and support the long-term viability of all-electric homes.
Taken together, these stories point to a broader shift: housing is being shaped not just by construction costs, but by energy, insurance, policy, and access to resources.
Cati O’Keefe is the editorial director of Green Builder Media. She has 25 years of experience reporting and writing on all aspects of residential housing, building and energy codes, green building, and sustainability.
The Hidden Forces Reshaping Housing Right Now
Kansas City walks back its energy code, solar balcony and geothermal legislation considered, and one city’s creative way to provide teacher housing. This is the news for the week of March 16.
In the latest episode of This Week in Sustainable Building News, we explore several developments that highlight how affordability, resilience, and innovation are colliding across the industry. Here’s a summary—you can get the full story by downloading the podcast.
The episode also highlights how communities are experimenting with new housing solutions, particularly for workforce housing. Plus, a minute of a conversation on water conservation from The Impact Series
Taken together, these stories point to a broader shift: housing is being shaped not just by construction costs, but by energy, insurance, policy, and access to resources.
Watch the full episode here.
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By Cati O'Keefe
Cati O’Keefe is the editorial director of Green Builder Media. She has 25 years of experience reporting and writing on all aspects of residential housing, building and energy codes, green building, and sustainability.Also Read