Energy Department Analysis Finds Proposed International Building Codes Would Increase Housing Costs

The U.S. Department of Energy released a new analysis finding that nationwide adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) would significantly increase housing construction costs and burden American families with costly Green New Scam mandates. DOE’s analysis found that the 2024 IECC would increase residential construction costs by more than $9.2 billion annually compared to the 2006 code levels, adding more than $127 billion in cumulative costs nationwide.

If states choose to update their energy codes to the 2024 IECC, construction costs for a typical single-family home could increase by as much as $14,000. The DOE says that these costly mandates force American families to pay thousands of dollars more upfront for a new home, while projected energy savings may take decades to materialize. In most states, estimated payback periods exceed 10 years, with some exceeding 20 years—locking American families into decades-long repayment timeframes and restricting consumer choice.

“American families should not be forced to pay more for a home because of nonsensical energy-related mandates,” says U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “For too long, climate activists have pushed regulations that increase housing costs, reduce consumer choice, and make it harder for Americans to build and own a home. Thankfully, President Trump will continue fighting for the American people so they can enjoy affordable energy access and the ability to buy the home they desire with the features they choose.”