October 23, 2023
BetterBuiltNW October 2023 Newsletter
Washington and Oregon Building Energy Code Changes: What We Know
Learn about the finer details of the updated building energy codes to prepare for the changes ahead. Click here to read what we know at this time.
Upcoming Webinar from BetterBuiltNW and Earth Advantage on 45L Tax Credits
Join us for our upcoming webinar, 45L Tax Credit: What You Need to Know, on November 16, 2023, for the latest information and a breakdown of the recently released guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Click here to learn more.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Every month this section features must-read content from past newsletters just in case you missed it.
Programs in the News
Every month, BetterBuiltNW highlights different programs in the news to keep builders and Raters/Verifiers informed about key updates, program changes, and features. This month’s Programs in the News features the following updates:
Boise State Public Radio: Idaho Building Code Board Finalizing Changes to Energy Efficiency Regulations
The Idaho Building Code Board held a public hearing on revisions to regulations for residential and commercial buildings. The proposed changes stem from Gov. Brad Little’s “Zero-Based Regulation” executive order to cut “costly, ineffective and outdated regulations.” Click here to read the article.
Built Green: 2023 Built Green Conference Wrap Up
The 2023 Built Green Conference featured panels and sessions on a variety of energy-efficient construction topics. BetterBuiltNW’s Alex Boetzel and Greg Lasher hosted a session on practical strategies to meet and even exceed the proposed 2021 Washington State Energy Code. Click here to read the conference highlights.
Built Green: 2023 Built Green Hammer Award Winners
The Built Green Hammer Award honors the outstanding work performed by builders and above-code advocates. This year’s winners were announced during the Built Green Conference in September. The ceremony highlighted recent projects and efforts from individuals in the public and private sectors. Learn more about the award winners here.
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes: Updates on 45L Tax Credit Following Internal Revenue Service Guidance
45L tax credits (45L) were updated and extended through 2032 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). On September 27, 2023, the IRS issued Notice 2023-65, which contained guidance for taxpayers on the 45L tax credit, as amended by the IRA. Click here to learn what the IRS published.
Energy Trust Insider: Earth Advantage & EnerCity Collaborative Launch the Oregon Residential Construction Career Hub
The Oregon Residential Construction Career Hub is a new website that helps connect employers in the residential construction industry with prospective workers. The website is from Earth Advantage & EnerCity Collaborative—with support from Energy Trust of Oregon—and was developed to support the growing demand for energy-efficient homes. Read the full article here.
Oregon Department of Energy: Oregon Department of Energy Works to Bring Millions in Federal Dollars to Oregon
The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) and partners are working to ensure the state is on track to receive and distribute Oregon’s share of the funding set aside by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Part of this federal funding is for energy and climate programs that offer rebates for home energy improvements. Learn more about the ODOE's efforts here.
RESNET: RESNET Approved by Department of Energy as a Home Certification Organization for DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) now recognizes RESNET as a Home Certification Organization (HCO) for the DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program. HCOs are independent organizations that implement the Zero Energy Ready Home certification process. Click here to read more.
Washington State Standard: Washington’s Reworked Heat Pump Rules Get a Cool Reception from Critics
The proposed changes to Washington regulations regarding natural gas infrastructure resulted in a three-hour discussion between backers of the Washington State Building Code Council and the public. To avoid legal challenges, the Council remove the requirement to install electric heat pumps rather than natural gas furnaces in new homes. Read the full article here.