Super-energy efficient homes in Northwest may inspire more stringent codes

A Portland, Ore.-based nonprofit group recently showcased 13 extremely energy-efficient homes in four Northwest states. The homes were designed to use 30 percent less energy than a traditional house. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) hopes to use the data to raise the energy efficiency bar for all new homes by lobbying to make the most cost-effective measures part of mandatory state building codes. One of the featured homes cost 5 percent to 7 percent more to build than traditional construction.