Science and practical development have brought about the potential for dramatic improvements in residential energy consumption. These improvements ensure a home will consume far less energy throughout the life of the home in order to provide a comfortable environment for the owners / occupants. This is good for the homeowner and good for the environment.

The costs to build in these improvements during construction are minimal. This is proven across other parts of the US and the world as a whole. The benefits are manifested throughout the life of the home, decades if not longer.

Virginian citizens deserve better homes that reflect the improvements possible in their construction. Regulations should be weighted so the buyer of the property gets a better built home rather than the builder who is currently providing homes far below what is possible. These changes bring minimal cost and effort but extensive gains for decades. Please improve the energy standards for new build homes.