2024 Energy Code: Costs and Tradeoffs

BIAW’s new report examines how Washington’s proposed 2024 Residential Energy Code could affect construction costs and housing attainability. While updated compliance options may reduce costs by approximately $1,759 to $4,307 for an average 2,376-square-foot home, the analysis finds that homes using natural gas could cost about $25,320 more to comply than comparable homes using electric heat pumps.

The report attributes much of the overall savings to updated home-size brackets and a new Energy Rating Index compliance pathway that gives builders greater flexibility. However, it also identifies proposed requirements that may increase costs, limit design options or fail to deliver consumer savings within a reasonable timeframe.

Using a Housing Attainability Rating from +3 to -3, the report evaluates how individual code changes could affect the cost and availability of housing in Washington. It also recommends lower-cost alternatives for the Washington State Building Code Council to consider before final adoption.

Related Links: Read the full report

Source: Building Industry Association of Washington, “Washington’s 2024 Residential Energy Code: Affordability Gains and Energy Choice Penalties,” prepared by Patrick Hanks, July 30, 2026.