EPA Declares Pre-2015 WOTUS Rule Now in Effect

Sustainability and Green Building NGBS: An Alternative Energy Code Compliance Option

As energy efficiency mandates are becoming more difficult and costly to meet, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is emerging as an attractive alternative. Alternative code compliance options - like NGBS Green - are beneficial to local jurisdictions and builders alike, as they provide compliance flexibility without compromising energy performance, and can streamline permitting processes and timelines.

Membership Recruitment and Retention Fall Recruitment Competition Set to Begin Sept. 1

Builder and Associate members will work to recruit as many new members as they can by Nov. 30. Winners can earn prizes including LG laundry products and 2027 International Builders' Show perks.

Economics Multifamily Absorption Rate Remains Below 50%

The percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion was down five percentage points in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).

Economics Small Decline for Single-Family Home Size

New single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows.

Economics PCE Inflation Remains Sticky

The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.