--- title: Blog | Insulation Institute | Energy Efficiency description: Energy Efficiency | Stay up to date with the lastest industry news provided by the Insulation Institute. --- [![Insulation Institute](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/NAIMA_Jan2016_Theme/layout/logo.png)](https://insulationinstitute.org/) - [About NAIMA](https://insulationinstitute.org/about-naima/) - [News & Industry Issues](https://insulationinstitute.org/news-industry-issues/) - [Blog](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog) - [Tools & Resources](https://insulationinstitute.org/tools-resources/) - [Contact Us](https://insulationinstitute.org/contact-us/) [![Insulation Institute](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/NAIMA_Jan2016_Theme/layout/logo.png)](https://insulationinstitute.org/) - [About NAIMA](https://insulationinstitute.org/about-naima/) - [News & Industry Issues](https://insulationinstitute.org/news-industry-issues/) - [Blog](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog) - [Tools & Resources](https://insulationinstitute.org/tools-resources/) - [Contact Us](https://insulationinstitute.org/contact-us/) - [Residential](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/) - [Comparing Insulation Types](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/comparing-insulation-types/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/whyinsulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/) - [Grade 1 Installation](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/grade-1-installation/) - [Installation Considerations](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/installation-considerations-2/) - [Moisture Management](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/moisture-management/) - [Vapor Retarders](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/vapor-retarders/) - [Attics and Ceilings](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/attics-and-ceilings-2/) - [Walls and Knee Walls](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/walls-and-knee-walls/) - [Floors](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/floors/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/health-safety/) - [Commercial](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/) - [Comparing Insulation Types](https://insulationinstitute.org/comparing-insulation-types/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/installation-guidance/) - [Installation Considerations](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/installation-guidance/installation-considerations/) - [Moisture Management](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/moisture-management/) - [Vapor Retarders](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/vapor-retarders/) - [Ceilings](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/installation-guidance/ceilings/) - [Walls and Knee Walls](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/walls-and-knee-walls/) - [Floors](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/floors/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/health-safety-2/) - [Metal Buildings](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/insulation-for-metal-buildings/) - [Air Handling](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/installation-guidance/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/health-safety/) - [Piping](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/installation-guidance/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/pipe-insulation-codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/insulation-health-and-safety-for-piping-systems/) - [Industrial](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/) - [Comparing Insulation Types](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/comparing-insulation-types/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/installation-guidance/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/health-safety/) # Insulation Institute Blog # Insulation Institute Blog ## [New Report: Trends in HERS-Rated Homes](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/new-report-trends-in-hers-rated-homes) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/RESNET%20TRENDS.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/new-report-trends-in-hers-rated-homes) Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is out with a new [analysis](https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-releases-2024-statistical-abstract-trends-in-hers-rated-homes/) of HERS-rated homes in the United States in 2023, *Trends in HERS-Rated Homes*. The report is the fifth installment of the organization’s *Trends* report. It is made possible by RESNET’s Suppliers Advisory Board, which is comprised of suppliers of goods and services to the... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/new-report-trends-in-hers-rated-homes) Jun 7, 2024 8:30:35 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [New York First to Launch Home Energy Rebate Program](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/new-york-first-to-launch-home-energy-rebate-program) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Insulation.png)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/new-york-first-to-launch-home-energy-rebate-program) New York[this week](https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-first-state-nation-launch-historic-home-energy#:~:text=New%20York%20State's%20Home%20Energy%20Rebate%20Program&text=The%20first%20phase%20of%20New,is%20%2414%2C000%20per%20housing%20unit.) became the first state in the nation to stand up a home energy rebate program funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program will allow low-to-moderate income households to receive up to $14,000 in rebates for making certain energy efficiency and clean energy updates to their existing homes, including air sealing... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/new-york-first-to-launch-home-energy-rebate-program) May 31, 2024 6:39:25 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Government-Backed Mortgages to Get Efficiency Boost](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/government-financed-mortgages-get-efficiency-boost) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1256023751-1.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/government-financed-mortgages-get-efficiency-boost) Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) [announced](https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_089) a final rule updating the energy code requirements for HUD and USDA new home mortgages. All new construction homes purchased with these federal mortgages must now comply with the 2021 or the 2024 International Energy... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/government-financed-mortgages-get-efficiency-boost) Apr 26, 2024 10:02:33 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [How the IRA Can Make Resilience Affordable](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/how-the-ira-can-make-resilience-affordable) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Jamie%20Skaar.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/how-the-ira-can-make-resilience-affordable) With the cost of [homeownership](https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/housing-affordability-taxes-insurance-costs-rise-bca64df1?st=2hk52oboyi3rm9i) skyrocketing and extreme weather on the rise, it's increasingly important to know if your home is financially and physically resilient. [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/how-the-ira-can-make-resilience-affordable) Apr 19, 2024 9:01:22 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Better Built Homes at Any Budget](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/better-built-homes-at-any-budget) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Shawn%20Nienhouse-1.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/better-built-homes-at-any-budget) [Shawn Nienhouse](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-nienhouse-cghp-01945634/) is a Certified Green Home Professional (CGHP) and Construction Project Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County in Grand Rapids, MI. He oversees the construction of LEED-certified housing for families in need. His background also includes a stint as an estimator for a production builder that built close to code minimum... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/better-built-homes-at-any-budget) Apr 5, 2024 9:13:44 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [$180M Funding Opportunity for Schools Announced](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/180m-funding-opportunity-for-schools-announced) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Renew%20Americas%20Schools%202024%20copy.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/180m-funding-opportunity-for-schools-announced) The U.S. Department of Energy opened [applications](https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-180-million-investment-school-energy-infrastructure#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20D.C.%20%E2%80%93%20As%20part%20of,build%20capacity%20and%20implement%20energy) Wednesday for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools prize, which will award $180 million in funds to school districts nationwide to implement energy upgrades. [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/180m-funding-opportunity-for-schools-announced) Mar 22, 2024 9:01:52 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [3 Ways AI is Delivering on Energy Efficiency](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-ways-ai-is-delivering-on-energy-efficiency) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1452604857-1.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-ways-ai-is-delivering-on-energy-efficiency) Would it surprise you to learn that 82 percent of companies are currently using or exploring artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations? Further, 84 percent report they are increasing their investments in data and AI.[\[1\]](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency#_ftn1) That’s because AI has a near limitless capability to aid businesses and organizations in their effort to help boost energy... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-ways-ai-is-delivering-on-energy-efficiency) Feb 9, 2024 8:09:40 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Our Top 10 Blog Posts](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/our-top-10-blog-posts) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1299915936.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/our-top-10-blog-posts) We end this year as we’ve done for the past 7 with a list of our top blog posts. If you’ve been following our blog for a few years, thank you for your loyalty. We hope we’ve shared interesting, thought-provoking topics and look forward to bringing you more content in the new year! [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/our-top-10-blog-posts) Dec 22, 2023 8:25:47 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Can the Gamification of EE Deliver Success?](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/can-the-gamification-of-ee-deliver-success) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/mysmarte-LO-1.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/can-the-gamification-of-ee-deliver-success) Researchers at Purdue University this week [announced](https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q4/purdue-iot-software-platform-uses-gaming-to-motivate-energy-efficient-behaviors-in-residential-communities.html) the creation of a patent-pending Internet of Things (IoT) software program called MySmartE that incentives people to use energy efficiency programs offered by the government and industry. Why does that matter? The lack of residential engagement with energy efficiency programs to measurably... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/can-the-gamification-of-ee-deliver-success) Dec 1, 2023 12:11:20 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [The End of Home Sampling?](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-end-of-sampling) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1556903040-1.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-end-of-sampling) One of the dirty little secrets of modern home building is that some high-performance building programs allow home sampling or assigning all homes within a development the same performance characteristics or scoring as a reference home. The implementation of sampling was always challenging to monitor and assess. The implied promise for each home... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-end-of-sampling) Nov 3, 2023 9:26:09 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) [All posts](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/all) [Next](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency/page/2) ### ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? 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