How much will energy compliance costs?

For new construction and gut renovations, this quote is dead on: “By turning it into a code thing, it’s just a universal standard that will normalize prices and make it easier to do." There will be a modest hit on construction prices, but that should be offset by long-term savings on energy. Naturally nobody will see it that way.

But retrofits... a nightmare. Think of all those buildings with poor insulation, massive boilers in the basement, and primary means of winter season indoor temperature regulation through how wide the windows are open.

The payback period for some of these improvements will be measured in decades. Doesn't mean they aren't worth doing, but good luck getting the votes to make it happen.