Read the latest positive news, breakthroughs, and inspiring stories about building codes, curated daily by BrightWire.
New Zealand just rewrote its earthquake safety laws after mayors warned the old rules were turning cities into ghost towns. By listening to everyone affected, lawmakers created a solution that protects people without forcing mass closures.
A federal appeals court just confirmed that New York can require new buildings to use clean electricity instead of fossil fuels. The ruling protects local control over climate action and opens the door for healthier, more affordable homes across the state.
Over 30 North American cities are changing building codes to allow single staircases in apartment buildings, cutting construction costs by up to 13%. The shift could unlock thousands of affordable housing units in cities facing severe shortages.
Oregon just became the latest state to require energy-efficient heat pumps in new homes, slashing utility bills by an average of $125 every month. The move comes as energy costs have surged 50% since 2020, putting real savings back in homeowners' pockets.