As codes tighten and energy costs skyrocket, there is significant and renewed interest in energy performance of buildings. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and Architecture 2030 have joined to support goals that will reduce greenhouse-gas-emitting fossil-fuel energy use by at least 50 percent by 2010, and an additional five percent each year, resulting in carbon-neutral buildings by 2030.

In addition to these voluntary initiatives, building codes enacted in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and in several states - including Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Michigan, California and a number more to follow - are mandating higher energy performance. These new codes and standards will include increased R-value requirements for roofs and walls, air barriers for all new buildings, and improved mechanical-system efficiency.