Rather than bemoan communities’ attempts to address the problems facing us, why not look at the positive effects of such efforts? That $8,000 doesn’t disappear into the ether, rather it goes towards materials and quality work, a boon to the economy you worship. Furthermore, that initial investment can easily be regained through lower utility bills. Money which is not redirected elsewhere for fossil fuels, but will remain in local pockets until it is spent on other goods and services. Will homeowners necessarily understand this? Perhaps not at first, but consider that another differentiating factor with which the invisible hand may optimize the market: those builders best able to convey the utility of an efficient home will succeed, and those which cannot won’t.