Fortunately, we don't have to test the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines themselves -- our builders have demonstrated over and over that the Guidelines are an excellent tool to help us build truly green homes.

A nationwide advertising campaign targeting home builders and policy makers has already started and is raising awareness and heightening interest in the NAHB National Green Building Program.

Meanwhile, NAHB leaders and staff members have stepped up their advocacy efforts, accepting more speaking engagements and opportunities for presentations on the new program, which is set to be unveiled at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando in February.

Some of the NAHB ads — running in Builder, Green Builder, Land Development and Fine Homebuilding magazines — encourage members to learn more about the National Green Building Program as it prepares to launch. Other ads are running in trade publications read by state and local government officials and federal policymakers.

The results of the program pilots that begin this month will help the “NAHB Green” oversight groups determine a certification and verification protocol that makes the most sense for the builders enrolled in the program.

Once the direction is decided, we'll produce fact sheets and brochures to explain how the program works and how it benefits home buyers. We'll even create decals for our green builders' trucks!

As the program begins to take shape, NAHB member leaders and advocacy staff members are making the rounds of HBAs, associated trade groups and government officials to build awareness of the association’s efforts.

Both Green Building Subcommittee Chair Ray Tonjes and I have testified on Capitol Hill and spoken to builders at membership meetings and caucus groups. NAHB has also been invited to give presentations to the National League of Cities, state governors and their staffs, county officials, housing-related trade groups and environmental advocates.

We're getting the word out, and our audience is listening!

Bob Jones