In addition, with the association set to unveil NAHB National Green Building Program — which includes an online certification tool — at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando in February, the survey also found that larger home builders have reached the proverbial “tipping point” for the need for national green building certification.

Fifty-three percent of those building 10 or more homes per year said green homes should meet the criteria of a national certification program.

Home builders associations and individual builders will begin pilot programs next week that will allow NAHB’s green building certification tool to be tested. The results will help the “NAHB Green” oversight groups determine a certification and verification protocol that makes the most sense for builders enrolled in the program.  

“The Professional Builder survey is another indication of the growing acceptance of green building — growth that I don’t think anyone could have anticipated even two or three years ago,” said NAHB Green Building Subcommittee Chair Ray Tonjes. “I think ‘NAHB Green’ is going to be successful right out of the gate when it launches in February.”

According to the survey, energy efficiency was the most important aspect of green building to consumers. Of the builders surveyed, 97% said energy efficiency was somewhat or extremely important to their buyers. Indoor air quality followed at 83%, with sustainability at 56% and resource conservation at 54%.

The builders’ survey also indicated that 87% of respondents said they were seeking a minimum level of performance or sustainability to allow them to define or market a home as green.

In addition, 61% of the builders said they wanted to see a trade association, independent third party or another entity set that definition.

Of the builders surveyed, 62% said they used Energy Star. Additionally, 32% of those surveyed have used the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and 19% have used the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-H pilot program.

The LEED-H program, however, ranked at the bottom of eight programs when the builders were asked about ease of use.

“Linking all of our local green building programs and adding an inexpensive national certification tool could not have come at a better time,” Tonjes said. “We’re preparing great tools and resources for our members. We are ready for ‘NAHB Green.’”