Green Building Update - 11/25/2008 (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
Greener Than Ever
Indiana Builder Certifies 8 Homes -- and Counting
IBS Green Day: It's Back!
Remodelers: Tax Credits Can Spur Sales
NAHB Names Affiliated Green Programs
Green Certification Now Easier for Modular Housing

Greener Than Ever

NAHBGreen is growing at a fast clip. That's great news for all of us.

In some ways, it doesn't seem that long ago that we launched the NAHB National Green Building Program at the International Builders' Show in Orlando earlier this year.

But look how much has changed since then. I don't have to tell you about the state of the economy in general, or the home building industry, specifically. I can tell you that NAHB is doing everything we can to make sure Congress knows that revitalizing our industry is key to our economic recovery.

The good news is that many of our members -- our green members -- are finding that demand for sustainable homes and energy-efficient remodels remains strong. And more and more, our members are discovering the resources they need to meet this stong demand at NAHBGreen.

There are now 75 homes that have been verifed by the NAHB Research Center's National Green Building Certification, the verification program for NAHBGreen. More than 100 homes are in the inspection process. Even more astonishing: More than 4,000 projects are in various stages of the design and construction process using the online scoring tool at www.nahbgreen.org.

Clearly, NAHBGreen is finding a wide audience -- and you like what you see!

Standard Progresses through Approval Process

The National Green Building Standard moved another step toward completion two weeks ago when consensus committee members reaffirmed their votes regarding the public comments submitted on the final draft.

This sets the stage for the last steps towards what has seemed to be a long process, but will be well worth the wait. While other green building rating systems have had much harder growing pains, the standard has moved forward because of its committment to a full and transparent consensus process.

CGP Growth Continues

Want some more statistics? How about this one: There are now more than 1,500 Certified Green Professionals doing business in the nation. These builders, remodelers and other industry professionals have discovered that this educational designation sets them apart from their competition when talking to home buyers and home owners.

Ralph Pagnucco Jr., a builder and remodeler in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is the 1,500^th CGP. In a press release that NAHB sent out regarding this milestone, Ralph said the classes he took to complete the CGP designation have helped him become a better informed green builder – and stand out from the competition.

Ralph is also incorporating more green remodeling practices into his business, including upgraded insulation and energy-efficient windows and doors. He also conducts a cost analysis on heating and cooling equipment to help his customers determine how much money they may save with a more energy-efficient unit.

“We’re trying to be the best green builders we can be,” he said in the press release.

Next week, Ralph’s company will submit its first new single-family home for green certification from GreenBuilt Michigan, an NAHBGreen affiliate. All of the company’s homes will be green certified from now on.

And the best news? After more than 20 years in the construction industry, including the last seven years in Michigan, which has been battered more than many other regions during this economic downturn, Ralph says his business just had its most profitable year yet.

Green is good business. And NAHBGreen truly is helping our members become the best builders and remodelers they can be.

Bob Jones