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NAHB Helps Association Members to Build Green
The NAHB National Green Building Program helps NAHB members build green — in a way that’s market-driven, code-based, voluntary and affordable.
NAHB members have the added advantage of networking opportunities and lower participation costs in getting their homes certified.
Green Project Certification
Builders, remodelers and designers can use the convenient online scoring tools at www.nahbgreen.org to add up the point value of each green product or practice that has been incorporated into the development and construction of their home or subdivisions.
The results are verified by local inspectors and then certified by the NAHB Research Center. For each project, NAHB members pay $200 for national certification; non-members pay $500.
National certification provides buyers with assurance that their home has been inspected by local experts who understand how the components of green building work together to create a truly green home in the most cost-effective way.
So far, more than 200 projects have received national green certification from the Research Center, with hundreds more in the pipeline.
There are two rating systems to choose from. One, for single-family homes, is based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. The other is based on the National Green Building Standard, the first and only consensus-based green standard for single-family and multifamily homes, developments and residential remodeling to be approved by the American National Standards Institute. It references established voluntary programs like the federal Energy Star program.
With NAHBGreen, builders include:
- Energy efficiency. The builder carefully seals all the ducts, installs appropriate insulation and calculates the correct HVAC equipment needs. The home features energy-efficient appliances and fixtures.
- Water efficiency. Low-flow toilets, aerated faucets and efficient washing machines inside, drought-tolerant landscaping outside.
- Resource efficiency. Recycled building materials, thoughtful waste-management techniques and durable construction are all signs of builders limiting the use of precious resources.
- Lot and site development. The home is protected from prevailing winds and takes advantage of the sun’s light and energy. The lot’s natural features are preserved.
- Indoor environmental quality is enhanced by good air circulation throughout the home, minimizing or sealing off moisture and potential pollutants from the house and using low- or no-VOC paints and sealants.
- Home owner education is a key part of the green building process. The correct operation and maintenance of a new home is essential to keeping it green, and a home owner’s manual is required of all certified homes.
Education and Training
More than 3,070 builders, remodelers, designers and manufacturers have achieved the Certified Green Professional (CGP) educational designation, which is based on 24 hours of classroom instruction, two years’ industry experience and other requirements.
NAHB green professionals have other opportunities to improve their skills and learn about new materials, products and techniques.
For instance, the 99 NAHBGreen affiliated state and local home builders associations hold regular meetings that include networking and educational sessions. Local and national speakers — including building scientists and product manufacturers — often give presentations at these events.
The NAHB National Green Building Conference, held every May, features more than 30 educational sessions on subjects as diverse as marketing and building science. The conference also features the Tour of Green Homes, which includes custom homes, volume builder models and remodeling projects.
More than 1,200 industry professionals attended the latest conference, held in Dallas May 8-10. The next conference takes place May 16-18, 2010 in Raleigh, N.C.
Additionally, the green educational track at the International Builders’ Show includes sessions on energy-efficient improvements, new ways to look at water use and other sustainable building topics.
Now in development are a revamping of the CGP curriculum to reflect the National Green Building Standard and an advanced designation for builders and remodelers, the Master Green Builder Remodeler (MGBR). Both are set for an early 2010 launch.
Awards and Recognition
The NAHB National Green Building Awards are held every year in conjunction with the NAHB National Green Building Conference. Honors are given to outstanding green projects and to the groups and individuals advocating green building in their communities.
NAHBGreen-affiliated HBAs can use the advertising and marketing templates provided when they join the national initiative, and the builders of NABHGreen-certified projects are eligible to use the program logo, brochures and other materials.
For more information on NAHB’s green building resources, e-mail Calli Schmidt, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.
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