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Dual Certification Process Set for NAHBGreen and Builders Challenge
The NAHB Research Center is revising the NAHBGreen online scoring tool so that builders can apply in a single process for both the National Green Building Standard approved by ANSI in January and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge program.
While NAHBGreen certification encourages and rewards builders for energy efficiency, the Builders Challenge criteria bring energy efficiency to an elevated level. Conversely, although the Builders Challenge requires basic moisture management and indoor environmental quality practices, it does not address the broad spectrum of green building elements that comprise NAHBGreen certification.
Together, the two programs form a natural synergy in which certification under one program can be more meaningful and valuable when combined with the other, said the Research Center, which is the sole certifying entity for NAHBGreen.
The revised scoring tool will be available in June.
In the first step toward facilitating dual certification, the NAHB Research Center identified overlapping practices in the two rating systems and created a list of practices in the standard that are required for Builders Challenge certification. Practices that a builder would need to adopt when seeking dual certification were identified from the following sections in the standard:
- 602 — Foundation drainage, finished grade, flashing and water-resistive barriers
- 701 — Air sealing, HVAC system sizing and window ratings
- 703 — Insulation and air sealing
- 704 — Duct installation and testing
- 901 — Indoor environmental quality and combustion safety
- 902 — Moisture management and ventilation
- 903 — Capillary break at footer and vapor retarder under concrete slab
In the revised scoring tool, overlapping program requirements will be clearly marked so that builders can see the practices they need to incorporate for dual certification.
In addition to adopting the mandatory practices outlined above, builders seeking dual certification must use Energy Star-labeled windows.
Also, through a third-party home energy rating where the home is tested and computer-simulated, they must receive an EnergySmart Home Scale Score (E-Scale) of no higher than 70. The E-Scale quantifies and compares the energy efficiency of new homes, much like auto stickers compare the miles-per-gallon ratings of new vehicles.
Homes meeting the Builders Challenge receive an EnergySmart Label, which helps buyers make informed choices by providing the E-Scale score, an estimate of monthly utility bills and a comparison of the home’s energy use with that of a conventional home.
Besides providing third-party validation of superior energy efficiency, the Builders Challenge program offers an online database of Builders Challenge companies and pre-packaged marketing materials — including logos and graphics, model press releases and customizable consumer ads and brochures.
Upon completion of the revised scoring tool, the builder will be able to produce two reports that can be sent to an accredited verifier to begin the dual certification process.
An update will be provided this summer when the dual certification program is officially launched.
 The Future of Residential Construction Is Green
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 1,000 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 ‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“The National Green Building Standard,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides “green” practices that can be incorporated into multifamily and single-family new home construction, home remodeling and additions and site development.
The standard covers lot design, resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environment quality; and owner education.
Currently the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, the National Green Building Standard is the benchmark for green homes.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here.
‘Building Greener Neighborhoods’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Building Greener Neighborhoods,” available through Digital Delivery at BuilderBooks.com, shows those involved in building new communities the advantages and rewards of saving, planting and transplanting more trees in their developments.
The examples are drawn from decades of experience of land developers, home builders and urban foresters.
To download this publication in a PDF format, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
 ‘Profit from Building Green’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Profit from Building Green — Award-Winning Tips to Build Energy Efficient Homes,” available through BuilderBooks.com, showcases what energy conscious award-winning builders are doing, provides innovative energy-efficient features and covers successful techniques for building this niche market.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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