NAHB has earned a seventh Energy Star designation for the National Housing Center, the association’s headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C.

The designation recognizes buildings that conserve natural resources while providing a comfortable and healthy environment for employees, tenants and visitors.

Since the building was significantly expanded and renovated in 2001, the Housing Center’s property manager, Houston-based Transwestern, has continued to fine-tune the details of the original energy-efficient construction project.

Close attention to the operation and maintenance of the building is the key to holding the line on energy use and utility costs, said NAHB Chief Executive Officer Jerry Howard.

“NAHB members are leaders in green building and energy efficiency in residential construction,” Howard said.

“More than a million Energy Star homes have been built since the program began, the vast majority of them by our members,” he said. “NAHB’s efforts at the National Housing Center reflect our members’ dedication to energy efficiency and the Energy Star program.”

Transwestern engineers have taken a number of steps to improve the building's performance, including:

• A control system to turn off restroom heaters after hours
  
  
• Occupancy sensors to reduce energy consumption in lesser-used areas of the building
  
  
• Ongoing adjustments to equipment based on weather conditions and occupancy
  
  
• Regular inspection and preventive maintenance on the building’s heating and air conditioning equipment to optimize its performance and prolong its life

While not an Energy Star requirement, NAHB has also made landscaping improvements around the building, adding more plants and greenery to help absorb storm water runoff and keep it out of the city’s drainage system.

This year Transwestern is installing a system that will capture groundwater that is pumped out of the building and use it to irrigate the plants outside.

A new plaque recognizing the Energy Star achievement will be posted near the building's entrance.

For more information, email Blake Smith at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8583.

'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.

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To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

More Than 5,400 People Have Earned Their Certified Green Professional (CGP) Designation

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For answers to questions about National Green Building Certification by the NAHB Research Center, certification to the standard or the guideline sunset, complete and submit the Contact Us form on the NAHBGreen website.