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Grant Supports Green Building in New Hampshire
 Home builders and remodelers in New Hampshire will enjoy more access to green building education and training events thanks to a grant from the state’s Public Utilities Commission.
The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire (NBRANH) was awarded the grant this month to fund a full-time program manager for Build Green NH and associated training and advocacy efforts — including education for members to design, build and remodel homes that meet the National Green Building Standard.
Build Green NH is an affiliate of NAHBGreen, the NAHB National Green Building Program.
The $178,169, two-year grant comes from money collected by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund. Utility companies in 10 Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states contribute to the fund at a rate based on the carbon dioxide emissions of their power plants, and the money is used for training and weatherization programs as well as plant upgrades.
Eighty-two applications were received for this year’s funding program. Nine — including Build Green New Hampshire — were funded in the first round of grants.
“The association is very pleased to obtain this funding for a full-time program manager,” said HBRANH Executive Vice President Kendall E. Buck.
On July 17, Buck and his members welcomed Elizabeth Fischer, a real estate broker and former state housing finance authority board member, as the new program manager.
The grant will also allow the HBA to expand its class offerings so more home builders and remodelers can obtain the Certified Green Professional designation.
“The Build Green NH Program will indirectly support significant energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions in both the short- and long-term,” the HBA told project organizers in its grant application.
“In the short run, as building professionals successfully complete the program, they will immediately go to work installing energy-efficiency measures in New Hampshire homes, which will produce savings over time. In the long term, the number of Certified Green Professionals will continue to grow, and the widespread use of their skills and knowledge will raise energy efficiency standards and result in a market and industry transformation in home building and remodeling,” the application said.
“There’s a lot of work ahead of us in order to accomplish the goals stated in this grant — to ramp up training and education for builders and outreach efforts for consumers,” Buck said.
But if the program is successful, more members and home buyers will understand the environmental benefits of green homes and their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — especially if built to the National Green Building Standard.
“Our New Hampshire builders and remodelers are setting a great example,” said Kevin Morrow, NAHB senior program manager. “They’re giving this grant back to the community in the form of better educated builders and more green homes.”
For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.
 ‘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.
 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 3,800 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 ‘Build Green and Save’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Build Green and Save: Protecting the Earth and Your Bottom Line,” available through BuilderBooks.com, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read reference that shows builders how to identify and select green building materials; implement green construction techniques; explain the benefits of green housing and offer affordable green building solutions to consumers; and use resources wisely and reduce water and energy consumption.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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