A new resource — The Green Multiple Listing Service Tool Kit — will help real estate appraisers provide more reliable valuations on homes with energy-efficient features.

A collaborative effort coordinated by the National Association of Realtors® and involving NAHB, the Appraisal Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council, the tool kit is aimed at helping add green features to searchable fields in a local Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

“NAHB is working to make sure that all of our members are prepared to compete and succeed in a housing market that is increasingly focused on sustainable, efficient construction,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones.

“I congratulate the Realtors® for leading this essential effort,” Jones said. “This tool kit takes the next important step of translating green construction into demonstrable value for brokers and their customers all over the country.”

“Consumers and real estate agents frequently ask about how much green improvements increase property values,” said Appraisal Institute member Don Briggs. “Unfortunately, there is no way to find out because such features have not been added as searchable fields in most MLSs today. However, certified green homes have a clear market advantage over conventional homes.”

The tool kit provides a snapshot of the green home industry, outlines why adopting a green initiative for the MLS is important and offers step-by-step strategies for implementing this change.

To provide further support for adding green features to the MLS, the kit includes links to case studies of MLS systems that have successfully implemented a green initiative, sample data entry forms containing searchable green features, a glossary of green terms, and more.

“An MLS that gathers information with more accuracy becomes more valuable to appraisers,” said Briggs. “As the green home comparable data improves the appraiser can begin to support the value placed on other green home features such as water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. As a result, they will be able to more accurately assess and place proper value on green homes.”

For additional information, e-mail Kevin Morrow at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8375.

'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.

'National Green Building Standard Commentary' Available at BuilderBooks.com

The "National Green Building Standard Commentary," available through BuilderBooks.com and a companion to the ANSI approved "National Green Building Standard," that provides valuable insight to the intention and implementations of the practices and provisions found in the green building standard.

The "Commentary" is a useful resource for any designer or builder using the ICC 700-2008 as a rating system for developing or renovating residential properties of all types to reduce their relative impact.

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

More Than 5,000 People Have Earned Their CGP Designation

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 5,000 people have earned the CGP designation 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.

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.