Applications are due June 30 for the 2011 EnergyValue Housing Awards, given each year by the NAHB Research Center, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and NAHB.

EVHA recognizes builders who successfully integrate energy efficiency into all aspects of home building, as exemplified by a specific project. In this year’s competition, remodeled homes will for the first time be eligible for EVHA recognition.

Houses submitted for the EVHA can also be eligible for DOE’s Builders Challenge consideration.

In the past 15 years, builders from 41 states and the District of Columbia have won 245 gold and silver EnergyValue Housing Awards.

2011 EVHA winners will be honored at an awards banquet during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando next January. They will also receive promotional materials and recognition on the NAHB Research Center website and in other industry publications.

Selected winners are also featured on the website of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America and in Nation’s Building News, the 2011 EVHA Winner Magazine and other national publications.

Winners receive EVHA award logos and customized press releases for local promotion and marketing, and some winners are invited to share their success stories at workshops, educational programs or conferences.

Submitted homes must have been completed after Jan. 31, 2008, and before the application is submitted.

Award categories include:

• Affordable — A home targeted to customers at or below the local median income, or to first-time home buyers. Non-profit home builders are encouraged to submit applications.

• Custom/Demonstration — A home designed and built to the owner’s specifications or as a speculative project that is not intended to be replicated. A demonstration house may accept donations and funds from government and/or the private sector.
  
  
• Production — A home whose design, construction and marketing practices are for replication in multiple homes. Application information must be submitted for one specific home.
  
  
• Multifamily — Homes of three stories or less that are built under the International Building Code or its equivalent.
  
  
• Existing Home — An existing residence that has been significantly retrofitted, remodeled or renovated with a specific focus on energy, such as energy-related upgrades or improvements.

Within each category, winners are chosen from cold, moderate and hot climate regions.

Judges will choose one overall winner from the gold winners who best represents energy value and the goals of the awards program.

For more information or to download an EVHA application, visit the awards website; or e-mail Debra Sagan at the NAHB Research Center, or call her at 800-638-8556 x6210.

'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 Certified Green Professional (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.