Production builder Betenbough Homes — which names each of its floor plans after the first woman to purchase the design — has announced that its Tonya, Ashley Grace, Mary Alice and 30 other models will now be certified to the National Green Building Standard.

“Betenbough Home’s decision to have the NAHB Research Center certify all of its homes to the National Green Building Standard demonstrates its commitment to quality workmanship, materials and performance,” said Michael Luzier, president of the Research Center. “This commitment will solidify them as a leader in the West Texas residential market.”

In business since 1992, the company builds homes in Lubbock, Odessa and Midland, Texas, and expects to complete 350 homes this year — up from 300 in 2009. “It’s our best year yet,” said James Jordan, the builder’s purchasing manager.

The company builds homes ranging in size from 1,300 to more than 3,000 square feet on lots up to a half-acre, but  its “sweet spot” is on the smaller end, homes up to 2,000 square feet, Jordan said.

Jordan knows he is fortunate to be building houses in a market that has been considerably more stable than many others around the country. It’s supported by two regional medical centers; a thriving cotton-growing industry, with Lubbock exporting more cotton than any other county in the country; and Texas Tech University. 

“All three of these are relatively stable no matter what the national economy is doing,” he pointed out.

And while focusing on green will be an important part of its business strategy going forward, Jordan said it’s not the primary motivator among Betenbough Homes’ buyers.

“We have never broken our focus on being a value home builder with the best-priced homes in our marketplace,” he said.

To accomplish this goal — and still provide a well-built home for the customer and profit for his company — that focus includes keeping a tight rein on costs, he said.

“Every penny we spend is done through a purchasing system,” and every cost is precisely tracked so contracts with the subs and suppliers working on the next home can be negotiated and agreed upon well in advance. 

“Our system tracks exactly what it costs to build each floor plan, so the next time we build it, we’ll pay all the contractors the same as we did last time. There’s no creep-up that way,” Jordan said.

The systematic approach to purchasing and tight control on prices lends itself well to green building. All framing is done offsite, for example, a sustainable practice that limits lumber waste and provides better quality control.

By making some changes to the heating, venting and air-conditioning systems, switching to low-flow toilets and paying attention to details, Betenbough’s homes are scoring to the Bronze level of the standard, “just shy of Silver,” he said, with that goal getting closer as the company continues to change its practices. 

Jordan said that education and networking with other green builders was another key to success. “We saw a lot of examples from other builders at the National Green Building Conference and we were able to incorporate a lot of those ideas,” he said.

“Consumer interest in green is not big yet in West Texas, so we don’t want to sell it — we want to offer it at no cost,” he said. “The older buyers are not tuned into green as much as the younger generations are, and the younger folks, the first-time buyers, can’t afford to spend more on their home for green even if they might be more interested.”

“We want to meet everybody’s needs, and there’s a fine line between something people like and something they are willing to pay for. Right now, it seems that West Texans are not willing to pay more for green on a regular basis.”

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.

'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 5,400 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.