Austin Energy and the NAHB Research Center will now offer dual certification for single-family homes, combining the nation’s oldest local green building program with the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard.

“Providing a dual certification with the standard advances our program goal of providing the highest standard for green-built homes in the Central Texas region,” said Austin Energy Director Richard Morgan.

“We are truly excited about this partnership,” said Michael Luzier, president of the NAHB Research Center. “It will allow Austin builders to leverage the tremendous brand recognition of the local green program — the first of its kind in the nation — with the national prominence of certification to the National Green Building Standard, which is the first consensus-based national standard of its kind approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This is a landmark partnership that will benefit both builders and home buyers in the region.”

The Austin program focuses on climate-specific, regional growth and quality of life metrics and has been certifying single-family homes since the early 1980s. It certified 700 new homes in 2009, or about 25% of all new homes built in the area last year.

Austin Energy’s rating and inspection protocol was a model for the Energy Star new home certification program, which has now qualified more than one million homes.

“Certifying to the standard provides a broader focus with which the project can gauge its achievements against a national perspective, which many builders and home buyers desire,” Morgan said.   

“In addition, the resulting expected savings from energy conservation means that fewer new generation sources will be required to keep up with the area’s growth, a key strategy in maintaining Austin’s livability standards,” he said.

Home Builders Association of Greater Austin leaders applauded the new partnership. “Many HBA members already participate in Austin Energy, and this dual certification offers participants the additional national recognition that so many projects throughout the area deserve,” said green building pioneer Ray Tonjes.

Tonjes is the former president of the HBA as well as the Texas Association of Builders, and past chair of NAHB’s Green Building Subcommittee.

The dual certification will be available to projects in 27 counties throughout central Texas. For information on participation, e-mail Austin Energy’s Miki Cook, or call her at 512-482-5358.

Luzier also announced that the North Carolina Green Home Builders of the Triangle is now certifying homes with the Research Center.

“By transitioning from its locally-based certification program to the National Green Building Certification Program, these North Carolina builders will be bolstering the value of their offerings to members and the credibility of its green home certifications to home buyers,” Luzier said.

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.