In a combined effort with the NAHB Research Center to expand green building opportunities in affordable housing, the National Housing Endowment recently received a grant from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) to cover green certification fees to the  National Green Building Standard for 25 new Habitat for Humanity projects across the country.

Certifications to the standard are issued by the Research Center.

“This is a great partnership and one we are proud to be a part of because the National Housing Endowment, Habitat for Humanity and SFI all care about our communities and our environment,” said Kathy Abusow, president and CEO of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. “These 25 homes will demonstrate the many benefits of the National Green Building Standard, including that the ANSI-approved standard recognizes wood from SFI and all other credible forest certification — which makes it easier for home builders to specify and get credit for wood from well-managed forests.”

To take advantage of the SFI grant-funded certification fees, Habitat affiliates should contact the Research Center and indicate that they have a qualifying project.

To qualify, the home must not be previously registered with the Research Center for certification; construction must begin in 2011; and the home must be complete by April 30, 2012.

Habitat affiliates that have registered to receive SFI-funded certification fees include:

• Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities; Bettendorf, Iowa
• Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland Area; Bay Saint Louis, Miss.
• Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County; Wilmington, Del.
• Chatham Habitat for Humanity; Pittsboro, N.C.
• Lexington Habitat for Humanity; Lexington, Ky.
• Habitat for Humanity – Grand Traverse Region; Traverse City, Mich.
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro; Greensboro, N.C.
• Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta; Smyrna, Ga.
• Palouse Habitat for Humanity; Moscow, Idaho
• Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut; New London, Conn.

“The National Green Building Standard is the nation’s only consensus-based, ANSI-approved residential green standard, and the cost of certification to the standard is significantly more affordable than other national certifications,” said Michael Luzier, president and CEO of the Research Center.\

“In fact, in recognition of the good works Habitat for Humanity does for deserving families across the country, the Research Center offers Habitat affiliates the discounted NAHB member pricing for its certification fee," he said. "Our goal is to keep credible, meaningful green certification accessible to builders at every price point.”

For more information on the Research Center’s National Green Building Certification Program, visit www.nahbgreen.org/certification.

'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.

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'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.

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More Than 5,400 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.

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'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.

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