A new study on green certification costs for home building and remodeling in the Chicago market demonstrates that the National Green Building Standard is a more flexible, affordable alternative for certifying single-family homes, townhouses and condos.

The study compared the standard with the Chicago Green Homes (CGH) program and LEED-H, the rating system for single-family homes developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“In all cases, registration, verification and certification costs for LEED-H were greater than the estimated costs for the CGH and the standard,” the study found. “LEED-H registration, verification and certification costs are approximately $2,776 compared to about $500 for verification and certification in the CGH or NGBS rating systems.”

“We are happy to see yet another independent study provide proof that certification to the National Green Building Standard is a credible, yet affordable path to high-performing, green residential buildings,” said Michael Luzier, president and CEO of the NAHB Research Center.

“This study underscores the ‘win-win’ proposition of certifying to the standard — it gives builders a way to legitimately go green and market that differentiation without busting their budgets, and it gives consumers at any price point a third-party, national certification they can rely on as verification of the green claims their builder is making.”

Released by the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago, the "Urban Green Building Rating System Cost Comparison" was conducted by FitzGerald Associates Architects, PC. 

The study focuses on both the direct and indirect costs of meeting the requirements to attain certification under the three rating systems.

While previous studies have demonstrated that building homes to the National Green Building Standard is less expensive than building them to other, equally stringent rating systems, this is the first study to look at six-flats, the multifamily condo buildings typical of many Chicago neighborhoods.

When a home builder or remodeler complies with the standard when building or remodeling multifamily buildings, “the certification cost savings multiply greatly, so you can see the true benefit of using that rating system,” said Patrick Coveny, chair of the Chicago HBA’s High Performance Home Green Building Council.

The HBA hopes the study will help convince city leaders that the standard should be an option, along with LEED-H and CGH, for home builders and remodelers participating in the city’s green building initiatives.

The implications can also be much wider, said Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for green building at NAHB.

“While the study is centered on Chicago, the findings can be used in other urban areas to gauge the cost of meeting various residential green building programs, especially where multifamily construction predominates,” he said.

For a copy of the report or for more information, email Kevin Morrow, 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 5,400 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.

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.