As the third anniversary of the National Green Building Standard nears, the number of green-certified homes and developments continues to achieve successive, new, growth milestones that reflect a continuing interest in sustainable design and construction — and an increasing preference for certification to the standard.

The vast majority of the certifications have been through the National Green Building Certification Program administered by the NAHB Research Center.

As of Jan. 8, 7,369 single-family homes and townhomes, apartment and condominium units, residential subdivisions and remodeling and renovation projects had been certified to the standard or its precursor, the Model Green Home Building Guidelines.

“The increase, particularly in multifamily, has been just remarkable,” said Michelle Desiderio, director of the Research Center’s Green Building Programs. She said verifiers recently submitted inspection reports for 24 new multifamily buildings — in just one week — and that interest is specifically growing in urban areas, including Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., where certifications can encompass buildings of 200 to 300 units each.

Single-family certifications continue to do well, especially east of the Mississippi River, where home builders in a growing number of market areas are certifying to the standard not just to stand apart from the pack — as was the case just two years ago — but to stay competitive with other companies that see green certification as part of the cost of doing business.

In all cases, “the standard is helping builders gain more traction in their market because it really sets these new homes apart from existing homes,” especially when the market is flooded with resales, Desiderio said.

Energy Star Changes a Boost to National Green Building Standard Certification

Changes to the Energy Star certification process have brought a new wave of home builders to the National Green Building Certification Program, she said.

While Energy Star is a national energy-efficiency brand with strong consumer recognition, the program has expanded beyond its R-value and appliance efficiency requirements to include indoor environmental quality, moisture management and other non-energy efficiency areas.

An increasing number of home builders are reasoning that the National Green Building Standard is just as stringent, but far less complex than Energy Star to “build fully green,” Desiderio said.

Recognition of the standard as a valid green building program is also gaining traction with state and municipal officials regarding incentives and set-aside programs, she said.

While Desiderio acknowledged that the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification has a longer track record, these local and state officials are recognizing the standard is a “more rigorous, but more affordable green building rating system” and that home builders, developers and architects have been quick to embrace the program, she said.

“LEED and Green Communities were out there first, but what we found is whenever we are invited to the table, 100% of the time we have been able to convince [lawmakers and regulators] that the standard is on par,” she said.

Consumer Resources Seen as Key

With more potential home buyers and renters visiting the NAHBGreen website to learn more, the Research Center upgraded the site in 2011, paying particular attention to components that interested consumers and making the search features easier to navigate.

Prospective home buyers now can search the site by type of home and location and renters can locate green-certified projects in their markets as well, Desiderio said.

More consumers are also taking advantage of the green hotline — asking for information about green builders in their area and more detail about what a green home encompasses, she noted.

For additional information about green building programs and resources, visit www.nahbgreen.org.

Learn More at the Builders’ Show

Home builders, remodelers, developers and architects interesting in learning more about the National Green Building Certification Program can attend a free happy hour event at the 2012 NAHB International Builders’ Show on Thursday, Feb. 9, in room W 102B of the Orange County Convention Center. The Research Center is sponsoring the event.

“This is an unparalleled opportunity to meet other residential professionals interested in green and green building experts,” said Desiderio.

'National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com

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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

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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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