NAHB unveils updated National Green Building Standard

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) introduced its new edition of the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard at the 2013 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, which increases energy-efficiency requirements and significantly changes the treatment of renovations and remodeling projects.

“The new edition of the standard brings a minimum 15% increase in energy efficiency,” said Dominic Sims, chief operating officer of the International Code Council, which partnered with NAHB on its development. “Consumers understand that this level of improvement will deliver real savings over time.”

First published in 2009, NGBS forms the basis of many local and national programs and allows builders to certify new homes and remodeling projects that meet established criteria in energy efficiency, water and resource conservation, indoor air quality, lot and site development and homeowner education. It is the only green building rating system for residential construction approved by the American National Standards Institute.

Changes include referencing the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (the earlier edition referenced the 2006 code) as the baseline to exceed in energy efficiency, completely revised and expanded criteria for remodeling that makes it possible to certify kitchen, bathroom and basement renovations and additions under 400 ft., and incentives for choosing lots in green communities.

“This standard is all about quality and performance,” said Matt Belcher, a longtime green home builder from Wildwood, Mo., who has constructed homes to the NGBS. “Every builder I know wants to build the best product they can, and all the home buyers I’ve met want to own a high-performance home.”

Builders and developers can certify their projects to the National Green Building Standard by using the National Green Building Certification Program offered by the NAHB Research Center, itself an ANSI-accredited laboratory. Purchase an online or print version of the 2012 NGBS at www.BuilderBooks.com, and find more information about green homes at www.nahb.org/nahbgreen.