NAHB Chairman’s Message: Development of Next National Green Building Standard Underway
The number of homes certified to the rigorous National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is growing every year, as homebuyers look for more energy-efficient products and green building features to enhance the quality of their homes while having less impact on the environment.
Since the introduction of the NGBS Green certification program in 2009, nearly 350,000 homes have been NGBS Green certified, with hundreds of thousands more currently in the certification pipeline.
Green Construction Blueprint Next Edition
Home Innovation Research Labs, an independent subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), has begun the development process for the next edition of the ICC-700 NGBS, the blueprint for home builders, developers, designers, contractors, and policymakers regarding green construction strategies and practices.
As in past editions, the 2024 ICC-700 NGBS will provide a national standard to define and measure the sustainable design and construction of new and renovated single-family homes and multifamily apartment buildings. It will again be developed by some of the nation’s leading code officials, building science experts, and construction industry professionals working to help us all build more sustainable, efficient, and desirable places to call home.
As in past editions, the 2024 ICC-700 NGBS will provide a national standard to define and measure the sustainable design and construction of new and renovated single-family homes and multifamily apartment buildings.
All proposed changes and applications to be a part of the decision-making committee were closed on April 5. The next steps involve seating the Consensus Committee and Task Groups in preparation for the first Consensus Committee meeting in June. The specialized task groups represent different areas of the NGBS: Admin and Compliance; Site and Lot Development; Operation and Owner Education; Resource Efficiency and Indoor Environment Quality; Water Efficiency; Energy Efficiency; Certified Path; Existing (multifamily) Buildings; Tropical Zone; and Non-Residential Space.
Much of the work on proposed changes is expected to be completed this summer and draft standards will be open for public comment.
The information and required paperwork on proposed changes will be submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for approval. ANSI, which approved the first consensus-based ICC-700 NGBS in 2018, serves as third-party confirmation of balance, representation, openness, and due process in the development process.
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Defining What Is a Green Home
As an ANSI-approved and ICC Standard, the NGBS sets a national definition for green homes. Compliance is rigorous but affordable, and with the NGBS Green certification consumers can be sure they are selecting a compliant home.
As builders, developers, architects, and other stakeholders work together to decrease the environmental impact of the buildings in which we live, work, and play, green, the demand for and construction of sustainable, or high-performance building has gained momentum. It is a practical response to a wide range of issues affecting all consumers, including rising energy costs, improving indoor air quality, and ensuring the efficient use of clean, safe water.
Professional Green Designation for Green Building Experts
Most recently, Home Innovation Labs launched the NGBS Green Pro designation. The professional designation validates expertise in green design, construction, and building certification. Successful completion of the four training modules and respective tests designates you as a green professional with advanced understanding of NGBS ICC-700 and the NGBS Green certification program.
You can stay current on the high-performance residential building sector, with tips on water efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and other building science strategies, by visiting the Sustainability and Green Building section of nahb.org.
To keep up to date on the progress of the 2024 NGBS, visit HomeInnovation.com/NGBS.
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Mental Health Resources
NAHB is looking to change the culture in the construction industry around mental health awareness by providing resources specifically tailored to construction workers, managers, and business owners. To that end, NAHB has partnered with leading experts to develop tools especially for members to identify and learn more about mental health and addiction issues. Free resources to better understand the issues and provide support to workers are available at nahb.org/mentalhealth.
NAHB’s EyeOnHousing
Looking for a more in-depth look at the latest housing industry data? Want to know what the numbers mean for the industry? NAHB economists offer detailed analysis of contemporary government data, including housing starts, sales, GDP, CPI, jobless claims, and more. Monthly surveys such as the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) take the pulse of the single-family housing market. Find out more at EyeOnHousing.org
About the Author
Jerry Konter
Jerry Konter, a Georgia-based builder with more than 40 years’ experience in residential construction, is the National Association of Home Builders’ 2022 chairman of the board. Throughout his career, Konter has been active in NAHB’s leadership at the local, state, and national levels and has chaired several NAHB committees.