NAHB National Green Building Program

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The NAHB Green Building Program sets new voluntary standards for home builders seeking “green” credentials. © NAHB Most Americans have begun to realize that going “green” is not a trend—it’s a way of life that is gaining traction across demographics and industries. While more eco-friendly homes have been a selling point for years in progressive areas like southern California and Austin, Tex., the rest of the nation has been slower to catch on. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), however, brought the issue to the forefront in February 2008 when they unveiled their new ecologically driven standard, the NAHB National Green Building Program at the International Builders Show in Orlando. “ ‘Green’ was barely a bleep on the radar screen when I started building at 17 years old,” says Clark Wilson, CEO and President of Austin-based Green Builders, Inc. “Now, it’s on the forefront of everyone’s mind.” “You can’t open a magazine or turn on the TV without hearing about it, and it’s only going to continue to grow in the next few years. In 2005, the market for green building was $5 billion. By 2010, green building is projected to be a $20 billion industry.” What does all this mean for homebuyers and consumers? Here are a few answers to some basic questions about the NAHB’s new program and greener building in general. What is the NAHB Green Building Program? The NAHB defines the program as “incorporating environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the home building and land development process to minimize environmental impact.” While it sounds complicated, what it boils down to is the idea that the program encourages builders to think about not just the physical footprint of the homes they build but the environmental footprint, as well. The standards are based on seven “guiding principles” where homes are scored on their energy and resource-efficiency. The seven areas are: Water efficiency: Choosing appliances and fixtures that promote water conservation; installing drought-tolerant landscaping Energy efficiency: How well the home is sealed; insulation grades; HVAC efficiency; choosing low-energy appliances Resource/Materials efficiency: Choosing recycled and local building materials; managing waste thoughtfully Lot and site development: Ensuring lots are chosen that protect the home from prevailing winds and take advantage of solar light and energy Indoor environmental quality: Minimizing potential air pollutants; air circulation is efficient Global impact: Choosing materials that don’t emit harmful chemicals and that preserve natural resources Homeowner education: Ensuring homeowners understand how to operate and maintain the home for optimum efficiency

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