The National Association of Home Builders is expanding its "green" members.

The National Association of Home Builders has added seven state chapters to its national green-building program.

The state associations of Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York and Oklahoma have become affiliates of the green program, making it easier for buyers in those states to find energy-efficient, sustainable homes, NAHB President Sandy Dunn said.

"I'm delighted to welcome the home builders in these seven states to the certification services offered through NAHBGreen," Dunn said, a home builder from Point Pleasant, W. Va.,. "Our members are looking for an authentic, cost-effective and voluntary way to offer certified green homes to their clients, and they will find it inhttp://www.NAHBGreen.com."

State and local association members also have access to seminars, certification programs and classes on green building, including becoming a NAHB-certified green professional.

"The future of home building is green, and if you don't get ahead of it now, you'll be left behind," said Jeff Stokley, president of the Wilmington-Cape Fear (N.C.) Home Builders Association.