As builders and remodelers retool their
businesses in a tight credit market, this spring was one the “greenest” yet for
the home building industry, the National Association of Home Builders says.
“We’ve
said for a while that green building is a bright spot in a down market,” said
NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder and developer in Tulsa, Okla.
“However, the growth of the NAHB National Green Building program exceeds even
our most optimistic expectations.”
More than 3,100 builders,
remodelers, designers and others in the home building business have earned the
Certified Green Professional designation. Based on completion of 24 hours of
instruction, and industry experience and commitment to continuing education,
Robson said the designation provides consumers with confidence in the
qualifications of credentialed professionals.
The NAHB will
unveil a master green builder-remodeler designation that incorporates
additional building science and project management coursework next year, he
added.
More than 200 single-family homes, remodeling
projects and developments in 43 states have received certification, with
another 300-plus scheduled for inspections.
“The NAHB
Research Center has certified projects ranging from affordable starter homes to
high-end custom homes with every conceivable amenity,” Robson said. “This
national certification program clearly is making green building more
mainstream.”
The number of state and local homebuilders
associations affiliated with the NAHB green program has reached 99. There are
now 40 states with affiliated programs. These programs team national
certification with professional education and consumer awareness initiatives.
“The
fact that 17 of these programs are statewide is especially encouraging for home
buyers and home owners because it increases their access to bona fide green
building, whether they live in South Dakota or South Carolina,” Robson said.
Homes
certified in the NAHB program meet benchmarks set for energy, water and
resource efficiency; indoor environmental quality, lot and site development and
homeowner education and home maintenance. Green building practices are
incorporated into every step of the home building and land development process
to minimize environmental impact, NAHB officials say.
NAHB: Rapid increase seen in green building
August 1, 2009
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