New National Option for Green Home Certification

Builders now have a number of options when it comes to certifying their green homes to a set of standards. The NAHB National Green Building Program is proud to feature a nationally-based certification program for green homes. As an organization whose business is based on third-party certifications, the NAHB Research Center has been selected as the sole certifying body for the national program.

Realizing that homes across the country can be as different or as similar as the cities in which they are built, the national green home certification program is designed to accommodate these regional variations and green requirements. It also allows homeowners to say with confidence that their homes are green.

A green certified home can bring a builder some of the following benefits:
• Consumer perception that green homes are a better value. Builders who promote features such as lower utility costs, easier maintenance, and better indoor air quality, are seeing increased sales and profits as well as easier-to-close sales;
• Studies show that homebuyers are willing to pay more for the benefits that a green home provides. Being able to offer this kind of value and benefit to consumers can set you apart from other builders;
• A certified green home demonstrates your commitment to the buyer, the environment, and the community. The NAHB Research Center national certification process means that it’s not just your word standing behind your product, but the support and credibility of a national program as well.

Builder Process for Having a Green Home Certified
• Score home to be certified using the online scoring tool on www.nahbgreen.org
• Export and save final designer’s report as an Excel file
• Select accredited verifier listed on www.nahbgreen.org* (* if there is not an accredited verifier listed for your area, contact the National Green Building Hotline – 1-877-624-2476 – to let the NAHB Research Center know and/or to suggest a potential verifier candidate in your area.)
• Forward designer’s report to selected verifier and schedule rough inspection
• Meet with verifier after rough inspection to sign off on verifier’s report which will be sent to NAHB Research Center
• Receive Program Participation Agreement* from NAHB Research Center; complete Agreement and return to Research Center with required evidence of insurance (*only one Agreement is required for each builder regardless of how many homes are ultimately submitted for certification)
• Schedule final inspection with verifier and sign off on final verifier’s report including information as to where to send certificate
• Receive invoice for the $150/home certification fee after certificate is issued

For more information on the NAHB Research Center’s National Green Home Certification program, visit www.nahbgreen.org or call 1-877-624-2476.