200,000 NGBS-Certified Homes: The Value of Green Certification

The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Certification Program hit a major milestone last week in certifying its 200,000th home. The program, which had more certifications in 2018 than any previous year, has continued to experience increased interest in certification, fueled in part by growing consumer interest as well as the incentives provided to both consumers and developers for receiving third-party certification.

Builder John Barrows, founder of P3 Builder Group in Bridgehampton, N.Y., noted that consumers in Southampton — one of his primary markets — receive property tax incentives for green-certified properties. Financiers are also requiring or requesting green certification for multifamily developments, observed Karla Butterfield, sustainability director at Steven Winter Associates in Branford, Conn., and an NGBS Master Verifier.

Consumers are seeing the monetary value of green certification as well — not only through incentives, but the rising value of green-certified homes and reduced utility bills, thanks to energy-conserving features and high-performance designs. Builders continue to build consumer awareness around the wellness benefits of sustainable homes as well.

"I have clients whose desires range from carbon footprint reduction to being free from the grid or energy independence," Barrows stated. "The common denominator with all is a healthy home that is energy efficient, more durable and long lasting. When we show them how this can be done at no cost increase, or in some instances less cost for the same performing home, it becomes a 'no-brainer.'"

For builders looking to enhance their projects, getting a verifier involved early on can help streamline the process and ensure optimal performance of the home.

"Third-party oversight during design and construction is extremely beneficial," Butterfield said. "Small things caught early on can have a big impact on the performance of the building and the health of the occupants."

For more details about NAHB's sustainable and green building initiatives, contact Sustainability and Green Building Program Manager Michelle Diller. To stay current on high-performance residential building, follow NAHB's Sustainability and Green Building team on Twitter.