Spotlight Top Features Consumers Seek with NGBS Green+ Badges
This post has been updated.
Builders and developers can now earn special recognition through Home Innovation Research Labs for NGBS Green Certified homes that "go above and beyond" in certain areas of green practice.
A home or building can earn one or more NGBS Green+ badges based on the specific features that are included and verified on site by a third-party professional. Available badges include:
- Net Zero Energy
- Resilience
- Smart Home
- Universal Design
- Wellness
- Zero Water
NGBS Green+ is designed to offer additional recognition through a streamlined experience. Homes and multifamily buildings seeking NGBS Green certification under the ICC-700 2020 National Green Building Standard® (NGBS) are eligible to earn NGBS Green+ badges. The criteria for all badges is drawn from the 2020 NGBS, so that building practices that contribute toward NGBS Green certification may also contribute toward badge achievement.
The intent of NGBS Green+ is to clearly spotlight the specific features sought by today's consumers that may not be as readily apparent through marketing of a third-party green certification.
"NGBS Green+ offers builders another tool to further distinguish themselves from their competition. This tool is particularly important for builders and developers offering specialty products in competitive regional markets," said Troy Johns, owner of Urban Northwest Homes in Vancouver, Wash., and chair of the NGBS Green Advisory Group.
"While NGBS Green certification is a broad designation that showcases that a home is higher-performing across multiple areas, NGBS Green+ drills down further and helps builders tell the specific story of their homes' unique features, with the consumer promise that comes from Home Innovation's third-party verification and review," said Michelle Foster, vice president of sustainability at Home Innovation Research Labs. Builders and developers earning the NGBS Green+ badges for their homes and buildings are eligible to take advantage of new marketing resources that highlight unique project achievements, including new certification marks, customized NGBS Green certificate, and building plaques.
To learn more about the NGBS Green+ badge program, visit homeinnovation.com.
The 2020 NGBS is available for purchase or free PDF download.
Latest from NAHBNow
Tax Reform
Jun 17, 2025
Senate Version of Tax Bill Retains Key Housing, Business ProvisionsThe Senate Finance Committee on June 16 unveiled its portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — sweeping tax and domestic policy legislation that narrowly passed the House last month. The Senate version includes several provisions that are very positive for housing.
Economics
Jun 17, 2025
Builder Sentiment at Third Lowest Reading Since 2012Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 32 in June, down two points from May, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. The index has only posted a lower reading twice since 2012 – in December 2022 when it hit 31 and in April 2020 at the start of the pandemic when it plunged more than 40 points to 30.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jun 17, 2025
Builder Sentiment at Third Lowest Reading Since 2012In a further sign of declining builder sentiment, the use of price incentives increased sharply in June as the housing market continues to soften.
Economics
Jun 16, 2025
Permit Activity Weakens in April 2025Housing permits continued a downhill trend for the fourth month in a row, pointing to a broader residential construction slowdown for 2025. Over the first four months of 2025, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 320,259.
Economics
Jun 13, 2025
Household Real Estate Asset Value Falls to Start the YearThe market value of household real estate assets fell from $48.1 trillion to $47.9 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. The value of household real estate assets declined for three consecutive quarters after peaking at $48.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2024 but remains 2.1% higher over the year.