Home Building Getting Greener

Washington, DC, May 20, 2009--As builders and remodelers retool their businesses in a tight credit market and recapture the interest of jittery consumers, this spring is the greenest yet for the nation's home building industry, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

"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."

For instance, more than 3,100 builders, remodelers, designers and others in the home building business have earned the Certified Green Professional educational designation.

Based on the successful completion of 24 hours of instruction, industry experience and commitment to continuing education, the designation provides consumers with confidence in the qualifications of credentialed professionals, Robson said.

A Master Green Builder-Remodeler designation that incorporates additional building science and project management coursework is slated to be unveiled next year, he added.

More than 200 single-family homes, remodeling projects and developments in 43 states have received National Green Building 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 home builders associations affiliated with the NAHB National Green Building Program hit 99 last week, so there are now 40 states with affiliated programs. These programs team national certification with professional education and consumer awareness initiatives.