The National Green Building Standard goes beyond just energy efficiency. This program encompasses six keys areas for all types of green residential buildings, renovations, and land development.
The six key areas:
- Site Design
- Resource Efficiency
- Water Efficiency
- Energy Efficiency
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Building Operation & Maintenance
The ICC 700 NGBS is the only residential green building rating system approved by ANSI as an American National Standard. The verification system put in place ensures that homes and apartments are built in compliance with the NGBS and focuses on three primary parts that have shown to be very important to current consumers:
- Lower Operating Costs
- Reduced utility costs through water and energy efficiency practices
- Durable construction and product selection
- Healthy Homes
- Fresh air ventilation that improves indoor air quality
- Preventing moisture problems that can cause mold and attract pests
- Sustainable Lifestyle
- Preserving natural resources through responsible land development practices
- Promoting walkability and connectivity
New projects can achieve different certification levels; Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald. The level achieved depends on the number of green practices successfully incorporated into the construction of the project.
Here is a brief overview of the verification process:
- Download the scoring spreadsheet and score the building. (Scoring Spreadsheet)
- You then must hire an accredited verifier (EAM is an Accredited Verifier) who will register the project and obtain a project ID.
- The design information along with the scoring spreadsheet will then have to be sent over to the verifier prior to the drywall being installed. At this point the verifier will perform a rough inspection of the project.
- After the verifier completes the rough verification report, it will have to be signed by the builder then sent into Home Innovation Labs for review.
- Next you will have to schedule a final inspection. The verifier will perform a final inspection on the project, which will then be signed and sent to Home Innovation Labs for review.
- After all this is completed and reviewed by Home Innovation Labs they will then issue a NGBS Green Certificate.
EAM is a certified third party rater for the NGBS program and would be proud to help you achieve this certification on your next home or development. To date, the EAM team has certified over 50 homes to the NGBS standard since its’ very recent beginning and is continuing to work on new projects every day.