The NGBS promises to clarify some of the confusion around the term “green” that is often loosely used by many organizations, suppliers and builders. The absence of a standard has meant that many buildings and building components that have been called green have questionable credentials. It is hoped that the NGBS will provide a common benchmark for determining what is and what is not a green home or a green building practice.

 

The NGBS has four award levels: Emerald, the highest, followed by Gold, Silver and Bronze. To qualify for an award a home must earn a minimum number of points in each of the following six categories:

• Site Development

• Resource Efficiency

• Energy Efficiency

• Indoor Air Quality

• Water Efficiency

• Ongoing maintenance

 

All of our clients building to the NGBS are also qualifying for the ENERGY STAR as there are significant economies in inspections and in the Energy Efficiency section of the NGBS. This approach also qualifies builders for the CEEF rebates and, if desired, for Challenge Home certification.

 

If you are considering building to the NGBS it is very important to determine this early in the project and to bring us in as your guide and verifier as early as possible. Many of the early project decisions regarding the site and the design will affect your ability to earn points in various categories and may limit your ability to obtain the certification desired if the consequences of the decisions are not well understood.