The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the NAHB Research Center have introduced their national Model Green Home Building Guidelines.
The guidelines were developed by a group of nearly 60 builders, environmentalists, government agencies and product manufacturers. They were presented at the 2005 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 13.
The set of guidelines are designed to provide a national base for practical green building techniques for the residential construction industry, according to the organization.
“Until recently, green building has been little more than a buzz term championed by a few niche builders,” says Ray Tonjes, NAHB Green Building Subcommittee chairman and a homebuilder from Austin, Texas. “These comprehensive green building guidelines, which can be adapted by home builders in any region of the country, should help more consumers enjoy the benefits of green homes.”
The criteria developed by the NAHB for green residential buildings includes resource efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, operations maintenance and homeowner education.