USGBC, NAHB Green Programs Grow in Influence

The U.S. Green Building Council has doubled its network of LEED for Homes Providers across the United States.

This home, built by Bazzani Construction, is one of 28 homes in a community in Grand Rapids, Mich. It achieved the Certified level of certification under the LEED for Homes program.

Launched by the nonprofit USGBC in December 2007, LEED for Homes is a national, third-party certification system for green homes. Green homes certified using LEED must complete a rigorous onsite inspection to verify performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, non-toxic materials, and other features.

More than 540 homes to date have been recognized at LEED certification levels of certified, silver, gold, or platinum, and an additional 12,940 have registered under the program and are currently under development.

Local LEED for Homes providers help homebuilders, architects, and designers use LEED to build new homes, and offer the rating and verification inspections required by the program.

"We are not powerless against the enormous environmental issues we face today," says Michelle Moore, USGBC's senior vice president of policy and market development. "By choosing a green home, individual Americans can lower their utility bills, make a difference, and have a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for themselves and for their families."

The announcement came at practically the same time that NAHB announced the launch of its National Green Building Program at the International Builders Show this year. It’s National Green Building Standard, based on the Program, is expected to be approved by the American National Standards Institute and published by NAHB and the International Code Council early this spring.

"This is great news for our members and for all homebuilders, but more importantly it's great news for home buyers," said NAHB vice president and secretary Bob Jones, a home builder in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

The two programs created by NAHB and the USGBC continue to vie for a place as the national standard for builders interested in green construction.

Additional Resources:

Google maps of local LEED for Homes Providers 

Educational consumer Web site: www.thegreenhomeguide.org

Updates from the Consensus Committee on the National Green Building Standard