One key element of NAHB’s suite of green building tools is a green home certification program, which is administered by the NAHB Research Center. The Research Center will accredit home certification program verifiers and act as the sole home certifying body for the National Green Building Program.

All homes certified as part of National Green Building Certification will be measured against the best existing definition of green and sustainable home construction. The certification program is based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard. The Standard includes provisions that define green attributes for developments, multi-unit dwellings, remodeling projects, additions and single-family homes.

There are three green home certification levels available in the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The National Green Building Standard includes an additional level, Emerald. The green levels and certifications address key green construction areas including – Lot & Site Development, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Homeowner Education.

Homeowners and Builders interested in having their buildings certified can find all of the information as well as the online project scoring tool at NAHBGreen.