New NGBS Incentives Available across the Nation

Since it was originally approved by ANSI in 2009 as an American National Standard, the NGBS (National Green Building Standard) has consistently been deemed by federal agencies and local/state jurisdictions as on par or superior to other residential green rating systems. Below are some highlights of the most recently-approved incentives available for NGBS-certified projects across the country. For a complete list of all NGBS incentives, visit www.homeinnovation.com/NGBSIncentives. If you know of an incentive that’s available but not listed, or need help with or resources for your local advocacy efforts, contact Home Innovation Labs directly.

• FEDERAL/MILITARY HOUSING – With passage by Congress of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the NGBS is now authorized for use with all military residential construction. Consensus-development and cost were key considerations in Congress’ decision to expand green requirements to include the NGBS. Congress stipulated that the Department of Defense should consider all facets of the certification going forward, including cost, when deciding among rating systems. Project managers can now select from the NGBS, LEED, or Green Globes when choosing a green certification program for new residential or remodeling projects.
• FLORIDA, City of Miami – Silver-level NGBS Green certification has been recognized as an acceptable rating system for compliance with the Sustainability requirements of the Miami 21 code. The NGBS was recognized as on-par with LEED 2009, version 3, marking a significant shift from Miami’s previous LEED-only policy. Miami-based developers now have the ability to select the third-party certification that works best for their client needs, budget, and design preferences. Florida has been a key state for NGBS Green certification activity, ranking 8th nationwide in 2013. Numerous multifamily developers in southeast Florida have sought NGBS Green certification for its cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
• GEORGIA, City of Decatur – NGBS Green Certified buildings at the Silver level or higher meet the City of Decatur’s High Performance Building Standards. NGBS is recognized alongside EarthCraft, Green Globes, and LEED.
• OHIO, statewide – Ohio's Housing Finance Agency recognizes NGBS Green Certification in its 2016-2017 Draft Qualified Allocation Plan for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The NGBS is recognized alongside Enterprise Green Communities and LEED.
• WASHINGTON, statewide – The Washington State Housing Finance Commission recognizes NGBS Green Certification (Silver level and higher) as one option for meeting the requirements of the Energy Spark Home Loan program. Energy Spark provides a .25 interest rate reduction for qualifying buyers of energy-efficient homes and home improvements. NGBS is recognized alongside Built Green, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, LEED, Northwest Energy Star Homes, and Passive House.
• WASHINGTON, City of Vancouver – Vancouver’s City Council recently voted to adopt the NGBS as its voluntary green building code for local development. This follows the actions of surrounding Clark County, WA, which adopted the NGBS as the voluntary green building code for its unincorporated areas and interlaying cities and towns in 2010. The local building community’s acceptance and advocacy of the NGBS is especially note-worthy, given the prevalence of long-standing local green building programs in the area – Build It Washington and Earth Advantage. Builders are selecting NGBS Green Certification in part because the NGBS offers a national benchmark.

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ABOUT: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the construction industry.

NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "Home Innovation Research Labs." In subsequent mentions, “Home Innovation” should be used; we are not identified by an acronym. Prior to February 12, 2013, the company was known as the NAHB Research Center.