Houston Home Builder Association Launches Local Green Building Initiative

Last month, the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) launched the GHBA Green Building Initiative™, a locally relevant program designed to provide a baseline of green building information for Houston area homebuilders.

Developed in partnership with GBI, the Houston program is part of a national effort to “green the mainstream” by promoting techniques that, in addition to being good for the environment, are practical and cost effective. During 2005, GBI partnered with HBAs in 12 major home building markets and saw programs through completion in Houston, Kansas City and St. Louis—with several more scheduled to launch early this year. With the exception of Houston, all of these local programs are based on the National Association of Home Builders Model Green Home Building Guidelines.

Green built homes are energy efficient and have reduced environmental impact, but they also have other benefits—such as lower utility costs, improved indoor air quality and less maintenance—which are making them increasingly appealing to consumers.

For Houston homebuilders interested in using the local GHBA GBI guidelines, technical expertise is available at www.ghba.org or by calling (281) 970-8970.