GBI/HBA Partner Programs Now Available in 13 Markets

The recent launch of three local green building programs—in southern Pennsylvania, Nevada and Utah—brings to 13 the number of programs developed by home builder associations in partnership with the GBI.

Programs are now available in:

Albuquerque , NM
Cleveland , OH
Dallas , TX
Durham , NC
Houston , TX
Kansas City, MO
Las Vegas , NV
Grand Rapids, MI
Traverse City, MI
Park City , UT
Greater Philadelphia , PA
Santa Fe, NM
St. Louis, MO

The programs, which serve as a resource for green building information as well as the means to achieve a certified rating of performance, cover all aspects of sustainable design. They’re based on fundamental green building principles, including (but not limited to) the following:

Resource Efficiency:

  • Reduce the quantity of materials and waste by creating a detailed framing plan and detailed material takeoffs; provide an on-site cut list for all framing and sheathing materials.
  • Enhance durability and reduce maintenance by providing a covered primary entrance (awnings, covered porch); install drip edge at eave and gable roof ends; install gutter and downspout system to divert water a minimum of two feet away from foundation.
  • Use recycled content materials, such as oriented strand board, and renewable materials, such as soy-based insulation, bamboo and wood-based products.
  • Develop and implement a construction and demolition waste management plan that is posted at the job site.

Energy Efficiency:

  • Ensure that the home is equivalent to or greater than 15 percent above the current locally adopted International Energy Conservation Code or local energy code, whichever is more stringent.

Water Efficiency:

  • Ensure water-smart landscaping for the front yard (no turf).
  • Install high-efficiency indoor plumbing fixtures; adhere to maximum flow requirements for the faucets and fixtures.
  • Install non-evaporative air conditioning systems with zero net consumptive water use.

Indoor Environmental Quality:

  • Minimize potential sources of pollutants by installing direct-vent, sealed-combustion gas fireplace, sealed wood fireplace or sealed woodstove, or, don’t install fireplaces or woodstoves.
  • Ensure particleboard, medium-density fiberboard and hardwood plywood substrates are certified to low formaldehyde emission standards; composite wood/agrifiber panel products must either contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins or must be third-party certified for low formaldehyde emissions.
  • Install carpet and padding that are certified as “Green Label” through the Carpet and Rug Institute’s indoor air quality testing program or meet equivalent thresholds verified by a third party.
  • Manage potential pollutants generated in the home by providing a mechanical exhaust fan to the outside kitchen range, bath and laundry; there are also mechanical ventilation requirements for the bedrooms.

Most of the programs listed above are based on the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Model Green Home Building guidelines, which can be downloaded free of charge from the NAHB web site.