August 10, 2009 | GBI Insight Home

HBA of Greater Little Rock Expands Green Built Program Statewide

Initially launched in June 2008, GREEN BUILT Arkansas was developed in partnership with GBI and is now accessible to all builders in the state.

“Although it’s been mostly used in Central Arkansas so far, we took the program statewide in response to what we perceived as tremendous widespread interest among both builders and consumers,” said Burak. “Our green building seminars were attracting more people than any other subject. Some were new members, some were longstanding members who didn’t generally come out to events—and many were builders from other HBAs who didn’t have access to their own programs. We saw the same thing on the consumer front at our annual Home Show, which had the theme ‘Going Green.’ The turnout was excellent and underscored the interest in green within our buying public.”

GREEN BUILT Arkansas is affiliated with the NAHBGreen program developed by the National Association of Home Builders. However, members of Arkansas HBAs have the option of building either to the NAHB Standard or locally-specific Green Guidelines.

“We tailored a few areas to offer local flexibility,” said Burak. “For example, we struck the section relating to wood-burning fireplaces because so many consumers request this feature. We didn’t think it was fair to penalize builders for something they couldn’t control. However, we discussed at length the issue of potential air infiltration related to natural fireplaces and, as a result, require all green homes to undergo third-party testing.”

Given the state’s warm climate, the Guidelines also require green homes to use passive cooling in the form of solar-reflective roofs or radiant barrier sheathing. And they require homes to qualify for ENERGY STAR certification.

Three homes being developed by three different builders are currently undergoing the certification process.

For more information:
Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock