Blog RSS Feedhttps://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/Blog_RSS_Feeden{0264DAAF-019E-49E0-9EE1-346B98EAEF44}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140508-ME-Why-Provide-a-Green-Homeowner-ManualWhy Provide a Green Homeowner Manual?<p>Homes today are complex – they involve systems within systems, integrated technologies, and dozens of “pieces” or components that homeowners rely on every day. Each home component – including systems, appliances, finishes, and more – has its own make, model, serial number, user manual, warranty information, and more.</p> <p>A homeowners’ manual is the key to maintaining and understanding all of these components. It is a compilation of information to help homeowners quickly and easily find the information to operate and maintain their homes properly. With green homes this is particularly important as the efficiency and effectiveness of all the various elements that make the home "green" are very interrelated and cannot be overlooked. Homeowner education and documentation via a homeowners’ manual is a requirement of <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green">home certification to the National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS)</a>, but beyond that, it's just good business!</p> <p>Responses from NAHB and Guild Quality’s recent survey, “<a href="http://www.guildquality.com/corp/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/GuildQuality-Green-Home-Study-White-Paper-1-30.pdf" target="_blank">Homeowner’s Perspective: The Value of a Green Home</a>,” illustrated that homeowners would like more education from their builders. Owners of Green Certified homes specifically requested education to “understand how to operate and maximize the benefits of the green-related features in their home.” Taking adequate, timely care of a home is extremely beneficial in the long run and a homeowners’ manual helps homeowners – your clients – protect their most significant and important investment.</p> <h3>What Should a Homeowner Manual Include?</h3> <p>A homeowners’ manual is an easy way to guide your clients to useful product information, common maintenance solutions, and homeowner education. It should also provide general green living tips, resources, and additional information.</p> <p>The NGBS includes Homeowner Education/Maintenance elements as a way to ensure that homeowners are able to maintain and enjoy the long-term benefits from their homes’ green features. For a home to be NGBS Green Certified, the homeowners/maintenance manual must include all the mandatory items and obtain enough optional points to meet the Chapter 10 point threshold.</p> <h3>Where to Start: Inventory Home Components</h3> <p>A good starting point for your homeowners’ manual is the inventory of all of the major components and systems of the home. Each appliance or feature comes with a copious amount of information: a manual (or two); identifying numbers for the product; warranty information; and information on how to properly care for each component. </p> <p>Ideally, this type of information should all be well organized and easily accessible. Logical ways to organize it may be by room or by system type. A simple spreadsheet, table, or list which references the item and physical location within the home, brand/manufacturer name, model name and number, and serial number is the most basic format.</p> <p>Examples of home components to include are:</p> <ul> <li>HVAC filters</li> <li>thermostat operation and programming</li> <li>lighting controls</li> <li>appliances and settings</li> <li>water heater settings</li> <li>fan controls</li> </ul> <h3>Targeted Resources</h3> <p>Provide the homeowner advice, guidance, and resources for home care and research. This may include tips on how to save money on repairs, utilities, and replacements and help to reduce the total cost of homeownership. The key in this section is to make the information practical, easy to find and use.</p> <h3>Home-Related Resources</h3> <p>Homeowners often need references or other resources to conduct their own maintenance and improvements within the home. They can look to their neighbors, friends, or colleagues for these things, or they can rely on information you've provided them – and brag about how helpful their builder is to their neighbors, friends, and colleagues! These resources may include a diagram of the safety valves and controls in the home, local service providers for maintenance and service, frost-protected shallow foundation maintenance (where applicable), and photo records of the home's framing with utilities. Be sure to include your/your business's contact information in this information.</p> <h3>Guide to Maintenance Solutions</h3> <p>A narrative explaining the importance of maintenance and operation in retaining the attributes of a green-built building is the starting point for maintenance information. Maintenance checklists provide a baseline for homeowners on when to perform various maintenance tasks, as well as provide a guideline for what tasks are DIY versus those that may require calling a professional. Checklists may be organized as seasonal or annual, and you can either us a publicly available template or one you create. Your company may have a maintenance handbook that would be appropriate to include in this section of the manual as well. Other information you want to include: humidity maintenance how to’s; instructions for inspecting the building for termite infestation; maintenance of rainwater diverting systems (gutters and downspouts); and stormwater management.</p> <h3>Green Options & Landscaping</h3> <p>The exterior of homes and the landscaping around them often provide many opportunities for “greening up” practices and products. Options include understanding common hazardous materials used around the home and instructions for proper handling and disposal; information on organic pest control, fertilizers, deicers, and cleaning products; and information on native and/or low-water landscape materials.</p> <h3>Assembly, Presentation & Education</h3> <p>The intent of a homeowners’ manual is to deliver useful and timely information to homeowners – that's a constant. How this information is delivered is more variable. Information may be delivered in a hard-copy printed version or in some digital/online format. Either way, the information should be organized and categorized for quick and easy access.</p> <p>Homeowner education is typically conducted upon the walk-through of the house and can be easily reinforced with use of a homeowners’ manual. Good education and a comprehensive homeowners’ manual may even reduce call-backs, especially concerning the most common homeowner questions and concerns. Remember, homeowner education is an invaluable opportunity for you to showcase the quality of the green or high-performance home you have built, and your level of customer service.</p> <p>You may wish to provide education and training on additional items as well. Your homeowners’ manual will offer your clients a lasting reminder of the care with which you built and presented their home.</p> <div><br /> </div>{C9C23E88-F7FD-49F9-A49F-6CED87B07BE0}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140515-JG-NGBS-Keeps-Builders-on-The-Cutting-EdgeNGBS Keeps Builders on The Cutting Edge<p>It is a classic conversation in the home building industry, the moves as well rehearsed as the opening of a chess game between two champions. There is an obvious, logical path and arguments for both sides when it comes to the adoption of new technologies and codes and builders’ general resistance to change.</p> <p>Every green home verifier I know has been asked by a builder, “How green could it really be to air seal my house to such a level that I have to bring in make-up air through mechanical ventilation? Why not just let the house 'breathe' naturally by not sealing it up so tight?” This question, and others like it generated by new technology and codes, is one of the best reasons to have an expert verify your home based on the practices of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). If you were building homes under the NGBS, you would have been asking this question back in 2008, if not earlier. Now it's 2014, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is gaining ground and being accepted in many states, and these are no longer questions of "if" but "when" you will be required to meet a certain building leakage number. If you already addressed this issue back in ’08, you’ve nothing to fear. The most current version of the NGBS brings you to the cutting edge of the building industry in terms of new technologies and code changes, which are evolving the industry into something totally different then when we were kids.</p> <p>That being said, there are codes that make sense, and codes that don’t. During my last conversation that started off with the above question, a builder reminded me of a building code in the 70’s which required plastic (poly) to be stapled over insulation before the installation of drywall. That was stupid; no wonder builders are cautious. But now the industry and its practitioners have evolved. Building technology and innovation has grown into a field of study all its own. Builders need a person whose entire job is to stay up on the changes; someone whose job it is to help decipher which changes are to be embraced and which are to be fought. That person is an accredited verifier. </p> <p>As a green home building verifier and advocate for high-performance, efficient construction, many people assume I embrace all the changes in the building code that seem to ratchet up energy- and resource-efficiency, but I don't. I only embrace those that make sense from a building science perspective! To use an example from the 2012 IECC, I don't think the wholesale installation of hot water pipe insulation (HWPI) makes sense. In my area of the country, many builders use a parallel piping system – the type of system where the hub looks like a spider with red and blue legs sprouting from the sides. A parallel piping system saves about 33 percent energy use over traditional piping. Now, even if you forget the exponential increase in the cost of HWPI between traditional piping and a parallel piping system (which can be around $300), think of the logistics. The difference (besides cost) is putting a two-inch hole through walls, TJIs, and possibly an LVL, and putting nine or more two-inch holes through all the same places. My point is if HWPI is mandated the way it is currently written, builders are more likely to revert to a traditional piping system and lose the 33 percent energy savings in favor of HWPI, which saves less energy.</p> <p>In cases like this, you need that person there arguing on your behalf for something that makes sense – like an exception in the code for parallel piping systems. Before the NGBS became prominent, there were very few builders in my area who even knew what a parallel piping system was. It’s all about staying on the cutting edge, being ahead of the pack. And enlisting the help of a trained, accredited verifier and a rating system like the NGBS can do just that.</p> <p>Back to our original question – why seal the house then bring in make-up air? There are plenty of sound reasons:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Improved Punch Out:</strong> You want to reduce nail pops and drywall cracks? The best way to do that is to reduce air movement and temperature differentiation within the wall. I work with a builder whose punch out list at the one-year walk is very limited.</li> <li><strong>Improved Air Quality: </strong>Which would you rather be breathing, the air that seeped through all of the little cracks in the house or air that was brought in intentionally and filtered before use?</li> <li><strong>Energy Savings:</strong> The use of point source air allows for a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to be installed, saving precious energy and nullifying the argument of wasting conditioned air through mechanical ventilation.</li> <li><strong>Cleanliness:</strong> What lives in the aforementioned cracks in the building envelope? Dust. Along with eliminating dust, the elimination of cob webs is another benefit of a well-sealed house. No self-respecting spider would make a web where there is no air flow – no chance of catching anything!    </li> </ul> <p>So here's the bottom line (conveniently located at the bottom of my post!). Why certify under the NGBS? Being at the cutting edge of the innovation implementation curve allows you more time for adjusting to the evolution of our industry. To know what’s out there, to see it coming, and to adjust accordingly. A third-party expert armed with a consensus-based "roadmap" like the National Green Building Standard is necessary to help you navigate today’s building world.</p>{5C0BC947-6F47-4BB9-8B46-6B5DAA3E1E2E}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140528-SA-Navigating-the-Gray-Areas-of-NGBS-Green-MultifamilyGet Help Navigating The ‘Gray Zone’ in Green: Commercial-Grade Residential Construction<p>The application of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) to multifamily construction has been very successful over the past few years with it being accepted as the green program of choice at near exponential rates. There are many factors that promote its success, including affordability, ease of understanding from a residential builder’s perspective, and less onerous time and documentation demands for builders than other rating systems. These same factors make some feel that it is not a serious certification process. However, the rigorous approach of the NGBS to meeting the various levels of certification and its requirements to meet minimum levels in each of the major construction/building categories can allay the fears of most skeptics.</p> <p>As an <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes/resources/find_a_verifier/verifier_details?PageID=67">accredited Home Innovation NGBS Green Verifier</a> since the certification program started, I have had an opportunity to verify 41 single-family homes and 29 multifamily buildings accounting for 740 apartments. In addition to new construction, I have also had considerable experience verifying <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Land_Development_Certification">green land development</a> and <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Existing_Building_Certification">renovations of existing buildings using the NGBS</a>. All <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findngbsverifier">NGBS Green Verifiers</a> are trained by Home Innovation to verify all types of green projects eligible for NGBS certification, but on-the-ground expertise in different verification types varies from verifier to verifier.</p> <p>During a recent job site visit to conduct my initial team meeting and make introductions, it quickly became apparent that the level of code controlling this particular multifamily project fell under commercial construction guidelines. The questions being asked by the architect, engineer, and the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors made me realize how important it was to have the benefit of many years of experience working in both the residential and commercial construction industry.</p> <p>Transitioning from multifamily low- and mid-rise buildings to multifamily high-rise buildings, it is important that your NGBS Green Verifier has experience in commercial-level construction and codes. Without this kind of experience, a verifier can be placed in a role that taxes the extent of his/her knowledge, thus requiring extra time, effort, and cost to understand the situation and research the proper interpretation. For example, construction tasks that are normally relegated to a subcontractor for smaller, garden-style projects are more typically handled by the larger nationally-oriented engineering and architectural firms for high-rise projects. Verifiers for these types of buildings are sometimes even called on to train the various subs for the project on green requirements and criteria of the NGBS. Also, ASHRAE 91.1-2007 plays a larger role in the energy and building envelope; the energy analysis for high-rise multifamily buildings is more complex. Even the building materials themselves become less familiar – high-rise buildings present a very different landscape of steel, concrete, and glass, as opposed to the wood, brick, and vinyl that are so familiar in single-family and smaller multifamily projects. You can see where there is a specialization for this type of verification work.</p> <p>The housing market has seen trends towards higher-end, all-inclusive communities as multifamily living becomes the preferred residential lifestyle for many generations. With that trend increasing, more residential building will include commercial features, be located in urban areas, and be considered a high-rise structure. <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Multifamily_Certification">The NGBS scope clearly encompasses high-rise residential structures</a>, but the proper application of certain practices is not explicit in the practice. It is therefore critical to understand the intent of the rules within the NGBS in order to provide an effective verification process for this sector of the industry. An NGBS Green Verifier’s role in confirming a building’s compliance with the NGBS is critical to the developer. However, because of the unique questions that arise with high-rise buildings, I also believe that involving an NGBS Green Verifier with appropriate high-rise/multifamily experience can offer valuable guidance and expertise that the developer’s entire project team will find useful from the beginning of the design process.</p> <p>I am pleased to have been selected to serve on the ANSI Consensus Committee charged with <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/NGBS">development of the 2015 version of the NGBS</a>, assigned to the Multifamily Task Group. I served previously on the ANSI Committee that developed the current 2012 version of the NGBS. I look forward to working with my peers on the Committee and the Task Groups to improve the sustainability practices and clarity of the NGBS, especially with regard to high-rise multifamily construction, to ensure the NGBS continues to be an affordable, yet rigorous, green building standard for all residential development.</p>{13451382-0025-4355-8BEB-7DFBC5035A18}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20120913-MF-5-Things-You-Do-Not-Know-About-the-NGBS5 Things You Don't Know About the National Green Building Standard<p>Lately it seems like I spend a lot of time setting the record straight. At home or at work, doesn’t matter – I have to stop in my tracks and debunk the myths that surround me. Let’s take this morning. Starting at 6 a.m., there I was fact-checking my household. For my snack-loving toddler, “No, cookies are not a breakfast food – they only come out in the morning to get put in your lunch box.” And for my procrastinating teenager, “The ink in the printer is not self-replenishing.”</p> <p>Likewise, every day brings a litany of misperceptions and misunderstandings about the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS). So today I want to set the record straight on some common “unknowns” about the NGBS so we can move on to the important business of building certified green homes and apartments.</p> <h3>NGBS Facts You Should Know</h3> <strong>1.  It is not the NAHB Green Building Standard.</strong> <p>Did NAHB (and ICC) facilitate the development of the NGBS? <em><strong>Yes.</strong></em> Does that mean it is the NAHB Green Building Standard? <em><strong>No.</strong></em> The National Green Building Standard was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an American National Standard in January 2009. Approval by ANSI signifies that the procedures used in the development of an American National Standard meet the Institute’s essential requirements for openness, balance, consensus, and due process. Once it was ANSI-approved, the NGBS joined the family of International Codes, published by the International Code Council – hence the ICC 700 designation. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the well-known trade association for the home building industry, has nothing to do with the <a href="%7E/link.aspx?_id=B116F0CA4E744280A18C65ED2A82200D&_z=z">NGBS certification program</a>. The Home Innovation Research Labs, an accredited <a href="%7E/link.aspx?_id=878F82230057448285BA9090E9C0F156&_z=z">third-party certification agency</a>, provides national NGBS certification services to the residential construction industry.</p> <p><strong>2.  It is the most rigorous national green rating system for residential.</strong></p> <p>NGBS certification is rigorous and comprehensively green. Like many other green building ratings systems, NGBS has six categories of green practices: Lot Design; Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; Resource Efficiency; and Building Operation and Maintenance. Unlike all of the other programs however, NGBS certification requires a building to achieve a minimum number of green practices/points in <strong>every</strong> category for each level of certification. NGBS-certified homes are verified to be green in all six categories. Want to achieve a higher level of certification? Great! Just make sure the building meets the higher point thresholds for <strong>all of the categories</strong>, because higher levels of certification demand more green practices in each category. Don’t fall short point-wise; each project’s maximum certification level is judged by its lowest score in any category. NGBS certification promises to deliver an all-around green building.</p> <p><strong>3.  It is not just for new construction.</strong></p> <p>This is perhaps the most frustrating misperception I encounter for two reasons. First, the NGBS has a certification path specifically designed to improve the performance of existing buildings. Given the enormous number of older buildings that would benefit tremendously from efficiency improvements, it is truly unfortunate that more people don’t take advantage of this path to green certification. Just think about what we could achieve if the NGBS Green Remodel Path was more widely utilized! We could lower operating expenses for thousands of buildings and greatly reduce our energy and water usage. All of the environmental benefits from all of the new green residential construction would pale in comparison to what we could achieve by retrofitting older residential homes and multifamily buildings in this country. Second, the NGBS Green Remodel Path is simple, rigorous, and can be used by single-family homes or multifamily buildings. Certification requires just three things. Improve the energy efficiency. Improve the water efficiency. And, because energy efficiency improvements may tighten up the building’s envelope, ensure the air quality isn’t impaired through five practices specific to the indoor environment.</p> <p><strong>4. It can be used to certify mid- and high-rise apartment buildings.</strong></p> <p>This is one of the most common misperceptions. Just this week I received an email from a colleague who was “assured” by a large national developer that the NGBS was just for single-family homes. <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Multifamily_Certification">Nothing could be further from the truth</a>. There is <strong>no height limit whatsoever</strong> for buildings to be NGBS certified. The NGBS applies to the design and construction of <strong>all residential buildings</strong>, and the residential portions of mixed-use buildings. The Home Innovation has certified a number of mid- and high-rise buildings and we have many in the planning and design phase.</p> <p><strong>5.  It is going to change the way you think about green certification.</strong></p> <p>All residential buildings should aspire to attain green certification. Market-rate apartment communities? <strong>Yep. </strong>Custom homes? <strong>Definitely.</strong> Affordable housing communities? <strong>Of course.</strong> Urban high-rise trophy buildings? <strong>Indubitably.</strong> The Home Innovation hopes the NGBS will be the program of choice for all residential builders, developers, and remodelers. Our goal is to deliver an affordable certification program that produces high-performance green homes using a rigorous verification protocol. Our green certification fees are low. We don’t charge green program partners for interpretations, technical advice, or even <a href="%7E/link.aspx?_id=F76C50346EF1449FBA9C933124437ADE&_z=z">marketing assistance</a>. Most importantly, our staff is knowledgeable, accessible, and here to help.</p> <p>If you haven't explored the certification options available through the National Green Building Standard, I'd urge you to do so. If you've looked at it before but dismissed it quickly thinking it wouldn't apply to your project, I encourage you to take another look. Now is a great time to rediscover the NGBS as it is nearing the final stages of being updated and the <a href="/Services/Standards_Development/American_National_Standards/National_Green_Building_Standard">2012 version</a> will be sent to ANSI for review very soon.</p> <p>Knowing now what you may not have known before about the National Green Building Standard, how can we help your project get <a href="%7E/link.aspx?_id=B116F0CA4E744280A18C65ED2A82200D&_z=z">NGBS Green Certified</a> today?<br /> <br />  </p>{1B3F8FEA-4086-4517-AF77-9401AD512A89}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20120927-VK-Whats-New-in-2012-NGBSWhat's New in the 2012 NGBS?<p>As you may be aware, a consensus review and <a href="/Services/Standards_Development/American_National_Standards/National_Green_Building_Standard">update process for the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard</a> (NGBS) is in its final stretch. As with all ANSI-approved standards, the update process has been open and consensus-based, with proposed changes and public comments accepted from all interested parties. A balanced and independent committee of experts, the Consensus Committee, considered all proposals and made the final collective decision on all revisions. The new version of the NGBS is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2013. Because Home Innovation Research Labs served as secretariat for both the first and most recent NGBS development processes, we wanted to let you know what will be different, enhanced, or improved from the 2008 version.</p> <p>The new version builds upon the cumulative stakeholder experiences with the 2008 NGBS, including perspectives on design, construction, certification, and operation of new and existing green single- and multifamily buildings and green residential land developments. In addition, the updates align the NGBS with building codes that have been adopted around the country since the 2008 version was approved by ANSI. Below is a list of some of the most notable updates that you can expect when the new document becomes available. </p> <p> <strong>1.  The Energy Efficiency Chapter has been substantially revised with the new rating levels based on whole-house energy savings above the 2009 IECC.</strong> The prescriptive path has been reanalyzed to ensure a closer alignment with the performance path on a whole-house energy use basis. The Bronze rating level (the minimum certification level for compliance with the NGBS) is set at 15 percent above the 2009 IECC, which was selected as the baseline by the Consensus Committee because the majority of the country is expected to be using the 2009 IECC or a derivative of it when the 2012 NGBS becomes available as a certification option. In any jurisdiction where the 2012 IECC code has been adopted, the NGBS Energy Chapter can be implemented at a higher rating level (i.e., Silver) or at the Bronze rating level with a primary focus on other green building attributes (e.g., land development, resource efficiency, water efficiency, indoor air quality, etc.).</p> <p><strong>2.  The point assignments for Water Efficiency practices have been reanalyzed to achieve an improved internal consistency with regard to actual water savings.</strong> In addition to other revisions, the provisions for rainwater collection and distribution have been expanded to encourage rainwater use for irrigation and indoor demand.</p> <p><strong>3.  The remodeling provisions have undergone a substantive revision.</strong> The new NGBS will provide two options for remodelers interested in getting their green projects rated: (1) achieving a rating for an entire remodeled home to one of four levels of compliance; or (2) achieving minimum compliance for a remodeled functional area such as a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or addition. The first option will be most appropriate for green remodeling projects that involve a significant renovation of the entire building. The second option is geared toward a large market of smaller remodeling projects that focus only on one or more parts of the home. All renovation and addition notes have been removed from the new NGBS and the remodeling practices have been organized into two standalone chapters — Chapters 11 and 12 — that address only remodeling. The new format facilitates greater ease-of-use by directing users to the provisions that are applicable to their project, whether it is new or existing construction.</p> <p><strong>4.  The durability provisions have been reorganized, expanded, and compiled into a single section as part of the Resource Efficiency Chapter (Ch. 6).</strong> Chapter 9 of the NGBS no longer contains practices related to durability. Expanded durability provisions include flashing details and encourage architectural features and designs that minimize the potential for water intrusion.</p> <p><strong>5.  Homes built in a green development get rewarded by accumulating related points under lot design.</strong> This practice encourages builders to obtain lots from green-developed communities and, in turn, stimulate green practices by large land developers. Selection of infill and low-slope lots will also be awarded with points to encourage development in urban areas and away from high-slope sites.</p> <p><strong>6.  The life cycle analysis practice has been expanded and refined.</strong> The practice lists specific environmental impact measures for use in the assessment and establishes minimum improvement thresholds. Builders now can get credit for selecting environmentally preferable products or assemblies or a whole-house system based on performing an appropriate level LCA.</p> <p><strong>7.  The implementation of green practices for multifamily buildings has been clarified by the Consensus Committee to include common areas.</strong></p> <p><strong>8.  Community gardens are encouraged as part of the development strategies to provide local food production options for residents or area consumers.</strong></p> <p>Once the 2012 NGBS becomes available as a certification option, Home Innovation Research Labs will begin providing certification services to it. A free registration process will be implemented soon by Home Innovation Labs to allow builders to select the rating system they plan to use. Stay tuned to this blog and the <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes">green certification pages</a> on the site for notification of when that system will become active. You can also <a href="/Orphan_Pages/Newsletter_Signup_Page">subscribe</a> to our <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Newsletters"><em>Insider Update</em></a> e-newsletter to get regular certification program updates and related news from around the country.</p> <p>Let us know what you think the most significant improvement will be in the 2012 NGBS.</p>{48377BF8-DDFA-407C-9FBE-4F5F0FE56E2F}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20121004-MF-Got-Third-Party-Certification-New-FTC-Green-GuidesGot Third-Party Certification?<p>This week the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued revised “<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/os/fedreg/2012/10/greenguidesfrn.pdf" target="_blank" title="Green Guides">Green Guides</a>” designed to help marketers ensure that the product claims they make to consumers about environmental attributes are truthful and non-deceptive. The use of third-party certifications has become a significant green marketing trend, and it’s no wonder why. Cone LLC, a global public relations and marketing firm, affirms that consumers rely on certifications when evaluating environmental claims. Cone’s opinion survey found that when purchasing a product with an environmental benefit, a whopping 81% of consumers cited a symbol or certification as most influential in their decision to buy.</p> <p>Overwhelmingly, consumers are looking for a certification to help them make their purchasing decisions. But not all certifications are created equal. Some are awarded as the result of stringent independent, third-party review and analysis. Others are merely eye-catching logos developed internally to company-specific criteria. The combination of widespread use of certification seals and logos along with the potential for consumer confusion spurred the FTC to propose more specific guidance than ever before in its newly revised Green Guides.</p> <p>The FTC guidance on certifications is notable. It determined there were three categories which defined a given certification’s credibility and dependability. Based on my review of the Green Guides, I would summarize the FTC’s certification categories as follows:</p> <h3>First-party Certification</h3> <p>This type of certification is essentially a self-certification. This is when a marketer uses any seal-of-approval, logo, or certification mark that does not have the backing of an independent, third-party evaluation. The FTC deemed such an unqualified claim would be deceptive because consumers would assume that an independent, third-party certifier evaluated the product by virtue of the mark being displayed. The FTC advised that to avoid deception marketers should use clear and prominent qualifying language to alert consumers that the certification program was internally-created.</p> <p>Within our industry, a number of builders have created their own criteria to promote their homes as green or energy efficient because they meet their self-defined criteria. According to the Green Guides, I suspect the FTC would find that marketing practice potentially deceptive unless it was very clear that it was based on criteria defined by the builder, and that the certification refers only to very specific and limited benefits.</p> <h3>Second-party Certification</h3> <p>This type of certification is one granted by a membership organization where the certification applicant is a dues-paying member. The FTC opined that the use of this type of seal/logo/certification could be deceptive if the certification seems to convey that it was awarded by an independent certifier, as opposed to a membership/trade association. As a result, to avoid deception the FTC recommends the seal should be accompanied with clear and prominent language disclosing the material connection between the company using it and the organization that bestowed it. </p> <p>To relate to our industry, builders marketing their homes as green by virtue of a certification issued by an organization to which they pay dues or from an industry trade association through which they are a member should use clear and prominent language so that consumers understand the source and basis of the certification. The FTC also asserted that an advertisement for a product that includes text, a seal, or a logo that indicates the marketer/builder is a member of an “Eco-Friendly Building Association,” for example, would also be deceptive without language to make it clear that the products (homes) themselves were not evaluated.</p> <h3>Third-party Certification</h3> <p>The FTC determined that certifications from an independent, third-party organization, using standards widely recognized by industry, were not inherently deceptive. Accordingly, for builders and developers looking to promote their properties as “green,” true independent, third-party certifications are considered reliable, credible, and transparent for consumers looking for affirmation of the builder’s green claims about his/her homes. The FTC recommended that marketers should accompany these types of certification seals with clear and prominent language conveying that the certification refers only to specific and limited benefits. Further, the FTC suggested that marketers use a website to provide greater details on which environmental attributes were evaluated.</p> <p>In light of this new guidance, it may be heartening to know that Home Innovation Research Labs is a full-service consulting, product testing, and accredited third-party agency dedicated solely to issues related to the home building industry. While we are a subsidiary of a trade association, NAHB, we are completely independent and they have no operational control over our business. We don’t have members, we have clients, and none of our services are limited by any type of membership or lack thereof. In terms of green homes, we deliver a <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes">rigorous green certification program</a> based on the only ANSI-approved residential green building rating system – the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) – which is a practical and affordable option for all builders, developers, and remodelers. You build a green home in compliance with the NGBS and follow our program rules, we’ll provide our green certification so your homebuyers or renters can know that your green claims are more than just lip service; they’re backed by an accredited third-party <a href="/Services/Certification">certification agency</a> with nearly 50 years of experience in the home building industry.</p> <p>Although you might not be worried about the FTC taking enforcement action directly against you as a builder, it is still a smart and sustainable business strategy to be sure you don’t mislead your potential customers. The Cone, LLC, survey noted above found that 75% of consumers would boycott a company if they felt its environmental claims were misleading. Don’t put yourself in that situation. Build great green homes and strong consumer goodwill by certifying your green homes through the <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes">Home Innovation’s program based on the National Green Building Standard</a>.</p>{987A4679-C7A9-4226-A39C-96E42DF2EAA0}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20121115-MF-99-Percent-Solution-for-Green-Housing-MarketOccupy Green: My 99% Solution<p>I am queen of the “<em>While we’re at it…</em>” project. No project is too small to turn into a full-blown bring-in-the-team-of-professionals kind of job. A few years ago, for example, I wanted to re-landscape my yard, so I hired a landscaper. While in my kitchen she said innocently, “Gee, you wouldn't even know that you had a yard because there are so few windows.” Doh! Before you could say “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” we were building an addition with lots of windows. So, <em>while we were at it</em>, I figured it was time for a new kitchen. And the adjacent bathroom was a tad dated – might as well update it, <em>while we’re at it</em>. Oh, by the way, the freshly painted kitchen surely made the rest of the first floor look shabby, so <em>while we were at it</em> I repainted the entire first floor. But how could I not go up the stairs? I mean those walls are all connected … well, you get the picture. It was a full-blown solution to the problem at hand and in the end it was a stunning success: everyone was happier with the new space. Sometimes you just can’t tinker.</p> <p>At Home Innovation Labs I spend a lot of time thinking about how to get more builders to commit to green certification and how to get more consumers to seek out high performance homes. I am not the only one – there is an army of green housing advocates working toward this goal. We have seen notable success, particularly in advanced building science, improved construction practices, and superior building products. But for substantive change to occur, we need to address the barriers in the real estate transaction – those in home selection, appraisal, and financing. We need what I call the “99% solution” on the back end of the home building process.</p> <p>I hear builders say, “ Home buyers don’t ask for green, they ask for granite.” And I hear lenders and appraisers say the “market” doesn't value green. Maybe. Or maybe through policies, lending practices, and tradition, we have erected barriers to the market behaving more rationally.</p> <p>Below is my proposal for a 99% solution to this situation. I admit it won’t solve everything, but I think if we can effectuate change in these four key areas, we will not see merely modest gains, but a stunning result.</p> <p> </p> <h3>1. Green the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)</h3> <p>Consumers need easy access to credible and structured information about green features and green certifications so they can make informed purchasing decisions. The MLS has been the primary vehicle for the vast majority of real estate transactions over the years. Home buyers rely on their local MLS to provide accurate information in structured categories. The MLS makes it easy and fast for buyers to search thousands of listings for homes that have the features they desire within their price point. Want a 3-bedroom, 2-bath, colonial with central air conditioning in Silver Spring, Maryland? You got it! Looking for a green certified home that exceeds building code minimums? Uh ... good luck. Too few MLS databases collect information about a home’s green certifications, let alone green features. Green advocates must make a concerted effort to have this changed. If we want home buyers to make smart decisions and select high-performance, green certified homes, we need to improve the out-of-date tools we expect them to use. This is an area where there has been a remarkable amount of success in the last few years. You can visit the <a href="http://www.greeningthemls.com" target="_blank">Greening the MLS website</a> for more information and ongoing updates.</p> <p> </p> <h3>2. Promote Green Building Education for Real Estate Agents</h3> <p>Consumers interested in green need the equivalent of a Best Buy's "Geek Squad" — real estate professionals who can translate the value of high-performance features and green practices into easily understandable benefits that are meaningful to the average consumer. Green certified homes are complex and often include state-of-the-art technology and products. As hard as they try, many builders can’t get VOC, SEER, Low-E, or Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient (my personal favorite) out of their consumer-facing marketing and vocabulary. And we wonder why consumers ask about granite!</p> <p> </p> <p>Several recent industry surveys demonstrate that consumers are interested in green building features; but at the same time, these consumers don’t have a deep understanding of green building practices. As a rule, home buyers look to their real estate agents to help them navigate the confusing terminology and building science. Unfortunately, too few real estate professionals have a comprehensive understanding of green homes despite the widespread availability of great professional training. Classes on green home building should be a part of every real estate professional’s continuing education plans. The <a href="http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/" target="_blank">NAR Green</a> and <a href="http://www.ecobroker.com/" target="_blank">EcoBroker</a> designations are available for licensed real estate agents, but we need to encourage more agents to seek green training.</p> <p> </p> <h3>3. Require Green Building Valuation Training for Appraisers</h3> <p>Nothing dampens the enthusiasm and passion of our builder partners who construct great green homes more than the appraiser who, during the valuation process, rounds up a long list of “comparable” properties built in the 1970s that are leakier than my grandmother’s pasta sieve. A new green certified home is simply not comparable to an inefficient home. In fairness, appraising green and energy efficiency features is not always easy. Insulation is behind the walls and out of sight. And appraisers, like consumers, may not be schooled in terms like VOC, SEER, Low-E, or Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient. Fortunately there have been some great professional training courses developed for appraisers so they can competently appraise green home features. Builders should work with their buyers to ensure that only appraisers trained and/or experienced in how to value a green home be selected to write the appraisal.</p> <p> </p> <p>Recently, the Appraisal Institute published the <a href="http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/green_energy_addendum.aspx" target="_blank">Residential Green and Energy Efficiency Addendum</a> (Form 820.03). This addendum was developed to help appraisers analyze market impacts of green or energy-efficient features. Builders of green homes should likewise require that the green addendum be completed by the appraiser. This form can be the linchpin for the 99% Solution if it is used widely and wisely. The data collected in this form can help real estate professionals populate a Green MLS, which helps inform consumers. The data can also enhance the analysis of green and energy-efficient features on the value of real property if it becomes a required part of the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) form.</p> <p> </p> <h3>4. Get the Mortgage Industry Giants On Board</h3> <p> </p> <p>One easy way, at least in theory, to standardize green data and mainstream green housing is to get Fannie, Freddie, and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to recognize green and energy features in their policies, procedures, and technology applications. In the past, Fannie Mae offered support of energy- and location-efficient homes with their Energy Efficient and Smart Commute mortgage products. Recently, Fannie Mae seized a leadership role in financing green multifamily properties, and within two years launched Green Refinance Plus, the first multifamily loan product designed to make affordable properties more energy and water efficient. Unfortunately, there have been no similar initiatives for green single-family homes from any of the financing agencies.</p> <p> </p> <p>The means by which Fannie, Freddie, and FHA could help involves zero risk, no new mortgage products, no loosening of underwriting standards, and little capital investment – but it could be a game-changer for the green home industry. These mortgage industry big boys can set the stage for market acceptance of green features by their sheer dominance – 90 percent of new mortgages are owned or guaranteed by Fannie, Freddie, or the FHA. We need the mortgage industry to revise their appraisal guidelines so that real estate appraisal engagements are required to include an analysis of potential market impacts attributable to energy-efficient or green fixtures or improvements. In other words, lenders should request appraisals of green homes to consider if the home’s green features have an impact on its value.</p> <p> </p> <p>Surprisingly, neither Fannie, Freddie, nor FHA directly asks appraisers to consider the impact of green features on a home’s value in any systematic way, or provides clear guidelines to lenders and underwriters on acceptable methods in this area. An example of this is circumstances where use of the income capitalization approach may be used in the absence of paired sales data. The Appraisal Institute cited this recommendation in a recent comment letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in relation to the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) proposed rule. It should be noted that the Appraisal Institute has developed an entire range of training programs devoted to valuing all forms of sustainable properties, including a new course devoted to the valuation of solar.</p> <p> </p> <p>Let me be clear – I am not suggesting that the mortgage industry require appraisers to value green certified homes equal with cost or to some predetermined value. Instead, I propose that the appraisal guidelines clarify the expectations and allowances of lenders and underwriters in this important area. Further, these agencies could take an additional step by ensuring the capture of this information by also including requirements for completion of AI’s Residential Green and Energy Efficiency Addendum. Currently Fannie and Freddie (and FHA) require appraisers only to complete the <a href="https://www.fanniemae.com/content/guide_form/1004.pdf" target="_blank">Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) form</a>, as noted earlier. With regard to green and energy efficiency, the URAR is at best agnostic – there are only two specific areas in which appraisers may comment on green or energy efficiency. In contrast, the Appraisal Institute’s green addendum establishes a framework for appraisers to analyze green and energy efficient features and could be collected by lenders for enhanced risk assessment and analysis. The addendum can also be completed in advance of an appraisal by a home builder or real estate agent, improving communications between the customer, lender, and appraiser. Home builders who have done this have reported positive experiences with a more open and thorough process.</p> <p> </p> <p>The addendum can enhance risk assessment in the area of green buildings and energy efficiency and more importantly, could enhance considerably the analysis of green and energy-efficient features on the value of real property. If you haven't already, definitely begin to use and recommend the addendum whenever possible.</p> <p> </p> <p>So what do you think of my while-we're-at-it, all-but-1% solution for a brighter future in green residential? I'd love to hear from you.</p>{F687820B-3556-4243-9C51-34060C4CFEDA}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20121206-MF-Why-Get-Green-Certified-in-Hot-MarketMultifamily is Hot. Why Green Certify?<p>Multifamily construction is booming. The most recent Multifamily Production Index (MPI) rose for the eighth consecutive quarter to its highest level since the second quarter of 2005. Even with strong production, vacancy levels remain low. And the forecast is bright for this sector – multifamily construction is projected to remain strong through 2015 due to demographic trends and a decreasing homeownership rate.</p> <p>Getting builders to “go green” during the last housing boom was challenging. A VP of Construction for a national builder once listened politely to my pitch and said simply, “Honey, I can’t build them fast as I can sell them. Why would I do anything differently?”</p> <p>But with this recent growth trend, things seem to be different. Multifamily green <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes">certifications to the National Green Building Standard</a> (NGBS) are also booming. So what’s changed? Why are multifamily developers bothering to seek NGBS certification when demand is so strong? Fortunately with age comes insight (usually), so here are the top five reasons I believe green is growing in the face of strong market conditions.</p> <h3>1. Institutional Investors</h3> <p>Large institutional investors want to invest in projects seeking green certification, and NGBS certification meets their requirements. These investors have determined there is a competitive advantage to green certified buildings. A recent <a href="http://www.costar.com" target="_blank">CoStar Group</a> study confirmed that green buildings outperform their non-green peer assets in key areas such as occupancy, sale price, and rental rates, sometimes by wide margins. Although the conclusion regarding higher rental rates for apartments remains unsubstantiated for many markets, the fact remains that non-residential commercial buildings, at the forefront of green certification for a decade, are showing significantly higher resale values. Combine higher-value properties with lower operating costs (see #3 below) and you get a lower cap rate. This is a big plus from an investor’s perspective and guaranteed to command greater attention from institutional investors as they seek out high-yield, low-risk investment opportunities.</p> <h3>2. Market Differentiation</h3> <p>Green certification might not (yet) command higher rental rates, but in many cities it is an appreciable market differentiator. Anecdotally, the evidence is strong. Our program partners reliably report that they attract more renters to visit their communities and lease up faster than their non-green competitors. Market research consistently confirms that Millennials and Gen Xers want greener lifestyles but believe that it is the responsibility of businesses to create green products. For multifamily developers here is the unique value proposition. You can make prospective renters feel as though they are making as little negative impact on the world as possible, while enhancing their lifestyles with well-designed apartment communities.</p> <h3>3. Energy Price Volatility</h3> <p>Some developers select green certification to mitigate the future risk of higher rent rates and building values for green buildings as compared to non-green certified buildings. Others are looking to hedge energy price volatility. Energy is a significant operational cost for all apartment managers; utility costs represent the single largest controllable cost in an apartment community. Improving building performance and lowering overall utility costs for developer/owners can increase net operating income and make a significant difference to the bottom line. Long-term forecasts continue to predict that residential utility costs will rise appreciably. If you are not building energy and water efficiency into your buildings today, you are building in obsolescence.</p> <h3>4. Corporate Reputation</h3> <p>The investment community believes that between 30 and 50% of a company’s value is intangible, based mostly on corporate reputation. (Others place the value of such intangibles at 70%.) Being an environmental leader and setting corporate sustainability goals are among the more important strategies to building a favorable corporate reputation. Further, the mounting convergence of brand and corporate reputation means that the corporate brand is as important, if not more important, than product brand(s). Land development and construction activities in particular have a very visible impact on the environment. Setting clear, transparent, and measurable sustainability goals is an efficient way to position multifamily developers in a favorable light. Seeking affordable, attainable NGBS certification for all new construction can solidify the corporate sustainability commitment.</p> <h3>5. Streamlined Entitlement Process, Development Review, Public Participation</h3> <p>In a few jurisdictions NGBS certification brings tangible rewards: expedited permitting, density bonuses, tax credits, permit fee reductions, rebates, and LIHTC preference. In those situations the reason to commit to green is obvious. But even in areas where green isn’t mandated or incentivized, savvy developers understand that seeking NGBS certification can grease the wheels of many sluggish development review processes. Local officials and local community residents appreciate when developers propose projects with reduced environmental impacts and above-code construction practices. And by demonstrating your environmental bona fides by attaining NGBS certification you get to select which green practices to employ in your project, as opposed a government mandate how you attain green. You might as well perfect those green practices – most development will face more stringent building codes and environmental regulations in the future. Use the NGBS as a voluntary, above-code program to get public recognition now, and bank the hands-on expertise for when building requirements ratchet up in the future.</p> <h3>BONUS REASON: Employee Retention</h3> <p>Remember how I mentioned market research consistently confirms that Millennials and Gen Xers want greener lifestyles but believe that it is the responsibility of businesses to create green products? Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also a way to attract and retain talent. In a <a href="http://www.towerswatson.com/global-workforce-study" target="_blank">global workforce study</a> by Towers Perrin, the professional services firm, CSR is the third most important driver of employee engagement overall. In the United States, an organization’s stature in the community is the second most important driver of employee engagement, and a company’s reputation for social responsibility is also among the top 10. Deloitte reports that 70% of young Millennials, those ages 18 to 26, say a company’s commitment to the community has an influence on their decision to work there. A corporate-wide commitment to green certification can help you attract and retain your most valuable employees.</p> <p>Intrigued? Curious? Skeptical? I'd love to hear from you! Find out more about the benefits of <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Multifamily_Certification">NGBS certification of multifamily buildings</a>.</p>{D91B47BA-CB28-4126-8B8D-4F47967BFC38}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130103-MF-Fellowship-of-the-New-Year-ResolutionFellowship of the New Year's Resolution<p>I love the New Year. Not New Year’s Eve, since I am almost always asleep when the Times Square ball drops, but the tradition of reflecting on the past year’s accomplishments, pondering goals for the coming year, and ultimately committing to a few bodacious resolutions for the year. Like many, I am rarely 100% successful in keeping my resolutions, but I have learned some important lessons. First, unpleasant resolutions reliably fail.  Will you really be excited about pledging to eat more cauliflower (selected as <em>the </em>Hot Vegetable for 2013)? Second, insipid self-help promises like “always maintain a positive attitude” are impossible to measure and utterly unrealistic. Besides, sometimes you need a little snark.</p> <p>Instead, make a resolution that gives you the possibility of success and provides some extra joy. Pledge to be better at doing something good in 2013. According to Christine Carter, a sociologist and happiness expert at <a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness" target="_blank">UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center</a>, pledging to do something that brings enjoyment can help you be successful at keeping a resolution in the first place. For home builders and remodelers, resolve that this is the year when you build a green certified home.</p> <p>Most builders want to build a better home, and there is no question in my mind that a green certified home is a better built home than one that is not. Is a green certified home better because it has fewer impacts on the environment? Yes. But the real difference is that a green certified home is a superior product even if you didn't consider the reduced environmental impact. For one thing, the homes that Home Innovation Labs <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes">certifies to the National Green Building Standard (NGBS)</a> have important attributes that many non-NGBS homes do not. Compliance with the building code is a good start, but generally building codes are minimum acceptable standards to protect the occupant’s health, safety, and welfare. Contemporaneous building science, products, and technology offer builders an opportunity to provide a better-built home that goes beyond code for the owner’s comfort and benefit. For builders who want to better their craft, the NGBS offers a blueprint for how to design and construct a home that is more comfortable, has lower operating costs, and offers a healthier living space.</p> <p>The NGBS offers over 500 ways that builders can improve the quality of the homes they build. Many of these practices are affordable and fairly straightforward to implement and have an immediate and tangible improvement on the quality of construction. Yet lots of homes are being built without benefit of these extra features. Other practices are more complex or expensive — these can be considered a stretch goal for builders to implement now or consider adding to their repertoire for future projects.</p> <p>I had the opportunity to speak with a builder in Pennsylvania who attained the first Emerald-level NGBS certification. Previously he had never built a green home but was encouraged to consider high-performance techniques by his <a href="http://www.nahb.org/page.aspx/category/sectionID=607" target="_blank">NAHB 20 Club</a> peers. He confronted the challenge with a competitive spirit, honing his design with the NGBS at his side to provide technical assistance. When he was done he remarked how much better this home was than any other one that he had built before. He said that he believed the new homeowners were really going to get a superior product.</p> <p>Simply put, the NGBS can help you design and construct a better home for your buyers. And with an NGBS green certified home, a homebuyer has third-party assurance that those important attributes are not just part of the design and construction, but were correctly installed as well. Here are five things that make a difference for buyers of a green certified home:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Tight Envelope. </strong>Drafty homes are uncomfortable for occupants. They are also more expensive to operate because all the conditioned air fails to stay inside, while the outside heat and cold freely seep into the house.</li> <li><strong>Moisture Management.</strong> After mastering the art of a tight envelope, a builder needs to ensure that water is expertly managed both inside and outside the home. Construction practices like adequate foundation drainage, properly installed water-resistive and ice barriers, bathroom ventilation, and satisfactory flashing helps to reduce potential mold and moisture problems for the homeowner.</li> <li><strong>Proper Ventilation.</strong> Proper ventilation helps improve indoor air quality. Ventilation can control indoor humidity and airborne contaminants, both of which can either contribute to or act independently as health hazards.</li> <li><strong>Properly-sized, High-Efficiency Systems.</strong> For quality-built homes this is a double-duty necessity. Selecting the right size HVAC system ensures it runs at optimum performance and delivers optimum comfort. Selecting a high-efficiency system gets the homeowner more heat and cooling power for fewer bucks.</li> <li><strong>Efficient Resource Use.</strong> Most people put this into the “good for the environment” bucket. While I agree, even more important to me as a consumer is that the builder uses materials effectively and efficiently and thinks about where he can cut waste. Call me cheap, but I don’t want to pay for more building materials than I need.</li> </ol><br/> <p>Want to best your competition in 2013? Sit down with a copy of the <a href="http://secure.builderbooks.com/cgi-bin/builderbooks/874?id=HvzLcwMN&mv_pc=43" target="_blank">National Green Building Standard</a> and your most recent set of construction plans. Score your home using our nifty <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/NGBS_Green_Scoring">Green Scoring Spreadsheet</a> to see how you can build an even better home for your next project. Then find an <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Find_a_Verifier">Accredited Green Verifier</a> who can confirm just how affordable and attainable NGBS certification can be. As always, Home Innovation Labs staff is available to coach you through any difficult spots and help you on your path to certification success. Just <a href="http://www.nahbrc.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification">contact us</a> and we will make sure your 2013 Green Certification Resolutions become your 2014 Business Success Stories.</p>{7EC5D1EB-039A-4D09-BF5F-FA1851F4718B}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130111-MF-Moving-to-a-Higher-Green-StandardMoving to a Higher Green Standard<p>The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) notified Home Innovation Research Labs on January 10, 2013, that it had approved the 2012 revision of ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS), capping off a two-year consensus process to update and amend the original version of the NGBS. ANSI approval is significant. While the NGBS is the first and only residential green building rating system to receive ANSI approval, it is not for this reason alone that the achievement is notable. Rather, it is noteworthy for what the designation as an American National Standard represents. A diversity of stakeholders. Fairness. Openness. The right to public comment and appeal.</p> <h3>Recipe for a Consensus Standard</h3> <p>I had a chance to observe the ANSI standards development process at work during development of the 2012 NGBS. If I had to describe it to the uninitiated, I would say that it’s like making sausage. It’s messy and complicated and time-consuming. Sometimes you are not even sure you want to be looking. Everyone gets to have a say in the process and the technical deliberations and analysis are painstaking and often tedious. But you don’t need to show your membership card at the door to be heard. ANSI rules insist that everyone must be able to have a say. And it is precisely because of the inclusivity during the development process, and opportunity for everyone potentially affected by the standard to participate, that helps make the standard more easily accepted by the industry for which it was designed.</p> <p>In the end, that is reason why the NGBS is so significant. The ANSI process produced a credible and highly rigorous green building rating system that is being voluntarily adopted by the residential construction industry. An industry that quite honestly has otherwise been a laggard for innovation. Industry stakeholders voluntarily revised the NGBS within a shorter timeframe than required by ANSI and eagerly made the NGBS certification requirements more stringent than the previous version. Imagine that.</p> <h3>Notable Changes in the 2012 NGBS</h3> <p>First and foremost, the energy efficiency baseline got ratcheted up. In recognition of more stringent energy codes nationwide, the NGBS Consensus Committee believed that for homes and multifamily buildings to receive green certification they should need to attain higher performance levels for the entire home or building, not just heating, cooling, and water heating. Insulation installation now has to be visually inspected and if not at least Grade 2 or higher, certification is not possible.</p> <p>Second, the 2012 NGBS now allows builders and developers to receive points toward certification for incorporating sustainable design elements. The Consensus Committee spent a fair amount of time discussing its belief that the ability to age in place was a tenant of sustainability they hoped to encourage. As Baby Boomers age they will be able to find a green home where they can age gracefully and safely over many years.</p> <p>A third improvement of the 2012 version is the addition of more land development and building practices that align with contemporary land use and planning issues. For example, the 2012 NGBS has more practices designed to reduce stormwater impacts from construction and incentivize community gardens, and bike- and car-sharing programs. Builders and developers seeking certification that incorporate these practices into their projects can help their local municipalities more easily achieve some of their local community goals.</p> <p>Finally, the 2012 NGBS started with a clean slate with regard to remodeling and renovation, aiming to make the certification process simpler and more streamlined without diminishing its rigor. The Consensus Committee's aspiration was to further encourage the renovation of older homes and residential buildings to be more energy and water efficient. Because let’s be honest — while a new green certified home or apartment building will be more efficient and have reduced environmental impacts in comparison to code-minimum new buildings, the benefits of renovating our older housing stock far exceed the benefits gained from new construction. If we want to make appreciable gains nationally in reducing water and energy use and improving the quality of the living environment for most Americans, we need to offer builders and developers a green remodel path that is rational, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement. In the 2008 NGBS, renovation requirements were sprinkled across practices and throughout multiple chapters. In the 2012 NGBS, the renovation requirements are consolidated and accorded a two separate stand-alone chapters. The consolidation alone is a vast improvement, but the Consensus Committee made additional improvements such as clarifying the mandatory requirements, setting reasonable energy and water efficiency reductions, and providing remodelers a set of additional green practices that would further improve the performance of the existing building.</p> <p>The 2012 NGBS also provides new certification opportunities for small projects such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Many remodelers urged the Consensus Committee to include small projects because they believed they could more easily incorporate green practices into their everyday renovation projects if there was a certification path. A number of remodelers also believed a small project remodel option would make it easier to convince homeowners to consider whole-house retrofits, further improving the green benefits.</p> <h3>Onward and Upward</h3> <p>The 2008 version of the National Green Building Standard has been helping to transform the residential construction industry. Since it was published in January 2009, over 15,000 homes and apartments have been <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Certification_Activity_Report">certified by Home Innovation Research Labs</a>. Even more impressive, almost 19,000 homes and apartments have registered with Home Innovation Labs to be certified. Builders, remodelers, and developers have enthusiastically embraced the NGBS as a challenge to build green high-performance homes. I look forward to the even greater transformation that the 2012 NGBS will bring.</p>{A606812A-D86A-4CBD-9C4E-DFB3621ED6C4}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130214-MF-Why-Should-Consumers-Care-About-2012-NGBSNGBS 2012: What's In It For Consumers?<p>A couple weeks ago I attended a press conference at the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas announcing ANSI’s approval of the 2012 version of ICC 700 National Green Building Standard™. When the official comments were over, a Chicago newspaper reporter asked a great question, “What does ANSI approval of the 2012 National Green Building Standard mean for my readers, home buyers and home owners?”</p> <p>In the end, while ANSI’s approval of a green building standard is a notable accomplishment to the International Code Council and the National Association of Home Builders, the real noteworthy element is how it will impact individuals and families looking for a home to buy or an apartment to rent. For both home buyers and renters, the 2012 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is an important milestone for several reasons.</p> <p>First, the NGBS offers a national, rigorous, and multi-faceted definition of what a green home is so buyers and renters know what they are getting and, as importantly, what they are not getting. “Green” is a common, but often unhelpful marketing claim. Too often there is a disconnect between what a builder means by green and what consumers infer. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) looked at how consumers viewed green marketing claims and found that most consumers interpret general “green” claims to construe specific environmental benefits. Some builders use this to their advantage. Claims about “eco-homes,” “living green,” and “sustainable” are widespread. But are all these homes green? And if so, by whose definition? Some builders believe that as long as a home is more energy efficient than the local building code, it is worthy of the green tag. Other builders toss “environmentally-friendly” around their websites and marketing collateral but rue the home buyer that wants to figure out how it earned that label. Buyers and renters who consider <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes">NGBS Green Certified homes</a> have a national benchmark by which they can evaluate the home.</p> <p>Second, the NGBS offers a comprehensive set of green building practices and products. Not just energy efficient. Not just water efficient. An NGBS Green Certified home compared to a code-minimum home has practices that make the home more energy, water, and resource efficient; has improved indoor air quality; and reduces land development impacts. Further, an NGBS-certified home comes with a manual to help ensure that long-term operation of the home maintains its high-performance features. Why should the consumer care about the balanced approach the NGBS has for defining green? Because the balance makes an NGBS Green Certified home more affordable for consumers. Land development practices like low-impact stormwater techniques and reduced paved area can help builders reduce their construction costs. These savings can help offset the additional costs for high efficiency equipment and technologies. So for consumers, a holistic green home can actually cost them less to own and operate than a home that is merely energy efficient!</p> <p>Third, the design target energy savings of a 2012 NGBS-certified home are knowable and rigorous. At best, many jurisdictions currently only require new homes to meet the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); some are still implementing the 2003 IECC. The 2012 NGBS sets aggressive energy performance goals that build from the regulations currently enforced at the local level. Homes certified to the 2012 NGBS will be designed to achieve energy savings 15% above the 2009 IECC for a Bronze level home, and increasingly higher for Silver, Gold, and Emerald level certifications. Consumers will be hard pressed to find any green designation – on either a local or national level — that has upwardly-tiered, measurable energy saving targets as rigorous as the 2012 NGBS.</p> <p>Last, the NGBS provides four certification levels so buyers can select the level of green that best suits their budget. Bronze-level NGBS Green Certified homes cost 1.7% more than a code-minimum home on average. Emerald homes, which are extremely high performing and commonly have alternative technologies such as solar or geothermal, can cost up to 16% more. Emerald is an admirable housing performance goal, but not every consumer can make such an expensive green commitment. With the NGBS they don’t have to — green is affordable for everyone.</p> <p>So builders, code officials, remodelers, and yes, even Home Innovation Research Labs can celebrate the release of the 2012 NGBS. But the real winners are home buyers and renters. The National Green Building Standard benefits them most of all.</p>{E7AF328C-B10B-46FB-A01A-D3F7E76645C1}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130221-ML-Whats-In-A-NameWhat's in a Name? More Than You Think!<p>As the father of four kids, I have some experience with names and the highly personal and subjective process of selecting them. In our case, my wife and I started by making a short list of names for both boys and girls. We spent hours in discussion weighing factors such as nicknames, people with similar names we both liked and disliked, and family traditions. While we could identify the factors that caused us to like or dislike a particular name, we had no way (or desire!) to quantify them in any way. Instead, within a day or so of each of their births, one of the names on our list seemed to "fit" better than the others. Our process was admittedly subjective and opaque, but it seemed to work.</p> <p>Our kids are now teenagers and we couldn’t imagine knowing them by any other names. Of course, I suspect we would feel the same had we picked any other name on our lists. I also suspect that our perception that each of their names fit them was as much a product of the urgency to put a name on the birth certificate so we could leave the hospital as anything else. Fortunately, despite all the hand wringing over names, I don’t believe children’s names are deterministic of anything intrinsically important such as health, intelligence, or moral bearing. I wouldn’t love them any less by a different name. And in the end, it really only mattered if we liked the name – other opinions really weren’t that important to us.</p> <p>I had a very different experience when it came to evaluating the name of this company. With a decade of experience trying to explain the difference between our company and our parent company, I knew there was confusion among prospective clients between NAHB, a non-profit, member-based trade association, and the NAHB Research Center, an independent third-party testing, certification, and consulting company. I knew that this confusion was limiting our ability to communicate effectively who we are, what we do, and why we should be hired. Based on our experience as a market researcher, I knew that the name of a product or business can play a huge role creating peoples’ perception of the company, its products and services, or desire to interact with that company, so I knew that if we were to consider a name change, we had to get it right and account for the opinions and perceptions of a wide range of people ranging from our clients, to our board of directors, to our stockholder (NAHB).</p> <p>Fortunately, branding, messaging, and communication strategies are such critical components of marketing that few businesses leave it to chance (or the subjective process my wife and I used to name our kids!). There is a voluminous body of objective research detailing how this can be done in a systematic, objective, and transparent way that can be measured in meaningful terms.</p> <p>So that’s what we decided to do and hired three expert consultants to help us through it.</p> <p>Merrick Towle Communications, a marketing communications consultant, helped us examine how well we communicated our value proposition to all our client segments and helped us develop clear and concise messaging at the service level. Interactive Strategies, a web consulting firm, revamped our corporate website from the ground up. Using the messaging we developed with Merrick Towle, Interactive Strategies delivered us a completely new web presence and clean and modern platform for telling our story. NameStormers, a brand consulting firm, helped us test and measure potential names of our company and measured them against our existing name among our key client segments. NameStormers also tested various logos Merrick Towle had developed for us to see whether one was better than others in the eyes of our clients. It truly was a remarkable team, and it was interesting for me as a consultant to be in the client chair for a change.</p> <p>The research our consultants conducted showed that both our clients and housing consumers alike greatly preferred one new name above all others and one mark above the rest — you can see how the whole picture of who we are came together as embodied on this website. Unlike the decision-making process my wife and I employed, which was guided by our guts, preferences, and biases, this decision-making process was driven by a rigorous research process, data, and analysis conducted by independent experts. We practiced what we preach, and I think we hit the mark. Surf our site and let me know what you think!</p> <p>I'd also love to hear what issues your company is confronting and discuss how Home Innovation Research Labs might be able to help you navigate your challenging decision-making processes.</p>{CAE87B3D-4252-481D-B6E9-D7D402F290B6}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130314-MF-Invention-vs-InnovationInvention vs. Innovation<p>I had an opportunity to watch a documentary on Steve Jobs while stuck in a hotel room recently. The show detailed how, as Apple CEO, Steve Jobs oversaw the development of the Apple II series, Apple Lisa, and Macintosh; then during his second stint as Apple CEO he masterminded the wildly successful iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and iTunes store. Yet, for as ingenious and successful as these products and services are, Jobs is not credited with being their <strong><em>inventor</em></strong>. Instead he is universally touted as a visionary <strong><em>innovator</em></strong>. I don’t think I fully appreciated the difference between these concepts until I started working at Home Innovation Research Labs.</p> <p>The difference between <strong><em>invention </em></strong>and <strong><em>innovation </em></strong>is <span style="text-decoration: underline;">execution</span>. Featured in the documentary was entrepreneur Tom Grasty, who defines invention as the creation of a product or process for the first time. Invention creates an entirely new market that did not previously exist. Innovation, on the other hand Grasty explains, is placing an existing product or process into a new context. Innovation is the art and science of servicing needs that have been previously overlooked.</p> <p>Steve Jobs didn’t invent the portable music player — Sony’s Walkman debuted 22 years earlier. Nor did he invent the MP3 player which was mass-produced commercially in 1997, <em>four years</em> before the first generation iPod. Napster and several others invented online music sharing platforms, not iTunes. Jobs revolutionized the music industry and how millions of people purchase and listen to music without inventing a thing. Instead he took previous inventions and improved upon them so significantly that you can’t help wanting one. He was a masterful innovator and the iPod is oft-cited as innovation at its best providing its users versatility previously unimagined — it is easy to use, beautifully designed, and connects to a user-friendly platform that effortlessly updates your music across various devices.</p> <p>Invention vs. innovation. It’s an important distinction and one that goes a long way to explaining the value proposition of the services offered by Home Innovation Research Labs. Founded in 1964 and <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/NAHBRC_Name_Change" target="_self">previously known as the NAHB Research Center</a>, Home Innovation Labs has a mission to remove barriers to innovation for the residential construction industry. Ours is an industry that doesn’t necessarily need more inventions. After all, every year plenty of new building products and technologies are invented but fail to achieve commercial success. Worse yet are new products or building systems that gain some commercial traction, are bought and used by builders and contractors, but fail to perform or are difficult to install.</p> <p>As much as the housing industry needs innovation, housing product and technology innovations lag behind most every other industry. This is where Home Innovation Labs helps our clients succeed. We offer a comprehensive suite of services and an interdisciplinary research approach to help you understand your unique selling proposition; align your products and ideas to the key strategic focus of your enterprise; define and understand the target customer segment; develop a plan for execution; and define the business value. We understand that your product innovations must be aligned with the existing market landscape and your company's place in that marketplace.</p> <p>Our interdisciplinary approach is simple. Through <a href="/Services/Market_Research">market research</a> we strive to bring manufacturers closer to their customers, which helps bring better products to the marketplace. Through <a href="/Services/Certification">certification</a> and <a href="/Services/Product_Testing">testing</a>, we ensure products meet code specifications and address issues before they go to market. But we are so much more than just a product testing laboratory. We can test building systems and even entire houses. Our services are comprehensive, yet singularly focused on the residential industry.</p> <p>There has never been a better time to see what we can do for you. As we've all seen in recent headlines, the <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/100533720" target="_blank">housing market is picking up steam nationwide</a>. But beyond the headlines we see a whole new landscape for builders and product manufacturers. More stringent building codes. More sophisticated products and technologies. Changing consumer demographics. Further advances in building science. Now is the time to make sure you are positioned properly to take advantage of the brighter housing forecast.</p> <p>Innovation is the catalyst to growth. Home Innovation Research Labs has a dedicated and expert staff ready to make innovation work for you. Let us help you bring the housing industry's next "iPod" successfully into the market.</p>{DD5362C9-0AAB-413E-81DE-82F071896C3F}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130405-MF-2013-A-Green-Building-Odessy2013: A Green Building Odessy<p>This is shaping up to be a transformative year for green home building. Below is a summary of some of the noteworthy activities that have transpired in just the first quarter of this year, which have been a catalyst for a great deal of optimism and excitement in and around our Home Innovation NGBS Green Building Certification program.</p> <h3>ANSI Approves 2012 NGBS</h3> <p>In January, the American National Standards Institute <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0111_ANSI_Approves_National_Green_Building_Standard">approved the 2012 version</a> of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). The 2012 NGBS builds upon the cumulative stakeholder experiences with the 2008 version, including perspectives on design, construction, certification, and operation of new and existing green single- and multifamily buildings and green residential land developments and cements its position as the only ANSI-approved residential green building rating system. The 2012 NGBS approval comes roughly three years after Home Innovation Research Labs (then the NAHB Research Center) began to serve as Adopting Entity and providing green certification services to home builders and developers. In three years the growth of the certification program has been noteworthy. We have certified roughly 5,800+ single-family homes and over 11,000 apartments as being in compliance with the NGBS. Even more significant is the pipeline of projects that have registered to seek NGBS certification — presently over 1,500 single-family homes and almost 40,000 apartments are in-process for NGBS green home certification.</p> <h3>'Home Innovation' Takes Center Stage in NGBS Green Certification</h3> <p>While on its face our <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0212_Industry_Evolution-NAHB_Research_Center_Becomes_Home_Innovation_Research_Labs">corporate name change</a> (from the NAHB Research Center to Home Innovation Research Labs) might not seem directly related to growth in green home building, it is actually part of both the genesis of the shift and the momentum that's building as a result of of the change. Going forward there should be no confusion or doubt about the fact that our organization is an independent third-party testing and certification body, and not a membership organization, enhancing the public perception and credibility of the program on all fronts. We have already seen our new name bear fruit in terms of the improved consumer reaction our builder participants are getting, and we believe this marketing boost will only grow over time. </p> <h3>Pool of Incentives for NGBS Green Homes Continues to Grow</h3> <p>Over the last few months, we have continued to see both new and extended incentives for green homes built and certified to the NGBS. Be sure to check our <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/NGBS_Incentives_Summary">list of available incentives</a> frequently — this list is updated as real-time as possible once we become aware of an incentive; if there's one you are aware of that's not reflected on the list, be sure to <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">let us know</a>. Most recently under the umbrella of incentives, we reported on the news that the <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0103_Energy_Aspects_of_Fiscal_Cliff_Legislation">energy efficient tax credit survived the fiscal cliff</a>; and that Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0311_Sandy_Relief_Funds_Available_for_NGBS_Projects">funds are available for green homes built in areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy</a> (i.e., NY, NJ, CT, RI, and MD).</p> <p>Today we also <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0405_Home_Innovation_Requests_GSA_to_Recognize_NGBS">submitted comments to the GSA</a> suggesting that the National Green Building Standard should be considered as a go-to green rating system for the Federal government to use and endorse. While not an incentive, this type of Federal-level recognition as an endorsed, consensus-based, ANSI-approved green home rating system would only enhance the likelihood of the NGBS being called out specifically by states and municipalities in their legislation.</p> <h3>Appraisal Institute Introduces Green Addendum</h3> <p>In March, the Appraisal Institute released an updated form intended to help analyze values of green and energy-efficient home features. The Institute originally issued its Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum in September 2011, as an optional addendum to Fannie Mae Form 1004, the most widely used form for mortgage lending purposes. Form 1004 devotes limited attention to energy-efficient features, so green data usually doesn’t appear in the appraisal report, or it is included in a lengthy narrative that often is ignored. The updated five-page green addendum, which reflects input from both NAHB and USGBC, now allows appraisers to identify and describe a home’s green features, from solar panels to energy-saving appliances, and identify specific green certifications, including NGBS and LEED certifications. (See the item on this in our <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Newsletters">March 2013 Insider Update</a>.)</p> <h3>NGBS Program Grows to Serve Our Partner Needs</h3> <p>Based on the feedback we have received, we understand that our NGBS program partners, be they architects, accredited verifiers, home builders, or multifamily developers, have appreciated that we try to be responsive and deliver exceptional customer service throughout the certification process. Technical assistance, interpretations, and building science support are available to all of our NGBS Green Partners and our goal remains a one-business-day turnaround. We understand that the residential construction industry has multiple certification options available – we strive to be the green home certification program of choice for the industry.</p> <p>To ensure that we can continue to provide exceptional customer service, we were very pleased this week to <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0401_Cindy_Wasser_Becomes_Manager_NGBS_Green_Building_Programs">welcome Cindy Wasser as our new manager of green building programs</a>. Cindy comes to Home Innovation from the National Association of Counties (NACo) where she  developed and implemented a variety of educational programming and technical assistance related to green building design, residential energy efficiency, and green product purchasing for county elected officials and staff. Her expertise working with a wide variety of clients from product manufacturers to local officials will help us continue the growing nationwide recognition and acceptance of NGBS certification from within the industry — working with builders, remodelers, and developers — as well as outside the industry promoting the NGBS to elected and regulatory officials. Cindy also looks forward to helping NGBS certification program partners effectively communicate the benefits of certified green homes to home renters and buyers. We hope that you will welcome Cindy to our staff and feel free to contact her directly (301.430.6206) if she can provide you with green certification assistance.</p> <h3>Looking Ahead</h3> <p>Our 2013 green workplan is comprehensive and ambitious. We are excited about a number of new initiatives we are working on to break down some of the transaction barriers related to green homes such as appraisals that don’t recognize green and energy-efficient features, lending practices that don’t consider utility expenses, and developing improved ways for consumers to find certified green homes. If you are an existing certification program partner, we hope we are able to provide you with increasing value and to help you attain the highest level of success, whatever your specific business in the residential construction industry. If you are new to our green home certification program, or considering participating, we hope you take a closer look at how we can leverage our expertise, relationships, and passion to ensure your future success.</p>{D9096C73-3730-40E7-B7A3-A173C931FC2F}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130606-MF-6-Reasons-to-Choose-NGBS-Over-LEED6 Reasons to Choose NGBS Green Certification Over LEED<p>In the past four years, <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/NGBSGreenStats" target="_self">tens of thousands of homes and apartments have been NGBS Green Certified</a> by Home Innovation Research Labs, yet the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) and the <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes">Home Innovation NGBS Green Certification program</a> are still not as well-known as the LEED green building rating system. If you are seeking a green certification for your residential project, NGBS green certification is affordable, flexible, and yet rigorous. Below is a quick primer as to why you should consider NGBS green certification for your next project.</p> <h3>1. The NGBS was developed specifically for residential buildings; just residential buildings.</h3> <p>The NGBS and Home Innovation NGBS Green Certification Program are specifically designed for residential buildings. All of the green practices and requirements in the NGBS were selected by the NGBS Consensus Committee for their applicability and relevance to improving the performance of single-family homes and multifamily buildings. Homes are fundamentally different in their function, financing, operation and maintenance, and use than other building types. Sure, some systems, performance metrics, and objectives are similar; but the differences are significant enough that one size doesn’t fit all. Use the right tool for the job. For residential construction, the NGBS was crafted solely for residential buildings and the NGBS certification program is administered by an independent, third party with <a href="/About/Mission_and_History">50 years of residential experience</a>.</p> <h3>2. There isn’t a more credible or rigorous residential green building rating system than the NGBS.</h3> <p>The NGBS is the most rigorous national green building rating system available for residential buildings. Many people express disbelief at this assertion. How could the NGBS, whose development was facilitated by an industry trade association, be more rigorous than LEED? Like LEED, the NGBS has a set of mandatory practices (LEED calls them prerequisites) that must be successfully implemented for a project to be certified at any level. Also like LEED, the NGBS has six categories of green practices from which architects and builders select the practices they will incorporate into their homes and multifamily buildings. That is where the similarities end. For LEED certification, a building must attain a certain number of total points from any of the green building practices. For NGBS certification, a project must meet the point minimum in every category of green building practices. Each and every NGBS Green Certified project must incorporate sufficient green practices designed to increase resource efficiency, boost energy efficiency, reduce water use, minimize land development impacts, improve the indoor environment, and help ensure the building’s future performance through informed owner operation and maintenance. Further, to attain higher levels of NGBS certification, the project must incorporate an increasing amount of green building practices in every category of green building practices. This stringent requirement is designed to ensure that projects attaining higher certification levels are designed at higher performance targets for every aspect of green building. Got a net-zero energy home? Fabulous. But even with a very energy-efficient, high-performance home like that you can’t attain Emerald, the highest certification level in the NGBS, unless you also attain the Emerald point minimums for the five green building categories other than energy efficiency. If you are looking to set your projects apart from the competition from a performance perspective, only the NGBS ensures the highest level of rigor.</p> <h3>3. The NGBS is flexible enough to accommodate any type of residential building.</h3> <p>While the NGBS is the most rigorous rating system, there is still no other green building rating system that provides more flexibility. The NGBS is an expansive, point-based system that allows architects, developers, and builders great flexibility to select the green design and constriction practices that make the most sense for their specific project type, climate zone, budget, design, and performance objectives. Homes and multifamily buildings certified at the Bronze level must attain 321 points, yet the 2012 NGBS has over 700 green practices and 1,300 total points available. Flexibility is important for two reasons.  First, the wide range of residential buildings creates diverse and myriad project goals for architects, builders, and developers. Consider the vastly different design considerations of a typical single-family home compared to a Habitat for Humanity home, let alone the differences between any single-family home and a high-rise urban apartment building. Second, the flexibility allows rational design decisions based on the project’s location. NGBS Green Certified homes in the dry Southwest typically meet their additional point requirements from water-efficient practices, while homes in the colder Northwest usually select practices designed to reduce energy use.</p> <h3>4. 100% independent verification is demonstrable proof of compliance.</h3> <p>Every NGBS Green Certified project is twice-inspected. Even if you are constructing high-performance buildings, do you really know how high-performing they are without verification? As one of our national multifamily clients declared, “It’s easy to say you are doing anything, but quite another thing to prove it.” Every NGBS certified project gets inspected at least twice by a <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Find_a_Verifier">verifier accredited by Home Innovation Labs</a>. The first inspection must be before the drywall is installed so the verifier can see the green practices behind the wall, such as proper insulation installation. The second inspection must be when the building is complete. Multifamily buildings will likely be inspected even more frequently as the drywall is installed in phases. Accredited NGBS Green Verifiers must visually inspect all of the green practices claimed by architect and builder before awarding points toward certification for those green practices, products, or technologies. Home Innovation Labs has stringent rules to ensure our verifiers are experienced and independent from the builder or developer. The requirements for independence and the rigorous inspection protocol provide assurance that the building complies with the NGBS and that the green practices have been installed correctly. Verifiers must submit their inspection reports to Home Innovation Labs and our certification staff reviews every single inspection report for accuracy and completeness before issuing the NGBS Green Certifiied mark.</p> <h3>5. NGBS Green Certification is affordable.</h3> <p>All green certification programs have three buckets of cost, no matter what the program. First, the compliance costs, or sticks and bricks. In 2009, we did a comprehensive analysis to determine the increased cost for a code-minimum home to attain NGBS certification. Our analysis demonstrated that the Bronze certification level cost approximately 1.7% more for a $250,000 single-family home. Four years later we regularly hear from our builder partners that with experience that cost can be considerably lower. For multifamily buildings we typically hear the increased cost is approximately 0.12% of total construction costs. The second bucket of cost is the certification fee. Our fees are reasonable and simply calculated. Single-family home certifications cost $200 and multifamily buildings are $200 plus $20 per unit. There are no hidden fees for interpretations, technical assistance, or registration. We provide all of those services as part of the certification fee to our clients. Finally, there are the verification costs. NGBS Green Verifiers set their own rates and with <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Find_a_Verifier">over 400 accredited nationwide</a> the market is quite competitive. They are not assigned “territories” and travel freely which ensures you can get the best price. This will be the largest bucket of costs associated with your NGBS certification, however, most of our architect, developer, and builder clients find it well worth the value, as discussed in #6 below.</p> <h3>6. NGBS Certification provides short- and long-term value.</h3> <p>So what do you get for the additional costs of a NGBS green certified building? Simply put, you are buying market differentiation from the competition; an independent, third-party certification for your high-performing asset; a risk mitigation strategy for future energy price volatility; and a risk mitigation strategy for higher appraisal values. Every credible consumer survey in the past 10 years has indicated that consumers value the benefits of high-performing homes even if they don’t specifically ask for “green” or “environmentally-friendly” features. Consumers overwhelmingly want homes that have healthier indoor environments, lower operating costs, and are part of a more sustainable lifestyle. Some consumers will pay more today for these features, and in some markets statistically significant data has demonstrated that green certified homes and buildings are selling for more and/or selling or leasing faster. But marketing green homes can be tricky, and frankly, many builders get it wrong. Home Innovation Labs can provide you with the marketing collateral and expertise necessary to promote your NGBS certified projects and stay on the right side of the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance on green marketing. Our website allows homebuyers and renters to <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Find_Your_Green_Home">search for NGBS certified and in-progress properties</a>. Likewise, our verifiers work to ensure that the high-performance building you have designed or commissioned is what results from the construction process. Verifiers can help avoid or even correct myriad construction issues such as poor insulation installation and wrong product installation (even when the right products were specified and ordered). Their on-the-ground expertise can help builders implement additional green practices they hadn’t considered. For architects, liable for the performance of the building for years, on-site verification can help ensure the plans they design are actually constructed as designed. For builders and developers, it is an independent validation system to ensure the quality of the asset. Last, while green certified homes and multifamily buildings may not attain an appreciably higher value today, if commercial properties are any indication, the green certification mark may very well command higher valuation in future years. If that is the case, seeking a credible national green certification, so long as it is affordable and practical, is a smart risk mitigation strategy for any builder or developer.</p> <p>Selecting a green building certification program may seem daunting, and understandably so. Too often the design and construction requirements are difficult to understand; the certification process unclear; and common professional advice is to hire an expensive consultant to shepherd you successfully through. Our philosophy is quite different. We believe the process should be simple and streamlined so that any industry professional can see their way through the process and requirements on their own.</p> <p>Still have questions?  Please feel free to <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">contact us directly</a>. Our goal is to respond within one business day. We advocate for architects, developers, and builders to have a choice in green building certification programs so you can select the program that serves your projects best. We aim to be your certification program of choice. With over 50 years’ experience in residential building science research and testing, we look forward to putting our team to work for you.</p>{F1378505-A3ED-4F70-942F-83B27DD484CA}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130620-MF-What-is-an-NGBS-Green-Certified-ProductWhat is an NGBS Green Certified Product?<p>One of the barriers to green certified housing is the ability for architects, builders, and remodelers to find products that help their project attain certification. The topic of green products in general is fraught with confusion and complexity. How exactly does one ascertain that a product is “green?” Is a single attribute, such as renewability, enough to qualify a product as green? Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, yet its status as a green product has been hotly debated. These are just some of the myriad questions that arise. One could spend hours researching products that are potentially eco-friendly.</p> <p>Yet for architects and builders there is a real challenge to find products that help their homes and multifamily buildings attain green certification. Home Innovation Research Labs launched the <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/GreenProducts" target="_self">NGBS Green Certified Products Program</a> specifically to remove that barrier and help architects, designers, and specifiers easily find products that earn points toward certification under the National Green Building Standard (NGBS).</p> <h3>What Are They?</h3> <p>To be clear, the NGBS Green Certified Products Program is not Home Innovation Labs certifying that a particular product is green unto itself. Nor is Home Innovation’s green certification mark substantiation in any way that the product’s manufacturing process is green or sustainable. Instead, the NGBS Green Certified mark on a building material or product indicates pre-approval by Home Innovation Labs of specific points for a specific NGBS practice.</p> <p>Let’s explore what that means. NGBS Practice 604.1 awards up to 6 points toward NGBS certification if two major building components are used that contain more than 75% recycled content. The 2012 NGBS Consensus Committee’s intent was to encourage the use of building products with recycled content over virgin materials in the manufacture of new products. While we can agree that the practice helps promote resource efficiency, how many specifiers would know what building components meet the 75% recycled content requirement? I suspect few, if any.</p> <p>To remedy this, a manufacturer can apply to Home Innovation Labs to be pre-approved for Practices 604.1. If the manufacturer can provide independent, third-party analysis that their product does in fact meet the minimum recycled-content requirement, it can earn the NGBS Green Certified mark and be <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/GreenProducts" target="_self">listed on our website</a> specifically for being approved for up to 6 points for Practice 604.1. </p> <h3>Designer & Builder Benefits</h3> <p>The benefit to architects, designers, and builders is that they have an online resource to find products that can help earn their home or multifamily building NGBS green certification. The website provides one-stop comprehensive building product information about hundreds of building products that can help their projects be more efficient and high-performance. The easy-to-navigate website contains useful product information such as a list of other environmental certifications the product may have earned, such as EnergyStar, SFI, or GreenGuard. The detailed product pages link to the manufacturer’s website so specifiers can locate additional installation instructions, warranty information, material safety data sheet (MSDS), and other important product information. Many NGBS Green Certified products also have direct links to the product specifications so specifiers can download product specs into a project folder for future use.</p> <p>An additional benefit to builders and developers in selecting NGBS Green Certified products is that they can streamline the verification process considerably. If a product is used in a project seeking NGBS certification, the <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/FindNGBSVerifier" target="_self">NGBS Green Verifier</a> does not have to do any additional research or documentation to demonstrate that the product earns the project the NGBS certification points. The NGBS Green Certified Product Program can streamline both design and verification reducing the total cost of certification. </p> <h3>Manufacturer Benefits</h3> <p>For product manufacturers, the NGBS Green Certified Product Program is a credible way to tout the specific green attributes of their products and not run afoul of the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/greenguides.shtm" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) recently revised Green Guides</a>. The NGBS green certification mark is exactly what the FTC ordered: specific to an NGBS green category, qualified as to what attribute makes it “green,” substantiated by appropriate analysis and data, and perhaps most important of all, certified by Home Innovation Research Labs, an independent, accredited third party.</p> <p>Is there ever a requirement for participating NGBS builders to use an NGBS Green Certified product in their homes or buildings? Absolutely not. The program is merely intended to be an easy-to-use resource, with independent, third-party verification that appropriate use of a product meets the intent of a specific NGBS practice. Furthermore, the information is provided free and with unlimited public access. Certainly we hope that NGBS Green Certified product information is useful to our partners certifying their residential projects, but anyone interested in the green attributes of building products can also find benefit in the site.</p> <p>Interested in having a building product NGBS Green Certified? <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=NGBS%20Green%20Product%20Certification" target="_self">Let us know</a>. Interested in having your new or remodeled home, multifamily building, or residential land development certified to the National Green Building Standard? <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/Green" target="_self">Find out how</a> on our site.</p>{56898B48-42C7-49DD-B37F-F7B459452A0C}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130808-MF-Energy-Guarantee-Replaces-Fine-PrintDon’t Hide Behind the Fine Print. Stand Behind Your NGBS Green Certified Home.<p>Consumers hate fine print. And why shouldn’t they? The fine print smacks of skullduggery and fosters distrust. From a consumer’s perspective the fine print is no more than a lawyer’s crafty, underhanded ingenuity to deceive consumers and excuse the home builder from being held accountable for claims regarding performance.</p> <p>Consumers’ distrust of the sales process is a strong factor in their overwhelming support of independent, third-party certifications. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that fully 80 percent of consumers make purchasing decisions based on an independent, third-party certification. An NGBS Green certification mark can validate a builder’s green claims and help win the trust of prospective homebuyers. However, even with an NGBS Green certification mark, many builders, at the urging of their attorneys, still qualify the expected performance of their homes with detailed terms and conditions … in fine print.</p> <p>But what if you could eliminate the fine print? Stand behind the performance of your homes without all the legal disclaimers. Guarantee the energy performance outright. One independent survey found that 75 percent of recent homeowners believed an energy guarantee would increase confidence in energy savings promoted by the builder, and over 70 percent of consumers in that same survey said an energy guarantee would increase their interest in purchasing a home. Don’t just say, “Trust me;” provide your customers with a reason to trust you by providing a written promise.</p> <p>Builders seeking NGBS Green certification now have the opportunity to affordably offer a complete energy guarantee to their homebuyers. Working in partnership with Bonded Builders Warranty Group (BBWG), Home Innovation Research Labs is pleased to offer a Residential Energy Guarantee Program, with special discount pricing, to builders seeking NGBS Green certification. The Residential Energy Guarantee is based on a home’s energy analysis, or HERS rating report, projections on total energy use. For those builders that choose to participate, BBWG will pay your homebuyers for any additional annual natural gas and electric costs over the HERS projection. The Residential Energy Guarantee is available for terms of two, three, or five years.</p> <p>Sound good? It gets better. All builders participating in the NGBS Green Certification Program can purchase a Residential Energy Guarantee for their homes at the lowest available price. The price available to NGBS Green Partners is usually only available to builders purchasing more than 100 guarantees a year. Why do NGBS builder partners earn the special rate? Because BBWG recognizes that each NGBS Green Certified home must pass the most stringent verification and certification process available within the residential industry. NGBS Green Certified homes are better built and have earned the NGBS Green certification mark as proof of their compliance with the National Green Building Standard. So this opportunity gives our participating builders even more reason not to have to rely on, “Trust me.” Instead, they can close the deal with, “Don’t take my word for it – each NGBS Green Certified home we build is guaranteed.”</p> <p>If you’re interested in using the BBWG Residential Energy Guarantee as a way to erase the fine print, contact your <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/FindNGBSVerifier" target="_self">NGBS Green Verifier</a> or <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">Home Innovation Labs</a> directly for more information. If you are not yet working with an NGBS Green Verifier and want to learn more about NGBS Green Certified homes, <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">contact us</a>.</p>{1DB633E4-A4A1-4FF0-B49A-8A9C05A06423}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130815-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Single-Family-HomeFirst 2012 NGBS Green Certified Single-Family Home<p>In July, two single-family homes and a remodeled basement became the first projects certified by Home Innovation Research Labs to the 2012 version of the ICC-700 National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS). Through this blog mini-series, I'll share the stories of the first builders and remodelers “through the gate” and highlight the high-performing features of their green homes.</p> <p>The 2012 NGBS was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0111_ANSI_Approves_National_Green_Building_Standard">released in January 2013</a>. This was the first update since 2008, when the original National Green Building Standard was released. Home Innovation Research Labs served as Secretariat for the <a href="/Services/Standards_Development">standard development process</a> for both the 2008 and 2012 versions of the NGBS.</p> <h3>1st 2012 NGBS Green Certified Single-Family Home</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Narragansett, Rhode Island</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 2,220 sq. ft. oceanfront home</li> <li><strong>Certification Level: </strong>Silver</li> <li><strong>Builder:</strong> <a href="http://caldwellandjohnson.com/" target="_blank">Caldwell & Johnson</a></li> <li><strong>NGBS Green Verifier:</strong> <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes/resources/find_a_verifier/verifier_details?PageID=3482" target="_self">Robert Sherwood</a></li> <li><strong>Green Features:</strong> photovoltaic (PV) system; sustainable water management; low-VOC building materials</li> </ul> <p>Builder Dave Caldwell designed this oceanfront vacation home to be a nearly net-zero home that “burns no fossil fuels.” The home captures renewable solar energy for electric energy through CertainTeed Apollo Photovoltaic roof shingles situated on the ocean-front side of the house. Hot water is supplied via the GE GeoSpring Hybrid Heat Pump water heater, a product that draws ambient heat from surrounding air to heat refrigerant. An electric Carrier heat pump system heats and cools the home. To maintain indoor air quality while retaining heat, air in the home is changed and circulated with an electric heat recovery ventilator.</p> <p>Water conservation and management was critical for both Caldwell and his homebuyers, who said that they wanted “as environmentally responsible as possible for a waterfront property,” particularly since the property is designated as “critical resource” land. Water from low-flow EPA WaterSense® toilets and faucets goes to an on-site wastewater treatment system, which mechanically filters and cleans the wastewater. The home has little to no stormwater runoff, due to its sustainable landscape features, including terracing and use of native/low-maintenance vegetation.</p> <p>On his transition from the 2008 to the 2012 NGBS, Caldwell said, “This project was a design-build project, that much like any custom home, had to juggle and accommodate many demands.” However, he said the transition from the 2008 to 2012 NGBS certification was “seamless” due to early, up-front collaboration between the homeowner, designer, and <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/FindNGBSVerifier" target="_self">NGBS Green Verifier</a> about the design features. Caldwell indicated that his green building success has been realized, in part, due to his strong working relationship with his verifier, <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes/resources/find_a_verifier/verifier_details?PageID=3482" target="_self">Rob Sherwood</a>, who helped guide him through the new practices.</p> <p>While the NGBS practices were updated and, in some cases, made more stringent, Caldwell felt strongly that the practices were straightforward and were in large part already being executed by those who consider themselves green builders. “If you’re a good builder, you’re already accomplishing 90-95% of the 2012 practices,” he said.</p> <p><strong>To see a photo of this recently NGBS Green Certified home, visit our <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Green_Home_Gallery">Green Home Gallery</a></strong> <em>(for this home, select state=Rhode Island and builder= Caldwell and Johnson, Inc.)</em>.</p>{32F1D4E1-3A9F-4B83-BF62-027BDEA39477}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130822-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Emerald-CertificationFirst Emerald-Level 2012 NGBS Green Certified Home<p>To continue my mini-series on our 2012 National Green Building Standard firsts, here's some information on the first Emerald-level NGBS Green Certified project. Check out <a href="/About/Blog/20130815-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Single-Family-Home">my previous post</a> on the first single-family green home certified by Home Innovation Research Labs to the 2012 NGBS.</p> <p>The 2012 NGBS was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0111_ANSI_Approves_National_Green_Building_Standard">released in January 2013</a>. This was the first update since 2008, when the original National Green Building Standard was released. Home Innovation Research Labs served as Secretariat for the <a href="/Services/Standards_Development">standard development process</a> for both the 2008 and 2012 versions of the NGBS.</p> <h3>1st 2012 NGBS Green Certified Emerald-Level Home</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Valparaiso, Indiana</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 1,840 sq. ft. suburban home</li> <li><strong>Certification Level: </strong>Emerald</li> <li><strong>Builder:</strong> Treasure Homes, Inc.</li> <li><strong>NGBS Green Verifier:</strong> Chris Schwarzkopf</li> <li><strong>Green Features:</strong> insulated concrete forms; touchless faucets; vinyl and PVC siding not requiring paint or stain; recycled-content and certified wood building materials; access to public transportation and existing community resources</li> </ul> <p> This modest ranch-style home near Valparaiso was designed with a keen focus on the building envelope, the home’s outer “shell” that separates the interior from the exterior and facilitates climate control. “That’s where we start, with the basics," says Treasure Homes’ builder, Sarah Oudman. "It’s easier to invest in the building envelope up-front.”</p> <p>For supreme efficiency, Treasure Homes insulated under the home’s concrete slab and utilized insulated concrete forms, a system of reinforced concrete, to frame the basement. Treasure Homes also utilized structural insulated panels for the above-grade walls. There was also an emphasis on air-sealing any penetrations to optimize efficiency.</p> <p>The home was a pre-sale home, and the homebuyers were involved in the design decisions. Of the green features, the touch-less Delta faucets, which were installed in the kitchen and master bathroom, are particular homeowner favorites. While the faucets were installed for water conservation, one of the occupants, who happens to be a doctor, appreciates the faucets as a germ-reduction feature.</p> <p>Low maintenance was also important to the homebuyers. The home’s exterior features CertainTeed vinyl siding and Azek PVC trim. According to the builder, the siding products do not require paint or stain, are easy to clean, and are long-lasting.</p> <h3>Transition to 2012</h3> <p>Having worked previously with the 2008 NGBS, Oudman found that the 2012 NGBS was more stringent. She advises, “Before getting started, go through the changes in the program. Take time to understand the new practices and their meaning.”</p> <p>A large part of Oudman's learning curve was related to the transition to a new Excel-based scoring tool. In 2012, Home Innovation Research Labs retired the online scoring tool in favor of a more "portable" spreadsheet format -- all NGBS Green Scoring Spreadsheets are available online for download.</p> <p><strong>To see a photo of this recently NGBS Green Certified home, visit our <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Green_Home_Gallery">Green Home Gallery</a></strong> <em>(for this home, select state=Indiana and builder=Treasure Homes, Inc.)</em>.</p>{B2F4E296-67FD-453C-B39B-EDA809BE40DE}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130829-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Small-Remodel-Project-CertificationFirst Small Remodel Project Becomes 2012 NGBS Green Certified<p>To continue my mini-series on our 2012 National Green Building Standard firsts, here's some information on the first small/functional area remodeling project to become NGBS Green Certified. Check out <a href="/About/Blog/20130822-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Emerald-Certification">my previous post</a> on the first Emerald-level green home certified by Home Innovation Research Labs to the 2012 NGBS.</p> <p>The 2012 NGBS was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0111_ANSI_Approves_National_Green_Building_Standard">released in January 2013</a>. This was the first update since 2008, when the original National Green Building Standard was released. Home Innovation Research Labs served as Secretariat for the <a href="/Services/Standards_Development">standard development process</a> for both the 2008 and 2012 versions of the NGBS.</p> <h3>1st 2012 NGBS Green Certified Small/Functional Area Remodeling Project</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Glen Burnie, Maryland</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 729 sq. ft. finished basement</li> <li><strong>Certification Level: </strong>Certified (there are no certification levels for small remodeling projects)</li> <li><strong>Remodeler:</strong> <a href="http://www.twellis.com/index.php" target="_blank">T.W. Ellis, LLC</a> <img alt="" height="10" width="10" src="/-/media/Images/Icons/icon_externalsite.png" /></li> <li><strong>NGBS Green Verifier:</strong> <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes/resources/find_a_verifier/verifier_details?PageID=2250" target="_self">Keith Madigan</a> <img alt="" height="10" width="10" src="/-/media/Images/Icons/icon_externalsite.png" /></li> <li><strong>Green Features:</strong> upgraded HVAC system with zoned heating; WaterSense fixtures; salvaged lumber; low-VOC paints; Energy Star lighting with CFL bulbs</li> </ul> <p> New to the 2012 NGBS is the ability to certify individual functional areas of a home (kitchen, bathroom, basement, and additions under 400 sq. ft.) to the NGBS remodeling practices. Unlike certifications for new construction and whole-home remodels, this type of NGBS Green Certification does not offer tiered performance levels, only "Certified.”</p> <p>Remodeler Tim Ellis was approached by an energy consultant who was looking to renovate his home’s basement and expand the livable space. Ellis recognized the homeowner’s interest in energy efficiency and sustainability and saw an opportunity to offer his client the newly-available NGBS Green Certified option for small projects like basements.</p> <p>As a remodeler, Ellis says he recognizes that it is up to him to introduce NGBS Green Certification to his clients and explain how the NGBS Green Certified mark is an indicator of quality. “It’s not like you need to sell the ‘green’ kitchen or ‘green’ basement," he said. "I tell my clients, ‘Look—we’re already doing this work so we might as well maximize the value you're going to get out of it. NGBS Green Certification is not necessarily an additional line item or change in project scope. The certification verifies that we’re building to third-party recommendations to enhance homeowner comfort, water efficiency, indoor air quality, etc.” To the homeowner, Ellis says, the fact that the basement was designed and remodeled to an independent building standard was a “cherry on top."</p> <p> </p> <h3>Green Practices</h3> <p>For a small remodel project to be NGBS Green Certified, the project must meet a number of specific requirements related to material use; moisture control; building thermal envelope; and air sealing/insulation.</p> <p>To get started, Ellis’ team fully insulated the basement’s exterior walls. The home’s HVAC system was replaced. When the new system was installed, Ellis’ team separated the home into two separate zones for heating and cooling for improved efficiency. A new bathroom was also built in the basement space, and the team used all low-flow and WaterSense products for water conservation. The redesign incorporated a new Energy Star window in the bathroom as well.</p> <p>The homeowner sought a basement with unique spaces defined by multiple floor levels. To frame the floor and wall structures, Ellis utilized salvaged lumber that was saved when the homeowner deconstructed his deck in 2012. Not only was the redesign sustainable, but all waste building materials from this project were also recycled.</p> <p><strong>To see a photo of this recently NGBS Green Certified home, visit our <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Green_Home_Gallery">Green Home Gallery</a></strong> <em>(for this home, select state=Maryland and builder=T.W. Ellis, LLC)</em>.</p>{6FB77953-2C7C-44CA-BB65-2D86CEA4EE8F}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130912-MF-Is-Certification-Worth-the-CostIs Green Certification Worth the Cost?<p>Every day more homes and multifamily buildings earn green certification. You can bear witness to the industry’s embrace of NGBS Green Certification through our <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/NGBSGreenStats" target="_self">real-time tally online of NGBS certified homes</a> and projects in the certification pipeline. Yet I regularly hear the skeptic who pronounces, “I build high-performance buildings. Green certification is expensive. It is not worth the time, effort, or cost.” I would like to offer an admittedly biased, but alternative perspective.</p> <p>Product certifications abound. It’s hard to conceive of everyday life without products bearing a certification mark. Certification provides consumers confidence that the products we purchase will perform as expected. For the construction industry, builders rely on product certifications to verify that testing has been done to prove a building product, component, method, or material performs at a level compliant with applicable codes, standards, and regulations. But is it enough for a product manufacturer to test their own products and assert that they meet the relevant specifications? Probably not for consumer confidence, and for many building products, it is not enough for code compliance. Consumers, code officials, and building professionals want unbiased, validated evidence from an independent, third-party certification agent.</p> <p>Independent, third-party certification adds cost to any product — but is it not worth the cost? Hmmm, would you want your OSB’s structural performance untested? How ‘bout that R-value? Insulation “not far off from R-19” might be ok, or maybe not if you actually want optimal thermal performance. Most builders rightfully expect a little more precision and confidence from their building products.</p> <p>But what about home/building certification? Are independent, third-party verification and certification necessary, or is it an unjustifiable additional cost? I believe building certification, when reasonably priced, is as essential as certification of any of the separate building products specified in a project. Building products are typically manufactured in a factory-controlled environment with stringent quality control procedures in place. On-site construction is a far messier process. Builders have significantly less ability to control many factors. Weather alone can wreak havoc on construction managers – a factor that building product manufacturers seldom have to worry about.</p> <p><a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/Green" target="_self">NGBS Green certification</a> provides indispensable confidence, whether on behalf of the architect, builder, equity partner, home buyer, or renter, that the building complies with the rigorous National Green Building Standard. To be clear, I advocate for NGBS Green certification not because builders and developers are incapable of compliance without an independent, third-party inspector looking over their shoulder. Instead, I recognize that certification addresses three important factors. First, contemporary high-performance buildings are complex, often constructed with practices, products, technologies, and systems less familiar than their conventional alternatives. NGBS Green certification helps provide quality assurance for these newer innovations. Second, marketing a building as green understandably raises consumer expectations about a building’s expected performance. Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission admonishes that marketers are less likely to be deceptive or misleading <a href="/About/Blog/20121004-MF-Got-Third-Party-Certification-New-FTC-Green-Guides">when their green statements are backed up with an independent, third-party certification</a>. Last, and perhaps most important, you can’t always have eyes in the back of your head like your mother. Insulation will get installed incorrectly. The wrong windows will get delivered to your construction site. A delivery truck driver will be unaware of a silt fence’s purpose and roll-over as opposed to going around the stormwater protection measures to access the site. Your accredited <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/FindNGBSVerifier" target="_self">NGBS Green Verifier</a> serves as on-site quality control for any project he or she is inspecting. Our verifiers visually inspect every single home and apartment to ensure the NGBS green practices that should be met, are met. Home Innovation not only reviews every verification report before conferring certification on a building, but also provides a depth and breadth of green residential construction expertise to back up our verification field force.</p> <p>While I advocate for building certification, it is important to understand that among the different green programs they vary considerably in rigor and purpose. First, consider Home Innovation Research Labs as the <a href="/Services/Certification">certification agency</a>. As an accredited third-party test lab and certification entity with nearly 50 years of experience, our objective is to maintain the rigor for which the Home Innovation certification mark is known. Accredited third parties are, by definition, held to a higher verifiable standard than their non-accredited counterparts. Our methods, materials, protocols, records, and administrative processes are regularly checked for compliance by outside entities — if we don't meet their scrutiny, we cannot continue to hold our accreditation and perform third-party services. For this reason, builders, product manufacturers, code officials, and consumers look to us to confirm compliance with code requirements and claims about product performance, from plumbing to insulation, and structural building components to green homes. Next, consider the <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0111_ANSI_Approves_National_Green_Building_Standard">rating system</a> that is the centerpiece of our Home Innovation NGBS Green Certification Program. We certify green projects to the only ANSI-accredited residential standard for green construction, which was created under the strictures of ANSI's consensus process and is required to go through regular public review and updating. Finally, consider the rigor within the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). It is the only green rating system in the market today that requires higher baseline levels of achievement/performance in each of its six categories in order for a project to attain the next higher level of certification. In other words, a project cannot be just highly energy efficient and achieve our highest, Emerald, level certification. An Emerald-level NGBS Green project must achieve Emerald-level point thresholds in every category for us to bestow the Emerald certification to it. If just one category misses the mark, the whole project is likewise limited. We don't know of another green certification program with such rigorous requirements and I encourage all builders and developers to be educated consumers regarding the certification program they select.</p> <p>Last, I would be remiss if I didn't at least touch upon cost. Building certification only provides added value until it costs so much that it doesn't. NGBS Green certification is affordable for all residential projects. Our certification fee is $200 per home or $200 per multifamily building plus $20 per unit. Verification fees are determined by the specific NGBS Green Verifier but are reasonable as a percentage of construction costs. Further, NGBS Green certification is an allowable attribute into consideration of the valuation of the property and therefore may more than pay for itself when the property is appraised.</p> <p>When all these facts are taken into consideration, I believe the value of NGBS Green certification certainly merits the cost. Still skeptical? <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">I'd love to talk with you</a> about your particular business or residential project.</p>{0D79E220-446E-402B-9FC6-A0E5C290EBE2}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20130926-CW-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Student-HousingTallahasee Community Becomes First NGBS Green Certified Student Housing Project<p>While already the most widely applicable green building rating system available for residential construction, National Green Building Standard (NGBS) certification can now also be applied to extended-stay hotels, military barracks, and student housing communities. As a continuation of my mini-series of “firsts,” I am profiling Campus Circle Tallahassee Apartment community — the first-ever NGBS Green Certified student housing community. Check out <a href="/About/Blog/20130829-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Small-Remodel-Project-Certification">my previous post</a> on the first small remodeling project certified by Home Innovation Research Labs to the 2012 NGBS.</p> <h3>1st NGBS Green Certified Student Housing Project</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Tallahasee, FL</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 679 bedrooms; 219 apartments; 6 buildings</li> <li><strong>Certification Level: </strong>Bronze</li> <li><strong>Developer:</strong> <a href="http://www.bainbridgecompanies.com/" target="_blank">The Bainbridge Companies, LLC</a> <img alt="" width="10" height="10" src="/-/media/Images/Icons/icon_externalsite.png" /></li> <li><strong>Owner:</strong> <a href="http://www.natadvisors.com/" target="_blank">National Real Estate Advisors</a> <img alt="" width="10" height="10" src="/-/media/Images/Icons/icon_externalsite.png" /></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://campuscircletallahassee.com/" target="_blank">Campus Circle Tallahassee Apartments</a>, located adjacent to the Florida State University campus, achieved Bronze-level certification to the 2008 NGBS by integrating sustainable materials and design, demonstrating superior energy and water efficiency, and implementing lot design and indoor environmental quality practices. Campus Circle is located close to mass transit and walkable to many community resources, including parks, grocery stores, the main buildings on campus, and restaurants, allowing students to enjoy car-independence. Throughout the buildings, highly-efficient ENERGY STAR® lighting and appliances were incorporated into the design. These high-efficient fixtures reduce the overall energy use of the community, as well as utility costs paid by students and their families.</p> <p>Campus Circle’s outdoor space boasts luxury, hotel-like features, including a large pool and individual cabana huts for studying and relaxing. The surrounding landscaping and irrigation was carefully planned and designed to be sustainable with native plants and low-volume irrigation systems.</p> <p>Developer, The Bainbridge Companies, develops and manages properties on the East Coast — D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Florida, New York, North Carolina — as well as Texas. The company is committed to developing luxury student housing communities in walkable locations adjacent to major colleges and universities. Bainbridge’s COO Tom Keady said, "During the development phase of Campus Circle Tallahassee, our goal was to deliver a truly unique community that not only met the standards for green building certification, but brought an experience and product to the market that was unlike any other. Achieving national certification to the NGBS connects with our company’s commitment to quality, service, and integrity." </p> <h3>Expanded Opportunities to Apply NGBS</h3> <p>NGS Green certification has long been applied to single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and remodel projects. Reacting to new multifamily demands, Home Innovation recently announced that hotels, barracks, and dorms can be NGBS Green Certified. To be eligible, projects must contain sleeping, cooking, and sanitation facilities, like a typical home. <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/NGBS_Certification_Fees">Certification fees</a> are the same as for multifamily certification: $200 (or $500) per project and $20 per unit.</p> <p>If you have questions about whether or not a project can seek NGBS certification, <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">contact us</a> to discuss in advance.</p> <h3>Student Housing Trends</h3> <p>According to <a href="http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/student-housing/student-housing-a-hedge-against-bad-times.aspx" target="_blank">a recent article in <em>Multifamily Executive</em> magazine</a>, increased college enrollment, low housing inventory, and a demand for luxury accommodations are fueling the demand for new high-end student housing developments. An increasing number of multifamily developers are jumping into the student housing arena, and in many areas student housing cannot be distinguished from market-rate communities.</p> <p>Sustainable housing options are becoming a trend on university campuses, and certification to a national standard provides third-party validation of builders' sustainability commitments.</p> <p>"Student housing projects like Campus Circle Tallahasse, are the future of student housing development," said Michael Luzier, Home Innovation Labs President/CEO. "Builders are building for the environmental lifestyle sought by today's young adults. And, NGBS Green certification recognizes that a project meets a diverse set of environmental criteria, not simply energy efficiency."</p> <p>Are you seeing sustainable building trends in your local student housing communities? Let me know.</p>{5D81FE4B-A55E-4E5F-8A78-63CBD19312B8}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20131003-MF-Good-Fast-or-CheapGood, Fast, or Cheap - Why Choose?<p>There’s a saying that clients can have good, fast, or affordable. (OK, so it’s actually “good, fast, or cheap,” but I’ve never been a girl who wanted to be associated with that attribute!) The saying continues that you can pick two, but then the third will be whatever it has to be based on the other two choices. So if you want good + fast, the result will be expensive.</p> <p>Contrary to this common belief, when designing NGBS Green Certification our goal was to deliver a program that met all three criteria. We wanted a program that was rigorous and credible; so we could be confident it was producing high-performance green homes. We wanted a program with excellent customer service; so clients did not have to suffer delays to get technical assistance, interpretations, or their certification documentation. And we wanted a program that was affordable; so that cost was never a barrier.</p> <p>To date we have consistently delivered against our promise. However, sometimes we must defend the reputation of the program to those that can’t believe we can provide all three. “Too good to be true … How can they issue NGBS Green certifications in such a timely fashion? … Must be a rubber stamp.”</p> <p>So for others curious, or perhaps skeptical, about how we manage to be affordable, rigorous, AND affordable, let me draw the curtain back on the Home Innovation NGBS Green Certification process.</p> <h3>Scoring</h3> <p>We start with a suite of certification tools and program resources designed to standardize the program, eliminate user error, simplify the requirements, and demystify the process. The <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/greenscoring" target="_self">NGBS Green Scoring Tools</a> document the green building practices an architect and builder intend to implement. Our scoring spreadsheets work like TurboTax® by walking architects, builders, and remodelers through the NGBS requirements in a simple, straightforward way. We walk users through the scoring process by having cells in the spreadsheets turn red when NGBS logic is violated or mandatory practices are missed, and the spreadsheets keep a running tally of certification points.</p> <h3>Verification</h3> <p>NGBS Green Verifiers work closely with architects and builders early in the design stage to help ensure the project will successfully meet NGBS requirements. Up-front collaboration between the design team, construction managers, and building owner streamlines the verification process and helps ensure the building meets its performance objectives.</p> <p>Once the building design is scored, the same spreadsheet is used by an <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findngbsverifier" target="_self">Accredited NGBS Green Verifier</a> who visually inspects the building to ensure that all of the green practices are installed. For many practices, the verifier must also ensure the practice is installed correctly. Home Innovation requires every home and apartment to be inspected at least twice so the verifier can confirm the green practice, product, or technology before awarding the building points toward certification. Verifiers cannot award points unless they are completely satisfied. Architect attestations, builder promises, and contractor assurances are irrelevant in our verification process.</p> <p>Home Innovation Labs qualifies, trains, tests, and accredits every verifier. All verifiers must pass a stringent test on every version of the NGBS to maintain their accreditation. Most NGBS Green Verifiers are consummate buildings science professionals. Having said that, we have no hesitation terminating a verifier’s accreditation if he/she violates our established requirements.</p> <h3>Hassle-free Technical Assistance, Interpretations, and Overall Support</h3> <p>Our NGBS Green partners are provided with free technical assistance. NGBS interpretations are free. Our staff includes mechanical, structural, and electrical engineers; planners; economists; architects; former builders, remodelers, and contractors; lab technicians; and market research experts. Combined, we possess an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in all facets of building science research and testing. Our expertise can help clients along their path to NGBS Green certification.</p> <p>We aim to respond to requests for assistance or interpretations within one business day. Home Innovation has a nimble and collaborative team that allows us to scale-up, by tapping into resources throughout the organization or scale-down, as needed. For this reason, review of an inspection report can be complete within a day typically, rather than weeks or months.</p> <p>Have we had 100% success in meeting this goal? No. But we come very close, and each and every client has access to my email address, as well as both my direct business and mobile phone numbers. The same is true for Bob Hill, our Director of Laboratory and Certification Services, and Cindy Wasser, our Manager of Green Building Programs. If an NGBS Green Partner has a problem, they can give us a call. Superior customer service is paramount to us -- we aim to be the green certification program of choice for home builders.</p> <h3>Quality Control</h3> <p>We regularly audit our verifiers for quality assurance, which includes Home Innovation staff audits of a percentage of all field inspections. In addition, because the verification report is completed on a customized and proprietary worksheet, the first stage of our verification report review is automated to catch any obvious errors and inconsistencies. Once a verification report passes that first step, each is then reviewed by a trained member of our staff. We still rely on old-fashioned, human examination and analysis before we issue an NGBS Green Certified certificate.</p> <h3>Our Mark Matters</h3> <p>Objectivity. Rigor. Efficiency. We bring these core values to the suite of services we offer. Whether testing building products as an ISO 17020-accredited inspection agency, collecting actionable data from builders on construction issues, or certifying homes in compliance with the NGBS, our staff is efficient, reliable, and a true independent third-party.</p> <p>If you have any other questions, I’d be happy to answer them for you – I may not want to be perceived as cheap, but I have no problem being transparent!</p>{7E24E087-3C56-4855-93A3-CB76355C6882}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20131031-CW-NGBS-Benefits-for-Multifamily-RehabMultiple Units, Multiple Benefits: Multifamily Certification to the NGBS<p>I recently attended a meeting with a diverse group of multifamily builders, property managers, lenders, and green building consultants. The conversation focused on opportunities to expand green affordable housing options. To my dismay, there was a common sentiment expressed and repeated throughout the meeting that there isn't a green certification option for multifamily rehabs at this time. That's simply not the case — the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is an excellent option for green multifamily rehab projects of any size.</p> <p>The NGBS has broad applicability for structures of all sizes and designs, including single-family homes and multifamily buildings, and both new construction and rehab/remodel projects. Perhaps the “best kept secret” of the NGBS is the option for multifamily rehab projects, but it's never been a secret at all. For those who weren't aware of this option, let me give you the 4-1-1.</p> <h3>Why Green Rehab?</h3> <p>Rehab/remodel projects are a smart investment. During a down or recovering economy, rehab projects allow property owners to increase the value of their building portfolio without building/acquiring new facilities. During a hot market, rehabbing older buildings makes them better able to compete with newer properties. Last year, <em></em><a href="http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/apartment-renovation/out-of-rehab_3.aspx" target="_blank"><em>Multifamily Executive</em> magazine profiled six properties</a> to demonstrate how multifamily developers were able to increase rents and occupancy levels despite a tough economy. Most of the featured property owners said they were able to increase rents $200-700 after substantial rehab efforts that updated both interior and exterior features and added community amenities.</p> <p>Green rehabs provide more than just new paint and siding. Residents are afforded more comfortable and healthier living quarters through practices like increased ventilation and improved air filtering. Energy efficiency improvements, such as HVAC upgrades and increased insulation, can extend financial savings to residents through lower energy bills.</p> <p>When a company has made a corporate-level commitment to “go green,” updates across its existing portfolio of buildings provides a more comprehensive and meaningful way to improve energy efficiency than simply incorporating green building features in new buildings. In the <a href="http://www.imt.org/news/the-current/addressing-the-untapped-potential-for-energy-efficiency" target="_blank">Institute for Market Transformation blog</a>, Jayson Antonoff, U.S. Director, Global Buildings Performance Network, underscores the idea that there is huge potential for energy efficiency improvements in U.S. buildings, but it is predominantly untapped. To address, Antonoff suggests that a portfolio-wide approach to energy efficiency is necessary.</p> <h3>NGBS Green Remodel</h3> <p>A green rehab/remodeled home or multifamily building can be awarded a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald  certification level, depending on the building's improvement in water and energy efficiency and the number of additional green practices incorporated into the project. For Bronze-level certification, a project must:</p> <ol> <li>Achieve a 15% improvement in energy efficiency and a 20% reduction in water usage compared to the pre-remodel condition.</li> <li>Meet applicable mandatory practices.</li> <li>Implement sufficient additional green practices. The NGBS allows builders and remodelers the flexibility to select the green features that provide the most value within their budget and conform to resident needs, geography, and scale of the proposed renovation.</li> </ol> <p>For more information on the NGBS Green requirements for rehab/remodel certification and the steps to achieve it, be sure to check out <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Existing_Building_Certification">our online resources</a>.</p> <h3>Some Recent Examples</h3> <p>To date, through the remodel/renovation path, <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/Certification_Activity_Report">Home Innovation Labs has certified</a> 15 multifamily communities, representing 494 units. These communities range from 4 to 126 units, and are located throughout the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest.</p> <p>The building types are really diverse, including garden-style apartments, townhouses, and rental/condo buildings with shared common space. A number of NGBS Green Certified buildings are conversion projects, where a commercial or retail space has been converted to residential.</p> <p><a href="http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1000067378.php" target="_blank">The Roxton community (formerly Singing Oaks) in Denton, TX</a>, is the largest multifamily community to be certified using the NGBS Green remodel path. The garden-style apartment community is a 1970-vintage multifamily building that achieved Emerald level energy (45%) and water (50%) improvements. Green features of this project include:</p> <ul> <li>New HVAC systems and ductwork</li> <li>Low-flow fixtures</li> <li>Added insulation</li> <li>Landscaping with native vegetation and zoned irrigation</li> <li>Walking trails for residents constructed with permeable crushed granite</li> </ul> <p>View photos of the Roxton, and other NGBS Green Certified homes and multifamily buildings, on the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/ngbsgreengallery" target="_self">NGBS Green Gallery</a>. Or you can find out more about NGBS Green certification by visiting <a href="http://www.HomeInnovation.com/Green" target="_self">www.HomeInnovation.com/Green</a>.</p> <p>Considering a multifamily remodel project of your own? Have you considered the benefits of incorporating green, resource-conserving features? Give me a call (301.430.6206) to discuss the possibilities and benefits available through the National Green Building Standard (NGBS).</p>{2A3C0576-9601-40FE-87DE-3A19432AA169}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20131114-MF-Innovation-Change-of-HabitWhat You Need, Is a Change of Habit!<p><em>“And if your head is in the sand<br /> While things are going on<br /> What you need, what you need<br /> What you need is a <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+presley/change+of+habit_20049189.html" target="_blank">change of habit</a>”</em></p> <p>Elvis was right. “Changes are a-comin', for these are changing days.” The housing industry is no stranger to change; many of our clients have successfully navigated the cyclical housing market. But it certainly seems the <strong><em>pace of change</em></strong> within our characteristically slow-to-change industry has accelerated.</p> <h3>Consider Residential Energy Efficiency</h3> <p>Until the 2006 IECC, energy efficiency code improvements were largely incremental. Since 2006, each subsequent energy code revision demanded higher efficiency gains. Looking ahead, most industry experts expect energy codes will continue to ratchet up. Even with more stringent energy mandates, an increasing number of builders are voluntarily choosing to design and construct homes to be higher performing. Design standards such as <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/residential/ch_index.html" target="_blank">DOE’s Challenge Home</a>, the Gold and Emerald levels of the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_self">National Green Building Standard</a>, and <a href="http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PHIUSHome.html" target="_blank">Passive House</a> push builders to tighten building envelopes, use more efficient equipment, select high-performance windows, and install higher levels of insulation.</p> <p>More stringent building codes help builders deliver homes that are more comfortable and less expensive for home owners to operate. However, increasing performance also creates constructability issues. For example, in many climates the only way builders can meet new building envelope requirements is to install exterior foam insulation. But insulation on the outside of OSB changes the wall dimensions, which in turn affects how cladding and windows are installed. Exterior foam insulation can also cause moisture issues if it is not installed correctly. Ai-ya!</p> <p>For a builder trying to build cost-effective, efficient homes and not impact the quality of construction, change can be daunting. And more stringent energy codes are not the half of it. The Great Recession of 2006 hit the housing market hard and the longer term impacts on homebuyers and the housing industry aren’t completely clear yet. Analysts are looking closely at <a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2010/02/24/millennials-confident-connected-open-to-change/" target="_blank">the Millennials</a> to see how their homebuying preferences might differ from the Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, or even Gen Y’ers. Builders not only have to navigate complex construction decisions with regard to building performance, they also have to continually evaluate how their products align with consumer preferences, demographic changes, and changing household characteristics. Successful builders are continually on the lookout for better ways to satisfy homebuyers with improved quality, durability, performance, and price.</p> <p>Fortunately, for building product manufacturers, great change brings opportunities for great innovation. And innovation can be the catalyst for growth. Builders are looking for products that help them solve the problems at hand. They need to make their buildings more efficient. They need products that install quicker and easier than what they are using today. They want materials that create less waste. They can’t risk building products that solve one problem (say, tight building envelope) but create other potential problems (oh, like mold and moisture issues).</p> <p>Unfortunately, while the <strong>pace of change</strong> within the industry may be accelerating, the <strong><em>pace of innovation</em></strong> is not accelerating nearly as fast. Variable construction site conditions, numerous subcontractors, diverse local regulations, and poor flow of information throughout all of the market channels can impede the pace of innovation in the housing industry. At Home Innovation Labs, our collective expertise is focused on the goal of removing the barriers to <strong><em>your innovations</em></strong>.</p> <h3>The Challenge of Being Innovative</h3> <p>Bringing new products to market can be tough. Pragmatic builders want proof that your product truly is better than whatever product they are currently using – sufficiently better to justify a switch. Or that it’s an upgrade. We can help you validate your innovations. If your product is better than the competition, faster to install, or with fewer installation mistakes, we can help you provide credible evidence to support your claims.  Home Innovation Research Labs has a <a href="/Our_Labs/Market_Research_Facility">unique observational research facility</a> that we designed and built specifically for evaluating real-time product installation. We help manufacturers by reviewing the desired claims, creating an appropriate evaluation protocol, conducting the evaluation, and issuing a proprietary report that summarizes the findings and methodology.</p> <p>Want to accelerate market adoption of your new product or increase demand for an existing product? Arm your sales reps with independent, third-party research findings from Home Innovation. Builders don’t have to take your word for it; they can see our documented proof.</p> <p>Observational research is not the only service we offer to help you achieve your goals. Maybe you need to quantify the potential market size or reevaluate your pricing strategy. Home Innovation Labs also conducts <a href="/Services/Market_Research/Survey_Research_Capabilities">monthly omnibus surveys of builders, remodelers, and households</a> to get you meaningful, actionable data from building professionals or consumers on construction-related topics. And unlike other non-specialized market research firms, we have the expertise to deliver better information more quickly and cost-effectively.</p> <p>Change isn’t easy, but it is inevitable. Embrace it and recognize that with change comes opportunities. Let me know about the changes/challenges you’re facing in your market today. </p> <p><em>"Thank you; thank you very much."</em> (picture that last part with an Elvis lip curl.)</p>{D080A0A3-D345-4C0B-A838-CEDA15DBAA76}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20131226-MF-What-is-Your-Next-OpportunityThe Calendar Year is Ending But Opportunity Springs Eternal - What's Your Next Opportunity?<p>December is upon us once again and the year is quickly coming to a close. But before you toast in the new year, it's a great time to reconsider what and where your next business opportunity might be. In fact, it is always a great time to be looking out for the next big opportunity.</p> <p>Most companies implement strategic planning schedules synchronized around the calendar and/or fiscal years. But (fortunately) opportunities don’t follow fiscal schedules and it is a good strategy for product developers and manufacturers to be constantly on the look out for the next opportunity. This is especially true in the building industry where numerous external forces can significantly change your clients’ needs. New building code requirements and higher energy efficiency standards, for example, can present builders with real construction challenges. As states move forward to adopt the 2012 or the 2015 IECC we believe there will be some significant constructability issues for builders to be in compliance with the new requirements. We also believe these builder challenges can present great opportunities for product manufacturers who can help builders comply with the new codes.</p> <p>Are you poised to take advantage of the next opportunity? Whether it is providing <a href="/Services/Market_Research/Market_Demand_Data_on_Building_Products">raw data on market characteristics</a>, conducting <a href="/Services/Market_Research/Decision_Maker_Research">formal market assessments</a>, finding <a href="/Services/Market_Research/Focus_Groups_and_Qualitative_Research">untapped opportunities and testing new product concepts</a>, or properly <a href="/Services/Market_Research/New_Product_Development_and_Life_Cycle_Management">positioning your home building product or technology in the market</a>, Home Innovation Research Labs has the experts, analytical tools, and track record of success to help your product achieve market success.</p> <p>We recently worked with a manufacturer who fabricated a product used outside the housing industry. In recent years, sales volume for this product had dropped precipitously because of structural shifts in that industry and the company was looking to explore opportunities to deploy the product within the building industry. The client came to us with very specific ideas as to the unique selling proposition and the point of entry into the market for their product. At our initial meeting, our <a href="/Services/Market_Research">market research team</a> agreed with their general idea, but also proposed some additional construction applications to explore that staff believed would have a much more significant market potential. Home Innovation’s market research team completed a <a href="/Services/Market_Research/Decision_Maker_Research">comprehensive market assessment</a> for the client that provided the expected size of the market, the best channels to market, and an in-depth understanding of anticipated material usage.</p> <p>It’s not always easy to collect the right kind of information from the right kind of respondents for the residential construction industry. But with 50 years of expertise on the ins and outs of the housing industry, we have the know-how to overcome the potential difficulties that come with getting meaningful, actionable data. For the client I noted above, our market research team was able to measure the market for their product and deliver actionable findings to inform strategic business planning in the upcoming months. That kind of information is priceless for future success. But even better, we have the expertise to deliver better information more quickly and cost-effectively than other non-specialized market research firms.</p> <p>So as you celebrate the end of 2013 and the promise that a new year brings, I hope that we can help you exceed all of your wildest business goals in the upcoming year. Here's to a happy and healthy bottom line in 2014 to all our clients!</p>{FD411EDC-2CCD-4219-920A-BBC3150E994B}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140102-MS-Going-to-the-Source-On-Site-Market-Research-at-IBSGoing to the Source: On-Site Market Research at IBS<p>New year, new blogger. For those of you reading this that I haven’t yet met, let me start with a bit of an introduction. I’m a senior market research analyst and project manager and have been on the <a href="/About/Our_Team">Home Innovation team</a> for a little over a year. In that time, I have gotten to really appreciate the diversity within the home building industry and the various types of information our clients seek. Whether it’s through quantitative research or qualitative research, we have the team and the expertise to help our clients accomplish their marketing goals within the residential marketplace.</p> <p>I’m coming into our corporate “blogosphere” now because we have a very unique opportunity to offer building product manufacturers during the upcoming <a href="http://www.buildersshow.com/" target="_blank">NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS)</a> in Las Vegas. As in years past, Home Innovation Research Labs will benefit from our relationship with NAHB by providing <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_1201_Exclusive_IBS_Focus_Group_Provider">exclusive access to attendees for on-site research</a>. We will be the only research company provided comprehensive attendee lists by NAHB.</p> <p>And this year, the opportunity is even greater as it’s the first time IBS is going to be co-located with the <a href="http://www.kbis.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS)</a>. It will be like having the target-rich bounty of two shows in one.</p> <h3>Focus Group, Schmocus Group. What’s the Big Deal?</h3> <p>The biggest advantage of doing focus groups on-site at a major industry venue like IBS is that it’s such a rare opportunity to have tens of thousands of building professionals from across the country and around the world gathered at one place. The attendees will represent everyone from the guys who swing the hammers, to the guys who make the multi-million dollar deals, and everyone in between.</p> <p>Here’s a thumbnail description of the other major benefits of locking in on one of our remaining focus group slots:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Geography Buster: </strong>IBS Focus Groups allow you to break through the geography barriers typical of most local or regional focus groups. This show historically draws professionals from all over the country and even the world, and they’re all eligible to be recruited for your groups. This is way more cost-effective than doing in-person focus groups and interviews city-to-city.</li> <li><strong>Access the Hard-to-Access:</strong> It’s not always easy to get the type or caliber of industry professional you need when recruiting groups for focus groups in one location. For example, getting representation from large national builders all in one room at one time in a typical set-up is nearly impossible. But not at IBS. Large single- and multifamily builders, extreme luxury builders, ultra-green builders, and other niche or smaller market segments will all be at the show.</li> <li><strong>Participants in “Product Mode”: </strong>This unique venue provides you participants who are already in a mindset to explore and talk openly about products and concepts. In past years, our clients have completed pre-launch website usability testing, evaluated their product labeling versus competitors, tested new product development concepts, and completed print ad copy testing to elevate the impact of their messaging. Focus groups at IBS become much more of a “one stop shop” than groups at other venues.</li> <li><strong>Time & Cost Savings: </strong>You and your staff are already going to be at IBS/KBIS, so hosting focus groups there can save extra time and money on travel. No need for additional hotels, flights, and web-streaming. You and up to 10 members of your team will be able to view your professionally-moderated focus groups real-time through closed circuit television.</li> </ul> <h3>The Time is Now – Don’t Miss Out!</h3> <p>Home Innovation Research Labs will have two full-service focus group suites operating throughout the IBS/KBIS shows, and can also accommodate on-site intercept interviews of show attendees if that’s the type of research you need. Exhibiting at IBS or KBIS is not required to take advantage of these services during the show. But if you are exhibiting, why not get the most "bang for your buck" by adding focus groups and/or interviews to your plans.</p> <p>We have a total of 19 focus group slots available during the show, from Tuesday, February 4th through Thursday, February 6th. About half of these are already booked and once they’re gone, they’re gone; we don’t have any more to offer. Do not hesitate to book your groups before the options become more limited.</p> <p>There’s an added incentive to act on this opportunity now – PRICE. <strong>The current pricing for a group is $9,250. But, after January 10th, our pricing will go up </strong>due to the added level of effort to recruit effectively as we get closer to the show.</p> <p>So make the most of your IBS marketing experience. Give me a call (301.430.6285) or <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Focus%20Groups" target="_self">contact me via our online form</a> to reserve your spot today.</p> <div><br /> </div>{F31C9289-56E9-4585-B772-ADF9C2240452}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140109-CW-A-Year-in-Review-for-NGBS5 Green Home Building Trends from 2013 <p>This past year was a big year for Home Innovation’s NGBS Green Building programs, both in terms of new developments/changes and program growth. If you haven't already, I'd encourage your to take a look back at <a href="/About/Blog/20130405-MF-2013-A-Green-Building-Odessy">Michelle Desiderio’s Green Building Odyssey post</a> from last April that described numerous program developments from just the first quarter of 2013.</p> <p>Here are a few notable certification trends we saw last year:</p> <h3>1. Total Certification Activity Was Up</h3> <p>If you look at just home/building certifications, it would seem that green building activity diminished slightly in 2013. However, the real story lies in the unit (or home/apartment) count. The multifamily housing market was booming throughout 2013, and Home Innovation certified nearly twice the number of living units/apartments we did 2012.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/-/media/Images/About/Activity.jpg" alt="2012 vs 2013 Total NGBS Green Cert Activity" style="width: 700px; height: 106px;" /></p> <h3>2. Multifamily Certifications Remain Largest Market Share</h3> <p>Multifamily (new construction) certifications comprised about <strong>15%</strong> of all our green home/building certifications, but nearly <strong>82%</strong> of our total unit count.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img height="217" width="219" src="/-/media/Images/About/MF_image.jpg" alt="NGBS Green 2013 Multifamily Stats" /></p> <p>There are a few reasons why I believe multifamily developers are leading the industry in green certified homes.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Project Costs. </strong>With a proportionally larger construction budget, multifamily developers can incorporate green construction practices more easily than single-family builders. The additional cost of incorporating green practices/products is easier to manage when it’s spread across multiple units.</li> <li><strong>Lower Operating Expenses.</strong> Many apartment owners are directly involved in both construction and the long-term management of the company’s portfolio. As such, the companies have a clear financial incentive to integrate green building practices that lower operating costs long-term.</li> <li><strong>Consumer Demands.</strong> Today’s renters are young, urbane, and notably interested in a more sustainable lifestyle.</li> </ul> <h3>3. Single-Family and Remodeling Certifications More Likely to Achieve Higher Levels</h3> <p>While the multifamily sector has experienced the greatest volume of certification, single-family homes and renovation/remodels are more likely to achieve higher levels (Silver, Gold, Emerald).</p> <p>Multifamily developers assess the value of green certification in terms of ROI. Developers select a green certification level and practices based on the local construction code (incentives or mandates for green development) and the expected savings from energy and water efficiency. Many are comfortable building to the Bronze level (which is still a notably rigorous mark!).</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img height="291" width="509" src="/-/media/Images/About/MF_Activity.jpg" alt="NGBS Green 2013 Multifamily Activity" /></p> <p>There are a number of single-family homebuyers who are willing to spend more to achieve higher levels of green. In particular, custom homebuilders have certified a number of highly-efficient green homes with unique features that were integrated based on client needs. Check out these examples from <a href="/About/Blog/20130822-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Emerald-Certification">Treasure Homes, Inc.</a>, and <a href="/About/Blog/20130815-CW-2012-NGBS-Green-Certified-Firsts-Single-Family-Home">Caldwell & Johnson</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img height="299" width="509" src="/-/media/Images/About/SF_Activity.jpg" alt="NGBS Green 2013 Single-Family Activity" /></p> <p>Older homes are notoriously inefficient. Remodels/renovations to achieve significant energy and water efficiency gains are usually much easier than attaining the same efficiencies with new building codes.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img height="289" width="509" src="/-/media/Images/About/Remodeling_Activity.jpg" alt="NGBS Green 2013 Remodeling Activity" /></p> <h3>4. North Carolina Still Leads Nation in Volume</h3> <p>North Carolina continues to lead the nation in terms of volume, as green building activity is strong throughout the Triangle and Charlotte metro areas. There are several reasons for the high-volume activity in the state.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Green Building Champions. </strong>Green-minded HBA leaders, third-party professionals, and builders/developers are working to make green certified homes mainstream — <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2013_0731_Triangle-Area_NGBS_Green_Partners_of_Excellence_Recognized">many who have made particularly notable contributions</a> are in the Raleigh/Durham area.</li> <li><strong>Covenant Restrictions in Some Communities.</strong> Some N.C. developers are stipulating green certification in the land development agreement. All homes built within those communities will be green certified to the NGBS or another program.</li> <li><strong>Local Incentives.</strong> Catawba (Charlotte metro area) and Chatham County (Raleigh metro area) offer permit fee rebates to builders certifying to the NGBS.</li> </ul> NGBS certification has good penetration throughout the East Coast and Midwest. States like Maryland, New York, and Delaware experienced strong certification activity due to <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/NGBSGreenInscentives" target="_self">local/state government incentives</a>.  <p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="/-/media/Images/About/Top_States_Map2.jpg" alt="2013 NGBS Green Certification Top States" style="width: 700px; height: 501px;" /></div>   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <h3>5. Continued Growth for 2014</h3> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Given the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/NGBSGreenStats" target="_self">total number of NGBS Green Registered units in process</a>, Home Innovation is positioned to more than double the number of certifications we will issue in 2014 and 2015. We believe that builders have recognized NGBS Green certification offers an affordable, streamlined, and yet rigorous path to independent, third-party green certification.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/-/media/Images/About/Certification_Activity.png" alt="2012 vs 2013 Total NGBS Green Cert Activity" style="width: 600px; height: 218px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>So what green home building trends did you see over the last year? What are you predicting for the coming year? Let me know.</p>{6F0635C2-4647-43E1-AB4C-DCA2DAEB4CD7}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140116-SR-2014-A-Race-to-Zero-Odyssy2014: A “Race to Zero” Odyssey<p>Every housing industry professional would love to know the future for a compelling business advantage. “Well you can predict the future accurately,” according to <a href="http://www.burrus.com/flash_foresight/flash-foresight/" target="_blank">Daniel Burrus in his 2011 <em>Flash Foresight</em></a>. “All you have to do is leave out the parts you could be wrong about.”</p> <p>Although this sounds like a joke, it is actually a powerful truth. That’s because there is so much we are certain about, if we look carefully. In fact, many hard trends define the housing industry’s visible future including:</p> <ul> <li><strong>increasing energy prices</strong> that have steadily climbed for decades</li> <li><strong>increasing cost-effectiveness of renewable energy</strong> as solar electric systems benefit from improved technology, manufacturing capabilities, and economies-of-scale</li> <li><strong>increasing energy efficiency</strong> with new products, and construction practices that accelerate home performance</li> <li><strong>increasing risk of moisture problems</strong> with better insulated assemblies that can no longer dry if they get wet</li> <li><strong>increasing health concerns</strong> with reduced natural infiltration due to tighter construction, greater exposure to dangerous chemicals in building materials, greater opportunities to backdraft gravity exhaust combustion equipment as a result of increased pressure imbalances and more exhaust fans, and more exposure to biological contaminants</li> <li><strong>increasing water crisis</strong> as more than half of the country experiences severe drought conditions</li> <li><strong>increasing disaster risks</strong> due to more extreme weather, natural events, and damaging pests affecting virtually the entire country</li> <li><strong>increasing population of informed consumers</strong> who know vastly more about products, prices, and performance before making purchase decisions</li> <li><strong>increasing innovation imperative</strong> as a growing population of consumers expect and embrace advanced technology and all that it can do for them</li> </ul> <p>Every one of these trends is based on extensive facts and data. But more importantly, we all are aware of them instinctively and sense their imminent impact on the housing industry. And every one of them is effectively addressed by zero energy-ready construction, as defined by the <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/residential/ch_index.html" target="_blank">DOE Challenge Home label</a>. Consider the following value propositions zero energy homes provide American homebuyers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>peace-of-mind</strong> investing in a new home that won’t quickly become obsolete because it is built to account for forthcoming code changes</li> <li><strong>exciting affordability</strong> with ultra-low or no utility bills that feels like owning a car getting hundreds-of-miles per gallon</li> <li><strong>engineered comfort</strong> offering soothing temperatures and a level of quiet never experienced in prior homes</li> <li><strong>healthful living</strong> with key construction materials certified free of dangerous chemicals, a continuous fresh air system, and high-performance air filtration</li> <li><strong>tech savvy construction</strong> with advanced technologies, practices, and components throughout the home</li> <li><strong>quality assurance</strong> with independent inspections and testing of critical work, and higher grade equipment</li> <li><strong>enduring value</strong> that only comes from a home built to stand the test of time</li> </ul> <p>Moreover, builders across the country are demonstrating they can provide this value at market-based prices where the incremental monthly mortgage attributed to zero energy-ready improvements is easily offset by monthly utility bill savings. In other words, a better home costs less to own; often, substantially less. This is why the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) believes zero energy-ready homes are the future; they address critical performance issues that will exceed consumer expectations and reduce builder risk.</p> <p>Now, over 350 students from more than 30 different universities across the U.S. and Canada are competing in the first <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/doeChallengeHomeStudentDesignCompetition" target="_blank">DOE Challenge Home Student Design Competition</a> to show this home of the future is ready today. They are developing cost-effective, zero energy-ready home designs that can be easily adapted by mainstream builders. All of this ingenuity and creativity will come together at a three-day event beginning April 19, 2014, in Golden, Colorado. Student teams will present their designs to esteemed jurors, network with notable industry professionals, hear from thought leaders on their vision for the future of housing, and celebrate at an awards dinner where winners and grand winners will be announced.</p> <p>The next generation of housing industry professionals has to be better trained to deliver the home of the future. The DOE Challenge Home Student Design Competition is part of this important transformation process toward creating better homes and communities. The nationwide benefits of cleaner air, large numbers of green jobs that cannot be outsourced, and greater energy security are just a bonus.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"># # #</p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><em><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sam-rashkin/2/458/168" target="_blank">Sam Rashkin</a>, Chief Architect of DOE's Building Technologies Program and author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Retooling-U-S-Housing-Industry-Broken/dp/1111313822" target="_blank">Retooling the U.S. Housing Industry: How It Got Here, Why It's Broken, and How to Fix It</a>, manages the DOE Challenge Home Student Design Competition and is a guest blogger for <a href="/About/Blog">Home Innovation Insights</a>.</em></span></p>{87BC6F39-F939-472F-BA04-76D5FE73109A}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140130-MF-Optimistic-for-GSA-to-Capture-Leadership-in-Green-HousingLooking Forward to GSA Taking Leadership Role in Green Housing<p>This past fall, the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) announced their formal recommendation that federal agencies use one of two green building certification standards – LEED or Green Globes – in future building projects. The recommendation concluded almost two years of federal study and analysis to satisfy the congressional directive in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, <a href="http://api.fdsys.gov/link?collection=plaw&congress=110&lawtype=public&lawnum=140&link-type=html" target="_blank">Pub. L. 110-140</a>). EISA directed GSA and the Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate green building certification systems and identify a system for use by federal agencies that “will be most likely to encourage a <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">comprehensive</span></strong> and environmentally sound approach to the certification of green federal buildings.” [Emphasis added.]</p> <p>While there was much discussion industry-wide over GSA’s recommendation for LEED and Green Globes, what got lost in all of the discussion and reporting is that according to GSA, the agency intends its recommendation to apply <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">only to commercial buildings</span></strong>. I am not quite sure how anyone would ever know that; that stipulation is not stated anywhere in the written materials. Further, GSA’s unduly cramped interpretation of the statute seems counterproductive to Congress’s stated objectives. EISA’s legislative mandate was not vague. In fact, it was quite clear. EISA specifically required GSA to “identify and develop Federal high-performance green building standards for <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">all types of Federal facilities</span></strong>.” [Emphasis added.] While it is true the majority of GSA owned/leased buildings are commercial properties, the federal government owns, leases, builds, approves, and funds lots of homes. The Veteran’s Administration, the National Park Service, all branches of the military, the Department of State, the Department of Agriculture, and most obviously, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, all manage/construct/renovate/fund housing of various types. In fact, according to DOE’s 2010 Building Energy Data Book, the Federal Government owns or operates over 500,000 buildings, including 422,000 housing structures and 51,000 non-residential buildings. The federal government is indeed quite the residential landlord.</p> <p>Recently I had the chance to speak directly with Kevin Kampschroer, the Director of the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings (OFHPGB) at the GSA. During our conversation, Kevin stated that GSA decided only to compare and recommend green building rating systems for commercial buildings (i.e., office space) because there wasn’t any demand from their federal partners for a residential green building rating system. That response was disappointing to me for two reasons. First, the congressional directive above seemed to be indifferent to what federal agencies might or might not want. Congress seemed to believe that there is value in a comprehensive evaluation of green building rating systems for all building types. I can’t see any reason why they would want to exclude housing. Green high-performance housing would yield widespread economic, social, and environmental benefits on par with those of green, high-performance office buildings. Green housing costs less to operate, uses less water and energy, has a healthier indoor environment, is more durable, can cost less to maintain, and reduces myriad impact on the natural and built environment. Also, the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings was intentionally moved from its previous position in GSA’s Public Building Service to the Office of Governmentwide Policy specifically to enhance the federal government’s role as a leader in sustainability. According to the EPA, residential buildings account for over half of all the energy used by all buildings in the United States and a significant percentage of all water use. GSA can seize the leadership position on sustainability and promote green, high-performance buildings of all types, including housing.</p> <p>Under the leadership of Kevin Kampschroer, GSA has done good and important work in sustainbility to date. We encourage GSA to bring that leadership to the home.</p>{76D92678-A99F-403C-93F5-80F2465E21A2}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140206-ML-Innovation-is-Our-ROIInnovation is Our ROI<p>Home Innovation Research Labs can be an enigma. We are a for-profit corporation operating as an independent subsidiary of a non-profit organization. At the same time, our by-laws outline a corporate mission of research and development aimed at increasing the affordability, and improving the quality and performance of homes and apartments nationwide. Our mission appears to belie our for-profit organizing principle. Most companies work to capture market share with an understanding that their gain is their competitors’ loss. Less common are organizations that seek to return a profit and, at the same time, work to improve their entire industry.</p> <p>However, this seemingly schizophrenic charge offers insight into the barriers to innovation within the residential construction industry, and an understanding of how Home Innovation Labs can successfully navigate those challenges.</p> <p>Innovation doesn’t come easily to the home building industry. It is an industry dominated by small firms with a lack of integration. While the recession may have caused some consolidation, small construction firms continue to hold a larger market share than big firms. There are also few economies of scale within the industry which contributes to the fragmentation. Small firm dominance, along with other reasons, hinders information flow. Finally, home building is regulated at the local level so that any one building product used in residential construction must comply with myriad building codes, permitting rules, and land use regulations across the country. The result? Seemingly impenetrable barriers to innovation.</p> <p>Fifty years ago, home building leaders recognized their own industry’s shortcomings. Their collective desire to build a better home inspired them to form a start-up research and development organization dedicated to serving the needs of the industry. Home Innovation Research Labs’ mission is simple: to promote innovation in housing technology to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of homes and home building products of all types. By launching our organization, autonomous from their trade association, the industry made a capital investment with an expectation that their long-term return on investment would be innovation. Innovation that would help the entire industry build a superior, more affordable home.</p> <p>Our by-laws are an express acknowledgment about two critical facts. First, while the barriers to innovation are great, it is possible to accelerate the innovation adoption process with the benefit of deep industry insight. Second, because of the industry’s fragmented organizational characteristics, innovation can’t always happen at the individual company level. Often, it doesn’t pay to be first to market in our industry – better to be second to let the leader bear the risk and cost of a new product or technology. We work to bring innovation to the industry in both ways. The deep expertise of our staff in residential construction is specifically designed to help builders and product manufacturers bring new products to market and expand market share. Our goal is their commercial success.</p> <p>The investors sought innovation as return on their investment. But they also believed that an organization expected to return a traditional profit would be more competitive, more nimble, and more customer-focused, and most importantly, better understand the challenges faced by all residential builders. Like every successful business, we care about driving value to our clients.</p> <p>A home builder faces a basic challenge every day: “How do I build a house today that is better – more energy /water /resource efficient, more durable, better air quality, reduced stormwater impacts – than the house I built yesterday, yet remains affordable to homebuyers within my market so that I can sell it and build another house tomorrow.” Simple to state the problem; not so simple to accomplish. It is easy to design and build a near-perfect house if there is no consideration for cost. It is infinitely more difficult to design and construct a home with new products, new technology, and new construction practices and return a profit sufficient to turn around and try to do it all again tomorrow.</p> <p>Home Innovation Research Labs was set up to meet the same challenge every builder faces. We deliver innovation to the industry—not in a utopian research-and-development center, but within an organization focused on delivering value to our clients. Our work encourages lower construction costs and improved quality in construction and design. We work to not only solve those problems, but to provide definitive and verifiable results so that our clients can stand behind our word and our mark. Code officials and consumers look to us to confirm product performance and code compliance claims.</p> <p>Promoting innovation in home building is all we do. If innovation is part of your business strategy, let us help you get there as effectively and successfully as possible.</p>{C434F5AA-5902-4F6D-A59B-7429F534DB31}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140220-MF-Making-it-Easier-for-Consumers-to-Go-GreenMaking it Easier for Consumers to Go Green<p>Home Innovation Research Labs began to certify homes and multifamily buildings to the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) in 2009. Since then, <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/Green" title="NGBS Green Certification" target="_blank">NGBS Green Certification</a> has established itself as an affordable, yet rigorous green certification program for residential construction. We launched the program in the midst of the worst housing market in decades, perhaps the worst housing market ever, as real estate prices dropped sharper between 2006 and 2008 than during the Great Depression. </p> <p>Nevertheless, in five years we <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/NGBSGreenStats" target="_blank">certified over 30,000 homes, apartments, and residential lots</a> as NGBS compliant. We currently have almost 50,000 homes registered as seeking certification. NGBS Green Certification is officially recognized in the Appraisal Institute’s Addendum for Green and Energy Efficient Features; is a specific listed attribute in many local Multiple Listing Service databases; and is the basis for <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/NGBSGreenIncentives" target="_blank">numerous state and local incentives and rebates</a>. We have become the national green certification program of choice for builders, remodelers, and developers. Yet, in one way we have fallen short. </p> <p>Until recently, however, we have not had an effective way to reach consumers. Renters, homebuyers, and homeowners interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle have had no easy way to learn about our program unless their builder or remodeler told them about it. One reason that we have a difficult time in building consumer awareness is because we don’t “pad” our certification costs with anything to cover marketing and advertising. This helps our program stay affordable but, unfortunately, has kept it an industry secret.</p> <p>Now, I am excited to announce that we will be able to finally overcome that challenge. <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/news_and_events/home_innovation_news/2014_0205_hi-porch_partner_-_give_consumers_more_reliable_access_to_green_home_info" target="_blank">Home Innovation Research Labs has partnered with Porch.com</a> to help consumers find and connect with those who design, build, and remodel NGBS Green Certified homes. Porch’s online platform provides consumers inspiration, project data, and word-of-mouth referrals in one place. With more than 1.5 million pros and 90 million projects in their network, <a href="http://porch.com/" title="porch.com" target="_blank">Porch</a> is changing the way home improvement gets done by making it easy for homeowners to find professionals based on who their neighbors have used and endorsed, real project and cost history, and expert advice. As a result of this partnership, the Porch data network will expand to include information on NGBS Green Certified homes. Consumers will be able to connect directly with builders and remodelers who attain NGBS Green Certification for their projects. Consumers can rest assured that NGBS Green Certified projects are truly green, rather than just taking someone’s word for it, or using someone else’s definition of what might be a green home. Only NGBS Green Certified projects have been inspected by a nationally-accredited and independent, third-party to ensure that the project meets the rigorous criteria of the NGBS. Consumers everywhere will benefit as they use Porch.com for information, inspiration, and validation.</p> <p>Porch will create profiles for all of Home Innovation’s NGBS Green Partner professionals, featuring their NGBS Green Certified home projects and information for potential homeowners to discover. While any professional can join the Porch network for free, Home Innovation is sponsoring three free months of upgraded profiles on Porch for NGBS Green Partner professionals. Further, Porch will build new functionality into their data platform in the form of profile badges that will help further distinguish our NGBS Green Partner professionals and brand NGBS Green Certified home projects. This will make it easier than ever for homeowners to find the right professionals with the right experience for their green projects.</p> <p>This partnership is a win-win for consumers and NGBS Green Partner professionals. For our existing builder and remodeler partners we are excited to bring even greater value to them for their participation in the program. For builders and remodelers that have not yet built NGBS Green Certified, there has never been a better time to get started. </p> <p>Home Innovation will be holding a series of webinars for existing and prospective NGBS Green Partners in the upcoming months about the Porch partnership and how to best take advantage of the new marketing opportunities. Be on the lookout for announcements on our Events page, or just <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" title="Contact Us" target="_blank">let us know if you’d like to participate</a> and we’ll be sure to let you know the schedule.</p>{D59BF945-DDF0-4B43-BB3E-AF3B7EE00091}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140227-CW-Survey-Says-Consumers-Are-Looking-for-Green-HomesSurvey Says…Consumers Are Looking for Green Homes<p>Time and again, I hear the recurring question from builders: “Why should I seek green certification when my customers aren’t specifically asking for it?”</p> <p>While these builders may not have customers knocking down their doors demanding NGBS Green homes certified by Home Innovation Research Labs (although we'd be happy to accommodate them), customers are responding with their approval and support of green construction.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=16642" target="_blank">New consumer research</a> by NAHB and GuildQuality, a leading provider of customer satisfaction surveying for the residential building industry, offers unique insight into how green homeowners feel about their homes – particularly regarding overall satisfaction and promotion.* </p> <p>I believe these survey findings demonstrate to builders the undeniable value of building green.</p> <ul> <li>94% would recommend a green home to a friend. </li> <li>92% would purchase another green home. </li> <li>71% of respondents believe that green homes are, overall, of higher quality. </li> <li>55% knew their home may have cost more than a non-green home, but believed the benefits outweighed the cost. </li> <li>90% were satisfied knowing they “did the right thing” in buying a green home. </li> <li>The green aspects most valued by consumers are: low utility bills, energy efficiency, and insulation. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Green certification indicates quality.</strong> The NGBS Green Certified mark helps consumers distinguish between verified green and unsubstantiated “green-washing” by traditional builders. The certification mark is a quality assurance mark, indicating the successful completion of third-party inspections and certification. </p> <p>Green building also offers an opportunity for builders/remodelers to distinguish themselves from the competition and gain new business from consumers specifically seeking green building services. <strong>Green certification can help grow your market share.</strong> When 94% of consumers would recommend a green home to a friend, green builders/remodelers have the potential to grow and maintain their business through word-of-mouth and reputation within the local community.</p> <p><strong>If you aren’t currently building green, now’s the time.</strong> Builders and remodelers can learn about the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes/single-family_certification/single-family_home_certification_process" target="_blank">simple process for a single-family green home to get NGBS Green Certified</a>. Focus on growing your portfolio of green projects so that consumers will view you as a “veteran” in three years, when the green building community has significantly expanded and become more competitive. Builders/remodelers often say that they are able to certify their homes to the NGBS for little, if any, added cost. Feel free to <a href="mailto:cwasser@homeinnovation.com">contact me</a> if you have questions about how to get started.</p> <p>If you are currently building NGBS Green Certified homes, I encourage you to use the Green Home Satisfaction Survey as a “call-to-action.” Review and enhance your marketing materials and sales pitch to better connect with green-minded consumers. Focus on highlighting your experience and specialized green building product, and adjust messaging to align with themes identified within the study. A good place to take the next step is the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/marketgreencertified" target="_blank">www.homeinnovation.com/marketgreencertified</a> page, where you can find ready-made marketing materials.</p> <p>The NAHB/GuildQuality study shows that consumers are aware that green building practices offer long-lasting comfort and cost savings; and their Interest in and understanding of green building will only continue to grow. <a href="http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=16636&fromGSA=1" target="_blank">New market research</a> by McGraw-Hill Construction reveals that the green home construction market is expected to double over the next three years – growing from $36 billion in 2013 to $83-$105 in 2016. Start preparing now to be a part of it.</p> <p>*Information was collected from 187 homeowners who purchased an NGBS Green Certified home within the past three years.</p>{AF6A318A-BE47-4268-BF3C-DF4E02E15507}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140306-VK-Go-Forward-Its-The-Only-Thing-To-DoGo forward? It's the only thing to do!<h3>Moving forward toward a 2015 National Green Building Standard </h3> <p>It's a basic rule of business: if you're not moving forward, you get left behind – and the green building market is no exception. With the ink barely dry on the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/news_and_events/home_innovation_news/2013_0111_ansi_approves_national_green_building_standard" target="_blank">2012 National Green Building Standard (NGBS)</a>, Home Innovation Research Labs is starting the development of the 2015 NGBS. It will take us about two years to fulfill <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/standards_development/american_national_standards" target="_blank">ANSI’s demanding requirements</a> and comprehensive process. That's why it's critical that we start early to have a completed NGBS when the market is ready. </p> <h3>The NGBS is the only residential green building rating system ANSI-approved. So what?</h3> <p>Adherence to ANSI rules, and final review and approval by ANSI, are an important hallmark of the NGBS for at least six reasons. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Credibility</strong> – ANSI’s approval is third-party verification that all rules in the standard’s development have been followed. It is ultimately ANSI’s decision alone whether a standard deserves the designation.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Openness and Transparency</strong> – Any affected party can present its views to the NGBS Consensus Committee. The committee has an obligation to consider, act upon, and respond to those views. All information is publicly available and anyone has the right to appeal to the standard development organization and, ultimately, to ANSI if their views were not given due consideration.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Balance</strong> – The committee is structured in a way that consideration of views and voting are not dominated by a single interest group. NGBS development efforts, as always, will be undertaken by a Consensus Committee carefully balanced between three major member categories: Users, Producers, and General Interest.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Due Process</strong> – The ANSI process is designed to give fair consideration to all views and objections. The process is well-defined and laid out in its entirety before development proceeds, so that all interested parties have ability to plan for working with the committee.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Consensus</strong> – As with any democratic process, consensus doesn’t mean unanimity. Home Innovation’s rules as a Standards Developer require that at least two-thirds of the voting committee members are in agreement before a change is approved. </li> </ul> <ul> <ul> <li><strong>Independence</strong> – An ANSI committee does not answer to anybody with regard to its collective technical opinion. If the committee achieves consensus on an issue, it is final and can only be challenged on procedural grounds. </li> </ul> <h3>Call for NGBS Consensus Committee members</h3> <p>During the International Builders Show last month, Home Innovation issued <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/news_and_events/home_innovation_news/2014_0201_home_innovation_begins_preparations_for_national_green_building_standard_update" target="_blank">committee applications</a> and a <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/news_and_events/home_innovation_news/2014_0201_home_innovation_begins_preparations_for_national_green_building_standard_update" target="_blank">call for proposed changes</a> to the 2012 NGBS. All interested parties can submit an application to be on the NGBS Consensus Committee – the lack of any barriers to participation is another hallmark of the ANSI process. From these applications, Home Innovation will appoint a committee of 30+ industry professionals with a broad range of expertise in green construction, balanced between the three major member categories mentioned above. </p> <p>For the NGBS process, Users are typically represented by practicing professionals such as architects, developers, and builders; Producers by product manufacturers; and General Interest by code officials and federal, state, and local government agencies. Each of these groups may have a different perspective on each issue brought up in front of the committee, so it's important that each of these groups is well represented, to avoid dominance by any one category. </p> <h3>NGBS Task Groups</h3> <p>Because the NGBS covers nearly all technical aspects of residential construction from land development to homeowner education, it is also important that the committee has access to critical technical expertise on a broad range of relevant subjects. In addition to appointing experienced industry professionals to serve on the Consensus Committee, several Task Groups are assembled – each with a specific area of expertise – to support the committee. Although it is the committee's decision that matters in the end, the task groups play an important role of advising the committee on complex technical matters. </p> <h3>Don’t delay – still time to apply!</h3> <p>Follow the development of the 2015 NGBS at <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/ngbs" target="_blank">www.homeinnovation.com/ngbs</a>. The March 16, 2014, deadline is fast approaching, but there is still time to apply for the Consensus Committee or a Task Group. Propose changes to the Standard by March 24, 2014. Don’t hesitate to <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us" target="_blank">contact us</a> should you have any questions. </p>{57477F72-3169-4510-BC02-2C550467E4C2}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140313-CW-Why-Use-Green-ProductsWhy Use Green Products<p>If you are a builder or developer who is just getting started with green home construction, look no further than Home Innovation Research Labs' NGBS Green Certified product mark on product packaging and marketing materials to identify and source green building products. <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/greenproducts" target="_blank">NGBS Green Certified products</a> are pre-approved by Home Innovation to contribute toward a home or building meeting specific NGBS practices, and use of certified products offers labor-savings and streamlined verification to builders/developers.</p> <Ul> <li><strong>Reduce Documentation and Verification Time <br /> </strong> The biggest value afforded to builders by use of NGBS Green Certified products is time and effort saved during the verification process. <br /> <br /> NGBS Green building certification requires that <span style="text-decoration: underline;">every</span> NGBS practice be inspected and confirmed by an independent NGBS Green Verifier. Some practices, like those in the Lot Design and Water Efficiency chapters, can be verified by observation. Not everything is that easy. Many NGBS practices – especially those in the Resource Efficiency and Indoor Environmental Quality chapters – cannot be verified by observation and require review of product literature to confirm that the product contributes toward the NGBS practices. (For example, I wouldn’t even try to guess the formaldehyde level of an insulation product by sight alone!) For these practices, a builder will collect manufacturer’s literature and provide to the project’s verifier for review. <br /> <br /> Use of NGBS Green Certified products eliminates these steps altogether. As certified products are pre-approved, a builder only needs to note “NGBS Green product” or similar on the scoring spreadsheet. The NGBS Verifier would still need to confirm, but could do so by visiting the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/greenproducts">Home Innovation website</a>. Use of NGBS Green Certified products saves time and effort for both the builder and verifier. </li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>No Surprises! Products Are Sure to Meet NGBS Practices<br /> </strong>Recently, I heard a story of a home that was near completion before the builder recognized that the home’s windows did not meet the NGBS fenestration requirements (a mandatory practice). The windows also hindered the ability of the home to achieve even the lowest acceptable energy efficiency level. Believe me – the builder was not happy about that surprise!<br /> <br /> The NGBS Green Certified product program serves to offer assurance to NGBS builders, designers, and architects that they won’t be similarly surprised. NGBS Green Certified products have already been reviewed and approved to meet particular NGBS practices.<br /> <br /> Given the abundance of green-washing (use of vague, misleading, and false product claims) and the confusing marketplace of green product labels, it can be hard for a builder to identify and source the right products for the job. Third-party certifications serve as a resource to builders who look to decipher environmental claims associated with green products.<br /> <br /> For a product to be NGBS Green Certified, a product manufacturer submits documentation from a third-party laboratory that demonstrates the product’s attributes.  Home Innovation’s team of building scientists and engineers will carefully review the provided documentation for NGBS compliance.<br /> </li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>One-Stop Shop to Explore New Green Product Offerings</strong> <br /> The Home Innovation NGBS Green Certified product portal serves a clearinghouse of information about green building products. While the site is primarily designed for NGBS builders and verifiers, the product information can serve as a general resource for those in the green building community. Visit <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/greenproducts">www.homeinnovation.com/greenproducts</a> to explore green product offerings from both large and small building product providers.<br /> <br /> The user-friendly website allows a visitor to search by NGBS practice, product category, brand name, etc. For each certified product, view detailed product information: product description, downloadable product specs, other third-party certifications, and more. Even if you aren’t working on a home that will be NGBS certified currently, you can download and save relevant product information for later use.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Manufacturers – Can We Talk?</strong> NGBS Green Certification can help position your company as a green building leader/expert and help you further connect with green builders and remodelers. Product listings on the NGBS Green Certified web portal offer increased online marketing exposure. If you've got a few moments, I’d love to talk you through the certification benefits and application process. To get started, email <a href="mailto:cwasser@homeinnovation.com">me</a>. </p>{FBF5CD3A-6CD5-4CD6-A047-4BA57380E49D}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140320-VK-Green-Homes-Are-Expected-to-be-DurableGreen Homes Are Expected to be Durable (Now Let’s Make Sure) <p>High-performance homes appeal to consumers because of their touted benefits: a healthier indoor environment, lower operating costs, and increased durability. Certainly, the benefits are compelling. But do we know if high-performance homes can live up to these elevated expectations?</p> <p>Unmet expectations are one thing. Performance <em>failures</em> are a whole other issue. New design and construction techniques can cause unintended impacts. A tight building envelope is good because it keeps conditioned air inside. But a tight building envelope can also lead to increased humidity and reduced drying of water that finds its way into an assembly. Humidity in moderation is good – but excess moisture is durability’s single biggest threat.</p> <p>Builders are less able to rely on tried-and-true construction methods because of successively higher energy codes. Both the 2012 IECC and the 2015 IECC require light-frame wood builders to increase wall insulation and to reduce wall air leakage. The long-term moisture performance of these new wall systems is not well understood with regard to vapor drive, condensation risk, and drying capability. A wide range of new materials and systems is now available in the market to help builders comply with the higher energy codes. The new wall systems are more complex and interactions of these newer materials with each other and with conventional construction techniques are not obvious. Climate zone and HVAC equipment will also influences the home’s performance.</p> <p>Home Innovation Research Labs is leading nationwide research to help architects, building scientists, and builders better understand the performance of energy-efficient wall systems. Our research involves monitoring walls in controlled test huts and in 22 homes in various climate zones. Our study includes different energy-efficient wall systems to better understand the impact, if any, of various types of exterior foam insulation, cavity insulation, interior vapor retarders, and framing sizes. Our methodology calls us to measure the moisture content of the sheathing and framing, cavity relative humidity and temperature, and interior and exterior relative humidity and temperature. </p> <p>Due to space limitations, the following has been condensed to a summary of key points. For a fully detailed account of our methodology, conclusions, and recommendations, please download a copy of the <a href="/-/media/Files/Reports/Home_Innovation_Test_Huts_Report_2011-2013_Final.pdf" target="_blank">full report</a>.</p> <h3>What Have We Learned? Climate Zone 4 Test Huts Preliminary Lessons</h3> <p>The combination of three variables – (1) high interior relative humidity, (2) high permeance of the interior vapor retarder, and (3) air leakage path into the cavity – can cause exterior OSB sheathing to have high moisture content in Climate Zone 4. Further study is needed to uncouple the impact of air leakage from the effect of vapor diffusion, and to complete the assessment of the appropriateness of the ASHRAE 160 Simplified Relative Humidity (RH) protocol for evaluating wall performance. That additional research is currently underway.</p> <p>Our findings suggest that the ASHRAE 160 Simplified RH protocol leads to wall moisture levels higher than those observed in the field. The effectiveness of a standard primer and paint to serve as Class III vapor retarder needs reevaluation as the drywall’s measured permeance (primed and 2 coats of paint) was above 30 perm.</p> <p>Exterior foam does not appear to significantly impact OSB drying rates in the spring. 1-inch XPS exterior rigid sheathing (R5) has a marginal impact on the OSB sheathing’s moisture content in walls with vinyl siding and interior Kraft vapor retarder. </p> <p>Walls with a Kraft paper interior vapor retarder are less sensitive to interior relative humidity conditions than walls without Kraft facing. On the other hand, interior relative humidity is a critical factor for wall design and performance when painted gypsum is the only interior vapor retarder. It appears that in addition to vapor retardant properties, Kraft paper helps to reduce the air flow into the wall cavity. </p> <p>Computer simulations using WUFI software provide a good level of agreement with observed trends in moisture gain/drying. </p> <h3>Striking a Balance</h3> <p>The balance between high energy efficiency and durability is of great import to builders. As builders implement new and improved energy efficiency measures in their homes, they need assurance that the structure’s durability will not be compromised. Our <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/building_science/energy_efficiency_optimization" target="_blank">research strategy</a> is designed to help builders achieve superior energy efficiency, durability, and comfort for their specific climate regions in cost-effective and proven methodologies. Together, we aim to change the tide of innovation, ultimately creating better, more affordable homes for our country. If we can help you accomplish your goals for implementing innovation, please <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us" target="_blank">contact us</a>.</p>{66D3947C-4A7D-4DF9-9D45-F985A8B53B6B}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140325-MF-Future-of-Green-BuildingThe Future of Green Building<p>Shortly after last year's USGBC GreenBuild conference, an online publication queried building professionals as to their thoughts and expectations of the future of green building. Overwhelmingly, it seemed the green building experts interviewed believed that eventually there would be no distinction between green, high-performance building and standard construction, simply because conventional construction would be so much more efficient than current industry standards. Similarly, I often hear builders opine that because energy codes have become so much more stringent, there soon will be no need for above-code green certification programs.</p> <p>In both cases, I couldn’t disagree more. There will <em>always</em> be a place for innovative, high-performance buildings that exceed prevailing construction practices and technologies. And that's very good for the industry.</p> <p>True, the performance benchmark for all buildings will continue to increase progressively as a result of more stringent building and energy codes. But codes are a minimum standard applied at a very broad scale, and in general, lag industry innovation, being typically built upon thoroughly tested and proven technologies and systems. So, while all buildings should meet some minimum level of performance, many will not reach the highest performance technically possible at the time of construction. This is the realm of the green, high performance buildings, stretching to exceed current codes and standards, using innovative, state-of-the-art products, novel technologies and pioneering construction methods. </p> <h3>Why isn’t high performance always desirable? </h3> <p>Let’s consider workforce housing designed for families earning the median income. Yes, these families benefit from lower utility bills. But does it make sense to burden them with high-performance technology that may be more expensive to maintain (precisely because it is new and not widely available) or has a long payback? Of course not.</p> <p>Yet many builders still elect to build high-performance homes – even if it's not easy or cost-effective – because for them, the benefits outweigh the costs.</p> <h3>Let’s consider the potential benefits. </h3> <p>First, some builders are simply competitive, high achievers. Either for personal reasons or for corporate reputation they want to build the highest performance buildings possible. These builders know they can design and construct a better built home or apartment building than their competition, winning many awards and showcasing the next generation of building products and construction techniques. </p> <p>Other builders believe there's a market benefit to building green, sustainable buildings, based on a number of credible studies demonstrating how green certified buildings financially outperform non-certified buildings in several aspects. These builders tout their homes' green benefits to consumers because they understand that consumers want to live in a home with a healthier indoor environment; that costs less time and money to operate; and can be part of a more sustainable lifestyle. For these builders, independent, third-party green certification programs – like the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_blank">NGBS Green Certified program</a> – can help them credibly market their building’s performance achievements. Such programs can also ensure they don’t run afoul of the FTC’s green marketing guidelines, as discussed in <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/blog/got_third_party_certification-new_ftc_green_guides" target="_blank">Got Third-Party Certification</a>?</p> <p>Last, builders want to design and construct above-code buildings to master new building techniques and technologies in order to be a step ahead should these higher levels of performance become standard. These builders can figure out the best, most cost-effective way for their companies to meet higher performance standards before they are mandated, without the risk of non-compliance if their new strategies do not produce the desired efficiencies.</p> <h3>The industry need for credible green programs has never been greater.</h3> <p>As green building advocates, we have a responsibility to imagine, encourage, nurture, incubate, refine, test and spec new building practices. Simultaneously, we need to be confident building science and innovation can keep pace with the vision for a sustainable future. We near a time when zero energy homes seem not only an achievable stretch goal, but a probable code requirement – and builders nationwide are expected to be change agents within an industry slow to change. </p> <p>Antoine de Saint-Exupery reminds us, “As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it.” Voluntary green building programs like <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_blank">NGBS Green Certified</a> help enable a high-performance future. To learn more about how Home Innovation Research Labs is helping, visit the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/greenproducts" target="_blank">Home Innovation website</a> or <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_blank">contact us</a>. </p>{4D1FCC24-B355-4F53-BB8F-F73C4BC4E360}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140327-AE-How-to-Help-Appraisers-Fairly-Value-Home-Energy-Efficiency-ImprovementsHow to Help Appraisers Fairly Value Home Energy Efficiency Improvements<p>At Elevate Energy, we design and implement efficiency programs that lower costs, protect the environment, and ensure the benefits of energy efficiency reach those who need them most. As a provider of these programs, we understand that future success is dependent upon energy efficiency becoming transparent in the real estate transaction of high performance homes.</p> <p>Recently, <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/" title="Elevate Energy" target="_blank">our organization</a> was honored to attend a Green Mortgage Appraisal Roundtable in Washington D.C. where we joined appraisers, lenders, Realtors, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges of assigning a value to energy savings. </p> <p>In 2013, we <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/Unlocking_the_Value_of_an_Energy_Efficient_Home_FINAL.pdf" title="Unlocking the Value of an Energy Efficient Home" target="_blank">published a blueprint</a> with the National Home Performance Council that outlines a seven-step process to make energy efficiency visible and properly valued in the real estate market. Appraisals are a key part of the process because the appraiser serves as a neutral third party who assesses a high performance home and indicates whether energy efficiency improvements contribute to the value.</p> <p>We’ve witnessed real progress in the appraisal process, including enhancements to the appraiser’s toolkit to better address high performance home valuations. And in locations that have pioneered the green building and remodeling movement, we’re even seeing a growing demand for qualified “green” appraisers. However, we still have a way to go.</p> <h3>Consistently Document Energy Efficiency Features</h3> <p>Nothing works in the appraisal process unless high performance homes are consistently documented (see <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/Unlocking_the_Value_of_an_Energy_Efficient_Home_FINAL.pdf" title="Unlocking the Value of an Energy Efficient Home" target="_blank">Step 1 of the blueprint</a>). Right now, the majority of home appraisers use Fannie Mae’s <a href="https://www.fanniemae.com/content/guide_form/1004.pdf" title="Uniform Residential Appraisal Report" target="_blank">Uniform Residential Appraisal Report</a> (also referred to as Form 1004) to provide opinions on the market value of a given property. But, this form lacks an adequate section in which to document energy efficiency features.</p> <p>In response to this, the Appraisal Institute created the <a href="http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/education-resources/green-building-resources/" title="Appraisal Institute - Green Building Resources" target="_blank">Residential Green and Energy Efficiency Addendum</a> to collect the additional information an appraiser needs when forming an Opinion of Value on a high performance home. The addendum has been well received, including a recent announcement that the Residential Energy Services Network will <a href="http://www.resnet.us/blog/appraisal-institute-enters-into-agreement-with-resnet-to-produce-the-residential-green-and-energy-efficient-addendum-as-home-energy-rating-report/" title="Appraisal Institute Enters into Agreement with RESNET to Produce the Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum as Home Energy Rating Report" target="_blank">auto-populate the addendum</a>, enabling direct transfer of a home’s potential energy performance data from builder or home owner to the appraiser. While all appraisers have access to the addendum online, the problem is, less than 15 percent of appraisers are members of the Appraisal Institute.</p> <p>We’d love to see the Residential Green and Energy Efficiency Addendum used as the model for a standard, approved approach to record the details needed to value high performance homes. The approach could be defined in the approved underwriting guidelines used by larger federal or lending organizations, or government sponsored entities like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. While limited in reach, we’ve seen firsthand that the industry has embraced the template and the related process. Clarifications from the government sponsored entities would formalize this model.</p> <p>We’d also like to see more multiple listing services follow the lead of Midwest Real Estate Data Corporation and <a href="http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profiles/blogs/modernizing-the-residential-utility-disclosure-ordinance-in?xg_source=activity" title="Modernizing the Residential Utility Disclosure Ordinance in Chicago" target="_blank">make energy costs accessible on listings</a>. This provides appraisers with important data to help establish a credible value opinion. Appraisers are also better equipped to do sales comparison and income approach methods when this data is available.</p> <p>A strong third party is important. For example, the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/Green" title="www.HomeInnovation.com/Green" target="_blank">National Green Building Standard™ certification</a> from Home Innovation Research Labs provides independent, third-party verification that a home is designed and built to achieve high performance in various areas. We look forward to continued leadership from third parties and government agencies.</p> <h3>Assign the Right Appraisers to the Right Properties</h3> <p>Next, and logically, the right appraisers need to be assigned to the right properties. Finding a competent appraiser who has experience in valuing energy efficiency features can be difficult.</p> <p>Various training initiatives are happening with some success, but lenders and appraisal management companies continue to struggle in finding qualified appraisers – or even knowing they need to assign them in the first place. An important first step would be to ensure that the existing requirements for assigning appraisers based on competency are enforced for high performance home assignments. Definitions of <a href="http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.naifa.com/resource/resmgr/industry_news_2013/valuation_of_green_buildings.pdf" title="Valuation of Green Buildings" target="_blank">this competency</a> are starting to be drafted by the Appraisal Foundation.</p> <p>But we see progress here, too. The Appraisal Institute is in the process of opening its Appraiser Registry to include all students who successfully complete the required <a href="http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/designatedcandidateaffiliate/options-for-valuation-professionals/aidesignations/" title="AI Designations" target="_blank">sustainability courses</a> (and consent to have their name listed on the registry), allowing for greater exposure and marketability of their qualifications and services. Before this change, the directory only listed Appraisal Institute members who had first graduated a designation course and then went on to complete sustainability courses and exams.</p> <p>Education provides a great opportunity to better connect these qualified appraisers to appraisal management companies and lenders. Appraiser Sandra Adomatis suggests that appraisers, lenders, underwriters, and builders take courses together. “When all the different players in the high performance home transaction come together for training and discussion, they better understand how they can work well together toward overlapping processes and common goals,” Adomatis said.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"># # #</p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><em>For more,</em> <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/value-high-performance-homes/" title="Value for High Performance Homes Newsletter" target="_blank">sign up for the high performance homes newsletter</a> <em>or follow the conversation on Twitter at #VisibleValue.</em> </span></p>{BABA4711-0D94-47F5-A9F7-C3E9AB25B307}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140415-CW-Select-NGBS-Land-Development-Certification-over-LEED-NDReasons to Select NGBS Land Development Certification over LEED ND<p><em>Also see <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/blog/6_reasons_to_choose_ngbs_over_leed" target="_blank">6 Reasons to Choose NGBS over LEED</a> post from June 2013.</em></p> <p>While LEED® for Neighborhood Development™ (LEED-ND) continues to hold greater name recognition, a lesser-known certification option of the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_blank">National Green Building Standard (NGBS)</a> is the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes/land_development_certification" target="_blank">Green Land Development certification</a>. This green rating system covers the design, planning, and development of residential and mixed-use green communities. Since 2009, Home Innovation Research Labs has certified 22 land developments, representing over 1,500 lots, with nine communities currently in progress, representing 21,382 lots! </p> <p>Although similar to LEED-ND, NGBS Land Development certification's core philosophy differs. Whereas LEED-ND can only be achieved in dense urban cores, the NGBS Green Land Development certification is designed to have wide application for all types of communities—urban, suburban, and rural. An additional distinction is the NGBS focus beyond site selection and design to successful implementation of green practices during the development work. </p> <p>If you're considering green certification for your community, here’s a quick primer on why to choose NGBS.</p> <ul> <li><strong>No Density Threshold—NGBS Land Development certification is achievable within all development types</strong><br /> The NGBS ANSI Consensus Committee was committed to developing a rigorous rating system that could be utilized by builders and developers for all construction and community types. They recognized that development would occur in a diversity of communities—from the urban core to inner suburbs to rural towns. All new development, regardless of location, would benefit from the incorporation of green practices to reduce environmental impacts.<br /> <br /> Unlike LEED, the NGBS Land Development requirements do not stipulate a density-threshold for land development certification. Whether you are planning rural, suburban, urban, or mixed-use communities, the NGBS is the right “tool” for the job. Also, there are no restrictions on community size. Home Innovation has certified rural and suburban communities throughout the U.S., ranging in size from seven to nearly 500 lots.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Completely Independent from Home/Building Certification—homes can be built to any green certification</strong><br /> Homes within an NGBS Green Certified Land Development are not required to be green certified to any rating system. This is unlike LEED-ND, which requires at least one home/building within a community to be LEED-certified. While we believe seeking NGBS Green certification for the homes provides tangible benefits for both builder and homebuyer, the NGBS recognizes that the developer may not have influence over home design and construction. The NGBS allows home builders the flexibility to choose the green rating system that is best for their company and project.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>The Only Consensus Standard Rigorous Enough for ANSI Approval</strong><br /> The NGBS offers four levels of certification for land developments: One-Star to Four-Stars. To move up in certification level, an NGBS Land Development must meet set point-minimums with practices from Lot Selection, Project Team, Lot Design, Lot Construction, and Innovative Practices sections, with a big focus on implementation. By comparison, LEED-ND practices place greater weight on site selection. <br />  <br /> Because it was developed with full input and review from numerous building science experts nationwide, the NGBS is the only ANSI-approved residential green rating system available at this time. NGBS certification through Home Innovation continues to lead the home building industry in its affordability, rigorous performance criteria, and flexibility to fit all construction types and market needs.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Affordable Certification Fees!</strong><br /> Home Innovation has built a business on the idea that a green certification program can be <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/blog/good_fast_or_cheap" target="_blank">good, fast, and affordable</a>. Fees range between $1,000 and $6,250, with NAHB members enjoying a discount.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Flexible Options for Plan Approval and Full Certification</strong><br /> A local jurisdiction may require a letter of approval (indicating a community's eligibility for certification once it is built as planned) and/or final certification. Home Innovation's got you covered for both, from plan review through site inspection. </li> </ul> <p>Housing performance made great gains in the past decade. Building science improved, as well as energy, water, and resource efficiency, and indoor air quality. The NGBS Land Development rating system can beget similar environmental improvements in the way we plan, design, and develop the communities of the future.</p> <p>Are you considering NGBS Land Development certification? <a href="mailto:cwasser@HomeInnovation.com">Contact me</a> to see how I can help! </p> <ul></ul>{FB9F0C1A-D863-4E3E-8B65-0EA9E8144608}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140417-MF-Quality-is-KeyQuality is Key<p>This week I was on a mission to purchase sneakers. I am a loyal consumer to a brand known for their technological innovations and superior performance. Given their extensive product line, I sought to narrow my choice by reading online customer reviews. What I learned was interesting, and a problem not unfamiliar to the residential construction industry: they lost control of their quality.</p> <p>Many customers on different websites reported the same issue. Sneakers manufactured in China fit true-to-size. Sneakers manufactured in Vietnam and Indonesia ran up to one full size too small—even worse, sizing was inconsistent. As a result, new customers couldn’t understand the brand’s hype, and longtime customers felt disappointed, almost betrayed. Brand reputation suffered, not because their product development process produced a new product with bad features. Instead, a well-loved product was suffering because certain manufacturing plants were unable to produce a sneaker with consistent specs.</p> <p>My sneaker parable may seem far afield from residential construction. Yet our experience here at Home Innovation Research Labs tells us it is not. Sometimes industry-related companies can gain market share by bringing a new, innovative product to market. (Our <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/market_research/product-development-consulting" target="_blank">product development lifecycle experts</a> can help with that.) But equally important, <strong><em>maybe even more important</em></strong>, is continuing to bring your current successful product(s) to the market while guaranteeing the highest quality throughout the supply chain. You think it's expensive to acquire a new customer? Re-acquiring a lost customer costs 3-5 times more. Fortunately, Home Innovation has several ways that we can help you maintain superior quality whether you are a builder, a trade contractor, or a supplier.</p> <h3>NGBS Green Certified Homes</h3> <p>For builders, one of our most accessible and affordable quality management services is the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes" target="_blank">NGBS Green Certified program</a>. Most builders believe that <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/blog/do_customers_really_care_about_green" target="_blank">consumers value the benefits that accrue with green homes</a>. We also know that <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/blog/survey_says_consumers_are_looking_for_green_homes" target="_blank">71% of NGBS Green Certified homebuyers surveyed reported that they believe that green homes are, overall, of higher quality than non-green, code-minimum homes</a>—and 94% of those homebuyers would recommend an NGBS Green Certified Green home. </p> <p>For a home to successfully attain NGBS certification, the builder and all of the trades must embed green, high-performance building practices into the design, site development, and construction processes. Every NGBS home is subject to two independent, third-party verifications. Such verification ensures a high level of rigor and quality assurance to the green projects that are certified. </p> <h3>Home Innovation Quality Certified<strong><sup>TM</sup></strong></h3> <p>Another service available for builders, trade contractors, or suppliers is our <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/quality_assurance" target="_blank">Home Innovation Quality Certified program</a>. To be eligible, a building company must have developed and implemented a formal quality management system that meets our <a href="/-/media/Files/Certification/Quality_Management_Systems/Quality-Certified-Builder-Requirements.pdf" target="_blank">Quality Certified Builder requirements</a>. Similarly, trade contractors that wish to receive the Home Innovation Quality Certified mark must have developed and implemented a formal quality management system that meets either the <a href="/-/media/Files/Certification/Quality_Management_Systems/Quality-Certified-Trade-Requirements.pdf" target="_blank">Quality Certified Trade Contractor</a> or <a href="/-/media/Files/Certification/Quality_Management_Systems/NHQ_ServiceProvider_Requirements.pdf" target="_blank">Quality Certified Service Provider</a> requirements. Participants in these programs routinely report increased customer satisfaction, reduced call backs, improved construction quality, and improved bottom line.</p> <h3>Custom Quality Management Consulting</h3> <p>Construction is one-of-a-kind production: the fabrication and assembly of a highly complex product, involving dozens of independent businesses (i.e., trade partners) having the potential to affect your product's performance. All of these factors and more make it more difficult for builders and building product suppliers to manage quality and costs. As Warren Buffet cautions, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Your reputation (and your bottom line) depend on you getting all these independent businesses coordinated to build it right the first time—every time. </p> <p>Home Innovation has tools that can help you. Besides our certification program, our quality experts are available to help builders, trade contractors, and suppliers create practical quality management systems specifically designed for each trade. We'll work with you to develop important job ready/job complete standards for managing the hand-off from one trade professional to another—permanent solutions to recurring “hot spots,” designed to eliminate the key systemic issues that compromise quality. </p> <p><a href="mailto:mdesiderio@HomeInnovation.com">We'll help you</a> build a quality system that will safeguard your hard-earned reputation.</p>{2EC28939-8862-461C-837A-0A490A51366C}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140506-CW-Increasing-Green-Home-InteroperabilityIncreasing Green Home Interoperability<p>In my previous work with county-level officials, I was introduced to the idea of "interoperability" and its crucial importance for mitigating and responding to emergency events. In some communities, local emergency responders may not have communications platforms that can interact across teams; each of the different responder types (law enforcement, medical, fire, traffic control, etc.) would LITERALLY be speaking on different radio frequencies. As you can imagine, response efforts suffer when the responders are unable to speak with their teammates.</p> <p>In my position as manager of green building programs here at Home Innovation Labs, I've come to realize that an interoperability issue exists with regard to green home valuation. Across the real estate transaction process, various users (builder, appraiser, real estate agent, etc.) are obtaining and utilizing green home data for their own purposes, but that information is not necessarily translatable to other users. To ensure that green home features are recognized throughout the real estate transaction, it’s important that all types of industry leaders are sharing data and “speaking” in the same terms.</p> <p>Third-party certifications, like <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_self">NGBS Green</a>, offer a reliable and consistent definition for “green” in the marketplace. However, if green home information is not incorporated into the real estate listing in a useable way, the broader value of third-party certification may be unrealized. The green home information may not be recognized by green-minded homebuyers or considered during the appraisal and underwriting processes. These gaps in the communication process can negatively impact everyone involved.</p> <p>Last week, the <a href="http://www.realtor.org/" target="_blank">National Association of Realtors (NAR)</a> released the <em><a href="http://greenresourcecouncil.org/sites/default/files/2014 NAR Green MLS Implementation Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Green MLS Implementation Guide v1.0</a></em>. The first of its kind, this guide was developed with cooperation from diverse partners and is designed to serve as a blueprint for MLS staff and software vendors to implement green MLS fields that are compliant with industry standards – the Real Estate Transaction Standard (RETS) and Data Dictionary.</p> <p>The Guide’s recommendations reflect current “high-performance” features, technology, and construction methods. Most fields represent certifications and labels that are third-party verifiable in an attempt to protect data providers from liability. For example, in terms of green certifications, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is recognized alongside other nationally-available certification platforms, including LEED, Energy Star, WaterSense, and others.</p> <p>Not sure if your region’s MLS has incorporated green fields or recognized NGBS Green certification specifically? <a href="http://www.mls.com/" target="_blank">Reach out to your local MLS</a> for more information and share the <em>Implementation Guide</em> to start a conversation about green home valuation.</p> <p>Beyond MLS, listing services and data syndicators are demonstrating leadership by implementing IT solutions to close the green home data gap. Online home improvement network <a href="http://Porch.com" target="_blank">Porch.com</a> has collected detailed home improvement histories for over 90 million homes. Porch <a href="http://about.porch.com/press/porch-com-enters-real-estate-space-with-groundbreaking-home-and-neighborhood-project-history-reports-available-on-realtor-com.php" target="_blank">recently announced</a> integration with data-syndicator <a href="http://www.realtor.com" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a>. Property listings on the Realtor website now feature downloadable Home & Neighborhood reports, with information pulling from Porch. Given <a href="/About/News_and_Events/Home_Innovation_News/2014_0205_HI-Porch_Partner_-_Give_Consumers_More_Reliable_Access_to_Green_Home_Info">Home Innovation’s relationship with Porch</a>, I’m excited about the added visibility of NGBS Green Certification information and recognition of NGBS Green Partners.</p> <p>This model “flips the script” by taking data collection/sharing responsibility from real estate agents and replaces it with a seamless auto-populate functionality. Potential homebuyers leave equipped with all publicly-available information about properties so they can make a much more informed decision. Everyone starts speaking on the same frequency.</p> <p>Every now and then I run into a builder who insists that consumers don’t care about green homes. They'll insist, “It’s granite countertops, by darn, that consumers want.” Respectfully, I disagree. Instead, I believe that the real estate industry has suffered through a communications breakdown where we have not been able to effectively communicate or measure for consumers the value of green features. The new <em>Green MLS Implementation Guide</em> will help build an effective platform that allows homebuyers to better locate homes with green features, and builders and realtors to better calculate the value of those homes.</p> <p> </p> <ul></ul>{1FE6259F-3A6E-4CC7-ABB7-15D8A94A9B08}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140530-ML-Conquer-Consevative-Builder-Syndrome-with-Product-TestingConquer Conservative Builder Syndrome: Get Tested!<p>Builders don’t react to new products like most consumers. For many products (think consumer electronics), public reaction to new or even updated products can be almost unbridled glee. The eagerly awaited iPhone 6 has people “buzzing with anticipation.” In comparison, you’d be lucky to evoke a tepid, “Meh,” from a builder after pitching a new building product innovation.</p> <p>Does this mean builders are emotionally devoid? Incapable of anticipation when a new product or formulation promises to solve a difficult building science problem? No. Builders’ lack of enthusiasm for new building products has much more to do with the notable risk in using a new product in home building.</p> <h3>Understanding Conservative Builder Syndrome</h3> <p>Let’s consider product innovation from a manufacturer’s perspective. In general, building product manufacturers want to produce a superior building product that will provide greater value to builders than their competitors’ products. As a result, they keep their ear to the ground to better understand the problems builders are facing, and their experts in the lab to continually devise new and innovative solutions to those problems. For manufacturers, this can be exciting work! It is an opportunity to grab new market share and potentially increase profitability.</p> <p>On the flip side, let’s consider new products from a builder’s perspective. Sure, the products a builder specs today might not be perfect, but better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know. New products are unfamiliar. They don’t always install the same way as products used in the past, and that can add to construction costs. Or they need to be installed differently to perform correctly, which means subcontractors need to be retrained. New products are often untested, unproven in the field, and a builder has to take the manufacturer’s word that the product will deliver as promised. There can also be unintended consequences. A new thermal barrier might increase moisture problems. Even worse, the product could have unforeseen risks. What if the product doesn’t perform as promised by the manufacturer? Or fails in some unexpected way?</p> <p>Product failures happen. Because they do, builders’ attitude of “sticking to the tried-and-true” building materials is worn as a badge of honor. There is a sense that wise builders don’t get fooled by new product claims.</p> <p>Our research consistently shows that builders respond less enthusiastically to new building products than do consumers, and larger builders are even less enthusiastic than small builders and remodelers. Our research also shows the most important factor in a builder’s decision to try a new product is confidence that the manufacturer has done the proper testing and evaluation on the product.</p> <p>Product performance is a critical issue for both home builders and homebuyers, and product failures can have devastating results for both. As a result, uncertainty and doubt about product performance can lead many builders and contractors to be very conservative about using new products.</p> <p>So what is a product manufacturer to do when faced with the formidable barriers to new product adoption in the residential construction industry? Get tested.</p> <h3>Overcoming the Syndrome</h3> <p>Home Innovation Research Labs can help product manufacturers conquer “Conservative Builder Syndrome” by putting new products or new product formulations to the test in our state-of-the-art building science laboratory. Our building science and market research experts combine forces to understand your product’s unique value proposition to home builders, and then design a methodology to test specific performance characteristics and help you make reliable, independently proven claims that builders can trust.</p> <p>The <a href="/Services/Product_Testing">value of product testing</a> is that it allows a manufacturer to validate performance claims before going to market and risking brand reputation and credibility. Our comprehensive testing services allow us to test your product for wide variety of performance characteristics: <a href="/Services/Product_Testing/Structural">structural</a>, <a href="/Services/Product_Testing/Durability_and_Weather_Resistance">durability and weathering</a>, <a href="/Services/Product_Testing/Thermal">thermal</a>, and <a href="/Services/Product_Testing/Moisture">moisture</a>. As an <a href="/Our_Labs/Our_Accreditations">accredited test lab</a>, you can rest assured knowing your testing results will be accepted by builders and code officials as the authoritative word on your product’s performance. Product testing can even be an interim step toward <a href="/Services/Certification">product certification</a>.</p> <p>But, you may ask, if testing in the lab is good, isn’t field testing even better? Our staff is routinely asked by manufacturers to develop field testing protocols, but more often than not, we recommend that testing start in our lab. Why? Two reasons.</p> <ul> <li>First, we believe our experience allows us to develop testing methodologies that yield more reliable (and more affordable) results in the lab where we have control over a host of factors including, but not limited to, unpredictable and often uncooperative weather. Though we always have the ability to “create” nasty, extreme weather in-house, if those conditions are required.</li> <li>More importantly, failure should be a private affair. As I've said, product failures will happen; but as a manufacturer, it is far better to have your product fail in the privacy of our lab than on a builder’s construction site. Many new products do not perform as expected by the manufacturer – perhaps as many as 33% of products fail on the first go round of testing. If a product is discovered to have any shortcomings or other performance issues, we want to uncover them for the benefit of your marketing and product development teams, not expose them to your prospective customers.</li> </ul> <p>My staff is committed to helping you get builders buzzing about your new product innovations AND sustaining that buzz with independent, third-party validation for all your product performance claims. If you would like to hear more about how we can help, <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Product%20Testing%20and%20Certification">just let me know</a>.</p>{2892C48E-8DE1-4871-8A0A-2CF2E5B36BCC}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140606-RS-Your-Building-is-Green-Why-Isnt-Your-AppraisalYour Building is Green - Why Isn't Your Appraisal?<p>In my tenure with IMT (the Institute for Market Transformation), I have been surprised that owners of green and energy-efficient multifamily buildings have not insisted that the appraisals of their buildings reflect the value of their inherent benefits — lower operating expenses, faster absorption, lower vacancies, and even capitalization rates. For sophisticated owners, it is becoming a less relevant excuse to say that the appraiser just "didn't get it" or wasn't appropriately trained, since a number of green certified appraisers exist in most major cities.</p> <p>Our conversations with owners and appraisers lead to a conclusion that owners aren't aware how to commence and conduct an appraisal process that values green attributes, such as <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green">NGBS Green certification</a>. To address this gap, we teamed with The Appraisal Institute and consulted with industry experts to develop <em><a href="http://www.imt.org/resources/detail/green-building-and-property-value" target="_blank">Green Building and Property Value: A Primer for Building Owners and Developers</a></em> — a usable guide to approaching such engagements. The underlying premises are that the lender and owner must be involved in the process, the scope of work for the appraiser must explicitly include energy efficiency, and the owner must be able to document the technical and market benefits of the improvements.</p> <p>This need is especially great as a result of innovations in new multifamily buildings. Today's newer buildings are becoming very different from their predecessors, with improved technical features, green amenities, and indoor air quality improvements that lead to better tenant health, satisfaction, and comfort. Existing building owners, particularly in gateway markets, are seeing the need to upgrade their buildings, and being able to justify greater value can provide the proceeds to pay for such improvements. Many cities also have or are contemplating building rating programs, which could further help identify and spur energy upgrades.</p> <p>The potential valuation metrics of green properties are grouped in four key areas following a standard operating statement: Revenue; Operating Expenses; Occupancy Premiums; and Risk.</p> <h3>Revenue</h3> <p>Multiple national studies have shown that green and high-performance commercial buildings are <a href="http://www.imt.org/policy/efficiency-and-value" target="_blank">commanding higher rents</a> as tenants seek to make sustainability commitments and attract the best employees. This trend is now being seen in multifamily developments. <a href="http://www.costar.com/News/Article/Real-Estate-Is-Local;-So-Are-Price-Amenities/149659" target="_blank">A recent study by Property and Portfolio Research</a> (PPR), a subsidiary of CoStar, surveyed attributes for which renters are willing to pay a premium, and found that green certification was the second most important feature, second only to a CBD location.</p> <h3>Occupancy</h3> <p><a href="http://www.imt.org/policy/efficiency-and-value" target="_blank">Green office space is showing occupancy premiums</a>, and I expect that multifamily buildings would show the same trend in the future. As evidence begins to accumulate, multifamily owners can also demonstrate to appraisers that their green buildings have higher stabilized occupancy rates, faster absorption, and shorter downtime between tenants, which can lead to additional value.</p> <h3>Operating Expenses</h3> <p>By design, high performance buildings should save money on utility bills and maintenance. At appraisal, these savings are magnified. For example, lowering energy use by 10 percent on a 20,000 square foot of common space paying $2.50 per square foot for energy every year can translate into $5,000 in net savings, or $62,500 in value at an 8 percent cap rate under the income capitalization approach to value.</p> <h3>Portfolio Risk</h3> <p>Recognizing risks of holding a portfolio of less efficient buildings, investors and owners are increasingly recognizing the value of green buildings. Green building value also can accrue from the risk-mitigating attributes of these buildings, as best-in-class buildings are better positioned to adapt to changing consumer tastes, laws, and energy prices. <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB124049680633748085" target="_blank">One major insurer also currently offers discounts for green buildings</a> in recognition of their lowered risk profile.</p> <p>From IMT’s perspective, recognizing the superior financial performance of green multifamily buildings creates market recognition that encourages further investment in high-performance buildings. In many ways, the appraisal process is analogous to a speedometer for building sector sustainability efforts, as most owners will only invest so much capital until they see the value "needle" moving.</p> <h3>Moving the Industry Forward</h3> <p>In summary, banks—and appraisers—cannot maximize valuation for green and high-performance buildings without active engagement from the owner. Importantly, valuing a high-performing asset should mean an expanded scope of service in the appraisal that accounts for the complexity of high-performance buildings. By providing a real-time snapshot of market value, appraisals can provide owners with the confidence to make increasingly meaningful investments in green and efficiency measures in these buildings and throughout their portfolios.</p> <p> </p>{C7C58B59-7343-4125-B177-889ACDAFC7B8}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140612-MF-The-Green-Building-Carrot-Versus-Stick-DebateThe Green Building Carrot vs. Stick Debate<p>The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) was developed five years ago as a voluntary, above-code rating system for residential buildings. Some builders opposed its development because they feared that local jurisdictions and building departments would adopt the NGBS as code, turning a voluntary program into a mandate. Those fears have been largely unfounded. While a number of government agencies and a few public utilities have <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/ngbsgreenincentives">incentivized NGBS compliance</a> with rebates, tax credits, density bonuses, and other tangible incentives, very few jurisdictions have outright mandated the NGBS as code.</p> <p>Home Innovation Research Labs, which serves as Secretariat for the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/ngbs">NGBS development process</a>, promotes the NGBS as an above-code green program, as opposed to a regulatory mandate, for several reasons. First, while the NGBS was written in code-language to help speed its adoption nationwide by the residential construction industry, the NGBS is a rating system with four certification levels as opposed to a traditional building code where it is more typical for all building practices to be mandatory. Having four certification levels allows builders to stretch for higher performance levels and lower environmental impacts based on what makes sense for the project and the local market. Second, because most NGBS practices are above prevailing building codes, it allows builders to experiment with new products, advanced techniques, and state-of-the-art technology to attain higher building performance levels before they become mandatory and the stakes for non-compliance get significantly higher. Third, as an above-code program, builders can gain marketing advantages as a benefit of building high-performance, green buildings.</p> <p>There are a few jurisdictions that have mandated the NGBS, however. Fortunately, most builders in those areas have come to accept that it does not mean the end-of-the-world as they know it. Builders' acceptance of the NGBS as code seems predicated on the jurisdiction allowing a third-party certification, such as <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green">Home Innovation’s NGBS Green certification</a>, as an alternative means of demonstrating compliance. Why is this the case? Independent third-party certification can be a faster, cheaper alternative to prove compliance for both the local building department and the builder.</p> <p>Building code officials in many areas will confess they know little about advanced, high-performance building techniques. Their training and expertise lies primarily with construction issues relating to health, safety, and welfare. Further, many local building departments are short-staffed and have limited funds to train staff on green building practices. Even if their staff had the expertise, they likely don’t have the time to verify that all of the green practices are installed and installed correctly. <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findngbsverifier">NGBS Green Verifiers</a>, on the other hand, are qualified, trained, tested and accredited specifically to inspect homes and apartment buildings for NGBS compliance.</p> <p>One win-win option for local communities and residential builders is the <a href="http://mayor.dc.gov/release/district-columbia-publish-new-construction-codes" target="_blank">District of Columbia’s recent adoption of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC)</a>. The District’s government, a longstanding green building advocate, allows builders three potential compliance paths for its new building code:</p> <ol> <li>Inspection and approval by District of Columbia Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) officials</li> <li>NGBS Green certification from Home Innovation Research Labs</li> <li>LEED certification from the USGBC</li> </ol>   <p>Why would builders and developers seek independent, third-party NGBS Green or LEED certification, which will increase the project’s costs for verification and certification fees? Simple. Like most governmental agencies, DCRA responds at the speed of government, not the speed of business. Contrast this with the NGBS Green certification turnaround of one-business day for the certification (provided that all of the verification submission requirements are accurate and complete). As an added bonus, developers gain the bragging rights of NGBS Green certification for their building. These “bragging rights” are not so inconsequential — more than one recent study found that buildings with a green certification have higher valuations than buildings without such a certification. Moreover, our participating certification partners report that multifamily buildings with NGBS Green certification are renting faster than buildings without a green certification.</p> <p>At the same time, the extensive verification required for NGBS Green certification provides architects, builders, and building owners with the additional assurance that the building that was designed, was actually the building that was constructed. Anyone who's ever worked on a construction site knows that stuff happens that wasn’t designed, planned, or spec'ed. This is especially true in areas where expert construction labor is in high demand and short supply. NGBS Green Verifiers help provide additional quality assurance on the jobsite inspecting the building twice for all of the green building practices. If the NGBS Green Verifier finds a practice has not been completed or has not been completed correctly, the builder must remedy the situation in order to earn the respective NGBS points toward certification.</p> <p> I’ll continue to promote NGBS Green certification as an above-code voluntary program, and I am always thrilled to see local jurisdictions find ways to incentivize green certification. However, when a community considers a green mandate, I hope their local officials will see the benefit of recognizing an independent, third-party certification as a way to promote sustainable development without compromising affordability and credibility.</p>{3DCDD0A9-E023-4600-B9AF-016141E946CB}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140618-MB-Off-the-Shelf-Green-Dont-Reinvent-the-WheelOff the Shelf Green: Don't Reinvent the Wheel<p>Cities grafting green-building certifications like LEED into commercial building codes is nothing new, and a number of places like Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, and Scottsdale have had such requirements in place for 10 years or more.</p> <p>What’s happening now is that cities are doing likewise with residential building, and one affluent enclave close to Denver is even rebating a portion of building permits for owners and builders achieving certification.</p> <p>There are a number of benefits to using an off-the-shelf green-building certification. Rather than invent yet another green code, building departments can grab a proven certification and implement it quickly. The City of Longmont, Colo. (near Boulder), required the 2008 version of the National Green Building Standard for all new residential construction greater than 800 square feet. The current version of NGBS (2012) is arguably harder to achieve, and it’s unclear whether the city will continue to require the new-and-improved version next year or not. Still, anyone building new residential construction there not only gets a certificate of occupancy (CO) at completion but a nationally recognized green-building cert, which can <a href="http://www.greenspotre.com/blog" target="_blank">add market value to properties in a sale or refinance</a>.</p> <p>For brave cities and counties that have forged their own green-building codes, using known certifications can provide an easier alternative to knock out a lot of their green requirements – things like construction waste diversion, insulation levels, and efficiency of appliances, mechanical systems, and lighting.</p> <p>Boulder’s “Green Points” super-code is essentially straight out of the LEED for Homes playbook. (Did code officials literally sit down with the LEED book in creating their “Green Points” program? I estimate 85 percent or more of the points are identical.)</p> <p>If a builder chooses to go the LEED route, they still have to mitigate construction waste (which also adds LEED points) and meet certain HERS rating requirements. HERS ratings are the “miles-per-gallon” number for homes that undergirds most green-home certs like LEED and NGBS. In 2013, 50 percent of <em>ALL </em>new construction nationwide had them. Driving HERS ratings DOWN also adds points in a LEED tally. At the end, Boulder homeowners get both a CO and LEED certification.</p> <p>The City of Cherry Hills Village is an anomaly. A super-affluent suburb south of Denver, the six-and-a-half-square-mile city has approximately 2,000 single- and multi-family homes. <a href="http://www.city-data.com/city/Cherry-Hills-Village-Colorado.html" target="_blank">Per City-Data.com</a>, the mean house price there (2011) is $1 million-plus. And of the 14 single-family, new construction building permits issued in 2012, the average permit price was $1.5 million.</p> <p>Perhaps wanting to promote a more environmentally friendly building model, the Cherry Hills Village city council passed an ordinance in January, offering rebates on building permits for NGBS certification for projects reaching the various levels of certification. Only a handful of other building departments in the country offer any kind of <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/ngbsgreenincentives">financial incentives for green-built homes</a>.</p> <p>One (unintended?) consequence of third-party certification is that building departments are effectively outsourcing energy code compliance – the time, expense and liability. Most of the building departments I work with, though, are inundated now that home building is on the uptick. This can only help shift the workload of these good people so inspections can clip along.</p> <p>An additional note - the 2015 version of the residential energy code offers HERS ratings as an alternate compliance path. Again a fork in the road between merely getting a CO or a measurement (the HERS index) that can raise home value. Even if owners are planning on staying in their homes forever and ever, the enhanced valuation can help lift them out of private mortgage insurance (PMI, usually requiring 20 percent or more equity in a home) or set up a home equity line of credit.</p>{B287F67D-5ABB-4565-BB66-698B104150BE}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140625-ML-A-50-Year-Legacy-of-InnovationA 50-Year Legacy of Innovation<p>2014 is a significant year for Home Innovation Research Labs, which started its life in 1964 as the NAHB Research Institute. This year – in fact, this month – marks our 50th anniversary, so it seems an appropriate time to look back and take stock of some of the major milestones that have defined and differentiated this company over its half-century history.</p> <p>Home Innovation is a for-profit company. But, in pursuit of our mission to help advance technologies that promote affordability, energy efficiency, durability, and quality in home construction, we undertake a lot of research projects that other companies like us wouldn’t. Pure research simply does not have the bottom line benefits to entice other for-profit research organizations to take up that mantle. This is why most manufacturers don’t undertake projects like we do either. However, as a subsidiary of the industry’s leading trade association and as part of our bylaws, it is incumbent upon us to take on research projects that help advance the state of our industry at large.</p> <p>Below are just a few of the advancements we’ve helped usher into existence and common practice within our industry.</p> <h3>Optimum Value Engineering</h3> <p>We were on the cutting edge of developing optimum value engineering, or OVE, practices, defining for mass-consumption ways to build structurally sound homes using fewer materials with lower costs compared to traditional construction techniques. Data from our <a href="/Trends_and_Reports/Data/New_Construction">Annual Builder Practices Survey</a> show that over 30 percent of the market currently uses elements of OVE such as two-stud corners, smaller sized headers, and floor joists at 19.2 or 24-inch spacing. These concepts did not even exist before our efforts in the 1960s and ‘70s.</p> <p><img height="375" width="500" src="/-/media/Images/About/OVE-Framing-Techniques.jpg" alt="OVE Framing Techniques Chart" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">(From Home Innovation 2010 Annual Builder Practices Report data.)</span></em></p> <p>In just the last six months, we’ve helped to further advance the principles of OVE by refining the extended plate and beam system in our laboratory. In fact, this technology is currently being put into action in a series of demonstration homes being built in Pennsylvania. While we couldn’t get a builder to take the risk of implementing this new technology, despite its sound engineering and prospect of greatly improving a home’s durability and energy efficiency in preparation for the new more stringent energy codes, we were able to work with a trade school to put it into practice in actual homes. (This further underscores the reason we do what we do — it's just too risky an endeavor for most builders or manufacturers.) </p> <p><img height="492" width="212" src="/-/media/Images/About/Extended-Plate-and-Beam-Framing.jpg" alt="Extended Plate and Beam Framing" /></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">NEXT-GENERATION OVE:</span></em></strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;"> Diagram of the extended plate and beam design created by Home Innovation Research Labs.</span></em></p> <h3>Residential Steel Framing, SIPs, ICFs</h3> <p>Home Innovation also removed barriers to the use and adoption of residential steel framing, structural insulated panels (SIPs), and insulated concrete forms (ICFs) by creating prescriptive guides and eliminating the need for costly engineering approval on a project-by-project basis. We also created enabling provisions that were placed in the I-Codes, leading to greater choice of practical materials and systems in the marketplace. </p> <p><img height="347" width="500" src="/-/media/Images/About/Residential-Steel-Framing.jpg" alt="Residential Steel Framing" /></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">HOUSE OF STEEL:</span></em></strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;"> While certainly not faster than a speeding bullet, residential steel construction and other home building innovations have gained more and faster market penetration than they would have without Home Innovation assistance in removing barriers.</span></em></p> <h3>National Green Building Standard</h3> <p>Working with NAHB and ICC, we helped develop and make available to the mainstream a cost-effective, rigorous yet flexible, market-proven alternative to LEED for homes. <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_self">Our certification to the NGBS</a> began in January 2009 and since that time, <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/NGBSgreenstats" target="_self">we’ve certified over 36,000 single-family homes, apartments, and lots in green developments</a>. And our in-process certification numbers for 2014 and 2015 are projected to be significantly higher than in any year to date. We are currently serving as Secretariat for the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/ngbs" target="_self">2015 NGBS development process</a>, which now includes ASHRAE as an organizer, and look forward to how the next iteration of this standard will continue to set a high bar for voluntary, above-code green home building, remodeling, development.</p> <p><img height="324" width="250" src="/-/media/Images/About/2012-National-Green-Building-Standard-Cover-w250.jpg" alt="2012 National Green Building Standard" /></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">SETTING THE STANDARD:</span></em></strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;"> As the first consensus-based, ANSI-approved standard for green home construction, the NGBS helped define green and make it available to the mainstream.</span></em></p> <h3>Frost Protected Shallow Foundations</h3> <p>While Frost Protected Shallow Foundations (FPSF) may not be an everyday technology for most home builders, those building in cold climate regions are certainly familiar with the cost, time, and aggravation savings this technology provides. Home Innovation experts led the engineering effort to develop and promote this technology that provides protection against frost damage without the need to excavate below the frost line, while simultaneously improving a home’s energy efficiency. The guide we developed on construction of FPSF in 2004 is still the leading resource for the industry.</p> <p><img height="353" width="500" src="/-/media/Images/About/FPSF-Heat-Flow-Diagram.jpg" alt="FPSF Heat Flow Diagram" /></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">THE COLD HARD TRUTH:</span></em></strong><em><span style="font-size: 13px;"> Frost Protected Shallow Foundations provide a practical alternative to deeper, more-costly foundations in cold regions with seasonal ground freezing and the potential for frost heave.</span></em></p> <h3>More to Come</h3> <p>They say if you’re not changing, you’re dying. While no builder uses all of these technology innovations on a daily basis, most use at least one of them frequently to improve quality, efficiency, and consumer appeal of the homes they build. Imagine how stagnant individual builder businesses, and the industry overall, would be without these types of advances, growth, and improvement on our day-to-day technologies.</p> <p>For all our technology and research successes of the past, I’m even more excited about the future of Home Innovation Research Labs. We continue to forge new relationships and bolster our existing ones with innovative product manufacturers, builders, and other industry stakeholders. In addition to being on the forefront of change within the green home building arena with our work on the next-generation NGBS, we’ve also got an influx of new and innovative products and systems in our lab right now undergoing both physical testing and observational user-based research. Which innovations do you think will be on our list in the next 50 years? Will it be yours? I’d love to discuss how we can help you find a home for your innovation in our industry – give me a call at 800.638.8556.</p>{ACE6F82D-C2B3-43E5-BE09-7A128FD223E5}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140716-MF-Align-Your-Green-Home-Marketing-with-Your-Buyers-Values-Not-Your-OwnAlign Your Green Home Marketing with Your Buyers' Values, Not Your Own<p>Want to know one of the most significant obstacles to green home building? The prevailing builder myth that <strong>ALL</strong> consumers <strong>ONLY </strong>care about energy efficiency because an energy-efficient home will cost less to operate. (Oh, and let’s not forget the <em>“everyone just wants granite … not green”</em> mantra.) Well, wouldn’t marketing be so much easier if consumers were a completely homogeneous group and everyone’s purchasing decisions were based on such simple black and white (er, green) choices?</p> <p>Builders are right that many consumers do care about energy efficiency. And a portion of those (we can debate the percentage) care about energy efficiency specifically because a more efficient home, apartment, or car will save them money. But that only tells part of the story. Some consumers, particularly many of the Millennials (the generation born after 1981), believe strongly in energy efficiency, but not because it saves them money. Many Millennials find that notion offensive. Rather, these homebuyers believe builders should build energy-efficient homes and, in turn, they themselves should buy energy-efficient homes because it is simply the right thing to do. When I tell builders this, they often scoff. “Nonsense,” they are quick to reply. “Obviously people want to save money on lower utility bills.” Interestingly, consumer research shows that the demographic that most favors energy efficiency for the cost savings is white males over 50. Could it be that the builders I talk to are perhaps projecting their own values and beliefs on their consumers?</p> <h3>Green Home Marketing 101</h3> <p>So, here is the first truth of effective green marketing: Consumers are a complex bunch. There is simply no universal way to motivate everyone. That leads us to the second truth of effective green marketing: Successfully marketing green homes can be tricky. You must connect with your prospective buyers by understanding their expectations and values. And since consumers are not a homogeneous lot, you may have to craft distinct messages with different value propositions for the various consumer segments you are targeting.</p> <p>Don’t care about green? You can’t afford not to. The green home market is growing rapidly and, according to <a href="/Trends_and_Reports/Trends/Continued_Growth_Expected_in_Green_Home_Building">McGraw Hill Construction’s recent SmartMarket report</a>, will double between 2013 and 2016—going from $37 billion (27% of market) to approximately $90 billion (up to 33% of market).</p> <p>So let’s review some of the prevailing market research on green and sustainable products to help you be more successful in marketing your green homes.</p> <p>The first notable report, Nielsen’s <em><a href="http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/reports-downloads/2014 Reports/global-corporate-social-responsibility-report-june-2014.pdf" target="_blank">Doing Well by Doing Good</a></em>, examines if consumers really engage in conscious capitalism when it comes to its buying decisions. Nielsen polled 30,000 consumers and found that consumers claimed they were willing to pay extra for products and services from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact. In fact, Nielsen also found a 7 percent increase in consumers willing to pay more than a similar 2011 survey.</p> <p>You may think, that’s great, but <em>saying you will pay more</em> and <em>actually paying extra</em> are two very different things. I agree. That’s why it is even more telling that a review of retail sales data for a cross-section of both consumable and non-consumable categories across 20 brands showed an annual sales increase of 2 percent for products with sustainability claims on packaging, and a rise of 5 percent for products that promoted sustainability actions through marketing programs. Brands without sustainability claims or marketing only enjoyed a sales rise of 1 percent.</p> <p>In the aggregate, this survey research is interesting and points to increasing consumer behavior that rewards products with a positive environmental impact. But how can a builders turn consumer interest in sustainable homes into a contract of sale? Here are a few suggestions…</p> <h3>Deliver an enhanced value proposition.</h3> <p>A green home offers greater value to a homebuyer. Your green homes are better than the other code-minimum homes they are considering. Make sure they know <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_self">NGBS Green Certified homes</a> cost less to operate, perform better, and match their social, environmental, and other values.</p> <h3>Talk about sustainability optimistically.</h3> <p>Why does most sustainability language always seem to reflect sacrifice? (e.g., <em>“To be sustainable, I have to give up [fill in the blank].”</em>) Or worse, the end of the world as we know it? This can be highly de-motivating for the consumer. Your marketing materials and your sales staff need to speak about the extra value and tangible benefits that green homes can deliver, thereby changing the conversation from sacrifice to satisfaction.</p> <h3>Make sustainability tangible.</h3> <p>Consumer research consistently finds that people want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but many are not sure how or where to start. Show consumers how sustainability is directly relevant to their lives and aspirations, and how “I” can benefit when purchasing a more green home and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.</p> <h3>Deliver products and services people want.</h3> <p>The challenge of successful green home sales is not just about improved communication. Builders also need to deliver homes with the aesthetics, products, features, and technologies that consumers want. I am reminded of a large, new, planned community where the developer asked the builders to offer modern homes as an alternative to all of the traditional homes available. Every builder resisted. “Who wants a modern home?” they protested. Finally, one builder offered a high-performance, modern home and was quickly rewarded by having the best-selling models in the entire community. Don't resist reliable trend data on consumer preferences just because they don't match your own.</p> <p>Are you really sure homebuyers don’t care about green homes? Maybe <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=NGBS%20Green%20Marketing%20Porch" target="_self">we can help you</a> better communicate the value to your prospective buyers and turn cynicism into sales.</p>{4CB0DAA6-F5E8-47F9-A5C6-D416671ACC07}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140723-CW-NGBS-Not-Just-for-Typical-Buyers-or-RentersNGBS Not Just for “Typical” Buyers or Renters <p>In recent years, we’ve seen <a href="/About/Blog/20140227-CW-Survey-Says-Consumers-Are-Looking-for-Green-Homes">increasing awareness and demand for green home design/construction among homebuyers and renters</a>. However, typical buyer/renter consumer demand is not the only driver for residential green certification. While initially attracted to the NGBS (National Green Building Standard) and <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_self">Home Innovation’s certification program</a> for its <a href="/About/Blog/20131003-MF-Good-Fast-or-Cheap">rigor, flexibility, and affordability</a>, builders and developers are frequently (and pleasantly) surprised by the wide variety of projects other than traditional home construction to which the NGBS is applicable.</p> <p>The scope of the NGBS is based on end-use, not height or construction type. The NGBS covers <strong><em>ALL </em></strong>residential construction with units that meet the definition of a dwelling unit – i.e., “a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.” The NGBS specifically addresses <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Single-Family_Certification">single-family homes</a>, <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Multifamily_Certification">multifamily buildings</a>, <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Land_Development_Certification">land developments</a>, and <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Existing_Building_Certification">remodeling projects</a>, but the definition of dwelling units allows for broader use beyond these types of residential construction.</p> <p>Below are a few “unique” projects that demonstrate how the NGBS has value beyond the traditional home sale or rental.</p> <h3>Military Housing</h3> <p>Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC, a developer and property manager for the multifamily, military, and student housing markets, is currently building NGBS Green Certified homes at Fort Bliss (El Paso, Texas), Fort Eustis (Newport News, Va.), and Fort Carson (near Colorado Springs, Colo.).</p> <p>As Balfour Beatty will construct and manage the Fort Bliss homes for 50 years, compliance with the NGBS will produce homes that are not only more livable and affordable for military families, but also more durable and less costly for the company to maintain. <a href="http://www.balfourbeattycommunities.com/our-company/news/2014/2014/02/balfour-beatty-communities-development-at-fort-bliss-earns-nahbgreen-award-for-multifamily-project-of-the-year.aspx" target="_blank">At Fort Bliss, Balfour Beatty is building 536 NGBS Green Certified townhomes</a> designed to surpass energy efficiency requirements of privatized military housing by over 70 percent. They are accomplishing this level of efficiency by integrating energy-efficient equipment inside the homes and rooftop solar equipment outside. Other sustainable features include double-pane, low-e windows, hybrid electric water heaters, increased envelope sealing and insulation, water-efficient fixtures, and more.</p> <h3>Student Housing</h3> <p>Sustainable housing options are in demand on/near university campuses too, given young adult preferences for an environmentally-conscious lifestyle. Certification to a national standard provides third-party validation of a builders’ sustainability commitments.</p> <p><a href="http://campuscircletallahassee.com/" target="_blank">Campus Circle Tallahassee Apartments</a>, located adjacent to the Florida State University campus, <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/blog/ngbs_green_certified_firsts_-_student_housing" target="_blank">achieved Bronze-level NGBS Green Certification</a> by integrating sustainable materials and design, demonstrating superior energy and water efficiency, and implementing lot design and indoor environmental quality practices. Campus Circle is located close to mass transit and walkable to many community resources, including parks, grocery stores, campus buildings, and restaurants, allowing students to enjoy car independence.</p> <h3>Supportive Housing/Shelters</h3> <p>NGBS Green Certification is well-suited for low-income and supportive housing (shelters, rehabilitation facilities, etc.) because it is cost-effective and flexible. Various federal and state housing programs provide <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/ngbsgreenincentives" target="_self">incentives for green and energy-efficient construction</a> for the energy cost savings and low-maintenance features afforded to residents, and the NGBS is among the national green programs typically included.</p> <p>In Fort Wayne, Ind., <a href="http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140701/FEAT/307019992/0/SEARCH" target="_blank">the new NGBS Green Certified 36-unit Courtyard Residence</a> will offer housing and workforce training to young adults who have “aged out” of the foster care system. The 45,000-square foot building achieved Silver certification to the NGBS, and includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, a full commercial kitchen, and various classroom and community rooms. Courtyard residents will have access to counseling, job/life skills courses, and assistance with obtaining high school diplomas/GEDs, parenting education, and other on-site services.</p> <p>Kevan Biggs, president of <a href="http://www.ideal-builders.com/" target="_blank">Ideal Suburban Homes</a>, which built the facility and will manage it long-term, said that funding was the main motivator for the team to seek NGBS Green Certification. The Courtyard Residence took advantage of a mix of federal, state, and local funding. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority requires all projects seeking Low-Income Housing Tax Credits be certified to either the NGBS, LEED, or Energy Star, and additional benefits are given to projects that achieve higher certification levels beyond Bronze/Certified.</p> <h3>Rescue Squad Facilities</h3> <p>Facilities for rescue personnel also are eligible for NGBS Green Certification, as they typically include a “residential component”—a large kitchen facility, one or more large sleeping rooms for rescue workers to await emergency calls, and a large living space for training and team-building. Rescue squad facilities typically include less specialized equipment than police and fire stations and often are located in residential neighborhoods. </p> <p>When the <a href="http://www.lpvrs.org/" target="_blank">Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad</a>, located in Lexington Park, Md., was designing a new facility, the team sought to build a “facility for the future,” according to LPVRS President Kenneth Hicks. The squad was replacing its existing facility with a much larger building. As a non-profit that operates independently from local government funding, the squad recognized the importance of green building features to help reduce operating expenses over the facility’s lifetime (expected to be 30-50 years).</p> <p>The new facility, which is currently registered and in-process for NGBS Green Certification, is being verified as if the building was a single-family home with an exceptionally large garage, according to <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green_homes/resources/find_a_verifier/verifier_details?PageID=190" target="_self">NGBS Green Verifier Mark Garner</a>. The facility includes four large bay areas for equipment, a residential kitchen, sleeping quarters, and office space.</p> <p>Both Hicks and Garner believe this facility can serve as a model for other rescue teams and government agencies. We already know of other Southern Maryland fire rescue teams that are currently exploring NGBS Green Certification as a result of this project. </p> <h3>Hotels</h3> <p>Hotel companies view green certification as a way to demonstrate their commitment to corporate sustainability. Hotels are eligible for NGBS Green Certification provided they offer amenities beyond just a bed(s) and bathroom. Hotel chains that are designed for families and/or business travelers sometimes have amenities that make the units more like an apartment than just a sleeping room. To be certified, each unit must have at a minimum a refrigerator; a microwave, range or cooktop; one or more beds; and a separate living area.</p> <p>Are you looking to have an “atypical” construction project NGBS Green Certified? <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">Get in touch early in the process</a> to discuss the certification requirements and explore all the possibilities.</p> <p> </p> <ul></ul>{6316D598-A6A3-4C1F-853D-22EC9D6A0721}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140801-MF-Prove-Your-Green-Home-Claims-through-VerificationProve Your Green Home Claims through Verification<p>As Ronald Reagan famously declared, “Trust, but verify.” We concur, especially when it comes to green home building. All good intentions aside, there is a lot of complex and interdependent building science at work behind the scenes of any high-performance home, which is why third-party verification is critical for us to have confidence declaring a project “green” via our <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_self">NGBS Green certification program</a>.</p> <p>The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) and its compliance requirements are straightforward. The NGBS includes six categories of green building practices. For a project to attain certification, architects and builders must successfully incorporate all of the mandatory green practices and then a sufficient number of additional green products, practices, and technologies into the design, construction, and operation of their residential projects in accordance with the standard. The NGBS does not specifically address the verification process necessary to attain any NGBS Green certification level but bestows that responsibility on the Adopting Entity.</p> <p>Home Innovation Research Labs serves as the National Adopting Entity for the NGBS and sets the verification protocols necessary for a project to become <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findyourgreenhome" target="_self">NGBS Green Certified</a>. Our verification process is the most stringent of all the green building rating systems as we require multiple independent, third-party inspections during construction to confirm NGBS compliance. Only homes and apartment buildings that can pass these stringent onsite inspections earn the NGBS Green certification mark.</p> <p>Home Innovation requires builders to hire an <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findngbsverifier" target="_self">accredited NGBS Green Verifier</a> to inspect the green building practices installed in any project seeking certification. Home Innovation examines both the rough and final verification reports for every project and certifies the project when all the NGBS requirements have been met.</p> <h3>Nationwide Verifier Network: 300+ Verifiers Strong</h3> <p>Rigorous verification is a hallmark of NGBS Green certification. No other green building certification has as thorough a verification protocol, while still being <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/NGBS_Certification_Fees">affordable</a>.</p> <p>We designed our verification process to be simple and affordable, while still maintaining national consistency, stringency, and credibility. Our national network includes over 300 NGBS Green Verifiers trained to inspect every conceivable NGBS certification project, including: <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Single-Family_Certification">new single-family homes</a>, <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Multifamily_Certification">multifamily buildings</a>, <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Existing_Building_Certification">remodeling and renovation projects</a>, <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Land_Development_Certification">land development</a>, and even small projects. Verifiers serve as independent, third-party inspectors and, as such, they set their own competitive verification prices and negotiate their own contracts. Verifiers may also provide other services in conjunction with the verification, which may also impact the fees charged. As long as a builder, remodeler, architect, or developer uses an accredited NGBS Green Verifier, Home Innovation has no preference on who performs the NGBS inspections – all our verifiers are accredited to the same high standard of competency to conduct verifications on every type of NGBS residential project. (However, some verifiers have developed specific expertise for large-scale multifamily projects.)</p> <h3>NGBS Green Verification Process: Two Inspection Minimum</h3> <p>Projects seeking NGBS certification will need to be inspected twice by an NGBS Accredited Verifier.  At a minimum, buildings must be inspected before drywall is installed so that the Verifier can inspect the green building practices that are in the wall cavity walls (such as correct insulation installation or sealed ducts), and when the building is complete and all of the green practices are fulfilled.</p> <p>All verifiers follow a comprehensive <strong><em>Verifier’s Resource Guide</em></strong> to carry out the verification process. This ensures consistency in the inspections and verification reports nationwide. For a project to earn points, most practices are required to be visually inspected. When visual inspection is not appropriate, acceptable documentation review or other alternatives are specified in the <strong><em>Verifier’s Resource Guide</em></strong>. In general, statements from builders/contractors/developers or photos to confirm that the practice has been or will be met are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> acceptable, with very few exceptions (e.g., the mandatory capillary break and vapor retarder may be verified by documentation review of the plans, specifications, and scope of work because it is typically not visible at the verifier’s first site inspection). Some practices, particularly in the Lot Design/Construction section, require <span style="text-decoration: underline;">both</span> documentation review and visual inspection to ensure that features are implemented as designed.</p> <p><strong>The Mark Matters: NGBS Green Certification Proves its Green</strong></p> <p>Some builders like to claim they build green homes. They may even advertise their homes are “built to the NGBS.” Should a homebuyer believe such claims of compliance? No. There is simply no way to know if a home will meet the NGBS’s stringent design and construction requirements unless the home has been thoroughly inspected and verified to meet those requirements.</p> <p>Other builders claim their homes are green because they are built by a Certified Green Professional. Will this ensure a home is truly green? Again, no. Professional training in green building science is a great way for builders and contractors to learn green building practices, but training can’t ensure that the NGBS’s comprehensive requirements are followed correctly. This is especially true in the home building process, where literally dozens of different contractors will have a hand in the construction process. Things happen on a construction site that can make the final product stray from the original plan – sometimes these are insignificant things, sometimes they’re not. It takes an independent third-party to ascertain if those “things” have had any bearing on the inherent green-ness of the structure, and its ability to still comply with the rigor of the NGBS.</p> <p>Look for the NGBS Green certification mark, or <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/marketgreencertified" target="_self">signage</a> indicating the project is registered with Home Innovation and actively “seeking NGBS Green certification.” Our mark is the only way to be sure a home is truly green.</p> <p>Can you prove your homes are green to homebuyers, or are you hoping they just take your word for it? <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=Green%20Building%20Certification" target="_self">We can help you</a> show your claims are verifiably green.</p>{410F3B22-ACF9-49F1-A618-A4F76EDF8AAA}https://www.homeinnovation.com/About/Blog/20140808-MF-Which-Costs-More-Getting-Third-Party-Verification-or-Not-Getting-ItWhich Costs More - Getting Third-Party Verification, or Not Getting It?<p>When compared to other national third-party green certification programs, Home Innovation’s <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Resources/NGBS_Certification_Fees">NGBS Green Certification fees</a> are remarkably affordable for <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Single-Family_Certification">single-family green homes</a>, and even more so for <a href="/Services/Certification/Green_Homes/Multifamily_Certification">green multifamily buildings</a>. The “bricks and sticks” costs to comply with the NGBS are also relatively affordable for most projects, mostly due to the standard’s expansive point-based system to achieve green certification. So, verification costs end up being the biggest bucket of “added cost” for projects seeking <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/green" target="_self">NGBS Green Certification</a>.</p> <p>For some builders and developers, the cost of verification is their barrier to seeking green certification. But, probably with very few exceptions, our <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findyourgreenhome" target="_self">experienced NGBS Green Partners</a> will attest to the benefits and value that independent, third-party verification provides green projects.</p> <h3>What does verification cost?</h3> <p>The cost of verification depends on a number of factors. Each verifier’s scope of services is different, and each project and project team is different. Therefore, you will need to decide what verification package best suits your project’s needs. Home Innovation encourages our certification clients to request bids from multiple verifiers. Like any fee-for-service provider, our <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findngbsverifier" target="_self">NGBS Green Verifiers</a> are diverse in their experience, services offered, fees, and personality. We want you to find the right verifier for your project, at the right price.</p> <p>Of course, every verifier must perform certain minimum requirements for all projects that will be part of his or her bid.</p> <ul> <li>First, they must register the project with Home Innovation. While Home Innovation does not assess any registration fee, it does require time of the verifier to get all the necessary information entered into our database correctly.</li> <li>Second, the verifier will need to review (and/or help you complete) the <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/greenscoring" target="_self"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NGBS Green Scoring Spreadsheet</span></a> to see what NGBS practices you are claiming for points toward certification.</li> <li>Third, the verifier must perform at least two inspections of the project. At a minimum, buildings must be inspected at least once before drywall is installed, so the verifier can inspect the green building practices that are inside the wall cavity (such as correct insulation installation or sealed ducts); and once when the building is complete and all of the green practices are fulfilled. While the process for single-family home verification tends to be more straightforward, multifamily building verifications are more complex due to volume (each apartment must be inspected twice) and more staggered contractor schedules (i.e., insulation on the first few floors may be complete and the walls closed up before insulation installation on the upper floors even begins). Thus, the verifier must coordinate inspection visits to match with the rolling drywall schedule for larger apartment buildings.</li> </ul> <h3>What else factors into the cost? </h3> <p> Once the minimum number of inspections is covered, here are a few other things that are likely to factor into a verifier’s proposal:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Level of Certification:</strong> Projects aiming for Emerald-level certifications by definition are going to have significantly more green practices for the verifier to inspect than a Bronze-level building.</li> <li><strong>Performance vs. Prescriptive Path:</strong> The Performance Path requires an energy model of the building. Some verifiers offer this service, others may work with an independent HERS rater. The builder may also choose to contract separately for this service. If the project would not otherwise need an energy model (i.e., as a requirement of local code), the energy model may increase the verification costs.</li> <li><strong>Testing:</strong> Certification points are available in Section 704.5 for testing the building envelope’s tightness or the duct system’s air leakage. If a builder expects points for these practices, the verification bid will likely include the additional time, and perhaps equipment costs, needed to perform such tests.</li> <li><strong>Consulting:</strong> Some verifiers offer comprehensive green building consulting services to clients.  Additional consulting is not required to attain NGBS Green Certification, but some builders may find value in having a verifier help them more deeply integrate green practices into their design and construction process, or compare the cost implications of various green practices. For example, 5 to 10 Energy Efficiency points are available for higher efficiency windows. Alternatively, 5 to 10 points are available for additional performance verification. Both earn the same number of certification points, but the costs to implement the practices may not be so comparable. An accredited verifier could help you chart your best, and most practical, course to getting those point.</li> <li><strong>Documentation Preparation:</strong> Documentation review is an integral part of the NGBS Green verification process. Builders who have well-organized documentation make it faster and, therefore, less expensive for the verifier to review. Some builders request the verifier’s help to gather documentation necessary for compliance (e.g., do the adhesives and sealants meet the VOC levels necessary to earn points for improved indoor environmental quality). Verifiers may charge more if they are expected to put time into gathering this kind of documentation.</li> <li><strong>Schedule & Travel:</strong> On large multifamily projects, it is never possible for all the units to be ready for inspection at the same time, which means a verifier needs to make multiple trips to the site. Fewer trips and/or shorter travel distances generally result in lower costs. Verifiers with multifamily building experience are generally proficient at effective inspection scheduling. Be sure you understand how re-inspections will be handled, as it is not unusual for a verifier to have to come back to make sure a practice has been corrected if it is identified as non-compliant on initial inspection.</li> <li><strong>Verification Volume:</strong> If your company plans to seek NGBS Green Certification for multiple projects and use the same verifier, inform your verifier candidate(s) upfront so that they can generate a volume-based price.</li> <li><strong>Training: </strong>Verifiers can provide various types of training to prepare your project team and contractors, thereby smoothing the verification process and ensuring everyone is invested in attaining NGBS Green Certification.</li> <li><strong>Geographic Pricing Differences:</strong> Project location can also affect verifier pricing. Large urban areas may command higher market prices for verifiers than other areas.</li> </ul> <h3>Is it really worth the added cost?</h3> <p>The simple answer is yes. The overwhelming verdict of builders and developers nationwide is that they value the benefits they accrue as a result of the third-party inspections our <a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/findngbsverifier" target="_self">NGBS Green Verifiers</a> and NGBS Green Certification in general provide. Tangible benefits like a larger pool of investment funding, faster entitlement processes, <a href="/About/Blog/20121004-MF-Got-Third-Party-Certification-New-FTC-Green-Guides">Federal Trade Commission-safe marketing</a>, superior construction quality, buildings chock-full of the <a href="/About/Blog/20140428-AW-Start-Engaging-the-Apartment-Renter-Looking-for-Green-Living">sustainable qualities that buyers and renters are seeking</a>, and, perhaps best of all, a <a href="/About/Blog/20140606-RS-Your-Building-is-Green-Why-Isnt-Your-Appraisal">potentially higher property valuation on resale</a>.</p> <p>Verification costs are inevitable for projects seeking NGBS Green Certification. But as a percentage of total construction costs, verification costs are small. Once you consider all the benefits inherent with third-party verifications, we believe you’ll find them to be a worthy investment.</p> <p><a href="http://www.homeinnovation.com/about/contact_us?drop=green%20building%20certification" target="_self">Let me know</a> if you have any questions about the NGBS Green Certification process, or deciding if it’s right for your company.</p>