Sandy Relief Funds Available for NGBS Certified Projects in Affected Areas

According to the Federal Register, HUD has issued a Notice, effective today, advising of the initial allocation of $5.4 billion of Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery funds for assistance in the most impacted and distressed areas declared a major disaster due to Hurricane Sandy - this includes areas in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland.

To foster the rebuilding of more resilient neighborhoods and communities, HUD is requiring the use of a "Green Building Standard for Replacement and New Construction of Residential Housing" - the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is specifically named in the Notice as meeting this green standard requirement. Home Innovation Research Labs is award that some of the jurisdictions have already drafted plans to meet HUD's Notice with varying recognition of the NGBS. Home Innovation staff is working closely with local home builder associations in the affected jurisdictions to craft the most effective strategy for promoting NGBS certification in each region.

For more information on pursuing NGBS Green Certification to satisfy the Sandy relief grant requirements, contact us.

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

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