Home Innovation Insights

Insider insights on what's going on in the home building industry.

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Michelle Foster
July 17, 2024

Building Environmental Performance Standards (BEPS) - What You Need to Know

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainability and energy efficiency. With a growing focus on reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and creating healthier living environments, Building Environmental Performance Standards (BEPS) have emerged as important guidelines, and in some jurisdictions, mandates, for builders and developers. Let's delve into what BEPS are, why they matter, and how they are shaping the future of construction.

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Michelle Foster
July 1, 2024

The Builders', Developers', and Owner's Guide to the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule

On March 6, 2024, the SEC adopted its final climate disclosure rule which reflects the evolving intersection of business, finance, and sustainability. The SEC climate disclosure rule is a significant step towards integrating climate-related considerations into mainstream financial decision-making. It serves to enhance transparency, mitigate financial risks, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and align U.S. standards with global best practices. 

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Michelle Foster
July 1, 2024

The SEC Climate Disclosure Rule: Why it Matters

On March 6, 2024, the SEC adopted its final climate disclosure rule which reflects the evolving intersection of business, finance, and sustainability. The SEC climate disclosure rule is a significant step towards integrating climate-related considerations into mainstream financial decision-making. It serves to enhance transparency, mitigate financial risks, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and align U.S. standards with global best practices. 

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Cindy Wasser, MBA
June 27, 2024

NGBS Chapter 10: A Deep Dive

As an above code certification, the ICC 700-2020 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) dedicates an entire section to the operation, maintenance, and building owner education for all forms of residential construction. The section contains mandatory items for all projects, as well as additional requirements for higher levels of certification. These requirements serve to optimize buildings, educate occupants, reduce utilities and maintenance, and increase resale values. 

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Michelle Foster
June 21, 2024

The Importance of Green and Sustainable Housing for LGBTQ Youth

NGBS Green proudly certified the Ruth Ellis Center, an affordable housing and support center serving the LGBTQ+ community by providing a safe and healthy space for those who have been mistreated in the past. By investing in projects such as the Ruth Ellis Center, we send a strong message that every individual deserves a safe place to call home and a healthy planet to thrive on. 

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Cindy Wasser, MBA
June 21, 2024

Zero Emissions Building: The DOE’s New Definition

In a highly anticipated announcement, the U.S. Department of Energy has announced their National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building (ZEB). The NGBS Green team at Home Innovation Research Labs assisted the DOE in developing this national definition and will launch the NGBS Green +ZERO EMISSIONS certification later this year. 

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Michelle Foster
May 7, 2024

Energy Efficiency Standards Adopted for HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing

On April 26, 2024, HUD published their final energy standards determination in the Federal Register as required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). EISA requires HUD and the USDA to set minimum energy standards for certain categories of housing financed or assisted by HUD and USDA.

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Katie Dorn
March 25, 2024

Top 5 Green Building Trends from IBS 2024

On February 27-29th, many Home Innovation staff, including Michelle and Katie from the NGBS Green Team, attended the 2024 International Builder’s Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here are Katie’s takeaways of the Top 5 Green Building Trends from IBS 2024. 

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Michelle Foster
February 20, 2024

Half a Million NGBS Green Certifications and a Look Back on 2023

2023 was NGBS Green’s strongest year yet, with over 88,000 homes certified. We saw growth in a number of program areas and we are incredibly proud of our NGBS Green Verifiers as well as the builders and developers who are committed to building better, more sustainable homes. 

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Ed Hudson, MBA
January 18, 2024

ESG Reporting in the Homebuilding Industry

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting has become an increasingly popular way for companies to show their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. In an effort to track diffusion of this practice among home builders, Home Innovation Research Labs, in collaboration with Professional Builder Magazine, surveyed 300 home builders in September 2023 about their current and anticipated ESG reporting practices and motives for adopting ESG reporting. 

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