NGBS Green PRO Launches – First Professional Receives Designation

Earlier this month, Home Innovation Research Labs launched NGBS Green PRO – a professional designation that validates expertise in green, sustainable building design, construction, and certification. Individuals who earn the NGBS Green PRO designation have an advanced understanding of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) ICC-700 and the NGBS Green certification program.

“For over a decade, the National Green Building Standard has helped industry professionals design, build, and renovate homes and apartments to be more sustainable, healthier, and higher performing,” said Michelle Foster, Home Innovation’s Vice President, Sustainability. “As we approach half a million NGBS Green Certified homes, we are excited to launch this new professional designation to help the next generation of industry professionals become more fluent in both the NGBS and the NGBS Green certification program.” 

To earn the designation and become an NGBS Green PRO, an individual must complete four training modules and pass a test for each.

• Module One: Overview & NGBS Green Certification for New Construction
• Module Two: Existing Buildings
• Module Three: Mixed-use Buildings, Land Developments, Water Rating Index, NGBS Green+ Badges
• Module Four: NGBS Green Verification Requirements & Certification Process

Colin Walker, Sustainability Manager for Grubb Properties in Cary, North Carolina, was the first to successfully complete all modules and pass all tests, becoming the first NGBS Green PRO in the nation. While the designation is new, Colin was already very NGBS-fluent before embarking on the training. High performing green buildings are critical to Grubb Properties’ investment strategy, ensuring that the company is creating resilient, responsible, and meaningful communities. Every Grubb Properties new construction project achieves green building certification, and the company was recognized as a 2019 NGBS Green Partner of Excellence.

“The standards and quality control that NGBS has brought to our projects has been invaluable,” according to Walker. “Our assets are performing better, and our residents appreciate the responsible design, the lower utility bills, and improved indoor environmental quality. Ultimately, NGBS has helped us build more resilient buildings and communities. I’m thrilled to be able to use the NGBS Green PRO designation to gain additional insights and strengthen our partnership with Home Innovation.”

Visit the Home Innovation website for more information on the new NGBS Green PRO training and designation. New to NGBS Green? The Builder’s Resource Guide is a great starting point.

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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.