NGBS Green Certification Program Seeks New Verifier Candidates

The NGBS Green certification program is seeking new verifiers to support the program’s continued growth. With over 500,000 homes certified to the ICC-700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS), it is the most used residential green certification. NGBS Green Verifiers play a crucial role in ensuring that buildings meet NGBS requirements. Here's why their role is necessary:

1. Expert Evaluation: NGBS Green Verifiers are experts in green building practices. Their knowledge and expertise allow them to evaluate whether a building meets the specific criteria outlined in the NGBS. Their expertise is also invaluable to project teams to help building owners, developers, and architects select cost-effective green practices to improve the building’s expected performance.

2. Quality Assurance: NGBS Green Verifiers provide independent review of a building's green features and construction practices. This helps to ensure that green building certifications are legitimate and trustworthy. It also helps builders and developers get what they are paying for. Verifiers commonly report that insulation installations are sub-par, but because the Verifier must perform a pre-drywall inspection, any installation defects can be corrected before the drywall is installed.

3. Code Compliance: Each NGBS version is based on the suite of International Construction Code (ICC) building codes and standards. Many of the NGBS’s mandatory practices parallel building code requirements, and the voluntary practices required to attain NGBS Green certification ensure the building is built with above-code features, systems, and products. Consequently, several local and state jurisdictions have deemed NGBS Green certification as an alternative for code compliance. NGBS Green Verifiers ensure that these criteria are met, promoting compliance with sustainable building practices. In these jurisdictions the Verifier inspections complement the local code officials structural, electrical, and plumbing inspections, often leading to more thorough building compliance.

4. Credibility: Having a third-party NGBS Green Verifier lends credibility to a building's green certification. It assures stakeholders, such as owners, residents, and the public, that the building has been thoroughly evaluated by an impartial expert. The training and accreditation process for NGBS Green Verifiers ensures that they are true experts in sustainable and high-performance building. 

5. Continuous Improvement: NGBS Green Verifiers provide feedback to their builder and developer clients, helping them understand where improvements can be made to enhance the sustainability of their projects. This feedback loop promotes continuous improvement in green building practices.

NGBS Green Verifiers are essential for maintaining the integrity, credibility, and effectiveness of the NGBS certification process, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable building practices. Since NGBS Green certification launched in 2009, the demand for Verifiers nationwide has increased considerably. Now, the demand for NGBS Green Verifiers exceeds the availability of accredited individuals in several states and regions. If you are a green building professional interested in offering NGBS Green verification services, you can learn more here. 

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.