NGBS: The Standard for Sustainable Building Certification

Published Tuesday, January 7, 2025

NGBS: The Standard for Sustainable Building Certification

Sustainability in construction has become fundamental in addressing environmental challenges. The National Green Building Standard stands as a beacon in this shift, offering an ANSI-approved rating system for green buildings. With over 600,000 green-certified homes, NGBS certification is trusted by many federal, state, and local agencies. 

The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) provides a rigorous framework for builders, remodelers, and homeowners to create energy-efficient, resource-conscious, and healthier spaces. In this guide, we'll review more about NGBS and how buildings can earn our sustainable building certification.

What is the National Green Building Standard (NGBS)?

The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is a comprehensive certification program designed to advance sustainability in building and remodeling. As the leading framework for green construction, it sets standards for energy efficiency, resource conservation, and healthier indoor environments.

Unlike other certifications, NGBS integrates a holistic approach to green building. It includes high-performance building practices in six areas: Lot design and development, resource efficiency, water efficiency, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental maintenance. 

For builders, remodelers, and homeowners, achieving sustainable building certification through NGBS reflects a commitment to high-quality construction practices that benefit both the environment and the people living in the home.

The Benefits of NGBS Green Certification

NGBS certification isn’t merely a credential but a meaningful promise of sustainability and quality. Homes certified under the National Green Building Standard ICC-700 significantly benefit homeowners and builders.

Here are a few measurable benefits of the NGBS certification:

• Lower Energy Bills: Certified homes have energy efficiency built into the design and use less energy. The results are reduced utility costs for the long term.
• Healthier Living Environments: Improved indoor air quality promotes better respiratory health and overall well-being for families.
• Increased Property Value: Homes with sustainable building certification appeal to eco-conscious buyers, making the homes more marketable and valuable.

NGBS Certifications for Homes, Buildings, and Land Development

Builders seeking NGBS Green certification have a few options depending on their projects. Single-family homes, including townhouses and duplexes, can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald certification. The same is true for multifamily buildings or residential portions of mixed-use buildings. Alternatively, homes can follow a streamlined path that complies with all applicable green practices from Chapter 12 in the 2020 NGBS. This path focuses on the most impactful practices that improve efficiency. 

The NGBS Green Land Development Certification also provides practices for designing, planning, and constructing land development. There are four levels of green certification for this type of project: One through four stars. Regardless of the residential or mixed-use community size, all are eligible to be certified and be used as a tool for builders and developers to meet ESG goals through sustainable building certification. 

NGBS Green Certification Supports ESG Compliance

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance is a cornerstone of sustainable and responsible business practices. For transparency, companies are expected to disclose information about their ESG progress to align with sustainability benchmarks. NGBS Green Certification serves as a tangible validation of a company's ESG commitments. Some key metrics include waste management, health, safety, and accountability in construction.

What are the Certification Levels for NGBS?

NGBS Green Certification levels are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald. These certifications depend on the number of green practices that are successfully implemented in building designs and construction. Homes must include green building practices in each of these six categories: 

• Site Design, Preparation, and Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency 
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance, and Building Owner Education

This sustainable building certification path is best for small-volume, custom, or high-performance builders. These levels are also attainable by existing buildings. Learn more information on which NGBS Green certification path is right for you here.

How to Achieve Our Sustainable Building Certification

NGBS certification for your project can be a streamlined process when you partner with Home Innovation Research Labs.Our team of experts will assist you with each step to ensure your project meets the strict standards required for our sustainable building certification.

Here’s how the NGBS process works:

1. Initial Planning and Scoring:Begin by evaluating your project against the NGBS standards. Use the appropriate scoring spreadsheet to assess green practices.
2. Hire an Accredited Verifier: Select a qualified verifier accredited by Home Innovation Research Labs. This individual will help register your project and obtain a unique project ID.
3. Documentation and Inspection: Provide your verifier with all necessary documentation and schedule rough inspections early in the For land development, you may ask for a letter of approval before construction begins. 
4. Certification Issuance:After verifying compliance, Home Innovation Research Labs will issue an "NGBS Green Certified" certificate for completed projects.

By following these steps, you can confidently achieve sustainable building certification for your project. With guidance from Home Innovation Research Labs, the process becomes seamless, ensuring your project meets the highest green building standards.

Why NGBS Matters for Sustainable Construction

As environmental concerns and energy consumption continue to rise, sustainable building practices are more critical than ever. The NGBS certification provides a practical, measurable way to build smarter, healthier homes that align with today’s priorities.

From lower operating costs to healthier living spaces, NGBS-certified homes deliver real-world benefits that appeal to modern buyers and builders whether you’re constructing a new home or improving an existing property, achieving NGBS certification positions you as a leader in sustainability.

Are you ready to bring sustainability into your building projects? Contact NGBS today to start your journey toward NGBS certification and discover how sustainable building certification can transform your home or business.