NAHB, ICC to Collaborate on Standard for Residential Green Buildings
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC) announced on Feb. 7 they are collaborating to bring uniformity to sustainable building practices with the development and publication of a residential green building standard.
During a press conference at the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla., NAHB and the Code Council reinforced their commitment to sustainable building practices and the creation of national standards for green home building.
NAHB officials stated that the organization has long recognized many of its members as leaders and innovators in building green homes, but their efforts were local and without any regional or national reference. Members needed clearer guidance, but wanted to maintain flexibility and be able to incorporate regional distinctions.
ICC has been promoting green building requirements through its widely adopted family of International Codes, which set minimum standards for energy efficiency and sustainable building practices for the construction industry and also recognized the need for a national set of standards for home builders and others wishing to voluntarily adopt "above-code" practices.
NAHB President David Pressly was joined by Wally Bailey, president of the International Code Council, for the announcement.
The collaboration is another example of ICC's commitment to green building, Bailey said. "Strong, durable homes that are safe and affordable have a smaller impact on the world's limited resources. ICC is committed to educating our members on green building and participating in activities with other organizations that will assure green building practices are sustainable, safe and affordable," he said.
"Code Council members play an important role on code matters related to green building," said ICC CEO Rick Weiland. "Our new world headquarters, just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building, is in a green building and demonstrates our corporate commitment to respect the environment. Green technology is going to play an important role in our collective future -- not just in the United States but around the world."
NAHB and the Code Council are seeking applicants for membership in the consensus committee for the development for the green home building standard. Applications can be submitted at http://www.nahbrc.org/gbstandard and must be received by March 10 to be considered.
This article originally appeared in the 02/01/2007 issue of Environmental Protection.