New Edition of National Green Building Standard Available
A significant change in the 2015 edition is the Energy Efficiency chapter's referencing the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and there are revamped stormwater management options that focus on low-impact development.
The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS) has been approved by the American National Standards Institute and is available for public use, the National Association of Home Builders announced April 20. It is the industry benchmark for residential projects designed and built for high performance.
First published in 2009, the standard helps builders and developers obtain third-party certification of their new homes, developments, and remodeling projects and receive incentives, the standard is the basis for several federal, state, and local green building programs. This third edition brings together the International Code Council, ASHRAE, and NAHB, which facilitated its development; Home Innovation Research Labs served as secretariat of the standard development process, as it has done in previous editions.
"The standard's thorough review and revision process allows builders to follow the most proven and effective sustainable practices," said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady, a builder and developer from Bloomington, Ill. "As the 'green' revolution continues to expand, we will find more and more builders relying on this standard."
"The updated NGBS provides designers, contractors, developers, and policy makers with the most innovative options for minimizing a building's environmental footprint," said ICC Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims. "Consumers will benefit as well with lower utility bills, greater comfort, reduced maintenance, and increased value."
A significant change in the 2015 edition is the Energy Efficiency chapter's referencing the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and there are revamped stormwater management options that focus on low-impact development.
"There are expected to be 140.6 million dwelling units in the United States by 2030, so we must take the lead in ensuring these homes are as sustainable as they can be," said ASHRAE President David Underwood. "ASHRAE has been pleased to be a partner in the NGBS and honored to provide its technical and standards guidance to help guide the homebuilding industry."