AXIS is Here! Have You Made the Transition? |
In early September, much of the administration for Home Innovation’s NGBS Green certification program moved from an internal database to an online AXIS database portal that can now be accessed by all our program partners. We hosted a builder/developer client information session last week, but let us (or, better yet, your NGBS Green Verifier) know if you are having any issues with the transition. If you’ve made the transition already, let us know what you think of the new platform and functionality – take this 1-minute NGBS Green AXIS Feedback Survey. |
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UPDATED NGBS Green+ Compliance Criteria |
We just published a new version of the NGBS Green+ Handbook (Version 1.2/Sept 2021). This latest version reflects updates to the +NET ZERO ENERGY and +WELLNESS requirements. This new version is immediately available for use and will be required for projects registered after January 1, 2022. If you have a currently registered project pursuing NGBS Green+ certification and wish to remain with the current compliance criteria, be sure to have your Verifier contact us for permission to submit the verification reports using earlier scoring tool versions that reflect the original criteria. |
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Green Home Tour Featuring NGBS Green Partners Stanley Martin Homes and PEG, LLC
October 21, 3PM EDT | Virtual
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The next NAHB “Home Performance Counts” virtual green home tour will feature Stanley Martin Homes and PEG, LLC. Be sure to join for a tour of Tall Oaks, a high-performance infill project in Reston, Va., with modern townhouses and flats that is currently seeking NGBS Green certification. NGBS Green Verifiers with PEG, LLC will describe the on-site inspection process for NGBS compliance and tips for successful partnership between builder and verifier. Learn more and register. |
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Read Michelle’s Recent Green Home Builder Interview |
In the Sept-Oct 2021 edition of GHB magazine, Michelle discusses the importance of the NGBS Green program and the certification process. Read the full interview. |
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NGBS Green Partners in the News |
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How HUD Transformed the Multifamily Market Via Green Incentives & Policy |
Without question, the single most impactful catalyst for green, high-performance multifamily buildings has been the HUD Green Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) Reduction. The Green MIP reduction was the game-changer that the residential construction industry needed. Read Michelle’s blog about how HUD transformed the multifamily market and how similar incentives could be equally beneficial going forward. |
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2020 Moving Forward Report |
Released by the National Institute of Building Science, the 2020 Moving Forward Report discusses how buildings can protect and promote public health by providing recommendations for President Biden and policymakers on three components of healthy buildings: (1) indoor environmental quality; (2) design that promotes resident health; and (3) knowledge transfer between building owners and public health officials. The report mentions NGBS Green Certification as a building system that provides pathways and tools for developing and maintaining healthy buildings.
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Overview of Affordable Multifamily Programs: Best Practices and Context for Utilities |
Developed by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, this brief examines best practices that utilities can follow to provide affordable energy efficiency services to multifamily customers. The brief found that affordable multifamily energy efficiency programs can achieve significant energy savings, which translates into reduced costs for residents. Share this report with your local utility administrators to spark a conversation about potential new service offerings targeted at the multifamily sector. |
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2021 REALTORS and Sustainability Report |
The National Association of Realtors surveyed its members on sustainability issues facing the real estate industry, and the results are summarized in this report. Fifty-five percent (55%) of respondents found that their homebuyer clients were at least somewhat interested in sustainability. Thirteen percent (13%) said that high performance homes saw an increase of 1-5% of the total dollar value, compared to other similar homes. |
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The following states have or will revise their Qualified Allocation Plans (QAP) for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC). The summaries included indicate if NGBS Green certification is incentivized and provide information on how to submit comments or stay informed. If you know of current QAP activity in your state or locale that is not listed here or included in our online QAP Round-Up, please contact us.
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ARIZONA: The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) published their Second Draft 2022-2023 QAP for public comment. This QAP would award 10 points for projects that commit to obtain certification under one of the following programs: NGBS Green (Silver or higher); 2020 Enterprise Green Communities; LEED (Silver or higher); DOE ZERH; or PHIUS. Five points are available for applicants who agree to achieve a HERS rating of 55 or lower. Home Innovation submitted comments prior to the October 15th deadline that praised ADOH for recognizing credible and rigorous green building certification programs, and requested that ZERH and PHIUS be repositioned as add-ons to the multi-attribute green building programs to ensure similar requirements and benefits across the options. Contact Cindy if you would like to view our comment letter. |
GEORGIA: The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) published its First Draft 2022 QAP for public comment. This QAP would require that funded projects obtain certification from one of the following: NGBS Green; EarthCraft; Enterprise Green Communities; LEED for Homes; or Green Globes (Multifamily New Construction or Multifamily Existing Buildings). A virtual public hearing is scheduled for October 28th from 10:30-11:45 AM EDT. Written comments are accepted via an online form through November 5th. NGBS Green Partners are encouraged to submit letter of support for these green building certification options. |
MONTANA: Montana Housing published its Draft 2023 QAP for public comment. This QAP would offer up to 100 points for energy efficiency and green building features. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for October 27th at 1PM MDT. NGBS Green Partners are encouraged to participate and advocate for credible and rigorous third-party green building programs, including NGBS Green. |
TEXAS: The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) published its Draft 2022 QAP for public comment. This QAP would grant four points for compliance with NGBS Green, Enterprise Green Communities, LEED, or the 2018 IgCC. Prescriptive energy efficiency measures are available for 0.5 to 2 points each. We submitted comments that praised TDHCA for incentivizing third-party green building programs, including NGBS Green. |
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In each issue of Insider Update, Home Innovation profiles products that can help builders achieve points toward NGBS Green Certification. To browse all NGBS Green Certified products, visit the online directory.
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Waterless No-Flush Urinal |
Waterless Co. offers a wide selection of cost-effective urinals that are perfect for both new construction and retrofit projects. This product earns 12 points under 802.5.4(4)(c) for installation of waterless toilets or urinals. |
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Reminder: Schedule an AIA- and ICC-Approved NGBS Green Presentation for Your Team |
The release of the 2020 NGBS offers a great opportunity for architect firms, development companies, and others to schedule continuing education trainings on the new compliance pathways and the latest technical changes.
The following presentations are available for continuing education credit:
- 2020 NGBS Overview
- 2015 NGBS Overview
- NGBS Compliance for Existing Buildings
The Home Innovation team is happy to deliver these presentations, or we can connect you with an NGBS Green Master Verifier who is well-equipped to deliver the information. Contact us to learn more. |
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UPDATED Energy Efficiency Modeling Policy |
A new version of the Energy Efficiency Modeling Policy has been added to the Builder's Resource Guide (BRG). This updated version clarifies expectations for multifamily buildings, renovation projects, and commercial spaces. Please download and share with your energy modeler partners. |
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NEW! NGBS vs. LEED Commissioning Comparison Resources |
A common myth is that NGBS Green certification is inferior to LEED because it does not require building commissioning for certification. While the NGBS does not use the term “commissioning” specifically, there are multiple NGBS practices that are, in effect, building commissioning. In some areas, the NGBS practices go further than LEED commissioning requirements. Download our latest resources from www.HomeInnovation.com/NGBSAdvocacy to learn more:
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WEBINAR RECORDING: Why Use the Certified Water Rating Index (WRI)? |
In early October, Cindy presented a Green Home Institute webinar on the water efficiency compliance options within the 2020 NGBS, the WRI system and process, and additional recognitions for builders of water-efficient homes. View the recording. |
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Quick Links to Marketing Materials and Guidance One-pagers |
Recently, we’ve been posting more and more case studies on some unique and exemplary NGBS Green Certified projects. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, be sure to go to our Resources page – there are several there already and we’re adding more each month. While on the page, be sure to check out the wide range of guidance documents, comparisons, and other helpful resources we’ve created for our NGBS Green Partners, including:
You can also find LOTS of great resources by visiting the following pages -- #BookmarkWorthy:
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NGBS Green Program Associate |
The Home Innovation Research Labs is seeking someone to support their green building program which includes a building and a product certification program based on the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) ICC-700.
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Building Science, Research Engineer III - Sustainable Construction |
Home Innovation Research Labs is looking for an inspired building scientist/building construction engineer to join our research team responsible for programmatic efforts in the fields of energy efficiency, energy modeling, technology innovation, and green building in residential construction.
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Entry-Level Research Engineer - Building Science and Sustainable Construction |
Home Innovation Research Labs is seeking a recent engineering graduate to join our Building Science Division. This person will be responsible for project work in the areas of energy efficiency, disaster resistance, cost evaluation, technology innovation, and green building in residential construction.
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Mechanical or Civil Engineer for Building Products Testing |
Home Innovation Research Labs, an accredited third-party test lab, is looking for a motivated Engineer who wants to be on the leading edge of building product testing and certification.
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Construction Building Products Market Research Analyst |
Home Innovation Research Labs, the premier provider of marketing research services to manufacturers of construction-related products, their trade associations, and the federal government in housing technology-related studies is searching for a Construction Building Products Market Research Analyst to lead qualitative and quantitative research, conduct analysis, and report findings to our building product manufacturer clients.
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Construction Materials Laboratory Technician |
Home Innovation Research Labs is seeking a well-organized self-starter to work in our materials and structures lab. This is a technical hands-on position that requires physical labor to set-up and perform tests on a variety of building products and components.
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Staff Accountant – Accounts Payable/General Ledger |
Home Innovation is searching for the right person to support our accounting department.
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Let Us Know How We’re Doing! |
Take a 1 minute survey and let us know what you think of our delivery of NGBS Green certification and our customer service. |
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As we strive to keep up with events of interest around the country, we welcome your input. If you know of a program that may be of interest to our NGBS Green program partners, please let us know. And, if you or a client are interested in scheduling virtual (or, eventually, live) training on the 2020 NGBS, contact us – we have an AIA and ICC-approved program that we’d be happy to deliver.
Join these upcoming events:
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As an NGBS Green Certification Program participant, you received this email to notify you of important program and service updates, as well as relevant industry news and happenings. Home Innovation Research Labs will send email notifications periodically; we encourage recipients to add this email address ([email protected]) to your approved senders list. You may unsubscribe from this notification service at any time using the link below, though please be aware that this will be the primary channel for conveying certification program changes, news, and updates to participants, and opting out of this notification service may result in missing critical developments and changes. Home Innovation Research Labs authorizes use of information contained within this email only by those participating in our NGBS Green Certification Program.
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