WASHINGTON - The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has unveiled its new Model Green Home Building Guidelines, to help mainstream home builders incorporate environmental practices into every phase of the home building process while putting a priority on housing affordability, says the association.

"The guidelines are revolutionary because they will help all builders, not just niche builders, construct more energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive new homes in different price ranges and climate conditions," said Ray Tonjes, a home builder from Austin, Texas, and chair of NAHB's Green Building Subcommittee. "NAHB's Model Green Home Building Guidelines are a milestone in our efforts to provide safe, decent, affordable housing for all Americans and to help conserve our environment."

Green building has primarily been the province of high-end, niche builders who cater to a wealthy clientele, says the association. NAHB undertook the guidelines project a year ago at the urging of members who need research and education on building resource-efficient homes that are both affordable and customized to local conditions.

The guidelines cover such areas as:

Resource, energy, and water efficiency;

Indoor environmental quality;

Operation, maintenance, and home owner operation; and

Global impact.

Developed for single-family homes, the guidelines also are applicable for multifamily and custom homes as well as remodeling projects for existing homes.

Publication date: 02/07/2005