NGBS and The Value of a 3rd Party Certification
NGBS and The Value of a 3rd Party Certification
What is NGBS?
The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is the only green building rating system for homes and apartments approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), as an American National Standard. The NGBS provides a blueprint for builders to follow for the design and construction of new and renovated single-family homes and multifamily apartment buildings. – ngbs.com, “the-ngbs-green-promise,” 2021
Choosing NGBS is beneficial to both the builder and the resident:
Affordability improves ROI - Builders invest a relatively small amount in the NGBS Green program upfront, so their return on investment is the savings from costly building issues post-construction. Not only does the certification provide value for the quality assurance it provides, but the certification also establishes an unequaled market distinction in a very competitive housing market. Further, there are financial incentives for the builder/developer and homeowners, depending on the type of building certification and its location.
Improved Air Quality leads to healthier living space – NGBS homes are designed and constructed with systems and products that produce fewer pollutants and maintains proper ventilation. This improves indoor air quality and provides health benefits and ensures improved resident comfort.
Encourages sustainable land development – NGBS provides a menu of land development practices for planners, landscape architects, engineers, and developers to plan the living environment for residents and reduce the project’s environmental impacts.
Why choose a 3rd party verifier?
Third-party verified equals credibility – NGBS Green Verifiers serve as independent, in-field representatives of Home Innovation Labs NGBS Green certification program. Verifiers work with builder/developer/remodeler/architect clients to guide them through the certification process and perform rough and final inspections of the projects seeking certification. To become accredited by Home Innovation Labs a list of prerequisites and vigorous exams is required.
Consumer Confidence – In 2012 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a revised “Green Guides” designed to help marketers ensure that the product claims they make to consumers about environmental attributes are truthful and non-deceptive. Overwhelmingly, consumers are looking for a certification to help them make their purchasing decisions. According to the National Home Builders Association, buyers are generally willing to spend more on green certifications as well, including more than $2,000 upfront for a home certified to an above-code standard for health and wellness — features that have become increasingly important in the wake of COVID-19.
Performance Point is Your 3rd Party Certifier!
Performance point has multiple NGBS Verifiers, including Master Verifiers. Last year we completed close to 40 projects and currently, we have 116 active jobs. Our director of multifamily and commercial services, Steve Armstrong, has over 30 years of professional experience in the field of energy analysis and environmental science. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in hydrogeology, geology, and geochemistry and has worked for the Department of Energy in addition to a myriad of state, local, federal governments and universities. With this level of experience, Steve is one of our master-level verifiers and has earned this accreditation.
When John Buono, one of our green verifiers was asked about his job….
“It all started whilst in my sophomore year in high school; I took a class called AP environmental science (APES). I have always enjoyed the outdoors; even as a little kid I never wanted to be cooped up indoors, so I always had a slight appreciation for being outside. As I got older and started learning about what we’re doing to our home as humans, I didn’t want to be part of the problem, I wanted to be a part of the solution…and that is where APES came in. Once I took a look at the big picture, I knew where I had to be. After that, I got into SUNY-ESF and my life began as a true environmentalist! I focused on renewable energy sources and sustainable construction because I knew that a large portion of our energy consumption was in the buildings we used on a daily basis, and I devoted my time and education learning how to make them more efficient to use and live in since they are such a large part of our everyday lives.”
Special credit to, homeinnovation.com.
Want to learn more about verifying your next building project? Contact us today!
Look for our next blog in this series….”What is this HERS thing and how does it help the environment?”
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