What is green building?

Indy Green Build defines a “green home” as one that scores the necessary points required by the NAHB Model Green Home Guidelines or National Green Building Standard, point systems that requires 3^rd party verification.  It is important to note that homes, not builders, are certified.

The philosophy behind green building is to incorporate environmental considerations into every phase of the home building process. That means that during the design, construction, and operation of a home, energy and water efficiency, lot development, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, homeowner maintenance, and the home’s overall impact on the environment are all taken into account.  The Green Home Guidelines provide a point system from which a builder can achieve ‘green’ certification for a home.

How can I find a green builder?

Talk to prospective builders.  Ask them if they are familiar with the 'green' rating systems.  BAGI does not certify ‘green’ builders.  Green building is specific to individual homes/projects, not to builders. 

However, a good starting point for finding a builder who is familiar with green principles is to find a builder with a Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation.  This designation means that the builder is interested in and supports green efforts and has also completed coursework to better understand the NAHB Green Home Guidelines.

What is a Certified Green Professional (CGP)?

Offered by NAHB’s University of Housing, the Certified Green Professional designation is another way building professionals can become educated in, and involved with green building. The designation requires 24 hours of NAHB-approved training, and additional continuing education every two years. Subjects covered in training discuss how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value and will include strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction.

Upon successful completion, that individual is awarded the CGP designation, recognizing a high degree of professional competence. This designation is available to individuals only, and does not apply to companies, nor to specific homes or projects.

Who is a Certified Green Professional (CGP)?

As of December 2009, there are 51 BAGI members who hold a CGP designation.  Click here to access a list of these members.

Are there different levels of green?

Yes.  The NAHB Model Green Home Guidelines and National Green Building Standard used by Indy Green Build currently encompass different levels of green building available to builders wishing to use these guidelines to rate their projects – Bronze, Silver, and Gold (Emerald is offered to those certifying through the Standard).  At all levels, there are a minimum number of points required for each of the seven guiding principles in order to assure that all aspects of green building are addressed and that there is a balanced, whole-systems approach.  After reaching the thresholds, an additional 100 points must be achieved by implementing any of the remaining line items.

Is this program associated with LEED?

BAGI’s green building program is based on the National Association of Home Builders program, which is not affiliated with LEED/USGBC.  However, the guiding principles behind both programs are very similar and both programs require 3^rd-party verification.

What are the costs associated with building a green home?

The costs of a green home are very closely tied with the features that are chosen for the home.  Some products and materials used in green homes cost nothing more (sometimes less) than traditional homes, while some products and materials will have added costs.  When compared to similar quality projects, homes obtaining a NAHB-certified Bronze-level home generally add 2-3 % to the cost of the home.