The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is available for public use.

This iteration preserves the standard's tradition as the industry benchmark for residential projects designed and built for high performance. 

First published in 2009, the NGBS sets the bar for sustainable and high-performance residential construction and provides a pathway by which builders and developers may seek third-party certification of their new homes, developments and remodeling projects. Although voluntary, the NGBS serves as the basis for several federal, state and local green building programs. In addition, builders, developers and consumers whose projects are NGBS-certified may receive incentives.  

This third edition brings together three industry leaders—the International Code Council (ICC), ASHRAE and NAHB—who have combined their considerable expertise, knowledge and credibility to facilitate the development of the next generation of the NGBS. Home Innovation Research Labs served as secretariat, or administrator, of the standard development process, as it has done in previous iterations. 

The 2015 edition better aligns the NGBS with the I-Codes, expands the application of innovative practices and builds upon years of building and certifying to the NGBS. Green practices such as energy, water and resource conservation; indoor air quality; lot and site development; and building operation and owner education remain largely intact. 

"The standard's thorough review and revision process allows builders to follow the most proven and effective sustainable practices," said Ed Brady, NAHB's chairman. "As the 'green' revolution continues to expand, we will find more and more builders relying on this standard." 

Dominic Sims, ICC's CEO, said "The updated NGBS provides designers, contractors, developers and policy makers with the most innovative options for minimizing a building's environmental footprint. Consumers will benefit as well with lower utility bills, greater comfort, reduced maintenance, and increased value."

Some significant changes to the 2015 edition are the Energy Efficiency chapter referencing the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code; expanded builder options by including environmental product declarations for both specific and industry-wide products and revamped stormwater management options that focus on low-impact development.

"There are expected to be 140.6 million dwelling units in the U.S. by 2030, so we must take the lead in ensuring these homes are as sustainable as they can be," said David Underwood, president of ASHRAE. "ASHRAE has been pleased to be a partner in the NGBS, and honored to provide its technical and standards guidance to help guide the home building industry."

For more information, visit nahb.org.