Improved Product Quality
Building green can increase home durability, reducing warranty and callback costs. Providing a homeowner's manual, which is a practice supported by both the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard and the NAHB Model Green Homebuilding Guidelines, can help reduce time spent on questions before and after the home sale.
Market Differentiation/Competitive Advantage
Market research indicates that consumers perceive green homes to be a better value. A recent McGraw-Hill study indicated that green homeowners are more satisfied and believe that green homes are high quality, easier to maintain, more efficient, and offer health benefits. Studies also report that homebuyers are willing to pay for these benefits when purchasing their homes. Being able to offer this kind of value and benefit to consumers can set you apart from other builders.
Builders who are able to promote features such as lower utility costs, easier maintenance, and better indoor air quality are seeing increased sales and profitability and easier-to-close sales. Further, events and marketing opportunities done in partnership with local and national green building programs help to get the name of your company into the hands of consumers. Green building is a popular topic in the media, and builders associated with this initiative can take advantage of the media coverage and publicity that stem from this interest.
Advantages in the Entitlement Process
Some green builders are taking advantage of fast-track permits and reduced permitting fees in their jurisdictions. Other builders are finding they have access to land they wouldn't have had otherwise.
Lower Costs
While there is often a cost when switching from traditional building practices and supplies to more environmentally-friendly ones, many green building practices result in using fewer materials and generating less waste, so costs can be minimized and offset. When green practices are incorporated as standard building practice, builders can take advantage of volume discount savings, and reduced labor costs as the learning curve to implement and install different items is diffused. Each home that is built green adds to the knowledge base of building science and home performance for the benefit of the entire industry.
Incentives
Incentives such as the federal Energy Efficient Builder Tax Credit are available to offset some of the cost of some green building upgrades.
Credibility
A certified green home demonstrates to the buyer and to the community your commitment to the environment, the homeowner, and the community. The third-party certification process means that it's not just your word standing behind your product, but that you have the support and credibility of a national program as well.
If you are ready to pursue National Green Building Certification now, contact us to request a Builder Application Packet, which officially puts you in the certification "pipeline." To keep up to date on any important changes or additions to National Green Building Certification, be sure to check the box to sign up for regular Certification Insider Updates.