The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), recently announced new alterations in the ICC National Green Building Standard have been given the green signal by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The ICC 700 National Green Building Standard is a set of norms that the housing communities and construction firms are required to adhere to for construction. The standard incorporates green practices like efficient use of energy and water and amenities in hotels, motels, residential buildings etc. It also regulates the environmental quality of the building's indoors. This standard is the first residential building rating system.
The complete set of rules and regulations titled "National Green Building Standard" is available in eBook and print forms. The ICC and NAHB had together compiled the set of rules in order to make the world a greener place.
Some new changes were introduced into the Standard, which have now been approved by the ANSI, according to a recent press statement of NAHB. The new version of the standard now includes:
* A new Energy Code Updating system. Earlier, the standard used the 2006 version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). It will now be using the 2009 version, which is around 15 points higher in computing energy efficiency.
* A completely remodeled and revamped scoring scale for renovation projects.
* Introduction of incentives for extraordinary lot design and development where builders earn up to six points for choosing a green lot and designing and developing an energy efficient building.
The NAHB and ICC have announced a press meet for Jan.23, 2013, to announce the details. The day will also be observed as a "Green Day" at the International Builders Show that is slated to take place in Las Vegas.
The NAHB is one of the largest business associations in the U.S. founded in 1942. It is headquartered in Washington D.C.
