Washington, DC, January 30, 2009 - The National Apartment Association (NAA) and the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) applaud the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for approving the National Green Building Standard yesterday.
The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is the first and only consensus-based green building standard for all residential properties. NMHC/NAA were instrumental in having the standard expanded to include apartments and the residential portions of mixed-use developments.
"The NGBS has been a top priority for the apartment industry," explains Eileen Lee, NMHC/NAA's Vice President of Environment and Energy Policy. "Until now, apartment firms wanting to do green building have had to follow guidelines designed for either high-rise commercial properties or single-family houses. The NGBS now offers them uniform guidance on green building practices that are appropriate for low-, mid- and high-rise apartment construction."
"It is also important for the growing number of states and localities considering mandatory green building requirements," explained Lee. "The NGBS offers them a more appropriate alternative for residential properties than other non-standardized green rating systems like the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED criteria."
"ANSI approval was the final step in the standard’s development process," said Lee. "ANSI certification confirms that this standard is not an 'industry-generated' document, but was developed through a rigorous process requiring public input, a diversity of participants, consensus and due process."
Because the NGBS was a joint effort by the International Code Council and the National Association of Home Builders, it is the only green rating system specifically written to be compatible with existing building codes.
Publication of the standard is expected by this spring. Copies of the NGBS can be pre-ordered through the International Code Council at http://www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/9551S08.html and at BuilderBooks at http://store.builderbooks.com/cgi-bin/builderbooks/874.
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NMHC and NAA operate a Joint Legislative Program and represent the nation’s leading firms participating in the multifamily rental housing industry. NMHC/NAA’s combined memberships are engaged in all aspects of the development and operation of apartment communities, including ownership, construction, finance and management. Together, the organizations operate a federal legislative program and provide a unified voice for the private apartment industry. Nearly one-third of Americans rent their housing, and more than 14 percent of all U.S. households live in an apartment home. For more information, contact NMHC at 202/974-2300, e-mail the Council at info@nmhc.org, or visit NMHC’s Web site at www.nmhc.org.