Green Building Update - 03/20/2008 (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
It's Official: the Program Begins
Standard Closer to the Finish Line
Tour of Green Homes: a Preview
Verification Application Process Established
'Rebuilding Together' Service Project Opens Green Building Conference

Verification Application Process Established

Interested, qualified individuals can now become green building field verifiers for the NAHB National Green Building Program.

Tasks regularly performed by verifiers include:

Executing a verification agreement with the builder. The agreement defines specific verification fees, the number of meetings with the builder, the number of inspections of any home presented for certification, and any expected performance tests of homes under construction.
Confirming with the builder that the appropriate home scoring method or tool used correctly shows the points claimed by the builder and that both parties understand the level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) of green building certification that the builder is seeking.
Checking to see if a builder candidate is in an approved green development and, if so, determine the number of pre-approved points the green development provides to the builder.
Deciding, with the builder, whether an initial review of the builder's supporting documentation is required before the initial (pre-drywall) site inspection. Verifiers complete such document review, if needed, and record results.
Scheduling the first site inspection and notifying the certifying agent (the NAHB Research Center) of this scheduled date.
Conducting the inspection and documenting the results.
Documenting any performance tests (i.e. duct leakage test results) done on this home by the verifier or by others.
Scheduling the second (final) inspection and notifying the NAHB Research Center of this scheduled date.
Including documentation of any performance tests (blower door or flow hood test results) done on this home by the verifier or by others.
Conducting the final site inspection and recording the all results (documentation review, first and final site inspections) and any verifier comments into the appropriate form for confirmation by the certifier.

Who is eligible to become a verifier?

Individuals interested in becoming verfiers must have the training and experience that provides them with an understanding of general home building practices and specific green building knowledge. Specific types of experience that meet this eligibility requirement include:

1 year of acceptable* professional experience in home building and green building practices, -or-
At least 12 hours of acceptable* green training, -or-
Designation by NAHB as a Green Building Professional, -or-
Professional certification from Green Advantage

* The NAHB Research Center will determine adequate experience to meet the acceptable level.

What is the process to become accredited?

Verifiers must:

Maintain an appropriate knowledge base and skill sets for the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines (and the forthcoming ANSI-accredited National Green Building Standard, once available).
Complete a verification procedures training session from the NAHB Research Center and pass a test on how to verify compliance.
Pay the $125 annual verifier listing fee.
Maintain appropriate records and be available for at least annual Research Center audits.
Attend an annual continuing education seminar approved by the Research Center.
Execute a participation agreement with the Research Center.

The verifier course covers the protocol for verifying that a house meets the national certification program requirements, and is intended to ensure all verifiers across the country evaluate homes in a consistent manner. This training does not include developing the "green" expertise each prospective verifier is expected to have as a prerequisite.

One-day training sessions are scheduled during the NAHB National Green Building Conference in New Orleans, and additional sessions will be scheduled to coincide with other regional and national trade shows, including the 2009 International Builders' Show.

Prospective verifiers can call the NAHB National Green Building Program Hotline at 877-NAHB-GRN (877-624-2476) for more information. As NAHB works to quickly build up the ranks of verifiers, the Research Center is not yet charging a fee for participation in any training sessions.

Registration for training is open only to individuals who meet the prerequisites and must be submitted at least one week before any training session to allow time for the Research Center to confirm the participant's experience and qualifications.

Interested in becoming an accredited verifier? Submit an application.