US construction companies sign up to green scheme

According to the country’s National Association of Home Builders, green building programmes of all sizes, from local outfits to state-wide building associations, are keen to share ideas and incorporate more sustainable features in new homes.

This week alone, 35 new associations joined the organisation’s green network.

The NAHB says the interest is driven by consumer demand, with house buyers wanting reassurances that their properties are efficient and environmentally sensitive.

Joe Robson, NAHB Chairman and a home builder in Tulsa, Okla.

“NAHBGreen provides home buyers with the assurance that their new home has been built to a national benchmark for sustainable, environmentally-friendly construction with features that are also designed to save them money throughout the life of their home,” said NAHB chairman Joe Robson said.

The new affiliates include longstanding green building programs such as Build Green of King and Snohomish Counties in Washington, which has certified more than 13,000 homes since its founding in 1997, and new schemes such as the green council formed by the Carbon Builders Association in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Sam Bond