NewsletterThird-Party Certification

NGBS 2025 Edition is released

The ICC 700-2025 National Green Building Standard (NGBS), the fifth edition of the building certification released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC). The certification is approved by the American National Standards Institute and developed by Home Innovation Research Labs, an independent subsidiary of the NAHB.

Michelle Foster, Vice President of Home Innovation Research Labs, NGBS Green certification program describes the new edition as an evolution that raises expectations in a few key areas while keeping the flexible, points-based structure that has made it workable for real-world projects. The certification is updated to include expanded resilience practices for withstanding natural disasters, alternative energy efficiency compliance options, flexible compliance options and more.

Additionally, in this new edition, there are new property certification paths for existing multifamily and mixed-use communities with multiple buildings.

“The most visible change in the 2025 NGBS is a modest expansion of mandatory practices,” said Foster. “Builders will see clearer expectations for construction waste planning and diversion, ventilation system performance, radon testing and duct leakage testing.

“The 2025 NGBS represents nearly two decades of progress and innovation in sustainable residential construction and remodeling,” said Bill Owens, NAHB Chairman of the Board.  “This edition expands the possibilities for high-performance, resilient and low-carbon homes that meet the evolving needs of both the housing industry and homeowners.”

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