As sustainability becomes an integral aspect of building codes and standards, multifamily developers are increasingly tasked with incorporating green building practices. One such important guideline is the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), the benchmark for sustainable and high-performance residential construction. Specifically, in the realm of affordable housing, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects, meeting these green certifications is often required to secure funding or incentives.
At Energy Diagnostics (EDI), we have developed a robust track record in helping developers of affordable housing projects achieve NGBS certification efficiently and effectively. This blog will guide you through what the NGBS entails, the process for affordable multifamily housing projects, and how our expert team at Energy Diagnostics can simplify this critical certification journey for you.
What Is the National Green Building Standard (NGBS)?
The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is a residential-specific green building certification program developed in partnership between the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC). It is the only ANSI-approved standard that offers a credible and systematic approach to assessing the sustainability and environmental performance of residential buildings, including single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and even land development.
Key NGBS Benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Maximizes energy performance by integrating advanced insulation, air sealing, and HVAC systems.
- Water Efficiency: Encourages practices that reduce water consumption and improve indoor water efficiency.
- Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Focuses on improved air quality, ventilation, and reduced use of toxic materials.
- Sustainable Building Materials: Promotes the use of sustainable, recycled, and locally sourced materials.
- Land Development and Site Impact: Minimizes the environmental footprint by supporting strategies that protect and restore natural habitats.
Why Is NGBS Important for Affordable Housing Developers?
Affordable housing developers, particularly those pursuing LIHTC projects, face unique challenges. They must balance tight budgets, regulatory compliance, and high performance to secure funding. Many state and federal funding programs, including LIHTC, require proof of meeting green building standards such as NGBS to qualify for subsidies, grants, or tax credits.
By achieving NGBS certification, developers not only comply with these green building mandates but also create more energy-efficient, durable, and healthy homes. This has a long-term positive impact on both operational costs for property managers and residents’ utility bills, making NGBS certification a win-win.
The NGBS Process: Step-by-Step for Multifamily Developers
Navigating the NGBS certification process may initially seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps helps clarify the pathway forward. Here is a high-level guide to understanding how developers can align their multifamily projects with NGBS requirements:
1. Project Planning and Consultation
The first step involves assembling your project team, which should include an experienced NGBS Green Verifier, sustainability consultants, and your design and construction team. During this stage, setting sustainability goals based on the NGBS framework is crucial.
For developers in affordable housing, consulting with experts like Energy Diagnostics early on ensures that your project’s design can meet the required points across NGBS’s six key areas: Lot Design, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Operation & Maintenance.
2. NGBS Registration and Initial Documentation
Once goals are established, the project must be officially registered with a certification body authorized to provide NGBS certifications. A preliminary checklist is created, where each sustainability feature or strategy the project plans to incorporate is noted. EDI offers extensive support in this documentation phase, helping developers assess which design decisions can maximize NGBS points within their budget constraints.
3. Green Design and Specifications
As you progress into the design phase, each component of the building—from its orientation to the choice of materials—must align with NGBS standards. Here are a few NGBS-compliant design elements that are particularly beneficial for affordable multifamily housing:
- Energy Efficiency Measures: Designing for high-performance insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and energy-smart lighting.
- Water Conservation: Incorporating low-flow faucets, efficient irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting technologies.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Selecting low-VOC materials and ensuring optimal ventilation systems.
EDI’s team of NGBS Green Verifiers provides ongoing input during the design phase, ensuring that each decision made brings you closer to compliance while balancing performance with cost.
4. Construction Phase Inspections
With plans in place, the NGBS certification process involves on-site inspections at various stages of construction. This includes pre-drywall inspections, testing for air and water tightness, and reviewing material selections. Energy Diagnostics plays a critical role here, acting as your third-party NGBS verifier to ensure that everything is executed as per the standards.
5. Performance Testing and Verification
Post-construction, multifamily developments must undergo testing and verification to confirm compliance with NGBS requirements. These tests often include:
- Blower Door Tests to measure airtightness.
- Duct Leakage Tests to ensure HVAC systems operate efficiently.
- Energy Modeling to assess overall energy consumption and efficiency.
At Energy Diagnostics, we have a track record of performing these tests and ensuring developers meet their goals without delay. Our efficiency and thoroughness during the verification stage are what sets us apart.
6. Final Certification
Once all criteria have been met, and the project passes all inspections and tests, the project can be submitted for final NGBS certification. Achieving certification demonstrates that the project not only meets national sustainability standards but also enhances the building’s performance, resilience, and tenant well-being.
How Energy Diagnostics Helps Developers of Affordable Housing Navigate NGBS
At Energy Diagnostics, we recognize the financial pressures and regulatory requirements faced by affordable housing developers, especially when it comes to balancing green building mandates with budget constraints. Here’s how our team supports you through every step of the NGBS process:
1. Customized Sustainability Strategies
We understand that every multifamily project is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific needs and budgetary limits. Our expertise enables us to help developers prioritize high-impact green building strategies that provide the most value, whether it’s optimizing energy efficiency, improving water management, or enhancing indoor air quality.
2. Expert Guidance from Start to Finish
Our team of accredited NGBS Green Verifiers offers seamless guidance, from initial consultation through final certification. This reduces the risk of costly delays or the need for redesigns down the line. Our verifiers work closely with your project team to make sure you’re always a step ahead in compliance.
3. Proven Track Record with LIHTC Projects
Energy Diagnostics has significant experience working with LIHTC developments, helping them meet state and federal green building requirements. We are deeply familiar with the specific needs of affordable housing developers and are adept at helping projects secure necessary certifications for funding or tax credits. Our history of success with these projects positions us as a trusted partner to help you navigate the complexities of NGBS for LIHTC developments.
4. Efficient Project Management
From site selection to post-construction testing, we provide hands-on project management to make the NGBS process as smooth and efficient as possible. We leverage our industry expertise and proven processes to minimize the time and effort it takes to get your project NGBS certified, allowing you to focus on other aspects of development.
5. Long-Term Benefits
By achieving NGBS certification, you position your affordable housing projects to offer long-term savings for property managers and tenants alike. Energy Diagnostics ensures that your development is not only certified green but also designed for high performance in the real world, improving resident comfort, lowering utility costs, and enhancing building longevity.
Affordable Housing and the Green Future: Why NGBS Matters
NGBS is more than just a requirement; it represents a future-focused approach to building that emphasizes sustainability, health, and efficiency. For multifamily developers working on affordable housing projects, particularly those seeking LIHTC, NGBS certification is a clear path toward creating better buildings while qualifying for vital funding opportunities.
As the demand for green buildings rises, having a trusted partner like Energy Diagnostics helps you navigate these requirements with ease, ensuring you meet all green certification goals without breaking the bank. Our team is here to support affordable housing developers every step of the way, making sustainability an integral—and achievable—part of your building projects.
Partner with Energy Diagnostics Today
When it comes to multifamily affordable housing, NGBS certification is not just a goal; it’s a necessity. Energy Diagnostics has the expertise, experience, and commitment to guide you through the process seamlessly. With our help, you can be confident that your project will meet both the environmental and financial demands of the modern housing market while contributing to the health and well-being of your future tenants.
For more information on how Energy Diagnostics can help you with your NGBS certification, reach out to our team today. Together, we’ll build a more sustainable future—one affordable housing project at a time.