Author Description

The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard(TM) (NGBS) has been approved by the American National Standards Institute for all types of sustainable residential construction. A collaborative effort of the International Code Council, ASHRAE and the National Association of Home Builders, NGBS outlines a variety of green practices that can be incorporated into new homes and multifamily buildings, as well as hotels, dormitories and land developments. The Standard also delivers stand-alone chapters for both home remodeling and additions and renovations of multifamily buildings. The green practices address site and lot design, preparation and development; resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environmental quality; and operation, maintenance and building owner education. Four levels--Bronze, Silver, Gold and Emerald--enable residential professionals to integrate sustainability and high performance at a level most appropriate for their businesses and specific housing markets. Changes for the 2015 Edition The 2015 edition incorporates changes that better align the NGBS with the I-codes, expands the application of innovative practices and builds upon years of building and certifying to NGBS. Some of the more notable updates include: - Substantial revisions to the Energy Efficiency chapter, which now has more stringent rating levels based upon whole-house energy savings that are above the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. - A comprehensive update of the exterior and interior lighting provisions including common areas in multifamily building. - Mandatory installation of carbon monoxide alarms for all buildings, regardless of level of certification or local code. - Revamped stormwater management options that encourage low-impact development practices. - Greater emphasis on and recognition of multi-modal transportation options including bicycle parking, pedestrian connectivity, proximity to transit and electric-vehicle charging. - New references in