Willie Delfs, president
Able Homebuilders
Sioux City, Iowa
Big50 2005
I am currently reading the National Association of Home Builders' “Model Green Homebuilding Guidelines” as a reinforcement of the principles and practices that we incorporate into our building and remodeling work.
I believe that we in the construction industry are stewards of the environment. It is our responsibility to build better homes while maintaining and even improving the environment.
The guidelines help readers understand that a home is a system that merits a holistic approach in building or remodeling. With that basic understanding, you begin to think about the home's impact on the environment.
The book provides voluntary national guidelines for applying green building practices in six general areas: lot preparation and design, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, occupancy comfort and indoor environmental quality, and homeowner education. The goal is to facilitate the adoption of green home building practices throughout the country. Approximately 30 U.S. communities currently have green building programs in place or in development, according to the NAHB.
The NAHB's “Model Green Homebuilding Guidelines” are available at www.nahb.org/gbg. Printed and CD versions are free to NAHB members; downloads are free to all (200 pages).
