The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction.<\/p>\n
NAHB reports that at least one third of single family and multifamily builders who were surveyed said that green building is a significant portion of their overall activity (more than 60 percent of their portfolio). By 2022, this number should increase to nearly one half in both the single family and multifamily sectors. Within this group, nearly 30 percent of multifamily builders fall into the category of \u201cdedicated\u201d green builders (more than 90 percent of their portfolio). On the single family side, the percentage of \u201cdedicated\u201d green builders is nearly 20 percent, but that share is expected to grow sizably by 2022.<\/p>\n
The report finds that green building has become an established part of the residential construction landscape. And according to NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald, it is no longer a niche business. Members recognize the value of building green and are incorporating these elements into their standard business practices.<\/p>\n
Increasing energy efficiency continues to be the most common method of improving the performance of a green home, followed by creating a healthy indoor living environment.<\/p>\n
The report also found that a considerable number of builders are developing net zero homes or plan to build net zero homes in the near future. Among those surveyed, 29 percent of single family home builders have built a net zero home in the past two years, and 44 percent expect to do so in the next two years. Builders see increased customer demand and a competitive advantage as the top two drivers to develop net zero homes.<\/p>\n
Another reason for the rise in net zero homes is the increasing use of renewable technologies, especially solar photovoltaic panels. In two years, the percentage of builders who used these panels increased from 19 to 23 percent. Nearly half (43 percent) of the builders surveyed expect to use this technology in the future.<\/p>\n