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How to Become a Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM
What is a Nebraska Certified Green Builder?SM
The Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM program is a partnership between the Nebraska State Home Builders Association and the Nebraska Energy Office that responds to consumer demand for an “environmentally friendly home” built by professional builders. This new breed of “Green Builder” desires a responsive, consumer-friendly, industry-approved set of guidelines which measures their work and business activities. The Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM and the homes constructed to these standards will be recognized by logos that can become part of the builder’s marketing program.
Accountability is Part of the Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM Program
Accountability occurs in two ways:
- A “Green Builder” is certified by:
a. Successfully completing a seminar on Green Building Standards and Practices.
b. Agreeing to certain minimum requirements concerning contracts, construction performance practices and customer service.
c. Being subject to “peer review” concerning professional business practices.
- The home is certified as constructed to the Nebraska Certified Green HomeSM Standards when:
a. The builder identifies which Green Build Standards will be complied with and submits documentation.
b. Visual inspection is performed during construction of all of the Green Building options identified by the builder.
c. A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rating Test, which includes a blower door test, is completed following construction to ensure a minimum of a 5-Star Plus rating.
How to Become a Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM
- Complete a training on Green Building Standards and Practices provided by the Nebraska Green Building Council.
- Complete and submit an application for review and approval by the Nebraska Green Building Council.
- Pay a one-time fee for training and pay an annual fee to retain certification.
- Submit documentation, with the application, of a home that has previously been constructed and has been Energy Star rated, achieving a minimum of a 4-Star rating.
Note: While builders are certified, each "certified" home must go through the certification process. The home certification process includes Energy Office review, prior to the start of construction, inspection of all specified Green Build requirements or options and the completion of a HERS Rating test verifying a minimum of a 5-Star Plus rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM Program offer a guarantee of performance?
The Nebraska Certified Builder designation does not guarantee performance, however, it does set a builder apart from other builders. The certification means the builder has accomplished the following:
- Been active in the new construction business for a specified period of time.
- Built a minimum number of homes, one of which has been rated by a Certified Home Energy Rater as a Four-Star Energy Rated home.
- Has had “on-site” responsibilities and experience in building a home.
- Has demonstrated knowledge about Nebraska Certified Green HomeSM standards and practices
The designation for the Nebraska Certified Green HomeSM means in part that:
- Green Building standards were used and met.
- The home had a Home Energy Rating System test to ensure verification of energy efficiency.
2. Is this an endorsement from the Nebraska State Home Builders Association and the Nebraska Energy Office?
The Nebraska State Home Builders Association and the Nebraska Energy Office developed both the Nebraska Certified Green Builder and HomeSM programs, but each certified builder takes responsibility for the new home that is built. The Nebraska State Home Builders Association will offer the certification program for builders, but does not expressly endorse any member or builder, nor assume any legal responsibility for builder performance. The Nebraska Energy Office will certify homes as to whether they comply with Nebraska Certified Green HomeSM standards, but the responsibility for the construction of the new home rests with the builder. The Nebraska Energy Office does not expressly endorse any builder, nor assume any legal responsibility for builder performance.
3. What specifically are Nebraska Certified Green HomeSM standards?
Using the concepts and practices from other green building programs in Austin, Texas;
Scottsdale, Arizona; Denver, Colorado and “Green Building Guidelines” produced by the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council along with National Association of Home Builders Housing Research Institute recommendations, with adjustments for the Nebraska environment, the “Green Building Worksheet” and standards were developed by the Nebraska Energy Office. The requirements vary from home to home but there are core requirements, which are common for all Nebraska Certified Green HomesSM.
4. What does “peer review” concerning professional business practices involve?
When building a home to be certified as a Nebraska Certified Green HomeSM the following minimum practices are used:
- Written contract change orders.
- All exclusions in the contract for items such as mold, soils and improper home owner maintenance are clearly identified for customers.
- Work guaranteed to meet or exceed the National Association of Home Builders Residential Construction Performance Guidelines.
- A one-year written limited warranty provided for the new homebuyer.
- A written call back policy for the new homebuyer is provided.
- Agree to a conciliation and arbitration dispute resolution process with the new homebuyer.
- Provide a “Home Owners Maintenance Book” for their home.
- Proof of builders risk insurance with coverage limits of at least $300,000 per occurrence.
- Proof of Workers Compensation Insurance of at least $100,000 per accident, $500,000 disease policy limit and $100,000 disease for each employee.
- Financial and customer references are provided.
- Continuing education requirements are fulfilled.
5. How can I learn more about the Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM program?
Contact the Nebraska State Home Builders Association by phone 1-800-726-5929 or 435-6772 and ask to be placed on the Nebraska Certified Green BuilderSM mailing list for future announcements and updates.
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