NGBS Green PRO Program Launches, Recognizes First Designee
Home Innovation Research Labs launched NGBS Green PRO — a professional designation that validates expertise in green, sustainable building design, construction and certification — in January 2022.
The program comprises four training modules, successful completion of which helps underscore an individual’s advanced understanding of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) ICC-700 and the NGBS Green certification program.
The first NGBS Green PRO to successfully complete the program is Colin Walker, sustainability manager for Grubb Properties in Cary, N.C. Every new construction project by Grubb Properties — a Home Innovation Research Labs 2019 NGBS Green Partner of Excellence — achieves green building certification, so Walker was well versed in the NGBS and its benefits prior to training.
“The standards and quality control that NGBS has brought to our projects has been invaluable,” Walker told Home Innovation Research Labs. “Our assets are performing better, and our residents appreciate the responsible design, the lower utility bills and improved indoor environmental quality. Ultimately, NGBS has helped us build more resilient buildings and communities.”
The NGBS Green certification program has been steadily growing in recent years and is nearing 350,000 certified homes. As more home owners seek sustainably built homes with water- and energy-saving features, third-party certification — and a thorough understanding of it — can provide builders a marketing edge in the residential housing market.
To stay current on the high-performance residential building sector, with tips on water efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor-air quality, and other building science strategies, follow NAHB’s Sustainability and Green Building efforts on Twitter.
Latest from NAHBNow
Codes and Standards
May 12, 2026
Talk to Your Local Code Officials as They Vote on Building CodesLocal code officials this week began voting on proposed changes to building codes. NAHB is asking members to share home builder positions on proposed changes with code officials.
Sustainability and Green Building
May 12, 2026
3 Reasons to Build to the National Green Building StandardThe new edition of the National Green Building Standard focuses on building for the future by addressing these real-world challenges through sustainable building practices. Here are three benefits to building your next residential project to the NGBS.
Latest Economic News
Economics
May 12, 2026
Inflation Outpaced Wage Growth in AprilInflation accelerated to a nearly three-year high in April, driven by continued increases in energy costs from the Iran war. Energy costs drove more than 40% of the monthly increase, with national gasoline prices soaring above $4.50 in early May for the first time since July 2022.
Economics
May 12, 2026
Consumer Credit Accelerated in Q1 2026In the first quarter of 2026, consumer credit grew at a slightly faster pace than in years prior amid positive yet sluggish economic growth and rising inflation pressure. According to the Federal Reserve’s G.19 Consumer Credit Report, total outstanding U.S. consumer credit reached $5.14 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.
Economics
May 11, 2026
Existing Home Sales Edged Up Slightly in AprilExisting home sales edged up in April after reaching a nine-month low in March, but sales remained at historically low levels. Elevated mortgage rates and reignited inflation driven by the Iran war continued to weigh on affordability as economic uncertainty pushed up long-term rates, while rising energy costs strained household budgets.