Chapter 13 Clarification: 2020 NGBS New Construction Mixed-Use Buildings Compliance

Published Wednesday, March 20, 2024

The 2020 NGBS was the first version to allow mixed-use buildings to earn certification for both the residential and commercial/retail portions of the building. NGBS Chapters 5–10 outline compliance for new multifamily buildings and the residential portion of mixed-use buildings; Chapter 13 provides a Prescriptive compliance path for non-residential areas. 

Unlike Chapters 5–10, which are a mix of mandatory and voluntary building practices and allow multiple compliance options, Chapter 13 is a Prescriptive approach where all practices are mandatory. While this works well with most mid- and low-rise mixed-use buildings, it is unworkable for high-rise buildings, where building performance is typically attained via a modeling approach and higher equipment efficiencies to offset a lower performing building envelope. Consequently, even with superior building energy performance, some mixed-use buildings are unable to attain a whole building certification using Chapter 13 because they do not comply with the specific practices regarding fenestration.  

In accordance with 2020 NGBS Section 102.4 Alternative Compliance Methods, Home Innovation – which serves as the national certification agency for the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard® – allows a whole-building Performance Path approach for new mixed-use buildings as an equivalent compliance path.  

Download the Detailed Clarification