CERTIFICATION AGENCY INTERPRETATION
Our NGBS Interpretation documents provide recommendations on technical and verification issues related to NGBS Green certification
File Under: Chapter 3: Scope
The 2020 NGBS Section 3 Compliance Method establishes compliance criteria for different building types and details which compliance path should be used. Chapters 5-10 are for buildings generally pre-construction and Chapter 11 is for existing buildings.
Green practices for existing buildings are specifically governed by § 305 – Green Remodeling. The certification path's name being an activity [remodeling] rather than a building type [existing building] has led to confusion and unnecessary limitations on the NGBS's use. This has led Home Innovation to formally acknowledge § 305 as applying to existing buildings and as certification agency, adopted the label "Existing Building" for certifications under § 305 – Remodeling.
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File Under: Chapter 3: Scope
The 2020 NGBS has a handful of practices that specify they are intended for multifamily, multi-unit, or multifamily buildings. On reflection, homes and townhomes should also be eligible for these practices. Incorporating these practices can provide sustainability benefits to the environment and residents regardless of building types. Further, because eligibility for the practices is written inconsistently and without using defined terms, they are subject to interpretation. Home Innovation will allow certain practices containing the terms "multifamily" or "multi-unit" to be used to earn points toward certification for homes and townhomes as described in this interpretation.
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File Under: Chapter 3: Scope
The 2020 NGBS Scope and Administration allows for the certification of "Accessory Structures." In the 2020 NGBS Definitions section, the Accessory Structure definition aligns with the ICC International Building Code (IBC) and the ICC International Residential Code (IRC), but also confers the Adopting Entity flexibility in what buildings are treated as accessory.
The 2020 NGBS Green VRG Part I sets out the Conformance Criteria for Accessory Structures. In short, it allows Accessory Structures to attain a conforming designation if compliant with NGBS criteria.
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File Under: Chapter 3: Scope
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.
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