Last month, NAHB and the International Code Council (ICC) released the ICC 700-2025 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) – the fifth edition of the nation’s premier sustainable building standard. Approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the 2025 NGBS defines the benchmark for sustainable residential construction, renovation and land development across the United States.

Building to the NGBS has shown to be beneficial to builders and home owners alike. The NGBS‘s comprehensive home certification methods and alignment with residential construction make it a leader in the residential green building industry to help build homes that go above and beyond.

The price of electricity, natural gas and other fuel costs, as well as water scarcity and climate change, are defining challenges for builders, remodelers and consumers. The NGBS 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. 

1. Resilient Homes are Built to Withstand and Endure. 

One of the most impactful benefits of sustainable building is improved resiliency. Sustainable homes are designed with long-term durability in mind, which makes them more resistant to the effects of extreme weather, temperature fluctuations and natural disasters. By using quality materials and energy-efficient systems, these homes are better able to stand up against the challenges posed by climate risks.

The 2025 NGBS prioritizes resiliency by utilizing building practices and materials such as:

• Water and fire-resistant roofs,
• Advanced insulation techniques,
• Durable building materials like steel and concrete, and
• Reinforced structures.

These features help make them less prone to damage from storms, flooding, seismic events and fires. Post-disaster planning is also a key feature in the 2025 NGBS with the occupant safety and wellness in mind.

For example, incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels and batteries, solar thermal, and, in some applications, wind turbines can provide home owners with an off-grid advantage. The 2025 NGBS awards points for offsetting on-site electricity use with renewable sources, whether through on-site solar and wind generation or by purchasing green-certified renewable energy credits. If a home is not connected to the grid, renewable energy sources allow it to remain functional even in the event of power outages caused by extreme weather events. 

2. Better Indoor Air Quality Means a Healthier Living Environment.

Another key advantage of sustainable residential building is the positive impact on indoor air quality. The 2025 NGBS integrates health and wellness into its core performance areas to reflect a shift toward buildings that support occupant well-being and long-term health.

Materials that emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be found in some paint, adhesives and flooring products, can lead to respiratory problems, allergies and overall discomfort.

In a healthy home, fresh air circulation and better humidity control create a more comfortable space for occupants. Homes built to the NGBS utilize the following to contribute to cleaner air:

• Low-toxin materials,
• Natural insulation materials, and
• Energy-efficient and properly sized ventilation systems. 

These result in a healthier living environment for residents, particularly those with asthma, allergies or other respiratory concerns.  

3. Building Green has Financial Benefits.

Green building can also lower the costs of operating a home. Homes that are built with sustainability in mind typically require less ongoing maintenance and offer lower energy costs, both of which are appealing to prospective buyers. Lower maintenance substitutions include:

• Fiber cement siding is resistant to pests, rot and inclement weather, mitigating the need for updates.
• LED lighting uses less energy and outlasts typical bulbs, which means less need for replacements.
• Smart thermostats adjust temperature based on an occupant’s schedule, which saves energy and helps HVAC systems last longer 

According to the 2021 edition of What Home Buyers Really Want, the average buyer is willing to pay as much as $9,292 more upfront for a home to save $1,000 annually on utility costs. Buyers are generally willing to spend more on green certifications as well, including more than $2,000 upfront for a home certified to an above-code standard for health and wellness. 

Energy-efficient features such as solar panels, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and smart home technologies can also add to the overall value of the home. These sustainable upgrades can make homes more attractive in the real estate market and be more appealing to buyers.

Don’t know how to get started? Download the 2025 NGBS for free now.