Bethesda Bungalows Contributes Insight into the LEED v. NGBS Debate
Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Brad Beeson, the Director of Marketing for Bethesda Bungalows, to discuss and tour their “Incredibly Green Home of Chevy Chase” before it went to settlement. This house is built to meet both LEED for Homes Platinum and NAHB National Green Building Standard Emerald level certifications. Excitingly, the very morning that I was set to visit the house, Bethesda Bungalows received their NGBS Emerald certification for 5133 Fairglen Lane (pictured at left). They are still waiting to hear whether they will attain their LEED for Homes Platinum certification.
Since Bethesda Bungalows has direct experience with both the LEED certification process and with NAHB’s National Green Building Standard certification process, I thought that they’d have some valuable insight to contribute to the LEED v. NGBS debate.
Here’s a synopsis of some of the things that I learned from my discussion with Brad:
1. Documentation Processes: The time intensity required to complete the documentation process for pursuing LEED Platinum and NGBS Emerald certifications (both the highest levels of certification under both systems) is about equal.
2. Pro for LEED: The Credit Interpretation Requests available under LEED are extremely helpful in resolving “gray areas.” The NGBS, on the other hand, is a little less flexible.
3. Con for LEED: LEED performance path testing is more complicated and time-intensive.jpg)
than NGBS.
4. Pro for NGBS: The online scoring tool for NGBS was very helpful in assessing point potential. There isn’t really a counterpoint to this service under LEED. Additionally, the home received its NAHB NGBS Emerald certification before receiving a final determination from USGBC regarding its LEED certification.
5. Those pesky bonus points: On the other hand, the “bonus points” needed under the NGBS were hard to meet for Emerald level certification. (Like I mentioned in this previous post, the “minimums” needed for each certification level under the NGBS are NOT true minimums due to the “bonus point” requirement).
6. Preparation, training and experience is key: Training sessions with their subcontractors to make sure that everyone knew the green goals for the project were fundamental to the project’s success. Additionally, Bethesda Bungalows selected subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers that were experienced in green building. See their list of suppliers and manufacturers here.
7. Dual certifications aren't easy: Although there are points that overlap between LEED and NGBS that would support a decision to pursue both certifications for the same project, it’s not likely that this builder will pursue both for the same project again due to the time and organization systems needed for both.
In addition to being an "incredibly green home," 5133 Fairglen Lane is an incredibly beautiful home. I think some people have the perception that green building isn't very attractive, but this home is a true luxury home whose green features are seamlessly interwoven into its overall design.
