The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC) proudly announce the release of the ICC 700-2025 National Green Building Standard® (NGBS)—the fifth edition of the nation’s premier residential green building standard. Approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the 2025 NGBS continues to define the benchmark for sustainable residential construction, renovation and land development across the United States.

Developed through an independent consensus committee representing a broad range of stakeholders, the 2025 NGBS reflects leading thinking in green design, construction and building performance. It applies to single-family homes, multifamily buildings, mixed-use developments and land development projects, as well as other similarly constructed residential facilities.

“The 2025 NGBS represents nearly two decades of progress and innovation in sustainable residential construction and remodeling,” said Bill Owens, a builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio.  “This edition expands the possibilities for high-performance, resilient and low-carbon homes that meet the evolving needs of both the housing industry and homeowners.”

“We are committed to continually advancing codes and standards,” said ICC Chief Executive Officer, John Belcik. “Together, with NAHB, we are proud to introduce this updated standard for high‑performance buildings, which is an achievement born from a longstanding, collaborative relationship.”

High Performance in Six Key Areas

The NGBS promotes high performance in six critical areas:

• Lot Design, Preparation and Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance and Building Owner Education

Depending on their project goals, building types, market demands and sustainability priorities, builders, remodelers and developers can pursue certification at multiple levels—Certified, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Emerald—which demonstrate progressively higher achievement in green building practices.

What’s New in the 2025 Edition

The 2025 NGBS introduces several major updates and expanded pathways, reflecting the latest best practices in sustainable building:

• New property certification path for existing multifamily and mixed-use communities with multiple buildings.
• Expanded resilience practices to help homes better withstand natural disasters and support residents sheltering in place afterward.
• New practices to encourage low-carbon design to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Alternative energy efficiency compliance options.
• Substantially revised existing building chapter with more flexible compliance options.
• Continuing a Commitment to Sustainable Housing

The ICC and NAHB remain committed to providing the residential construction industry with the flexibility needed to design, build and remodel homes and mixed-use buildings that are sustainable, cost-effective and regionally appropriate. The 2025 NGBS builds upon nearly two decades of proven results, offering a comprehensive, adaptable framework for today’s green building challenges.

For more information or to access the ICC 700-2025 National Green Building Standard®, visit nahb.org/ngbs.