The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC) have announced the release of the ICC 700-2025 National Green Building Standard (NGBS). The latest is the fifth edition of what officials call the nation’s “premier” residential green 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.
Developed through an independent consensus committee representing a broad range of stakeholders, the 2025 NGBS 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 NAHB Chairman 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 CEO, 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.”
The 2025 NGBS introduces several major updates and expanded pathways, reflecting the latest best practices in sustainable building, including 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 have also been added, along with alternative energy efficiency compliance options.
ICC and NAHB leadership said they 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.