The requirements are based on those developed by the National Association of Home Builders' Model Green Home Building Guidelines www.nahb.org/gbg but modified to fit the climate and environment of our area.

The City of Las Vegas is the first governmental entity in the area to adopt the guidelines. According to their press release http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Publications/10038.htm "The city’s objective is to support and recognize green building practices within the community and provide homebuilders and homeowners an easily identifiable certification that a house meets its criteria. While this program will initially recognize new residential construction, it is fully expandable to recognize other types of new construction and renovations in the future."

It will probably be late 2007 before home buyers will see that certification, and be able to confidently purchase a green home. The Green Building Partnership notes that green homes will produce savings in utility costs and better indoor air quality. And of course, help to save the environment!