Educational Offerings

The NAHB Research Center offers educational seminars, training courses and materials for home building professionals.

Educational Programs at the International Builders' Show

These Research Center experts presented at the 2010 International Builders' Show January 19-22, 2010 in Las Vegas, NV. Session recordings can be purchased in CD or MP3 formats:

  • Michelle Desiderio
    • An Introduction to the National Green Building Standard
      This session will help you understand the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, the first green building rating system to be created using the rigorous criteria of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI.) You'll learn how ICC 700 helps builders, remodelers, developers and other industry professionals rate resource efficiency and environmental impact of residential construction. This will be especially valuable background, as the standard is a basis of NAHB's and other organizations' green certifications.
    • Green Communities - Examples from the National Green Building Standard
      As more and more customers demand green living arrangements, having a green certification from the ANSI approved National Green Building Standard will make green communities in red-hot demand. NAHB staff experts will be on hand to help you navigate through the ANSI's National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Certification program. You'll also get a close look at a green development project that received NGBS certification, which will help illustrate the various attributes of green community living that will shape the urban landscape of tomorrow.
  • Bob Hill
    • Getting in Front of Green Builders with Green Approved Products
      There are so many product choices out there today for builders who want to build green homes and have them certified. How do they know which products will get them the most 'bang for the buck' in the green arena? The Green Approved Products program provides manufacturers with the opportunity to provide builders with a clear picture of how many green points each of their products is eligible for under the National Green Building Standard. Manufacturers can find out more about what's required and how to participate.
  • Vladimir Kochkin
    • Braced Wall Basics
      This session covers the various methods and materials specified in the International Residential Code (IRC) regarding adequate wall bracing to resist forces from earthquakes and wind. This section of the IRC is widely seen as one of the most complex portions of the code - and one of the most difficult to understand and apply. This session will give you a broad understanding of wall bracing concepts, details on available bracing methods and information on the specific locations where the IRC requires wall bracing, including corners, garages and interior walls.
    • Top 10 Framing Errors & 5 Ways to Avoid Them
      Through observing hundreds of job site field installation errors, APA engineers identified five simple concepts you can use to help avoid those costly callbacks. In this session, you'll benefit from photo-supported case histories of single and multifamily projects illustrate easily avoided problems such as floor squeaks, roof buckling and mold growth. You also receive easy-to-understand Builder Tip handouts that will empower you to have an immediate impact on job quality. To conclude the session, advanced framing technique that optimize materials use, improve energy efficiency, and facilitate air sealing will be presented.
  • Matt Nelson
    • Attention! Opportunities in Military Housing
      Today's military is continually modernizing its family and unaccompanied housing units by employing quality of life standards for soldiers and families, innovative designs and construction methods, and green practices and products. Force restructuring is also creating new opportunities for home builders all across the country. In this session, you'll learn everything you need to know about opportunities in military housing by speaking directly with military housing representatives.
  • Jeff Taggart
    • It's In the Details: Upgrading Quality Management Systems for High Performance Homes
      Just as every home needs a solid foundation, so does every home building business. Find out how to transform (or create) your quality management system specifically for high performance homes. This practical session will help you step up to the challenge of building homes that include such high performance features as energy efficiency, durability and renewable energy. Prepare yourself, your trades and your scopes of work for the exacting requirements of these in-demand homes.
  • Amber Wood
    • Up-selling Remodeling with Energy Efficiency
      Faced with high energy costs and a still-shaky economy, many homeowners are looking to improve the energy performance of their current homes. In this timely session, you'll learn how current conditions are creating for a perfect opportunity for knowledgeable remodelers. We'll show you how to take your projects to the next level by incorporating renewable energy products and practices. Learn from industry experts about solar retrofits, incentives for energy retrofits and marketing energy efficiency as a selling point for remodeling.
    • Energy Value Exposed: EnergyValue Housing Award Winners Tell All
      Now in its 15th year, the EnergyValue Housing Award has recognized builders willing to go the extra mile to provide a comprehensive energy package that sells. Hear from these award winners about their innovative approaches to energy-efficient design. These building professionals will discuss not only HOW to build energy efficiency into housing, but also WHY it's important to you and your customers.

Energy Efficiency Training for Remodelers

These training modules, offerered on our ToolBase Services site, provide ideas and resources about energy efficiency in remodeling, helping to increase the value of your next project.