This press release was circulated in anticipation of the NAHBs green building program to be launched at the International Builders Show in February. Stacy blogged a great entry about that program and though I share her enthusiasm, I also have some reservations.

On the one hand I am glad that the NAHB is launching a green building program. Every step toward lifting the collective building consciousness helps move the whole industry closer to goal. The NAHB has the money to get this into the industry and with some due diligence might actually make a measurable difference in how homes are built.

But on the other hand I have a hard time not being cynical. It is no surprise that a trade organization with the might and resources as the NAHB would be shouting the need for voluntary programs over mandatory ones. But if 90% of the industry already agrees in the concept of voluntary green building programs, why (according to the NAHB website) have there only been a total of 100,000 homes built using the existing 50 green building programs already out there?

Is it that builders have a hard time finding the local programs or that it is easier to agree to green building in a survey but less attractive to actually participate in the programs.

We will see in about a year the impact of the program, how many of that 90% actually pick up the flag and change building practices. Hopefully the NAHB will be as vocal about promoting the voluntary program in 2009 as they are today. But if industry powerhouses like the NAHB can’t start to rapidly move the building industry to more sustainable construction practices, what will be left but for a push to get Washington to start mandating change?