Columbia, MD (June 11, 2010) – A home built by Columbia Builders, Inc., has just received "Silver Level Green Home" certification from the National Association of Home Builders-Green Building Program (NAHBGreen).

The 35-year-old firm is one of only nine Maryland builders who are participating in the National Green Building Certification program.

The certification was awarded to the Columbia Builders two-story home in the Ellicott City neighborhood of Stonehouse Overlook, which recently served as a pilot home in a BGE program to teach homebuilders, energy raters and product suppliers about upcoming changes in code specifications and green-building measures.

"We at Columbia Builders are excited to receive our first Silver Level Green certification from this well-respected organization," said Jim Greenfield, company president.

"This designation tells prospective clients that they are, without a doubt, considering a home that has been recognized for its high standards in energy-efficient design and construction," he said. "NAHB Green homes meet stringent guidelines, making them the best you can buy."

According to NAHB, "Building green means incorporating environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the home building and land development process to minimize environmental impact."

The NAHBGreen program encourages and accelerates adoption of sustainable green building through a rating system for projects that implement Green Building Standards. Three levels—Bronze, Silver and Gold—are achieved through third-party verifiers who use a complex ratings system based on rigid standards of excellence.

About Columbia Builders, Inc.
For nearly 35 years, Columbia Builders has been building homes and communities in Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Columbia Builders has built more than 3,000 homes in more than 50 communities and is recognized for superior craftsmanship and innovation by national, regional and local industry associations. The company was the first homebuilder in Maryland to receive the prestigious Energy Value Award from the National Association of Home Builders. In 2009, Columbia Builders became an ENERGY STAR partner, building its homes to meet strict energy-saving criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It also became the first firm to complete a LEED Platinum certified home in the state of Maryland. Columbia Builders is a member of the Maryland Residential Green Building Council.