The masterminds behind ZK Homes, Lee Zieben and John Kirksey Jr., are true innovators in the green building arena, which has been gaining momentum nationally. In an industry-leading move, ZK Homes was the first builder in Houston to aim for the highest Gold certification under the NAHB Guideline. Homes certified under the NAHB Guideline meet benchmarks set for energy, water and resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, lot and site development, homeowner education and home maintenance.

“The National Green Building Standard is now the first and only green building rating system approved by ANSI, making it the benchmark for Green homes,” said Ron Jones, who chaired the consensus committee charged with developing the standard. Since January 2009, more than 200 single-family homes, remodeling projects and developments in 43 states have received National Green Building Certification, with another 300-plus scheduled for inspections.