This companion to the ANSI-approved 2012 National Green Building Standard ® provides valuable insight to the intention and implementation of the practices and provisions found in the Standard. This Commentary is a useful resource for residential designers, land developers, builders and remodelers using the Standard as a tool for developing or renovating residential properties of all types to reduce their relative environmental impact. The Commentary expands on the compliance language in the Standard, including: ? Scope and Administration ? Compliance Method for all applications of the Standard: • Single family and multifamily new construction • Renovation and addition chapters include whole-house renovations and functional areas • Green subdivision development ? Requirements and prescriptions for all chapters within the Standard: • Site design and development • Lot design, preparation, and development • Resource Efficiency • Energy efficiency • Water efficiency • Indoor environmental quality This latest edition incorporates all changes made to the 2012 Standard and is a valuable tool to assist in the design, construction and compliance of any sustainable residential project.