The annual Texas Green Home Summit, being hosted by the HBA of Greater Dallas and Green Built Texas in Irving Feb. 16 and 17, will include a slate of educational and networking opportunities in the growing green market, with sessions appropriate for a range of trades. Among the insights the conference will provide:For Realtors, Lenders, Bankers, Appraisers:

• What strides are being made—and what still needs to be done—to recognize the value of green building and energy performance in the appraisal and lending process.

• How current and future building code advancements will make tomorrow’s new homes inherently more efficient.

• How to address the perception that the upfront costs of green measures are unaffordable for the average homebuyer.

• What buyers are looking for, how to accurately represent the property, and how to avoid “greenwashing” and other potential pitfalls.

For Volume and Custom Builders:

• How future building code changes and advancements to above-code programs will define the future of the industry.

• The most effective products, techniques, and design strategies for building in Southwest climate zones.

• Construction strategies needed to construct a net-zero energy home and how these techniques can be incorporated in varying degrees on all projects.

• How to create an effective green marketing campaign.

For Multifamily:

• How future building code changes and advancements to above-code programs will define the future of the industry.

• How programs such as LEED and Green Built Texas provide guidelines to construct buildings that function for the long-term, are affordable to live in, affordable to operate, and provide positive financial returns.

• The business case for incorporating green strategies into multifamily construction t and how proper planning and design can yield efficient, effective results.

• The future of Energy Star for low- and mid-rise multifamily projects and how projects can obtain compliance with the EPA program’s new requirements.

For Remodelers and Home Performance Contractors:

• The most effective products, techniques, and design strategies for building and remodeling in Southwest climate zones.

• What strides are being made to recognize energy efficiency improvements in the appraisal process and how certain mortgage programs can facilitate the financing of these projects.

• How remodelers can market energy efficiency improvements and work with home performance contractors to achieve verifiable and cost effective results.

• How new rating standards such as the Green Built Texas Home Energy Upgrade Program can enhance the value of nearly any remodeling project.

For a rundown of educational sessions, speaker information, and registration, visit www.texasgreenhomesummit.com.