Director of NAHB Research Center
Green Building Programs
 

Michelle Desiderio leads the national green building program based on the ANSI-approved National Green Building Standard™ (ICC 700-2008). The program includes training and accreditation of Green Verifiers and certification of single family, multi-family, renovations, additions, and land development. As a related service to product manufacturers, the Green Approved Products program pre-approves certification points for products that meet green building practices.

Michelle’s housing experience spans environmental, land use, and financing issues. As a New York City Planner, she facilitated a multi-year, citywide effort to site transitional housing for the homeless.   At the National Association of Home Builders she developed innovative policy solutions to protect the environment while protecting housing affordability.

Michelle transitioned to Fannie Mae to develop the Housing and Environment Initiative which promoted housing affordability through energy and location efficient homes. At Fannie Mae, Michelle developed the Smart Commute Mortgage and revamped the Energy Efficient Mortgage. In addition, she developed a patent-winning methodology to calculate the emission reductions from energy efficient homes so the reductions could be sold as energy credits on emerging carbon markets. 

Michelle has a Masters in Urban Planning and Environmental Studies from the University of Virginia and a BS in Environmental Studies from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.