Viridiant logo
  • What We Do
    • Our Services
    • Builders & Developers
    • Homeowners
    • Workforce Training & Education
  • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • Our Impact
    • Our People
    • Careers
  • What We Think
    • Research & Resources
    • Latest News
    • Events
  • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Our Services
    • Builders & Developers
    • Homeowners
    • Workforce Training & Education
  • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • Our Impact
    • Our People
    • Careers
  • What We Think
    • Research & Resources
    • Latest News
    • Events
  • Contact Us
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube

Important Update: EarthCraft Program Transition

quotation-marks
Starting October 1, 2025, Southface will assume full management of the EarthCraft program, with Viridiant and other certified Technical Advisors providing project support under the leadership of Southface.

September 9, 2025

Friends of Viridiant,

Viridiant has been proud to deliver EarthCraft certifications across the Mid-Atlantic for nearly two decades. Our journey began as EarthCraft Virginia, created to bring the program to the Commonwealth, and since then, Viridiant has served as the program administrator and primary provider of EarthCraft certifications in Virginia.

As the built environment and sustainable construction landscape continue to evolve, so too must the administration of EarthCraft. Therefore, we believe the program will be best positioned for long-term success under singular leadership through Southface Institute.

This is a full-circle moment. The EarthCraft program was founded in 1999 by Southface in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association as one of the nation’s first green building certification programs. In 2006, we partnered with Southface to bring EarthCraft to the Mid-Atlantic, helping the program grow from its Georgia roots into a regional green building program recognized for energy efficiency, sustainability, and building performance.

The landscape of built environment certification programs has matured over the years, because of the growing strength of the ecosystem of organizations capable of providing high-quality technical support. We believe that expanding options for program delivery and creating consistency in administration will strengthen the EarthCraft program’s quality, client experience, and reach.

Starting October 1, 2025, Southface will assume full management of the EarthCraft program, with Viridiant and other certified Technical Advisors providing project support under the leadership of Southface.

While Viridiant will remain closely involved in the strategy and continued development of EarthCraft as a key advisor, we will now primarily function as a Technical Advisor (TA), focused on supporting projects and builders while Southface manages program registration, training, and final certification approval.

This shift creates an opportunity for new TAs to join in EarthCraft delivery, ensuring we can innovate to better serve program clients and the built environment community.

Thank you for continuing to build better, for good, with us. We’re excited about this next chapter for EarthCraft as it expands access, strengthens quality, and positions the program for even greater impact across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

FAQs
What’s changing after September?
  • All new projects will register directly with Southface beginning October 1, 2025. Viridiant’s current workbook will remain in place for Virginia projects registered before that date. Revised, unified workbooks are targeted for release in late 2026.

  • Final certifications and variance requests will be reviewed and approved by Southface.

  • Quarterly in-person trainings for both builders and Technical Advisors (TAs) will be offered in Richmond and Atlanta.

What does this mean for builders and partners?
  • Simplified process: One central point of registration and programmatic support.

  • More support: Expanded access to trained TAs.

  • Ongoing training: Quarterly opportunities for builders, TAs, and project superintendents.

What does this mean for projects in progress?
  • Projects registered before October 1, 2025 will continue under Viridiant’s current workbook.

  • Viridiant and Southface will partner on technical review and certification support through 2025.

  • Beginning in 2026, Southface will conduct all final reviews and approvals, with Viridiant and other TAs providing technical support.

How will the process for builders and developers work moving forward?
  • Registration: Clients register directly with Southface using this link.

Register
  • Technical Advisor Selection: Clients will select a certified TA (Viridiant will be one option).

  • Final Review: Southface will conduct the final review and approval for all projects.

  • Technical Advisor Role: TAs will provide field QA, guidance, and documentation support throughout the project.

What about costs?
  • Registration fees will vary by program and project size. Current pricing for each program can be found through the following links:

    • Multifamily

    • House

    • Light Commercial

    • Renovation

  • Program delivery costs are billed separately and negotiated directly with your selected EarthCraft TA.

How do I become a Technical Advisor?
  • Any qualified company or individual can become an EarthCraft TA by being a HERS Rater, completing the EarthCraft Builder training, and passing the exam.

Who should attend an upcoming EarthCraft Builder Training session?
  • The training is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about the EarthCraft program and general building science.

  • EarthCraft House builders as well as Multifamily site superintendents/project managers are required to take the course in order to certify with the program.

  • Companies or individuals who wish to become a certified EarthCraft TA must attend the class.

  • Experienced builders and developers may be “grandfathered” but are encouraged to attend training to stay current with Southface’s administration of the program.

Still have questions?

Contact Us
Upcoming Events
PrevPreviousThe Big Picture of Better Homes
NextWe’re Evolving to Meet the MomentNext

Explore Related Topics

Zero energy housing: performance & costs

Discover the lessons from a multi-year study at the Virginia Center for Housing Research, exploring the energy performance and development costs of Zero Energy Housing...

Three years of data: latest findings on virginia’s energy efficient housing stock

Explore the findings from a multi-year study by Virginia Tech's VCHR and Housing Virginia on improved affordability, comfort, and quality of life for residents in...

Innovative construction technologies for healthy, high-performance homes

Read how EarthCraft program sponsors take a holistic approach to the "house-as-a-system". Key elements of building structure, heating, cooling, ventilation, and dehumidification are essential for...

Viridiant’s Building Sustainability Conference & Awards Event Details

Join Viridiant on Wednesday, September 2nd for the virtual Building Sustainability Conference & Awards! The event will kick-off at 1:00pm on Wednesday, September 2nd with...

Newsletter Subscription

Stay informed with our latest updates, insights, and offers by subscribing to our newsletter.

Viridiant

1421 Lombardy Alley
Richmond, VA 23219
804-225-9843

What We Do

  • Our Services
  • Builders & Developers
  • Homeowners
  • Workforce & Education

Who We Are

  • Our Story
  • Our Impact
  • Our People
  • Careers

What We Think

  • Research & Resources
  • Latest News
  • Events

Contact

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Consumer Complaints
Better building, for good

© 2026 Viridiant – All Rights Reserved

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube
Website-by-PlanetmediaLCC