The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says applications are now being accepted for the 2009 NAHB National Green Building Awards.

The annual awards honor home builders, remodelers, home builders' associations and other organizations for advancing green building through innovative design and construction techniques, educational programs and advocacy efforts.

The awards are presented at a gala dinner during the NAHB National Green Building Conference. The 11th annual conference is set for May 8-10 in Dallas. Organizers say they have made a number of improvements to this year's entry process to make it easier to apply. To conserve paper, all applications must be submitted by mail on a compact disk. No binders or other application packets will be accepted. The entry deadline is Jan. 31, 2008.

NAHB has also introduced the Advocate of the Year -- State and Local Government Award to honor individuals or teams that promote green initiatives and go the extra mile to advance sustainable building and development strategies in their communities. Applications for this award must be submitted by the home builders' association in that jurisdiction. For more information on the awards and submission process, visit www.nahb.org/greenbuildingawards.