Viridiant

What Viridiant does

Viridiant is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, founded in 2006 as EarthCraft Virginia to administer the EarthCraft green building certification program across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Following a 2025-2026 strategic repositioning, the organization rebranded to Viridiant, returned EarthCraft program administration to Southface Institute, and reorganized around four focus areas: Post-Occupancy Building Performance, Strategic Membership, Technical Services, and Policy & Workforce Development. The organization provides consulting, testing, measurement, certification support, and training services to builders, developers, architects, homeowners, building professionals, code officials, and government and NGO partners. Technical offerings include energy audits, HERS rating, energy modeling, blower door and duct leakage testing, infrared scans, and technical advisor support for EarthCraft, ENERGY STAR, Enterprise Green, NGBS, Passive House, and Zero Energy Ready certifications, along with EarthCraft Builder Training and code official education.

Viridiant's revenue comes from professional services (consulting, certification support, training, and energy audits) and a newer subscription-based Strategic Membership model that embeds Viridiant technical staff as long-term advisors to developers, asset owners, architects, and contractors. Pricing is mixed: home energy audits in the Richmond area start at $45, EarthCraft Builder Training is $300 per participant, and Strategic Membership is priced annually (specifics undisclosed). Distribution is primarily direct via the technical advisor team, supplemented by government, utility, and NGO referral channels such as Virginia Energy Sense and local weatherization providers. The organization supports affordable housing developers in particular, with case studies involving SupportWorks Housing, Better Housing Coalition, Richmond Metro Habitat for Humanity, and Landbridge Development.

Viridiant is governed by an independent board (no parent company or institutional investors), led by Executive Director Stuart Nuckols with Senior Advisor Andrew Green, and holds research partnerships with Virginia Tech's Virginia Center for Housing Research and Housing Virginia. Over its 20-year history the organization has certified or supported nearly 50,000 homes and trained thousands of building professionals, positioning it as a leading independent technical voice in Virginia's sustainable and affordable housing ecosystem.

Name

Viridiant

Legal name

Viridiant LLC

Website

https://viridiant.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Viridiant is a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit providing green building consulting, energy audits, certification support, and workforce training to builders, developers, homeowners, and government partners across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. It recently rebranded from EarthCraft Virginia and refocused on technical advisory and policy work after returning program administration to Southface Institute.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Green Building Certification and Consulting Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

akta.pro primary industry

Building Performance, Energy Auditing & HVAC Efficiency (EDAOACAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH), Standards, Certification & Compliance (RECs/GOs, sustainability reporting) (EUAMANAJ)

Keywords

• Green building certification
• Building science consulting
• Residential energy audits
• Energy efficiency training
• Sustainable construction services

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Consulting Services: Building science consulting, design optimization, and technical advisory services for builders, developers, architects, and property owners.
2. Certification Support Services: Technical advisor support for green building certifications including EarthCraft, ENERGY STAR, Enterprise Green, NGBS, Passive House, and Zero Energy Ready.
3. Training & Workforce Development: Building science education programs, EarthCraft Builder Training, code official training, and custom programs for building professionals.
4. Home Energy Audits: Diagnostic testing and energy audits for homeowners and commercial properties, including utility allowance studies.
5. Strategic Membership: Formalized long-term partnership model providing embedded expertise and proactive strategic engagement for architects, developers, asset owners, and contractors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Viridiant provides comprehensive consulting, testing, measurement, certification, and education services for sustainable, affordable, energy-efficient, and resilient buildings. From design through construction to upgrades and retrofits, the organization serves builders, developers, homeowners, and government/NGO partners across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast with green building certification support (EarthCraft, ENERGY STAR, NGBS, Passive House, Zero Energy Ready), diagnostic energy audits, design optimization, post-occupancy building performance commissioning, and building science workforce training.

Product overview

Viridiant is a Virginia nonprofit offering a portfolio of consulting, testing, certification, and education services for sustainable, affordable, energy-efficient construction. The core offerings center on green building certifications (EarthCraft, ENERGY STAR, NGBS, Passive House, Zero Energy Ready), energy audits and building science diagnostics, and design optimization consulting. These are delivered alongside strategic initiatives including Post-Occupancy Building Performance Services, Strategic Membership partnerships, Utility Allowance Studies, Pre-Review Analysis, and Policy & Market Transformation work. The company also provides Workforce Development through Building Science Education and EarthCraft Builder Training programs. Following a strategic repositioning, Viridiant transitioned EarthCraft program administration to Southface Institute while continuing as a Technical Advisor for project support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Green Building Certifications Third-party technical advisor support for green building certifications including EarthCraft, ENERGY STAR, Enterprise Green, NGBS, Passive House, and Zero Energy Ready, for residential and multifamily construction projects.
• Energy Audits Whole-house inspection including utility bill analysis, complimentary energy-efficient product installation, prioritized improvement lists, and HVAC, insulation, and ductwork assessment for residential and commercial properties.
• Design Optimization Consulting Detailed plan reviews and tailored energy performance recommendations provided during the design phase of construction projects for housing and commercial developers.
• Building Science Education and EarthCraft Builder Training Training and education programs covering building science, code transition, high-performance technologies, and energy optimization, including EarthCraft Builder Training, Performance Pathways courses, and on-demand video series for building professionals and code officials.
• Workforce Development Programs Investment in training and education programs preparing building professionals in building science understanding and building code compliance, including the Advanced Ready Workforce Southeast program.
• Post-Occupancy Building Performance Services Ongoing building science commissioning model for affordable housing that addresses performance drift, reduces energy costs, improves resident comfort, and protects long-term asset value after residents move in.
• Strategic Membership Annual subscription-based long-term partnership model providing embedded expertise, proactive strategic engagement, technical support, pre-review analysis, and utility allowance studies for architects, developers, asset owners, and contractors.
• Community Energy Services / Home Energy Audits Energy audits and consulting services for homeowners and commercial properties offered on the open market and in coordination with government, utility, and NGO partners, including contractor referrals and rebate information.
• Utility Allowance Studies Standalone technical analysis services providing utility allowance studies for affordable housing projects, available separately or bundled into Strategic Membership.
• Pre-Review Analysis Services Technical analysis services delivered during the design engagement phase of construction projects, available as standalone services or integrated into Strategic Membership packages.
• Policy and Market Transformation Leadership in shaping building codes, energy incentives, and state programs to accelerate sustainable and affordable housing across Virginia through engagement with regulatory bodies and policymakers.
• EarthCraft Net-Zero Certification Program Two-part net-zero certification offering Net-Zero Ready status on meeting design and construction criteria, and Net-Zero Certified status after one year of demonstrated energy-neutral or positive building performance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Homes certified to EarthCraft standards outperform standard construction by 30%+ in energy consumption
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Southface InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Southface assumed full management of the EarthCraft program starting October 1, 2025. Viridiant and other certified Technical Advisors provide project support under Southface's leadership. This was a full-circle moment as EarthCraft was founded in 1999 by Southface and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.
• Southern Energy ManagementcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership to ensure continuity for ongoing projects during Viridiant's transition away from direct multifamily certification services. Southern Energy Management is a mission-aligned partner with deep EarthCraft and green building expertise.
• Ecovative EnergycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership to ensure continuity for ongoing projects during Viridiant's transition away from direct multifamily certification services. Mission-aligned partner providing green building certification support.
• Southface Energy InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal founding partner for EarthCraft Virginia in 2006, established to bring the EarthCraft program from Georgia to the Mid-Atlantic. Deep collaboration on EarthCraft Builder Training facilitation.
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government partner for energy code implementation resources, including 2015, 2018, and 2021 Virginia Residential Energy Code resources. DHCD is the state agency responsible for housing and community development programs.
• Southeast Energy Efficiency AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEEA led the DOE-funded initiative for Virginia field study to assess residential energy code implementation. Also provided funding for Viridiant to lead energy code trainings across Virginia. Partner in Advanced Ready Workforce Southeast program.
• Virginia Center for Housing Research (VCHR) at Virginia TechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership on studies including 'The Impact of Energy Efficient Design and Construction on LIHTC Housing in Virginia' and 'Three Years of Data: Latest Findings on Virginia's Energy Efficient Housing Stock'.
• Housing VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on LIHTC housing research study demonstrating the impact of energy efficient incentives in affordable rental housing construction.
• CEP SolarminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Energy Services partnership for delivering workshops on home maintenance and efficiency to homeowners and community members.
• Better Housing Coalition (BHC)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for Community Energy Services workshops. BHC is also a major development partner - developer of Somanath Senior Apartments achieving EarthCraft Multifamily certification.
• The Community Builders (TCB Inc.)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Energy Services partnership for delivering workshops on home maintenance and efficiency to residents and community members.
• Virginia Conservation NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide conservation network partnership for annual meeting and partner retreat addressing climate impacts, flooding, heat challenges, solar, weatherization, and EV charging readiness.
• AZS ConsultingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Advanced Ready Workforce Southeast program developing four training courses on Air Source Heat Pumps, EV Charging, Battery Storage, and Heat Pump Water Heaters.
• Sandra Leibowitz (Sustainable Design Consulting)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormer founding Viridiant Board member and longtime sustainable construction leader. Owner of the Buggy Factory building where Viridiant relocated in April 2026. Her firm Sustainable Design Consulting and Viridiant look forward to collaborating and championing green building principles.
• Virginia HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState housing finance agency. Sponsors the Building Sustainability Conference & Awards event and provides conference center space for EarthCraft Builder Training at 4224 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• RESNET: National nonprofit standards body for home energy rating (HERS Index) and the rating/quality-assurance system Viridiant's team is credentialed under. Direct comparator in the building-performance credentialing and quality-assurance ecosystem where Viridiant operates.
• Center for Sustainable Energy: Nonprofit that designs and administers energy-efficiency, clean-transportation, and building-decarbonization programs for utilities and governments. Comparable to Viridiant as a mission-driven organization delivering technical services and policy/program implementation through third-party partnerships.
• Southface Institute: Atlanta-based nonprofit sustainable-building organization that originally created EarthCraft in 1999 and as of October 2025 assumed full program administration that Viridiant previously held — making it the most direct counterpart in mission, geography, and program portfolio.
• PHIUS (Passive House Institute US): Nonprofit that administers Passive House certification and trains PHIUS Raters — a credential held in-house at Viridiant. Comparable as a niche green-building certification body and workforce-training provider intersecting with Viridiant's builder training and Zero Energy Ready services.
• Building Performance Institute (BPI): National nonprofit standards-setting and credentialing body for building performance and energy-audit professionals — the certification authority whose credentials (BPI Energy Auditor) Viridiant's team holds, placing them in the same workforce/credentialing ecosystem.

Regional players

• Efficiency Vermont: Vermont's statewide energy-efficiency utility delivering home energy audits, weatherization, and new-construction programs. Closely comparable in mission and service mix to Viridiant's homeowner-audit and affordable-housing programs, though operating as a regulated energy-efficiency utility rather than an independent nonprofit.

Broad incumbents

• Energy Trust of Oregon: Nonprofit energy-efficiency utility serving Oregon with programs in home energy audits, weatherization, and new construction incentives — analogous to Viridiant's mission of bridging utility/government funding with building-science services, just at a larger and more state-funded scale.
• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): National nonprofit administering the LEED green-building certification program that Viridiant supports as a Technical Advisor. Operates a much broader portfolio, but competes with EarthCraft/NGBS for the same developer mindshare in certification choices.
• NYSERDA (NYS Energy Research and Development Authority): New York State public-benefit organization funding and delivering energy-efficiency, codes, and clean-buildings programs. Operates at much larger scale but shares Viridiant's blend of utility/government partnership, building-science consulting, and policy leadership.

Others

• Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA): Regional nonprofit coalition that funds and coordinates energy-efficiency programs across the Southeast — a current Viridiant funder and program partner (e.g., Advanced Ready Workforce Southeast). Functions as an enabling/funding peer rather than a direct competitor for the same services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHCkyJwT_hvmJrD2sXFaU2g
• Facebookfacebook.com/Viridiant
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/viridiant
• Instagraminstagram.com/viridiantdotorg
• Xx.com/ViridiantDotOrg

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Viridiant