ToolBase E-News - 03/29/2007 (Plain Text Version)

Track Concept Home Omaha’s Progress

Interested builders and homeowners can track the progress of PATH's Concept Home Omaha by reading the blog of Fernando Pages Ruiz, PATH Partner and Concept Home builder.
As the general contractor for the Concept Home, which seeks to become one of the most technologically-advanced homes in the nation, Ruiz shares his thoughts and experiences about the home several times a week. Viewers can also watch a video of Ruiz explaining the benefits of the concept home. To read Ruiz’s blog, visit FineHomebuilding.com, or visit the Concept Home Omaha’s home page to view the video or learn more about the innovative home.

Builders in Limited Market Research Study Give Low Grades to Smart Houses

According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune (Lew Sichelman, 03/18/07), results from eight focus group sessions, conducted by the NAHB Research Center in September in Chicago and Dallas, found that builders may believe that “smart homes” are too complicated, expensive and problematic. Although the conclusions from the groups cannot be extrapolated across the home building community, the findings may provide some insight into why electronically sophisticated houses are not more common. For example, researchers found that the term “smart” meant different things to different participants. To learn more, read the article. [return to top]

Study Sheds Light on Home Component Life Expectancy

According to a recent article in Nation’s Building News (03/12/07), a new study sponsored by Bank of America Home Equity and conducted by NAHB provides general guidelines on the life expectancy of various components of a home. The NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity “Study of the Life Expectancies of Home Components” was developed by polling experts in a wide range of fields. The study found that many components, such as toilets, wood floors, all types of insulation, and fiberglass, wood, and steel exterior doors, are expected to last the life of the house. Components with shorter life expectancies included wood decks (20 years), kitchen faucets (15 years), and furnaces (15 to 20 years). In each case, numerous factors—including use, maintenance, climate, advances in technology, and simple consumer preferences—can affect a product’s longevity. To learn more, read the article or visit the NAHB website to download a copy of the report. [return to top]

NAHB and ICC to Develop Residential Green Building Standard

According to a recent release (03/07/07), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and International Code Council (ICC) have announced that the two organizations will undertake the development and publication of a residential green building standard. The standard will help bring uniformity to sustainable building practices. The announcement is also a resounding vote of confidence and measure of the success of NAHB's Model Green Home Building Guidelines, which now form the basis of more than 15 state and local green building programs around the country. To learn more, read the release. [return to top]

ToolBase.org Featured Technology—GPS-Enabled Land Development Tools

The same technology that can help you find your way with maps and directions can also help navigate land development. GPS-controlled earthmoving equipment—such as bulldozers, backhoes, road graders, excavators, and compactors—can facilitate grading of large areas and increase productivity during the land development process. Using the software can significantly reduce the labor needed for laying out grade stakes and the amount of earth that is moved more than once. As a result of its time-saving benefits, GPS-enabled land development tools can also reduce the amount of fuel needed to operate machinery and could reduce the amount of time that bare earth is exposed to potential erosion-causing rain. CHP is just one of dozens of innovative technologies listed on the PATH Technology Inventory, which is housed on the ToolBase Services website. View the PATH Technology Inventory Listing on this technology for more information.

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Sweets to Provide 3D Building Product Models to Aid Architects

According to a recent release (03/06/07), McGraw-Hill Construction has announced the availability of three-dimensional models of building products for architects and engineers in an organized Sweets3D Collection, available through Google’s 3D Warehouse. The 3D Collection will allow architects to integrate specific building products early in the conceptual design process, which can help clients better visualize an idea. Users can search for products in the collection based on Sweets CSI indexing, keyword, and company names. To learn more, read the release or visit Google’s 3D Warehouse to try it yourself. [return to top]

Kama-eebs Offers 100% Recyclable Structural Panel System

According to a recent release (03/21/07) from kama Energy Efficient Building Systems, Inc., the company’s new panel building system, made from light-gauge metal stud framing with expanded polystyrene, is 100 percent recyclable, highly energy efficient, structural, and has no thermal bridge or sound bridge—not even screws. The company says that the panel systems, called “kama-eebs” for short, are 60 percent more efficient than those built with traditional wood or metal stud framing; do not need additional soundproofing or insulation; are resistant to natural disasters, fire, mold and mildew, and insects; are non-toxic; can be used to construct any design including multi-levels and curved walls; and are fast and easy to install. To learn more about the panel, read the press release. [return to top]

GBI to Present at Ecobuild America

According to a recent release (03/22/07), the Green Building Initiative (GBI) has announced its support for Ecobuild America®—Sustainable, Green, and High-Performance Solutions for the Built Environment, which will take place May 15-17, 2007, in Anaheim, Calif. The GBI, which is a non-profit education initiative, will offer three training workshops: two Green Globes™ workshops for commercial builders and one workshop on NAHB’s Model Green Home Building Guidelines for residential builders. In addition, Ward Hubbell, executive director of the GBI, will lead a panel discussion on "Bridging the Gap Between Sustainable Design and Actual Building Performance." For more information, read the release; to register, visit www.ecobuildamerica.com. [return to top]

NanoBusiness 2007 to Focus on Nanotechnology Role in Improving the Environment

Several sessions at the NanoBusiness Alliance’s upcoming NanoBusiness 2007 Conference and Exhibition will focus on nanotechnology’s positive impact on the environment, including renewable energy and clean water, advanced materials, and construction, according to a recent release (03/22/07). The conference—which will be held at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York City from April 15-17, 2007—will include panels on green architecture, solar energy and water purification. According to the release, nanotechnology offers the potential for significant improvement in each of these industries. For example, it promises better insulating drywall, the ability to convert “waste heat” into electricity, solar paneling for roofs, and quick-curing, wear-resistant concrete. To learn more, read the release, or visit the NanoBusiness 2007 Conference and Exhibition website for complete event information. [return to top]

2007 AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition, June 24-27

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) will hold its 2007 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE07) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. According to a release, ACE07 will feature 14 in-depth and interactive workshops, a professional program with more than 98 sessions and more than 500 exhibitors featuring the latest products and services available for ensuring clean water. For more information, visit the AWWA website. [return to top]