The New American Home. Photo by Erin O'Boyle/Courtesy of the Portland Cement Association

New American Home Shows 26 Years of Advances in Housing

In a one-of-a-kind exhibition, The New American Home 2009 is showcasing the most innovative energy efficiency technologies in the 26-year history of The New American Home program. From insulation and wraps, to a natural gas-powered heating and cooling system, to photovoltaic cells and solar water heating, the energy systems work together to make this a near zero-energy home that is Gold Certified under NAHBGreen.

As always, the latest, most innovative home products, technologies and design trends have been incorporated into this latest edition of The New American Home, which is produced each year in conjunction with the International Builders' Show (IBS). See below for more information about how to visit the home next month during the IBS in Las Vegas. ...

Solar panels on The New American Home. Photo by Erin O'Boyle/Courtesy of the Portland Cement Association

New American Home Innovations Showcase Green Building

 
The New American Home 2009 showcases leading-edge technologies in energy efficiency and green design. Tremendous effort has gone into the green details of this home, including design aspects related to:

• Site development
• Resource-, energy- and water-efficiency
• Indoor air quality
• Operation, maintenance and home-owner education

Among the innovations incorporated into the home, which will be open to attendees at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas next month:

Site development

The New American Home was sited to optimize solar resources and incorporates landscape design to limit water and energy demand. The development does not impact any environmentally sensitive areas. Soil erosion and disturbance have been kept to a minimum with storm water pollution prevention plans, continued on-site monitoring and best management practices. ...

Tell the U.S. Congress to ‘Fix Housing First’

NAHB issued the following legislative alert last week. Association members are being asked to visit www.capitolconnect.com/builderlink and send "Fix Housing First" letters electronically to Congress.

The impact on the national economy of home building, and housing in general, in good times and bad, should not be underestimated. The historic increase in foreclosures, tightened mortgage qualifying criteria and general declining economic conditions have significantly cut demand for housing. Housing wealth is the primary source of savings for most households and a key driver of consumer spending. ...

Special International Builders' Show Issue

This issue of Nation’s Building News previews many of the new products, technologies, classes and events that you can attend, see and sample at the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas next month.

Plus, there also are photos and floor plans of The New American Home for you to enjoy before you visit.

Save this issue for reference until you get to the show.  

Extensive reports from IBS will begin appearing following the show beginning with the Feb. 2 edition.