NBN Online for the week of September 8, 2008

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
NAHB to Look at Restoring Home Finance System Health
Builders Ask for Energy Code Changes to Be Cost-Effective
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: Ranch-Style Living for Active Empty Nesters
Coast to Coast
First Time Home Buyers … Celebrate!
Politics & Government
Housing Rally Draws Hundreds to State Capitol in Atlanta
SLGA Conference Early-Bird Registration Ends Sept. 19
Economics & Finance
New-Home Sales Rise in July and Inventories Decline
FHA Single-Family Mortgage Insurance Premiums Changing
Eye on the Economy: Home Sales Appear to Be Stabilizing
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Removing Nails Easily From Old Lumber
Business Management
Hone Your Warranty Service to Boost Referrals
Technology
Home Entertainment Products Are Moving Outdoors
IBS
Register for the 2009 Builders' Show in Las Vegas
Multifamily
Multifamily Builders Report They Are Going Green
Seminar Looks at Investing in Affordable Housing
Enter Pillars of Industry Marketing, Design Awards
Safety
Apply for NAHB SAFE Award by Oct. 13
Remodelers
Disabled Veterans Housing Program Boosts Grant Limits
Use Marketing Best Practices to Help Get Through the Downturn
Member Profile: Building Trust and Personal Connections
NAHB Remodelers Meetings and Events at Fall Board
Building Systems
In New York: Prefab Houses Seen as Works of Art
BSC's SHOWCASE: Solutions in a Challenging Market
Custom
Custom Builder Symposium Can Help Navigate Downturn
Earn CGP Designation at Custom Builder Symposium
Education
Education Calendar
environment
Builders in Texas Avoid Storm Water Fines
Improvements Suggested for New EPA Water Efficiency Designation
Green Building
Green Building Awards Nominations Now Open
Legal
Register for Construction Law Seminar on Sept. 11-12
Labor
Sen. Wicker Visits Gulf Coast Reconstruction Program
Building Products
GE and GAF Materials Join to Advance Solar Energy
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Applications for Endowment IBS Scholarships Due Oct. 31
Association News
NAHB Fall Board Meeting Set for San Diego Sept. 23-26
Presentation Skills Sold Out; Few Spots Remain for Interview Skills
EOs, Apply for Leadership Training Scholarships by Sept. 17
Dell Offering Double Discounts in September
GM $500 Private Combined With GM Employee Discount Till Sept. 30
Fix Credit Card Processing Rates for Two Years With Solveras
Save $25 on Hertz ‘Green,’ ‘Fun’ or ‘Prestige’ Weekly Rentals
Office Depot: $10 Off First $100 for New Member Customers
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

GE and GAF Materials Join to Advance Solar Energy

GE Energy and GAF Materials Corporation (GAF), two companies with more than 100 years of experience in the energy and roofing industries respectively, announced earlier this summer at PCBC in San Francisco that they have formed a new strategic alliance to market and ultimately develop solar and roofing systems for commercial and residential customers.

GE Energy and GAF are now offering their customers one-stop shopping for new roofs and solar electric systems.

"Combining the expertise and experience of two companies who are leaders in their business sectors, this agreement will help to further advance the use of solar energy technology in both residential and commercial applications across North America," said Victor Abate, vice president of renewables for GE Energy. "It underscores GE's continuing commitment to increase the role that renewable resources such as wind and solar can play to meet our nation's future energy needs."

“Solar is a natural fit for our WeatherStopper® roofing systems, which are designed to give property owners their best and safest choice in roofing,” added Dave Harrison, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of GAF. “This strategic alliance with GE Energy will ultimately provide the entire industry with a powerful solution for designing and constructing properties for both new construction and property improvement projects that address today’s fast-evolving, environmentally conscious consumer values, including energy efficiency.”

The NAHB National Green Building Program awards from eight to 12 Energy Efficiency points for including a photovoltaic energy system, depending on the number of kilowatt hours a system is capable of producing annually.

GAF is North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing, with a network of more than 12,000 contractors, distributors and roofing installers nationwide.

Worldwide demand for reliable, affordable and renewable energy has fueled the solar industry’s 40% growth rate since 2005, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Strong growth is expected to continue, putting solar among the fastest growing renewable energy segments in the global power industry.

Further expanding its commitment to the solar energy industry, GE Energy recently increased its equity share in PrimeStar Inc., an emerging solar thin-film technology and manufacturing company.

GE Energy is a global leader in supplying technology and services for renewable energy, which will be an integral part of the world energy mix throughout the 21st century. In addition to solar energy, GE’s renewable energy portfolio also includes wind power and biomass.

GE and GAF Materials Corporation are both members of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Leading Suppliers of NAHB.

This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.


 

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