For the past six years, The New American Home® has been certified through the ENERGY STAR® program and concrete wall systems have been instrumental in achieving this sustainable construction honor.

Visit the Portland Cement Association booth (N2342) or contact Patti Flesher to learn how concrete makes these and other homes solid and sustainable.

Office: 847.972.9136
Mobile: 847.542.1236

Computer, Computer, on the Stand, What Home Is the Most Energy Efficient in the Land?
Attendees of IBS 2009 will be able to view a variety of products designed to make homes more energy efficient. But one of the most important factors in a sustainable home is often overlooked—its walls. PCA has developed a touch-screen computer system that shows how the building materials used to construct a home’s exterior walls impact its energy-efficiency and comfort. The program will be on display at the PCA booth, (N2342).

• View news release
• More about the benefits of concrete wall systems
• View different concrete wall system

Saving Energy = Saving Money for Concrete Show Home
The New American Home demonstrates that superior housing performance can be built into any house, anywhere, at any price range and once again concrete wall systems and products played a significant role in its energy efficiency, durability, and beauty.

• View the news release
• Preview and and download photos showcasing concrete products and features of The New American Home (All photos by Erin O'Boyle/Courtesy of the Portland Cement Association). Photos embargoed until January 20, 2009.
• Preview and download photos showing the construction of The New American Home (All photos by Erin O'Boyle/Courtesy of the Portland Cement Association)

Concrete NextGen Home Is Stronger, Greener, and Smarter
There are very few, if any, construction materials that offer concrete's wide range of sustainable and comprehensive environmental benefits, as illustrated by the latest NextGen Demonstration Home in Las Vegas.

• View the news release
• More information at www.NextGenHome.com

PCA Economist Presents 2009 Residential Forecast

Ed Sullivan, PCA chief economist, will present an economic forecast regarding residential construction, highlighting what if any impact a potential economic stimulus package and sustainable construction will have on the residential market at a press conference, Tuesday, January 20, 8 am, in the PCA Booth (N2342) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

Sullivan has been honored by the Chicago Federal Reserve for his forecast accuracy and named on the "Top Industry Influencers" by Concrete Construction in 2008.

• To request the PCA Economic Forecast
• Biography for Edward J. Sullivan, PCA Chief Economist and Staff Vice President, Economic Research
• Photo of Edward J. Sullivan

One in Three Homeowners View Concrete as the Most Environmentally Friendly Materials

Thirty percent of recently surveyed homeowners believe concrete to be the most environmentally friendly material, compared to wood or steel, according to a recent market research survey by PCA.

In addition, durability, energy efficiency, low maintenance and mold resistance were listed by current homeowners as the most important characteristics they would consider when buying a newly constructed home—all attributes of homes with concrete wall systems.

• View the news release

New HVAC Sizing for Concrete Homes CD Available

The energy efficiency of concrete homes can provide the homebuilder and homeowner cost savings even before turning on the furnace. The inherent energy-saving properties of insulated concrete walls can result in HVAC equipment being downsized by as much as 15 to 40 percent in concrete homes in comparison to identical wood-frame homes. This results in a comfortable home with correspondingly smaller, less expensive heating and air conditioning units and lower bills.

Originally created as part of a HUD-sponsored project, this updated software provides an effective means of estimating heating and cooling system capacities for single-family concrete homes.

• View the news release
  
  

2009 Sustainable Leadership Nominations Now Open

To heighten state and local decision makers’ understanding of the importance of cement and concrete to green building, and as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, PCA established the Sustainable Leadership Awards in 2008. This annual initiative identifies and honors government leaders who advance sustainable development in their communities through the use of concrete and cement-based products in homes, buildings, and infrastructure.

Nominations are now open for the 2009 awards.

• Nominate a project for the 2009 awards at www.cement.org
• View case studies of the 2008 winners at www.cement.org

For the 21st consecutive year, PCA hosts a Concrete Pavilion at the International Builders' Show. The Pavilion provides a “one-stop-shop” for show attendees to learn more about the benefits of concrete home building systems and products. Some of our pavilion partners include (click on link for company news release):

• Greenblock (PDF)
• SLABTEK (PDF)
• Thermomass Building Insulation Systems (PDF)
• Western Forms (PDF)

For more information on the 2009 Concrete Pavilion, visit http://pavilion.concretehomes.com