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Environmental Building News is a monthly newsletter on environmental issues in both design and construction. The newsletter is packed with information on construction methods, technologies and materials. I found the in-depth feature articles and new product reviews particularly interesting. Each issue also includes a calendar of events where you can get more information. I encourage you to attend some of these events if possible. EBN's objectivity has earned the newsletter the unusual distinction of being widely respected both by environmental activists and by industry groups. A subscription is $127 per year with a special discount rate of $67 per year for individuals and small businesses with employees of 25 or fewer. Alex Wilson, the editor and publisher, defines green building like this: "To me, 'green building' is a way of building that minimizes impact on the environment – including both the outdoor environment and the indoor environment. It is more than construction, however, involving land-use planning, site design, material selection, and building design as well." You can contact EBN at: The NAHB (founded in 1942) is an organization of over 185,000 members with more than 800 state and local home builder associations nationwide. Its mission is to represent on Capitol Hill the interests of all members and the housing needs of all Americans. They lobby for housing to remain a priority in legislation and national policy, and work with federal agencies whose regulations affect the housing industry. They also keep both local associations and members informed about changes in building products and techniques, consumer preferences, marketing, finance, regulation, and legislation. Once a year they stage The Builders' Show, with seminars and over 1,000 exhibitors offering the latest in products and techniques. I've attended a few of the shows myself and found them both informative and rewarding. If you've never been to one, I encourage you to go. To inquire about their next show, call them at 800-368-5242. The NAHB Research Center is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the NAHB, established back in 1964 to carry out research for the home building industry, its related industries and professions, and public sector housing agencies. They focus on studying new technologies, developing techniques for energy and resource conservation, and certifying products used in home building. One report prepared by the NAHB Research Center under funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was the result of a two-year study of alternative materials in residential construction. You can find the results of the first year's study in Building with Alternatives to Lumber and Plywood (NAHB). It provides introductory information on alternatives, including basic properties, applicability, and available sources. The second year's study is available in Alternative Framing Materials in Residential Construction: Three Case Studies. This report presents three alternative technologies for conventional residential construction: foam-core structural sandwich panels, light-gauge metal framing, and welded-wire sandwich panels. The evaluation included feasibility, quality, and costs associated with each method. These two publications are a must for your library! You may also find their hotlines useful:
You can reach the NAHB Research Center at: NAHB Research Center American Fiberboard Association (AFA) The AFA is a trade organization of manufacturers of fiberboard products used in residential and commercial construction. They provide technical information to the general public as well as professionals, and promote ongoing educational and research activities on the product. Fiberboard can be found in sheathing panels for exterior wall applications, roofing substrate, and other specialty products. American Fiberboard Association American Hardboard Association (AHA) The AHA, located in the same office as the AFA, represents manufacturers of hardboard products used for exterior siding, interior wall paneling, household and commercial furniture, and industrial and commercial products. AHA serves as a central clearinghouse on industry and technical information for trade professionals, government agencies, and the general public. The association publishes a variety of brochures and pamphlets that are free, and videos priced up to $5.00. American Hardboard Association |
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The information on this site is from the book,
Build Smarter with Alternative Materials |
