Green

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in conjunction with The Home Depot, has launched an online green home products database. The database is a special “microsite” within homedepot.com that features products geared toward green home building, many of which may contribute toward earning LEED points and prerequisites for the LEED for Homes program, making it easier for homeowners and builders to find the products they need, according to the joint press release.

The American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) has announced that Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau will serve as a third-party auditing agency of the Pellet Fuels Institute's (PFI) densified wood pellet monitoring and labeling program, as administered by the ALSC.

Archbold, Ohio-based WoodTrac Ceiling System by Sauder is promoting environmental standards, including recent energy conservation measures, mandating material recycling and air quality preservation. In addition to product production guidelines, the WoodTrac product features a unique “green” design that saves raw materials. 

According to Sauder Woodworking, more than 90% of the WoodTrac Ceiling product and packaging is made from recycled material.

KB Home and Build San Antonio Green (BSAG) have announced the start of their partnership by recognizing KB Home's first BSAG-Certified home, located in San Antonio, at an event at KB Home's La Fontana community. The first certified home, named ZeroHouse 2.0, is KB Home's first net-zero energy home and goes beyond the BSAG program's guidelines. 

Owens Corning has been placed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the fourth consecutive year, named this year as the Industry Leader for the DJSI World Building Products component.

"This is a milestone year on many levels for Owens Corning, including the celebration of today's news and the year-long celebration of our company's 75th anniversary," said chairman and CEO Mike Thaman. "One of the keys to our success yesterday, today and especially tomorrow, is the energy our people put toward our sustainability strategy."

Valley Forge, Pa.-based CertainTeed is making a significant change to its kraft-faced fiberglass insulation by incorporating paper certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

Green features around the house are an increasingly important part of a home sale in a buyer's market, according to Bloomberg report.

While the housing slump enters its sixth year, builders in Texas and California are explaining the benefits of environmentally friendly features that can add appeal to new construction.

EcoBlu Products has been awarded a contract to supply Red Shield coated lumber and trusses for 88 home developments being built in Ontario, Calif. 

Frame Right Construction was awarded the framing contract with the inclusion of Red Shield lumber and truss package for all 88 homes. These two-story homes range from 1828 to 2054 square feet and the contract represents 88 out of a potential 110 lots left to be built. The contract is in excess of $1 million in gross revenues for all 88 homes, with 3 models shipping immediately.