IBS reflects a familiar color: Green

Las Vegas -- If you're not used to green, get with the program. That's one of the messages that emerged from the floor of the International Builders' Show. While energy efficiency is the main factor behind the environmentally friendly movement, water-conservation products are growing, too.

"The industry is being transformed," said National Association of Home Builders Research Center CEO Mike Luzier, during a presentation at the Builders' Show in Las Vegas. In the presentation -- one of many green-themed educational seminars held during the four-day event -- representatives from Kholer, Marvin Windows and Doors, and Whirlpool explained innovations that save energy, conserve water and contribute to better indoor air quality.

Across the three massive halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, many of the 1,700 exhibitors presented a green theme of one kind or another. Most dealt with energy efficiency, with water-conservation showing growth, as well.

"Water efficiency is not just important in water-starved areas," said Shane Judd, senior product manager for water conservation at Kohler. Judd said there are 100 million toilets in use today across America that consume 3.5 gallons per flush. More water-efficient models would have "a tremendous impact not only on water bills, but also for water conservation," Judd said.

Stock Building Supply's Jim Drexinger, vp-sourcing, business groups and marketing, is leading the Raleigh, N.C.-based dealer's stepped up green initiative -- "Green Solutions." In an interview on the show floor here, Drexinger said the program is designed to provide information to customers about green products as well as their role in meeting green standards.

In general, the green trend is "one of the most sustainable trends that has moved into the home-building industry, certainly in the last decade and maybe longer," Drexinger said. "It is not a passing fad."

According to Drexinger, the NAHB has an opportunity to help the industry by facilitating collaboration and consolidation between the 125 different green certification bodies around the country. The different entities have the same endpoint in mind, but go about certification in different ways. "The NAHB is working to bring a lot them together, which we think will be a very positive thing for the industry," he said.

The 2009 International Builders' Show -- with its theme of "Brighter lights. Bigger ideas." -- concludes today.