Source: Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Ill.

Concrete and other cement-based products contribute to 40-plus practices in the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Standard, according to PCA. The group is helping anchor the industry’s presence at NAHB’s International Builders’ Show, Jan. 19–21 in Las Vegas. “Concrete wall systems and permeable pavements provide high-performance results without a large learning curve for the builder,” says PCA Director of Low-rise Buildings Donn Thompson. “Concrete applications are simple, available and understood by everyone on the job site.”

In addition to wall systems’ energy efficiency and permeable pavements’ stormwater management advantages, he adds, concrete can contribute to indoor air quality and reduce urban heat island effect. Light-colored concrete roof tiles and pavements mitigate the latter by keeping surrounding air temperatures cooler and lowering home-cooling loads. Use of prefinished concrete systems reduces the amount of paints and stains consumed on site, which can compromise indoor air.   Solid, continuous concrete walls offer a simpler, tighter, fire-resistant barrier between living spaces and garages. Inert concrete countertops are an attractive alternative to conventional tops built with formaldehyde-based wood cores. PCA has added to its Builders’ Show booth (#N2431) interactive displays of sustainable concrete solutions.