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"Green” Aspects of Foundation-Forming System Key in 2008 as Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design Come to Forefront in Building Worldwide
PLEASANT HILL, Calif. (February 1, 2008) — Pacific Housing Systems today outlined how the WAFFLEMAT foundation-forming system can assist builders in obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points for projects.
Administered by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices, LEED points are available to builders in six broad categories:
- Sustainable Sites (14 possible points)
- Water Efficiency (5 possible points)
- Energy & Atmosphere (17 possible points)
- Materials and Resources (13 possible points)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (15 possible points)
- Innovation and Design Process (5 possible points)
LEED certification occurs at four levels: “Certified” requires 26 – 32 points, “Silver” 33 – 38, “Gold” 39 – 51, and “Platinum” 52 – 69. Builders submit projects (and accompanying justification for receiving points) for review. Points for WAFFLEMAT would likely be awarded in the categories Energy & Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Innovation and Design Process.
Jim Winslow, CTO of Pacific Housing Systems, noted: “Several sources put the annual market in green building products and services at more than $12 billion in the U.S. alone in 2007. We know builders are definitely paying more attention to it, and like the fact including the WAFFLEMAT system in their foundation plans can assist in obtaining LEED points for their projects.”
“Another driver came when the USGBC recently enacted a “Climate Change” resolution calling for a 50% reduction in CO2 for new buildings. As WAFFLEMAT mitigates 5 – 9 tons of CO2 per hom when compared to conventional slab foundations (see the whitepaper entitled “Lowering the Carbon Footprint When Using the WAFFLEMAT System for Concrete Slab Foundations”), I wouldn’t be surprised if the points awarded will go up across the various categories. And, that would be huge for a builder.”
About Pacific Housing Systems
Pacific Housing Systems, LLC is a leading provider of next-generation foundation solutions for residential homebuilders developing projects on marginal soil. The company’s WAFFLEMAT, Elevated Slab, and Raised Wood Floor systems are specially designed and engineered where these conditions (hillsides, areas with high water tables, firm clays/organics, expansive, rocky, and hydro-collapsible soils) are prevalent, and include the Winslow Geo Anchor and Lateral Resistance Device components. PHS products and systems enable developers to increase the speed, quality, and quantity of construction, providing savings in material costs, building cycle-time, and future reliability issues. For additional information, visit www.pacifichousingsystems.com or call 925.683.2739. |
