Matt Gonsalves and CONCO Honored for Development of Innovative Foundation Forming System Recognized for Reducing Green House Gas Emissions


PLEASANT HILL, Calif. (June 15, 2007) — Pacific Housing Systems ™, LLC today announced BREATHE CALIFORNIA honored Matt Gonsalves, founder of CONCO, and inventor of the WAFFLEMAT foundation forming system, as this year’s recipient of their prestigious Clean Air Award in the category of “Green Building” at the 17th annual Clean Air Awards luncheon on May 31 at the Carnelian Room in San Francisco.

Each year, BREATHE CALIFORNIA, now in its 99th year of continuous operation, presents its Clean Air Awards to businesses, organizations and individuals who are committed to improving air quality in the region. The event brings together leaders from government, business and community groups to celebrate the innovative approaches being taken to reduce air pollution. Past recipients include IBM, Intel, Shell Oil, PG&E, The Port of Oakland, The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Lockheed Martin.

A recent whitepaper, “Lowering the Carbon Footprint When Using the WAFFLEMAT System for Concrete Slab Foundations,” provided analysis on the production, transportation, and use of concrete in residential slab foundations, and concludes use of the WAFFLEMAT System in residential home construction can reduce the level of climate change gas emissions by 20% -- the equivalent of 4 to 9 tons less CO2 released into the atmosphere per home -- when compared to conventional slab foundations.

Sam Altshuler, P.E., M.E., and Board Certified Environmental Engineer, said: “The manufacture and transportation of concrete produces significant amounts of carbon dioxide, which is the main anthropogenic gas contributing to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. Since the WAFFLEMAT System is made up of foundation-forming WAFFLEBOXES that displace concrete, less concrete is utilized in the foundation of a home when compared to conventional ribbed or uniform thickness foundation slabs. And, that translates into several tons less CO2 released into the atmosphere per home.”

Ken Douglass, P.E., and Western Area Manager for Suncoast Post Tension, noted: “Products and systems that reduce energy consumption, encourage conservation, and use recycled or sustainable resources are not only good for the environment, they’re good for business too. We like the fact the WAFFLEMAT System reduces CO2, as that fits into our strategy of providing foundations that are the best in environmentally-friendly designed homes.”

About Pacific Housing Systems
Pacific Housing Systems, LLC is a leading provider of next-generation foundation solutions for residential homebuilders developing projects on expansive soil. The company’s WAFFLEMAT, Elevated Slab, and Raised Wood Floor systems -- all made in the U.S.A. -- 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.