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Closing out the International Builders Show
As the International Builders Show draws to a close here in Vegas, the mood is somewhat somber with glimmers of hope for a turnaround. As this article from the Wall Street Journal, reported direct from the Las Vegas Convention Center, explains “Single-family-housing starts, which fell 40% to 617,000 in 2007, are expected to drop to about 441,000 this year — the lowest since records have been kept… That would be a nearly 75% drop from the industry’s highwater mark of 1.7 million single-family starts in 2005.” These figures were released by NAHB at the show.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Green was the name of the game. This piece by the Associated Press tells the greens story that was displayed at the show. And Bobvila.com did a little blurb on our fellow booth mates from the Council for Responsible Energy.
Our booth at the International Builders Show.
Just as the show was getting ready to close for the evening, the AGA booth was visited by NAHB board member Bob Nielson. He visited with Jeff Shaw from Southwest Gas, AGA staff and had a look at all the great products displayed in the American Gas Industry booth. AGA staff look forward to another great Homebuilders Show in Las Vegas next year!
Tom Moskitis, AGA Managing Director, Jeff Shaw, CEO, Southwest Gas Corporation, and Bob Nielson, second vice chairman, board member, NAHB.
The 2009 New American Home at the International Builders show
The 2009 New American Home, the official showcase home of the International Builders Show, features innovative design and cutting edge natural gas technology, providing home builders with an outstanding example for producing more energy efficient homes without sacrificing style. The 8816 square foot contemporary home is a near net zero energy home that includes active (photovoltaic cells) and passive (orientation and shading) solar design and a revolutionary natural gas heating and cooling system. It also features tankless gas water heaters and numerous indoor and outdoor gas appliances. The AISIN gas heat pump is the most efficient HVAC system on the planet. Energy savings on the cooling side are estimated to be 75%, with heating savings estimated to be 67%. The house achieves 76% whole house energy savings when compared to the Building America benchmark and achieves a Five Star-Plus HERS rating of 57. This is before factoring in the installation of a 12,000+ khz solar panel system striving for a net-zero level of electrical consumption. The 2009 New American Home is proof positive that the direct use of natural gas is a winning solution to our energy efficiency and environmental challenges. Here are some pictures we took during our tour.
IBS Gas Industry Exhibit Features Green, Efficient Technologies
The Gas Industry Exhibit (N2617) at the 2009 International Builders Show (IBS), January 20-23 in Las Vegas, will feature a wide variety of gas appliances and equipment that provide significant green and efficiency options for home builders. High efficiency gas tankless and solar/gas water heaters, furnaces, boilers and an array of gas outdoor and hearth products will be on display.
And, being introduced for the first time in the U.S. market, the new AISIN Gas Heat Pump will be in operation in the exhibit. This exciting new technology represents the highest efficiency HVAC system on the planet and is a tremendously green option for builders. The AISIN can use either natural gas or propane, and is so quiet that you have to actually place your hand on the unit and feel its vibration to know that it is running. If you are going to the IBS, you do not want to miss this new product.
If you know anyone who is going to IBS, especially builders, tell them to stop by booth N2617, the American Gas Industry Showroom. They, and you, will not be disappointed.
True Blue Natural Gas Blog from the American Gas Association (AGA)- Beating the Heat with Summer LIHEAP Action Day
- “The Future of Natural Gas,” Meet Dr. Ernest J. Moniz, MIT
- Renewable Gas – Vision for a Sustainable Gas Network
- The Natural Gas Revolution
- The natural gas grid…the really smart grid
- Meeting the Route 66 guys
- Drilling 101
- ‘Drive To Inspire’ Rides Through Tulsa
- Congratulations to the AGA Awards of Merit Recipients
- Summer LIHEAP Action Day
