April 25, 2001
The National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, Inc. (NCSBCS) is sponsoring a conference "Building Smarter in the Digital Age," May 31 through June 1, 2001 at the Crystal City Hilton in Arlington, Virginia. The conference will focus on the development of an action agenda to assist local, state and federal governments and the construction industry in effectively applying information technology to streamline the nation's building regulatory system. Learn more about the conference by reading NCSBCS press release and conference agenda. To register for the conference on-line visit http://www.ncsbcs.org.

April 23, 2001
The National Evaluation Service (NES) announces the completion and availability of an evaluation protocol for Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) technology. The objective of the protocol is to facilitate deployment and use of ICF technology. Availability of the protocol will facilitate a determination of the acceptability of various ICF products, materials, and assemblies in meeting building construction regulations through issuance of an NES National Evaluation Report on a specific ICF technology. To read a press release from NES click here or go to the NES web site to download the report.

March 21, 2001
The National Research Council has completed an assessment of the following aspects of the PATH program: overall goals; proposed approach to meeting the goals and the likelihood of achieving them; and measurements of progress toward achieving the goals. To read the report click here.

January 23, 2001
The Engineering Directorate of the National Science Foundation (NSF) announces a research initiative in support of the Federal Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing, (PATH). The objectives of PATH are to improve the quality, affordability, durability, environmental performance, and energy efficiency of today's new and existing homes; strengthen the technology infrastructure of the United States; and help create the next generation of American housing. These goals are extraordinarily ambitious. The purpose of this announcement is to support fundamental research that contributes to the achievement of the PATH objectives. This initiative will focus on the application of a broad array of engineering sciences and technologies-with particular emphasis on the three technology "portfolios" identified by PATH's Roadmapping efforts and on unique local partnerships for improving housing innovation-and will encourage cooperative and interdisciplinary activities. To read the report click here.

January 17, 2001
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today honored five voluntary program that have helped build more than 300,000 energy efficient homes, saving consumers throughout the country a total of $46 million in utility bills annually. Read the DOE press release and remarks from Don DeLee, Chair of the National Association of Home Builder's Energy Subcommittee.

January 3, 2001
To help support PATH's goal of the widespread use of innovative technologies in housing, The National Evaluation Service (NES) is available to assist technology developers address potential barriers to acceptance on innovative technologies. Those interested in securing technical assistance can consult NES' web site.

January 2, 2001
The Department of Energy's Solicitation for Financial Assistance Applications for Energy Efficient Building Equipment and Envelope Technologies, Round III is now available. The deadline is February 9, 2001.

October 3, 2000
National Evaluation Service, Inc. (NES) Building Innovation Center (BIC), with the assistance of Walker Engineering, Inc. of Birmingham AL, has developed a protocol to facilitate the evaluation and acceptance of insulating concrete form (ICF) technology.

September 15, 2000
The Department of Energy has awarded $8.4 million in research grants to improve energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings.

September 12, 2000
Thanks to PATH-funded technology, a public park in Wisconsin has a 2,000 square foot service center for campers that features a panelized roofing system made from a composite of recycled milk jugs, waste sawdust, and other natural fibers.

September 7, 2000
It is not too early to register for the National Green Building Conference.

September 6, 2000
The inaugural edition of the Building America newsletter is now available.

September 25-26
A collection of world class researchers will assemble at the National Institute of Standards and Technology for a sealant durability workshop.

August 16, 2000
PATH is interested in hearing what you have to say about our current building technology research efforts and in your suggestions for our future research.