About PATH

The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) is dedicated to accelerating the development and use of technologies that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing.

PATH is a voluntary partnership between leaders of the homebuilding, product manufacturing, insurance, and financial industries and representatives of Federal agencies concerned with housing. Working together, PATH partners improve new and existing homes and strengthen the technology infrastructure of the United States.

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R;) coordinates all PATH activities. PD&R manages PATH's budget, strategy, and daily operations. Staff in PD&R's Affordable Housing Research and Technology Division have expertise in various construction systems, housing issues, and technology policies.

Because PATH involves many participants from diverse parts of the home building community, PATH seeks guidance from the Industry Committee and other Federal agencies. PATH also works with industry partners to advance housing technology.

Why is PATH Needed?

Despite the importance of the housing industry to the American economy, there is very little investment in residential technologies. This is especially true of the single-family homes that make up most of America's housing stock.

It can take 10 to 25 years for a new housing technology to achieve full market penetration. PATH looks at the issues and barriers related to technology development in the housing industry, and strives for viable cost-effective solutions.

How Does PATH Accelerate the Adoption of Housing Technologies?

PATH promotes innovation through three key strategies:

• Identify and reduce barriers that impede innovation, including regulatory barriers. PATH analyzes and prioritizes existing barriers to provide recommendations for overcoming them.
• Disseminate information to speed the development and adoption of advanced building technologies. To encourage broader diffusion of innovations, PATH provides unbiased, easily accessible information to consumers, builders and manufacturers.
• Advance housing technology research and foster development of new technology. PATH research focuses on the innovation process and aims to institutionalize sustained investments in housing with public and private funding.

We invite you to explore the wealth of resources here, and join us in our efforts to make the affordable, quality American home a reality.

Content updated on 3/23/2007