Originally published on PlasticsMakers.com. What’s the number one user of energy in America? (Hint: You’re likely in one now.)  Nope, not our cars. Not our airplanes or factories. It’s our nation’s homes and buildings. Technically, the residential and commercial sectors. Together, these sectors use nearly 40% of our energy, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). So, if we’re going to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure while creating a lower carbon future, it makes sense to modernize this immense, energy-consuming sector. Especially our homes.  To get to that future, we’re goin ..read more

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Each year in March, the United Nations celebrates World Water Day to focus attention on importance of having access to clean, fresh water. Fresh water is a precious resource, vital to sustaining all life and human society. Credit: Shutterstock It’s appropriate, then, that the theme of World Water Day 2021 is Valuing Water. Water’s value lies not just in the monetary cost of acquiring, storing and distributing it, but in water’s incalculable value to sustaining all life on Earth. As world population and development increases, we can no longer take for granted ready access to clean water. We m ..read more

Frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) under construction in a residential development In areas of the United States that experience ground freezing during winter, standard building practice has called for footings to be dug below the frost line to protect against frost heave. Such excavations can extend to more than four feet below grade. Since the 1990s, however, the frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) design concept has gained design- and construction-industry acceptance. This installation provides cold-weather protection without the need to excavate below the frost line. Figure ..read more

For reducing home energy consumption and improving the indoor environment, housewrap is a product of choice for many homeowners. Housewrap is a lightweight, synthetic material installed to protect homes and commercial buildings against air leaks, water and moisture infiltration. Credit: Shutterstock Thin but resilient, housewrap is weather-resistant but allows water vapor to pass from the inside to the exterior, helping prevent mold formation and rot. It overcomes the tiny gaps and cracks found in siding joints, providing a barrier to air and water that increases a home’s energy efficiency a ..read more

Structural Insulated Panel We’re going to need all sorts of modern (plastic) building materials. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in November 2021 authorizes more than one trillion dollars in Federal spending to help rebuild America’s infrastructure and improve sustainability. Funding will support extensive public-building renovation, along with improvements to our roads and bridges, airports, public-transit systems, and the electrical-power grid, among other upgrades. Driving down energy consumption and improving sustainability are integral components of the law, including ..read more

Replacing a building’s existing roof with new roofing material provides an excellent opportunity to increase its energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. Since building roofs usually are replaced only once every 20 years or more, most roofs needing replacement today were installed in 2000 or earlier – before building energy codes were adopted in many areas. Therefore, replacing roofs with high-efficiency and durable materials can generate significant energy and cost savings. And not only should you update your roofing material, but a re-roofing is an incredible opportunity to add insulation ..read more

Plastic fencing at a horse ranch Credit: Shutterstock Over the last few years, factors including severe weather, production shutdowns, and even pine-beetle infestation have caused supply-chain problems for lumber building materials. The market volatility has impacted the costs of home construction as well as repair and DIY projects and caused greater appreciation for the affordability and performance benefits of plastic-based lumber products. Whether made from virgin or recycled materials, plastic-based lumber building materials can be molded and finished to closely resemble traditional, tex ..read more

A rendering of Amazon’s proposed PenPlace headquarters campus in Arlington, VA With one building cluster already under construction at the Amazon HQ2 site in Arlington, Virginia, Amazon recently unveiled plans for an adjoining group of four buildings on 11 acres. The 22-story buildings will provide 3.3 million square feet of office space for up to 16,000 Amazon staffers. The company hopes to complete the new project at PenPlace, near the Pentagon, by 2025. Focused on Sustainability Dedicated to achieving sustainability in its buildings and operations, Amazon has pledged to reach net-zero-car ..read more

Globally, society is not yet on a path to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and time is running out. The building and construction industry accounts for nearly 40 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, and the manufacturing of building materials accounts for 11 percent of global carbon emissions. As part of the global solution to address climate change, the building industry must achieve carbon neutrality and deliver solutions focused on climate resiliency. There has been significant progress in recent years toward reducing its environmental impact. While there are many contributing ..read more