Overview

On March 18th, 2008, FAS President Dr. Henry Kelly spoke on energy conservation and climate change at the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) Annual Meeting and Conference. His presentation focused on the impacts of the building industry on the realities of climate change, as well as the important potential of advanced building products like SIPs as a mitigation strategy.

The FAS Building Technologies Project was initiated in 2001 to focus the efforts of scientists and engineers who specialize in building materials on a range of issues such as structural engineering, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and architectural design to create homes that are safe, affordable, and attractive to builders and owners in the US and abroad. FAS believes that improved housing technology can change the very nature of communities around the world. By cutting costs, home ownership can be increased significantly. Environmentally friendly construction and products cut down on urban heat sink effects and keep even low income homes comfortable in hot and cold weather. Improved protection against extreme winds, earthquakes, and heavy snow combined with resistance to fire, pests, and mold reduce insurance and repair costs and ensure that families are safe in their homes. The Building Technologies Program works to advance innovation in building design and construction that can improve quality, affordability, energy efficiency and hazard protection while lowering construction and operating costs. Technical advances, including new composite materials and prefabricated components, both helping to meet these goals in ways that are beneficial for builders and owners. Since its conception, the Building Technologies project has combined the talents of renowned architects and engineers along with the nation’s leading energy experts to embark upon housing issues in US and abroad. More information about the Building Technologies Program can be found in the following areas:
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Mission Statement
To advance social and environmental justice within the building industry through inspired and globally conscious research projects. The focus is to mitigate climate change through energy efficiency, as well as to expand safe, affordable, and energy efficient housing stock for all. Learn More...

Two & a Half Years Later: Surviving the FEMA Aftermath…
The roots of FEMA's much publicized formaldehyde problems lie in a deeply flawed procurement process, and without drastic changes the current fiasco of providng substandard, dangerous housing for disaster victims is bound to repeat itself. This paper outlines the necessary steps for FEMA to take to properly replace formaldehyde filled travel trailers, and to fundamentally fix the agency's approach to housing procurement. Learn More...
Building Technologies Blog
The Building Technologies Program publishes a blog, providing news and ongoing information about projects, related current events, and other relevant information. Learn More...