| BASF launches www.betterhomebetterplanet.com
Website highlights Near-Zero Energy Home and energy-saving construction
FLORHAM PARK, N.J., January 12, 2006 -- BASF Corporation today
launched the www.betterhomebetterplanet.com website,
a practical learning tool for builders, architects and homeowners
about how to build
homes that are 80% more energy efficient, disaster resistant, faster
to construct and affordable.
The website features an interactive, multimedia presentation
of the BASF Near-Zero Energy Home, part of BASF’s Better
Home Better Planet initiative and now under construction in Paterson,
N.J. Slated to open for tours in the Spring of 2006, the Near-Zero
Energy Home has been selected by the US Green Building Council
(USGBC) as a pilot test for the recently launched Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) rating
system. Based on current estimates, the Near-Zero Energy Home
will also achieve a Housing Energy Rating Score (HERS) ENERGY
STAR® score of 93 – the highest rating received to
date under New Jersey’s ENERGY STAR® program.
The www.betterhomebetterplanet.com website
steps the visitor through the home using a systems approach that
integrates the three key
elements to high performance building – the building exterior,
mechanical HVAC and solar power. The website allows the user to
navigate the Near-Zero Energy Home in minutes and take from the
experience real solutions and resources.
“The launch of www.betterhomebetterplanet.com and the demonstration
home are in keeping with BASF’s long standing commitment
to sustainable development and bringing cost-effective solutions
to the building and construction industry - especially in cities
like Paterson, N.J., where cost savings achieved through improved
energy efficiency and low-maintenance durability are most needed,” according
to Jack Armstrong, business manager for BASF’s Styropor® and
expanded polystyrene business in North America.
Once the construction and demonstration phases are completed,
the Near Zero Energy Home will be donated to the nonprofit St.
Michael’s Housing Corporation as a home for a local family
with a quadriplegic son. The project showcases elements of universal
design to accommodate the family’s special needs.
BASF Better Home, Better Planet: Near Zero Energy Home-Paterson,
N.J., strategic allies include: Chrisner Group; City of Paterson;
Environmental Design + Construction magazine; GRAD Associates;
Green Ideas; Insulspan; KBI Contractors; MBDC; Monotech; New Jersey
Energy Star Program; Polysteel; St. Michael Housing Authority;
Steven Winter and Associates; Sustainable Buildings Industry Council;
New Jersey Chapter of the USGBC; U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s
PATH Program; and the U.S. Department of Energy.
BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American
affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. Rated in FORTUNE
magazine as America’s Most Admired Chemical Company, we
employ about 10,000 people in North America and had sales of
approximately $11 billion in 2004. For more information about
BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive
news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.
As the world’s leading chemical company, BASF's portfolio
ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural
products
and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural
gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s
intelligent solutions and high-value products help its customers
to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses
them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic
success with environmental protection and social responsibility,
thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately
82,000 employees and posted sales of more than $50 billion. BASF
shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London
(BFA), New York (BF), and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF
is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
For more information, contact:
Mary MacLeod
Maverick Marketing
Tel: (207) 773-0802
E-mail: mmacleo2@maine.rr.com
David A. Elliott
BASF
Tel: (734) 324-6148
E-mail: elliotd1@basf.com
Better Home Better Planet, Near-Zero
Energy Home and Styropor® are
registered trademarks of BASF Corporation.
ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
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