BASF Launches www.betterhomebetterplanet.com
January 12 2006 - 9:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Website highlights Near-Zero Energy Home and energy-saving
construction FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
BASF Corporation today launched the
http://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(R) score of 93 - the highest rating
received to date under New Jersey's ENERGY STAR(R) program. The
http://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
http://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(R) 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.(R) 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
http://www.basf.com/usa. As the world's leading chemical company,
BASF has a product portfolio ranging 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 http://www.basf.com/. Better Home Better Planet,
Near-Zero Energy Home and Styropor(R) are registered trademarks of
BASF Corporation. ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. DATASOURCE: BASF Corporation
CONTACT: David A. Elliott of BASF, +1-734-324-6148 or ; or Mary
MacLeod of Maverick Marketing, +1-207-773-0802, or Web site:
http://www.basf.com/usa http://www.betterhomebetterplanet.com/
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