Who We Are

   Current Partners

   How to Participate

   In the News

  Recent Projects

         - Advanced Systems

         - Builder Projects

         - "Near Zero Energy"

         - Affordable Housing

   Resources

         - Building Details

         - Building Guides

         - Builders Challenge

         - Other Resources

“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”                                                                                               - Albert Einstein

CARB continues to support a broad range of builder and project types. Click on the project categories below for descriptions of a sampling of more recent CARB projects.

Advanced Systems Research

In addition to assisting builders in the design and construction of more efficient homes, CARB conducts research to improve the performance of specific systems within homes.

• In-field performance of Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
• Optimizing Condensing Boilers
• Plastic Ducts
• Non-distributed Heating Systems
• Smart Vapor Barrier
• Roof-Integrated Solar Water Heating
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Heat Transfer in Building Materials
• Buried Ducts

Builder Projects

A fundamental element of the DOE Building America program is to develop and demonstrate whole-house designs that can cost-effectively increase overall product value and quality, while reducing energy use. CARB works with production builders throughout the country to identify opportunities for cost and performance trade-offs that improve whole-building performance and value, while minimizing increases in overall building cost.

• Scandia USA
• High Ridge Customs Homes (HRCH)
• Paragon Homes
• Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse (SBER)

"Near Zero Energy"

By combining solar expertise with our knowledge of exceptionally efficient building technologies (improved envelopes, efficient mechanical systems, basic design strategies, etc.), CARB has helped builders and designers across the country move towards "zero energy" buildings.

A "zero energy" building effectively combines energy efficiency and renewable energy for a building that - ultimately -- requires no net energy input from off-site. By combining practical, cost-effective efficiency technologies with well-sized solar systems, buildings nearing "zero energy" are achievable.

• Rural Development, Inc. (RDI) - Wisdom Way
• Rural Development, Inc. (RDI) - Colrain

Affordable Housing

SWA has a long-history of working with affordable housing developers within the Building America program as well as HUD’s PATH program and USGBC’s LEED for Homes program. CARB is working on several projects to demonstrate various technology packages that achieve 40+% energy savings in affordable housing.  

Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity   

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh   

Town of Babylon

CHFH Cross Street

Blue Sea Construction