Resource Conservation Research House

American home builders and home buyers have become increasingly interested in the relationship of home building and home usage to a sustainable environment. This interest led the NAHB Research Center to construct the Resource Conservation Research House. The house highlights materials and systems that conserve the nation's material and energy resources.

Many of the products used in construction of the house are made of recycled materials. Using recycled materials to make building products is an important frontier and use of such materials in the house has attracted major attention. However, four other types of materials were used to build the house that are equally important for conservation of resources. They are:

• Products that increase energy efficiency
• Products made of less precious materials
• Products with enhanced durability
• Products that require less maintenance