2005 Media Releases & Alerts
NAHB Research Center Unveils Redesigned PATH Technology Inventory
Revamped Technology Resource for Building Professionals Offers Enhanced
Usability and Design
September 27, 2005, Upper Marlboro, Md. - The NAHB Research Center today
announced the launch of the newly redesigned PATH Technology Inventory, the
building industry’s online resource for practical information on innovative
construction products and practices that can improve housing performance.
Redesigned to include enhanced search capabilities and support for streaming
media, in its new format the PATH Technology Inventory will more effectively
provide builders, trade contractors, and remodelers access to comprehensive
information on over 160 building technologies. Created through the Partnership
for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) Program and administered by the NAHB
Research Center, the Technology Inventory is an essential tool in accelerating
the awareness and acceptance process for these beneficial technologies.
Redesign of the PATH Technology Inventory was initiated to meet the changing
needs of building professionals by improving usability and navigation, and
providing access to information more quickly, and in greater detail. The effort
was executed over a six-month period during which the Research Center conducted
focus groups and surveys with builders and remodelers to assess the types of
enhancements that would provide end-users with the most benefit. As a result,
data enhancements include additional information on codes, product
installation, ease of implementation, cost, and builder testimonials. The
improved functionality includes increased compatibility with today’s major
search engines, database driven content for more frequent updates, and support
for new media sources such as detailed CAD drawings and streaming audio and
video. Future enhancements will also include distributor listings and broadband
capability.
As building professionals respond to the steady increase in consumer demand for
more innovative products and higher performing homes, interest in and reliance
on the PATH Technology Inventory as a trusted source of information has also
increased. Shawn Martin, director of Applied Technology for the NAHB Research
Center stated, “There are a number of technologies entering the marketplace
that demonstrate great potential for improving housing performance, but have
not yet been widely accepted. I am confident that the enhanced features and
improved usability of the Technology Inventory will further accelerate
awareness and implementation.”
PATH and NAHB Research Center technical experts actively seek technology
information from researchers, trade associations, and manufacturers for
inclusion in the Technology Inventory. Aside from this proactive solicitation,
industry groups or individuals can also
submit a technology for review. Submissions are reviewed according to
their technical and performance merits, as well as for their market potential,
however PATH conducts no formal testing or evaluation. PATH also selects
technologies from the Technology Inventory for use in Field Evaluations and
Site Demonstrations. For more information about the
PATH Technology Inventory visit the NAHB Research Center’s ToolBase
Services website at www.ToolBase.org.
09/05
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