Concrete Conservation
Concrete is one of the most used building materials, making its effects on the environment critical. CeraTech’s sustainable cement benefits water conservation by reducing concrete water usage by 50% or more. In the midst of a current drought where water conservation is a priority, CeraTech cement remains durable while demanding less water in comparison to ordinary concrete mixtures. The cement also has other environmentally friendly benefits—it seeks to eliminate CO2 emission, preserve resources, and reduce ozone
depletion. The maker says that even just a 10% country-wide utilization rate would save the U.S. more than 500 million gallons of water per year. ceratechinc.com
Indoor SunBlock
It’s easy to remember your own sunblock in the summer months, but you wouldn’t think that your home needs some UV protection as well. Hy-Lite block windows come with energy-efficient options for defending your home against the sun. UV inhibitors and infrared absorbers limit the solar heat gain allowed to enter the home through Hy-Lite’s SunBlock Plus windows. The E Triple Glaze windows feature an extra acrylic panel in each block to increase insulation. The two find their balance in the most energy efficient of the options—the E3 SunBlock Plus window—providing solar heat reduction and extra insulation. Each energy efficient 1 1/2-inch-thick square block comes in 8- or 9-inch sizes. hy-lite.com
Make it Tankless
The new Vero line from Trutankless features whole-home electric, tankless water heaters. With recent updates to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, the trutankless Vero heater already meets the new Energy Factor guidelines. It’s budget friendly too—the Vero line is an affordable alternative to traditional tank heaters and saves homeowners money on utility costs. trutankless.com
