Trade Publications Identified as Key to the Adoption of Innovations in Industry

Trade publications are included among the best ways to disseminate new technology for adoption in the residential construction industry, according to a report published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing. The report supports the publishing activities of Building America partner IBACOS, who regularly publishes articles in trade publications in order to promote the findings of Building America research in the residential construction industry.

Researchers involved in the report, titled “The Diffusion of Innovation in the Residential Building Industry,” conducted a study on how and under what circumstances do innovations in residential housing become standard industry practices. The results of a survey of homebuilders showed that trade publications rank high among the sources that homebuilders refer to for information about new technologies. Other top sources included sales representatives, the advice of subcontractors, and observation of other builders.

IBACOS maintains an annual publication plan for developing relevant articles and delivering them to media outlets. Recent articles IBACOS has published include the following titles:

• “Water Management,” published in Giants, February 2005, explains why processes are as important as materials for effective water management.
• “The New American Home® 2005,” published in Builder, January 2005, describes the official show home of the International Builders Show, including the energy-efficient features developed by IBACOS.
• “Hiring and Retaining Employees,” published in Giants, December 2004, explores techniques for attracting good employees and keeping them satisfied.
• “Building Faster, Building Better,” published in Giants, October 2004, recognizes that shortening cycle time and increasing employee productivity is key to profitability but emphasizes that steps to ensure quality must be in place.
• “Risk Management Starts and Ends with Quality,” published in Giants, August 2004, emphasizes the importance of managing risk through an internalized process within a production homebuilder’s organization.
• “Energy-Efficient Lighting Design,” published in Professional Remodeler in August 2004, shows how high-performance lighting can maintain an attractive interior while saving money on energy.
• “Designing and Installing Solar Water Heating Systems,” published in Home Energy, July/August 2004, profiles four solar-assisted water-heating systems in Tucson, Arizona.
• “The Show-Me House,” published in Professional Builder, July 2004, highlights a green demonstration home in a Building America community and discusses the potential marketability of green features.
• “Window Leaks That Aren’t Necessarily Window Failures,” published in Door and Window Maker Magazine, May 2004, shows how window flashing, not the window unit, is often the cause of window leaks at the jamb, head, and sill areas.
• “Training Pays,” published in Giants, April 2004, reports on training challenges that large production homebuilders face and recommends process solutions.
• “Growing Your Top and Bottom Lines,” published in Giants, February 2004, explains the processes and tools a builder needs when making the transition from conventional construction to high performance homes.
• “Insulating Attics for Performance: Quality is in the Details,” published in Professional Remodeler, January 2004, discusses the appropriate levels of insulation and key points to installation regarding the attic.
• “Energy Efficiency and The New American Home®,” published at SolarAccess.com, January 2004, focuses on the Building America research that was involved in attaining energy savings in the 2004 home.

In addition to print media, IBACOS through its sister company, BuildIQ, has established a long-term strategic partnership with the Scripps Networks, the parent company of HGTV, The DIY Do It Yourself Network, the Food Network, and the Fine Living Network. In October 2004, Scripps Networks spearheaded a new venture called HGTVPro.com, for which the Department of Energy (DOE) hosted filming of interviews from several federal programs. Interviewees included David Garman, Assistant Secretary to National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sam Rashkin, Director of EPA’s ENERGY STAR for New Homes, and Dana Bres from HUD’s PATH Program. This footage appears on the HGTVPro.com website, launched in January 2005, to highlight the work within these federal programs and to promote Best Practices in Homebuilding TM. A video on the Building America project The New American Home® also appears on the website.

In addition, IBACOS is focusing this year on an editorial strategy to gain high visibility of Building America successes through a strategic relationship with The Scripps Networks primarily HGTVPro.com.

Previously at IBACOS