Year after year, Austin demonstrates its remarkable lead in the production of sustainable architecture. This year, as the Austin Home show at Mueller demonstrated, is no exception. Whether you are interested in foam insulation, clay walls, or rain-water collection systems, the local Austin market has a plethora of local contractors and builders who are producing a range of products to make your new home more energy efficient, healthier, and more sustainable than ever. While some of the cutting edge technology, like ICF concrete form homes, is available to some extent, it is more common to see a traditional stick-built home with low/no V.O.C. paints, tankless water heaters, and bamboo floors (the fastest growing plant on the planet). Ask the professionals at Partners in Building about these and other ways your new home can be more built to be more energy efficient and substainable.When you talk to your builder, make sure they know about sustainable products; what’s available, how they work, and the “true” costs. Some of these technologies are great for the environment, and will benefit the homeowner as well. Others are only great for the environment and are not yet to a point where they are a financial advantage for the homeowner. It’s an ever changing world... make sure your builder knows what works for you.