The annual Hot 50 issue from Green Builder Media highlights the best sustainable products released by companies in the homebuilding industry. After such an unpredictable year, 2021 brings positive advances in green technology. See what Green Builder editors selected as the most innovative, sustainable products in the building market.
In 2020, Green Builder featured products that helped stimulate resilience in the construction industry, and this year, as the pandemic (finally) declines, the Hot 50 returns with products that raise the sustainability bar: ultra-efficient appliances, indoor air quality upgrades, durable roofing, composite decks and more.
The popular lineup of green products also highlights plenty of items within other components of high-performance homebuilding – check out the below standout products, then click here to download the full Hot 50 list.
Controls + Sensors
Carrier released a new-look smart zoning sensor for its leading Infinity line of heating and cooling products. Smaller than the preceding lineup of sensors, the updated device includes intuitive controls and an easy-to-read temperature display. The product’s new look and feel mixes into a home’s décor better than ever and mimics the design of the overall system control unit to maintain a uniform look throughout the house.
Indoor Air Quality
Combined with the company’s new VIRTUO Air Technology, the new AI Series of residential fresh air systems from Broan-NuTone removes key difficulties troubling contractors. No need to tweak or fine-tune balancing dampers, pressure taps or pressure gauges, the new VIRTUO system cuts energy costs by up to 60% by automatically acclimating and optimizing air quality around the clock.
Solar
Outfitting a home with Panasonic HIT+ N340 Solar Panels provides an innovative renewable energy source to power any home while emitting zero emissions. The high-efficiency photovoltaics feature 340 watts per panel and a 20.3 module efficiency rating.
Insulation
The newly re-engineered ASCEND Composite Cladding System by Alside delivers exceptional thermal and impact performance, while also being fire and water-resistant. Additionally, it adds an R-2 value classification to a home’s existing energy efficiency, which is useful for code compliance if a home is on the cusp of a requirement.
Energy + Water Saving
The EverVolt home battery by Panasonic Life Solutions of America adds resilience to a home’s solar array by allowing for high levels of energy storage, which can be used in outages, for supplementing nighttime loads or sold back to the grid. The EverVolt system allows for energy security by providing backup power to support pumps, HVAC units and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
Click here to download the full issue of Hot 50 green products.