AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 8, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (CMPBS), the oldest continuously operating non-profit organization in the U.S. focused exclusively on green building, sustainable development and ecoBalance design, received a $75,000 grant from the Meadows Foundation, the Dallas-based philanthropic institution dedicated to helping improve the quality and circumstances of life for all Texans. The grant will establish low-carbon, low-potable water alternatives to standard concrete design mixes.
Founded in 1948, the Meadows Foundation has dispersed over $750 million in grants and direct charitable expenditures to over 3,000 Texas institutions and agencies. This is the third major grant CMPBS has received over its 36-year history from the Meadows Foundation. In 1988, CMPBS received a grant for the design and construction of the Laredo Demonstration Blueprint Farm located in Laredo, Texas, and in 1995 a grant to support the design and construction of the Advanced Green Demonstration Building in Austin, Texas. Both projects achieved international acclaim and have had global influence on fundamental concepts about building design, construction, materials and affordability through the building life cycle.
With this $75,000 grant, the Meadows Foundation will enable groundbreaking work to establish low-carbon, low-potable water, by-product based cements and concrete alternatives. “Six percent of the world’s human-influenced CO2 is associated with Portland cement manufacturing, while globally, the production of concrete consumes one trillion gallons of potable water each year. We applaud the Meadows Foundation for supporting this compelling work, with opportunities to move towards a next generation of cement and concrete design mixes relevant to 21st century realities of global climate change and fresh water deficits,” said CMPBS Co-Founder and Co-Director Pliny Fisk III. “We also believe these new cement options will open up new opportunities for resilient, low maintenance, affordable housing applications in Texas and beyond.”
The Meadows Foundation strives to exemplify the principles of its founder in addressing basic human needs by working toward the elimination of ignorance, hopelessness and suffering, protecting the environment, providing cultural enrichment, encouraging excellence and promoting understanding and cooperation among people.
About Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems:
Based in Austin, Texas, Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems is a non-profit education, research, and demonstration organization specializing in ecoBalance planning and design. Established in 1975, CMPBS undertakes collaborative projects based on their potential to positively influence local, regional and global sustainability and social well-being and human health.
More information: http://www.cmpbs.org .
News Source: Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
