I recently noticed a developer that builds entire subdivisions based on high efficiency. When I asked why they opted not to use AAC products they cited a lack of skilled workforce to support a subdivision sized contract.

"AAC has not gained market share due to typical resistance from trades and builders to stray too far from the norm. AAC is a good product, but finding companies educated, trained and large enough to handle volume production work is difficult."

Essentially the skill base does not want to start over after spending years or decades perfecting a particular trade. This is further exasperated by the fact that no one is demanding this product. Why should a craftsman take on a new skill that has no marketable value? Then finally it surely true that these craftsman will not be the ones to educate the customer. Why discuss a product they cannot offer?

My solution is to appeal to non-profit organizations, government agencies, and the AAC Products Association http://www.aacpa.org/ to provide housing for those in need with the use of AAC. I would then contact local news agencies to ensure they are aware of the event and everything the benefactor will be gaining. Consider the impressive statistics regarding AAC structure survival rates under all known disaster conditions. Now combine the energy savings with these statistics and the absolute dominance of this product as a superior construction material by every other imaginable measure. I would expect that such a venture in the Austin, Texas area would cause a significant increase in demand locally. Austin still has a growing housing market despite the economy. In situations where homes are not appropriate, or even an option, apartments have filled the gap. Additionally, Austin would provide a great viral insertion point as many wealthy, ecology minded, public figures frequent the Austin area. Imagine when they realize that, if built with AAC, their California home could stand against the wild fires instead of feeding the flames.

Solar Implications

So you didn't buy a solar panel because you realized the energy contribution would not be significant enough to offset the cost. If you had built your home from Autoclave Aerated Concrete you could have reduced total (yes that is total) energy consumption by up to 50%.
Now imagine what that small solar array could contribute, relatively speaking. Now use architectural features to lower energy costs. Perhaps you could install solar tube lighting. At the very least you could implement compact florescent lights. Surely an energy wise construction would include a tankless water heater. The point is that it is perfectly reasonable for a new structure to be powered completely off the grid with out significant increases to cost (atleast during the day). This has far reaching implications as you consider that every model for the future of transportation ultimately inflicts higher demands on the established power grid. That's right all of them - Hydrogen production requires electricity - ethanol production can be ran off the grid but that subtracts signifcantly from overall plant output - and batteries (my personal favorite)....well naturally they require grid power.

Autoclave Aerated Concrete

For nearly 60 years now a strong and durable material has been used pervasively throughout the world with a very specific benefit. This material is called Autoclave Aerated Concrete and it has a significant role to play in the success of any sustainable economy. As it stands a large percentage of our grid connected power production is dedicated to heating and cooling. A home built or simply reinforced with this material would experience significant reductions in energy consumptions for the purposes of heating and cooling.

But why this material instead of just a well built wood home?

Easy. Not only does this system beat every thermal strategy out there except adobe, but there are dozens of other benefits. You're not killing CO2 consuming trees. You can produce and transport this material for less energy than other materials so the energy savings start during the manufacturing process. A home may be built stronger and faster through this method of construction. The energy savings during production and speed of construction most often lower the cost of building a home (although not by much usually). The home is extremely resistant to damage from high winds, fire, and earthquakes. Maintenance needs and costs are signifcantly lower over the life of the home. The walls provide exceptional sound barriers and contain no voids or spaces to harbor pests......

Well I could go on and on and on. I suggest you check out the Autoclave Aerated Concrete Products Association at http://www.aacpa.org/ to learn more.

An additional point of interest may be found at http://www.hebel.co.nz/about/earthquake.php.

Please share your thoughts.