CRBT is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology, NCAT. CRBT is dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible practices in construction. It works to serve as both catalyst and facilitator in encouraging building technologies which realize a sustainable and efficient use of resources.
CRBT was founded in 1990 by a builder concerned about the rate of natural resource consumption in construction, and the declining quality of dimensional lumber supplied to job sites. Today, as a project of NCAT, CRBT actively promotes resource efficiency in building design, materials selection and construction practices through research, education and demonstration. These activities support NCAT's mission to champion sustainable technologies and community-based approaches that protect natural resources and assist people, especially the economically disadvantaged, in becoming self-reliant.

Practicing resource efficiency makes it possible to reduce the pressure that construction places on natural resources. At this time, constructing and operating buildings consumes more materials and energy than any other single activity in the United States. Increasing consumer demand, combined with the growth of human population, is reducing our worldwide natural resource base even as technological innovation creates new possibilities. CRBT seeks to demonstrate to the public that efficient building methods provide a better quality of life and protect the environment.

CRBT identifies and promotes building products and methods that do more with less: that provide building materials from reused salvaged, currently underutilized, or waste materials; that provide sufficient housing with reduced resource use; and that produce less pollution and waste than conventional building materials and technologies.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with programs in sustainable agriculture, rural development, renewable energy, and low-income housing. 

 Founders of a New Northwest

Sustainable Northwest honored CRBT by naming us to their list of Founders of a New Northwest in October 2001. CRBT and the other organizations selected as Founders are profiled on the Sustainable Northwest website.
 

Build Green Today!

A 16-page introduction to green building and recycled building materials for the residents of EPA Region 8, featuring products manufactured and available in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, North Dakota and South Dakota. Download a PDF of the full-color booklet.