Hanson Hardscapes, a premier North American manufacturer of hardscape products, recently participated in the construction of an affordable, green home in Miami, expected to receive Platinum LEED certification, the highest level available. Hanson partnered with the City of Miami, Palmetto Homes of Miami Inc. and youth from Miami Partnership for Action in Communities Task Force (MPACT), to build the sustainable home. At-risk teens were provided with "green" jobs, which they trained with the builders and manufacturers on-site. This is the second green home initiative for the City of Miami and Southern Florida.

Hanson Hardscapes' Pompano Beach, Fla., facility was contacted by Palmetto Homes to provide its Aquaflow permeable paving system for the home's driveway. Aquaflow is designed to manage storm water runoff as an environmentally sensitive and affordable solution. Aquaflow's Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS), cleans pollutants, supports groundwater recharge and creates a durable and hard surface with an attractive finish. The home is expected to receive certification as a Florida Friendly Yard from the Florida Friendly Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN) Program, which provides education on how to create attractive, healthy, low-maintenance landscapes.

"We were happy to provide our product, which qualifies for LEED credit in Sustainable Sites, Materials & Resources, Regional Materials, Durable Building and with opportunities in Innovation & Design," said Bob Christensen, Senior Vice President Hanson Building Products East Region. "Hanson seeks opportunities to supply eco-friendly products and practice sustainable operations, in hopes that these construction practices will soon become mainstream in the building industry."Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient homes have proven to save homeowners any where from 25 to 65 percent in utility costs each month. Hanson Hardscapes and partnering builders and manufacturers complied with benchmarks established by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Teens were able to gain first-hand experience in sustainable construction, and contribute to their community.

"Educating youth on the importance of sustainability is vital, and we were glad to have the chance to do so with this project," added Christensen.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado attended a ribbon cutting for the new home February 19 along with the Battle family, the new proud owners of the green home located in Liberty City, Miami.

Hanson Hardscapes is a division of Hanson Building Products North America. One of Hanson Building Products' corporate strategies is continued focus on sustainability. The company is known throughout North America for excellent occupational safety, environmental stewardship, high quality standards and contributions to its local communities.

About Hanson Hardscapes

Hanson Hardscapes is a premier manufacturer in the hardscape products industry, with 12 North American manufacturing and distribution facilities in Ontario, Canada, Florida, Michigan and Virginia and more than 40 years of experience in the industry. We are active members of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). For more information, please visit www.hansonhardscapes.com.

About Hanson Building Products North America

Hanson Building Products North America is comprised of Hanson Pipe & Precast, Hanson Pressure Pipe, Hanson Structural Precast, Hanson Brick, Hanson Hardscapes and Hanson Roof Tile. Based in Irving, Texas, Hanson Building Products North America employs approximately 4,500 people and operates 150 facilities with products available throughout the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about Hanson's sustainability efforts and quality products, services and building technology, please visitwww.hansonbuildingproducts.com.

Hanson Building Products North America and its divisions are part of the HeidelbergCement Group, the global leader in aggregates with leading positions in cement, concrete and heavy building. The company employs approximately 57,000 people across five continents.