Plano-based PEI Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced the addition of Neal Root to the company's board of directors and as a consultant. Root is a structural engineer with a PE (Professional Engineer) certification and a background in commercial, residential and industrial construction.

Equally important is Root's certification as a LEEDs (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) instructor. He has traveled nationwide, giving seminars to private and public building and construction companies as well as architectural and engineering firms with a focus on "green building" technology.

Root was able to analyze THURA-BLOCK from the standpoint of potential LEED credits. The categories that were analyzed included energy performance (Thermal Efficiency of R. 38), recycled content (up to 65 percent), regional materials (product shipment less than 500 miles from site), on-site contamination (dry stacking reduces soil & air pollution), design innovation (being able to shape and mold THURA-BLOCK to many innovative shapes, etc.). All in all, the possibility of THURA-BLOCK receiving total LEED credits of 25 is real, nearly half way to Platinum LEEDs certification.

Gifford Ludwigsen, CEO of PEI Worldwide Holdings, Inc., said, "The building industry is leaning very heavily to LEEDs certified building products and PEI Worldwide plans to manufacture and provide these products for many years to come. We welcome Neal Root and appreciate the experience that he brings to our company."