During a recent press teleconference, USG Corp. previewed some of its newest innovations including additions to its USG Design Studio website; an online tool for assessing a product’s LEED credits; and the new Next Gen Durock cement board.

Fareed Kahn, president of USG Building Systems, began by addressing the current economic downturn and its effect on architects and contractors working in the flooring industry. “It’s a very difficult environment,” he said. “Our customers are facing extreme and unprecedented challenges.” He assured that USG is moving to answer those challenges

Scott Crandall, USG’s product marketing manager for the Durock brand, noted the company’s just launched Next Gen Durock cement board is specifically designed to help contractors increase their productivity. (See Products for more information.)

The company also announced the addition of a LEED Request Tool available on the USG Design Studio website at www.usgdesignstudio.com. The tool will offer users a wide range of information on a product’s potential LEED points, as well as the ability to print out dynamic reports. Initially the tool will cover the company’s line of ceiling and drywall products, but will grow to include all of its products over time, the company said.