MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Sept. 22, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James Hardie
Building Products Inc. (NYSE:JHX), the world's leading manufacturer of fiber cement building materials and a recognized pioneer in sustainable building products and practices, announced that it will be a major sponsor of this year's West Coast Green Show, set to take place in San Jose, Calif. from September 25-27. As part of the sponsorship, James Hardie products will be featured on the West Coast Green's 2008 Showhouse, which will be on display throughout the show.

"For more than 30 years, James Hardie has worked with building science experts to understand the role that products play in the sustainability of a home, and we're pleased to have the opportunity to help pass that information along to the consumer in a straightforward and practical way through our participation with West Coast Green," said P.J. Rosch, Senior Product Manager for James Hardie Building Products.

The Showhouse, made from reused shipping containers, will provide innovative residential design and execution ideas that are affordable, functional and technologically advanced. Every aspect of the home's design, build, materials and features were evaluated and documented to assure the home's Green Point and LEED for Homes certification.

In addition to James Hardie's HardiWrap(tm), the Showhouse will feature James Hardie's new line of "eco-chic" Artisan(r) Exterior Design products, including Artisan(r) Matrix(tm) Panel, Artisan(r) Lap and Artisan(tm) Accent Trim.

"Consumers today want to live an 'eco-chic' lifestyle where they can have the best of both worlds -- sustainability and style. The James Hardie products being featured in the Showhouse demonstrate how durability and aesthetics can work together to achieve this ideal in home design," said Monte Stettin, founder of the Positive Energy Group and a pioneer in "eco-chic" residential building and development.

Consumers can get more information on all the products featured in the Showhouse at www.westcoastgreen.com.

About James Hardie:

James Hardie Building Products Inc. (NYSE:JHX) is committed to helping builders by providing innovative solutions that can increase the value of a home. As the world's leading manufacturer of fiber cement building materials, James Hardie has been manufacturing cement-based building products for more than 100 years. It introduced fiber cement products to the U.S. in the early 90s as a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood and vinyl. Due to their resistance to wind, fire, impact and flood, James Hardie(r) products have been specified for homes in hurricane- and wildfire-prone areas throughout the U.S. Currently installed on over four million homes, James Hardie products have earned a favorable reputation within the industry and have been specified in some of the country's most prestigious projects.

James Hardie Building Products Inc

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