WASHINGTON—U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge today visited with EcoSmart Stud creator Jon Pues at the department’s Innovative Housing Showcase on the National Mall.

Fudge was impressed with the energy-saving and insulation value provided by the EcoSmart Stud. She asked about the hallmark gaps and slots in the stud, created to allow insulation to flow through and create a stronger R-value for exterior walls of homes.

“You can do this for two, three levels?” she asked, referring to multi-family housing projects.

Pues said: “Absolutely. And the electricians love these spaces.”

He pointed to the gaps and slots, which also allow for easy wiring in homes .

The EcoSmart Stud is one of 37 housing innovations from across the country, and the only one from Minnesota, invited to display at the showcase, a partnership of HUD and the National Association of Home Builders.

The event runs today through Sunday on the Mall and is open to the public.