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May 30, 2008 Citi Reaches Milestone in ‘Green’ Building Program 30 Citibank and CitiFinancial branches designed with sustainable features NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its commitment to address global climate change, Citi announced that it is the first company to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) pre-certification for a retail commercial interior prototype through a pilot U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) program. New CitiFinancial branches in Austin, Texas, and Flint, Mich., and the Citibank financial center in Warrington, Penn., are the first Citi branches to be certified in this pilot program. An additional 27 CitiFinancial and Citibank branches were designed with the same features and are in the process of pursuing LEED certification. “This is part of our approach to embed sustainable business practices throughout our operations -- from our buildings to the supply chain to information technology,” said Kevin Kessinger, Chief Operations & Technology Officer. “For Citi, green business is good business. It is an important part of being a responsible corporate citizen and operating the business efficiently.” The USGBC Portfolio Program, currently in pilot phase, focuses on the permanent integration of green building and operational measures -- portfolio-wide -- into the standard business practices of companies and organizations. The Portfolio Program recognizes market leaders who have committed to and achieved high levels of LEED certification within their portfolio. "Citi is a true market leader in green building," said USGBC's Market Development Vice President Doug Gatlin. "And they should be commended for their achievement. By participating in the Portfolio Program pilot, Citi is taking action to rapidly implement green building practices across its portfolio to directly address global environmental challenges. The program is a tremendous step forward in our fight to slow climate change and reduce energy dependence." The new CitiFinancial and Citibank branches use less energy and water and include environmentally friendly features, such as: low-flow plumbing fixtures energy-efficient office equipment lights that automatically turn off when rooms are unoccupied carpet, desks, seating, fabrics and cabinetry made from recycled materials furniture, finishes and construction materials that meet stringent indoor air quality emissions tests Green e-certified power to provide 50% of the electrical load at the Citibank branches for at least two years Citi is committed to achieving environmental certification globally for all new office buildings and operations centers and to evaluate existing larger facilities as a critical part of Citi's pledge to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 10% by 2011. Last October, Citi reached a significant milestone in its green building program by earning its first LEED certification for its newly constructed office parks in Irving and Las Colinas, Texas, and has since been awarded LEED Gold certification for a new 15-story skyscraper in New York City at Two Court Square in Queens. In addition, Citi has registered several additional projects, including new data centers in Texas and Frankfurt, Germany, with the USGBC to pursue LEED certification. More
May 22, 2008 New Study Confirms Commonly Used Granite is Safe for Countertops CLEVELAND, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study of the most popular granites used for kitchen countertops in the United States concludes that granite is safe to use in kitchens. The study, designed to determine whether radon gas sometimes released by natural stone poses any health risk, was released by the Marble Institute of America, an industry trade association, and conducted by an independent geochemistry researcher. Included in this study were 13 of the most popular types of granites used in countertop applications, representing up to 85 percent of the granite countertops sold in the United States. "This is the first time anyone has taken a comprehensive, scientific look at the array of granite actually being used in kitchens across the U.S.," said L. L. Chyi, a Ph.D. and professor of Geology and Civil Engineering at The University of Akron, Akron, OH. "Based on the testing results and EPA standards, we can conclude that the most popular granites used as countertop surfaces pose no health threat to homeowners." The issue of granite containing radon has surfaced repeatedly over the years, often fueled by manufacturers of radon detection devices and producers of synthetic stone countertops. Each time, the Marble Institute of America and several natural stone producing companies, have responded by engaging independent researchers to determine if any potential health hazard exists. Studies have consistently verified that granite countertops are safe. More
May 21, 2008 ADDING MULTIMEDIA Governor Schwarzenegger and Environmental Defense Fund Recognize Business Leadership in Environmental Innovation New Report Highlights Pioneering Business Solutions across the Nation that are Environmentally Efficient and Boost Companies’ Bottom Lines SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the support of Governor Schwarzenegger and distinguished CEOs, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today launched its inaugural report “Innovations Review 2008: Making Green the New Business as Usual.” The report highlights the latest trends and best practices that demonstrate how environmental sustainability efforts are creating new markets, providing competitive advantages and saving companies millions of dollars. The report is a first of its kind, featuring business solutions that are replicable and ready for implementation across business sectors and industries today. [Editor’s note: Live event webcast at 10:30 a.m. PDT may be viewed along with quotes from featured business leaders at www.EDF.org/InnovationsReview] “Environmental Defense Fund recognized that ‘business as usual’ is changing, so they created a new way to assess environmental innovation,” Governor Schwarzenegger said. “More than a third of the companies showcased are based here. I love it when California is number one and it is a big thrill to see businesses in our state leading the way.” CEOs of businesses featured in the report were on hand at EDF’s San Francisco office to discuss the benefits of the innovations to their companies. Speakers included: Ken Grossman, Founder, Owner and CEO, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; Charles (Chuck) Kavitsky, Chairman of the Board, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company; Jonathan Schwartz, CEO and President, Sun Microsystems; Casey Sheahan, President and CEO, Patagonia, Inc. and Richard Swanson, Founder, President and CTO, SunPower Corp. [Editor's note: These California business leaders comment on "Innovations Review 2008" at www.EDF.org/InnovationsReview] “This report is a roadmap to the future. Whether you work at a company or you're a shareholder and you've wanted to go green, this is the answer book,” said EDF Executive Director David Yarnold. “The ideas in ‘Innovations Review 2008’ show how building environmental considerations into basic business processes can create competitive advantage. We hope these ideas inspire others to reduce waste or improve energy efficiency in their operations, services and supply chains – and strengthen the bottom line in the process.” EDF leadership and a distinguished advisory panel of experts from the fields of environmental science, law, finance and management consulting assessed hundreds of business products, practices and technologies, selecting more than 20 innovations from around the country that are highlighted in the report. In keeping with EDF’s market-based approach to solving major environmental problems, the "Innovations Review 2008" features game-changing best practices that can influence nearly every functional area within a company – including real estate, operations and manufacturing, fleet management, human resources, IT and finance. Additional innovations highlight transformations underway in the shipping, food and agriculture, retail and insurance sectors. All the innovations were selected based on four key criteria: environmental benefits, business benefits, replicability and creativity. This report is a natural extension of EDF’s track record working with leading businesses to demonstrate that good environmental stewardship and competitive business advantage go hand in hand. McDonald’s elimination of its clamshell packaging, FedEx’s hybrid delivery trucks and Wal-Mart’s greening of its supply chain are all examples of EDF’s intensive work with corporate partners. The Innovations Review is the first product of a new EDF initiative to catalog and widely disseminate environmental best practices to a broad corporate audience, and catalyze a new generation of corporate environmental leaders. Later in the year, EDF will launch additional Web-based tools to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and share information on environmental innovations. More
May 21, 2008 Office Depot First Company to Achieve Volume LEED Pre-Certification From USGBC For New Construction Store Prototype DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Office Depot (NYSE:ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced that it has achieved volume pre-certification under the pilot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Portfolio Program for its store prototype design – the retailer’s master set of drawings – from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Office Depot is the first Company to have achieved this pre-certification for new construction. A USGBC member since 2007, Office Depot was part of the first group of participants to become involved in the pilot of the Portfolio Program. Part of the initiative involves piloting a volume certification path to enable companies to integrate LEED attributes into a prototype design and apply it across multiple buildings. “Office Depot has implemented a number of initiatives over the past couple of years to improve the energy efficiency of our stores and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Ed Costa, Vice President of Construction for Office Depot. “Achieving Volume Pre-Certification through LEED affirms our leadership position in the retail industry as well as in general building construction. The entire organization is proud of this accomplishment.” “Office Depot is to be commended for this achievement,” said USGBC’s Market Development Vice President Doug Gatlin. “And we are also grateful for their leadership participation in this initiative. The Portfolio Program pilot is breaking new ground for LEED and adding to our ability to scale green building’s immediate and measurable results at a much faster level. It’s a tremendous step forward in our fight to slow climate change and reduce energy dependence.” Office Depot’s LEED pre-certified prototype features a number of environmental attributes, including: Solar tracking skylights to maximize natural light Solar panels Energy efficient T5 lighting Reflective white roof Non-asphalt, concrete parking lot Polished concrete floor Recycled content carpet High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning units Light sensors in office-package Enhanced energy management system Recycling program for collection of corrugated cardboard, paper, plastics, ink/toner cartridges and technology The first Office Depot store to be built to this prototype is located in Austin, Texas and is scheduled to open late next month. According to the USGBC, LEED-Certified buildings reduce energy usage, create less waste and emit fewer harsh chemicals. “Achieving LEED pre-certification for our prototype represents a milestone moment in Office Depot’s environmental leadership journey,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Director of Environmental Strategy for Office Depot. “What this means is that not just one store, but our core store prototype incorporates leading edge green design principles.” More
May 20, 2008 Florida School Cuts Ribbon on First-of-their-kind Green Classrooms Buildings house first modular classrooms to be registered for Platinum designation by LEED(R) for Schools program; construction made possible with help from Lowe's grant TAMPA, Fla., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- A school in Lutz, Fla., today officially opened the nation's first modular classrooms to be registered for Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) for Schools program. With the opening of nine new environmentally friendly, modular classrooms, Learning Gate Community School, a place where students learn how to incorporate green living into their daily lives, now sets a new standard in education and environmental responsibility. A Platinum LEED(R) rating is the highest designation given by the USGBC for sustainable building practices. The LEED(R) for Schools program is even more stringent, according to contractors working on the project. "Virtually every aspect of the buildings is recycled, renewable or organic," said Principal Patti Girard, founder of the environmentally focused charter school. "We used recycled steel frames, lumber approved by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and even soy foam insulation to build the classrooms. We'll even generate a portion of our own electricity by using solar-paneled awnings." More
May 16, 2008 ICSC Publishes Book on Green Practices in Retail Real Estate NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc. (ICSC) is pleased to announce the release of its latest publication entitled: The RetailGreen Agenda: Sustainable Practices for Retailers and Shopping Centers, which is a comprehensive study of the green movement and its impact on retail real estate. The publication focuses on programs and strategies to ensure responsible development. This book will be released just in time for ICSC’s annual conference, RECon, which takes place in Las Vegas on May 18-21, 2008. “Great source of information; explains a very complex issue in an easily understood and educational manner,” noted Richard P. O’Leary, CDP, Vice President, Director of Constructive Services for the JC Penny Company. Some highlights of the publication include: Save the Planet: A Universal Mission: Industries, governments and consumers are enthusiastically stepping up to share the responsibility of preserving the planet’s natural resources and ensure sustenance and quality of life for generations to come. The Green Revolution: Separating Fact from Fiction: This publication provides a new and comprehensive look at the green movement and the evolution it is inspiring, not only throughout the world, but within the retail real estate industry. Shades of Green in Retail Real Estate: Nearly all organizations are currently implementing varying forms of environmentally friendly strategies and achieving successful results, including a multitude of welcome benefits. What ‘Going Green’ Really Means: Find out how to launch a green building program and make the transition smooth, efficient, and economical with the step-by-step plans outlined in this informative reference manual. Industry Partners Share Green Success Stories: The publication provides an overview of significant milestones in the industry’s movement toward sustainability and provides an in-depth look at how shopping center developers are making the transition to a green way of life, with examples of shopping centers from all over the world. Real-Life Case Studies: Read detailed examples of sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility programs employed by: Bed Bath & Beyond; The Body Shop; The Home Depot; Lowe’s; Best Buy; Costco; Chipotle; Target Corporation; John Lewis Partnership; Marks & Spencer; Trader Joe’s; Publix GreenWise Market; Safeway; Tesco’s Fresh and Easy; Giant Food; Kohl’s; Macy’s; JCPenney; Limited Brands; Ikea; Whole Foods Market; Wal-Mart and many more. More
May 16, 2008 Greenwood Technologies Brings Clean Tech Wood Boilers to Heating Industry BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Pacific Northwest renewable heating solutions manufacturer - Greenwood Technologies - is blazing a new trail in the clean technology market. The company has overhauled the traditional outdoor wood boiler to create a next generation of indoor and outdoor wood-fired furnaces, and investors are starting to take notice. Recently, Martin Tobias, formerly of Imperium Renewables, a biodiesel company located in Washington State, signed on as an investor. Located in Bellevue, Wash., Greenwood Technologies manufactures low emission appliances that can heat spaces up to 12,000 square feet. The furnaces are available through more than 100 North American Greenwood Dealers. The company’s distribution is currently in the mid-West and Eastern states and provinces, and is expanding into overseas markets. Greenwood Technologies sales are on track to reach more than $10 million by the fourth quarter of 2008 and could reach $30 million by 2010. “Just like other clean tech companies, we are developing competitive products that exceed the performance of similar conventional products,” noted Tom Eckmann, CEO of Greenwood Technologies. “With the rising cost of oil and gas, high efficiency wood-fired furnaces provide a significant economic relief to their owners.” Clean tech wood boilers are helping households and light commercial businesses address rising fuel costs because of the locally available and renewable fuel source – firewood. They also produce approximately 90 percent less wood smoke and are twice as efficient when compared to traditional wood boilers. These significant benefits are making a difference to communities struggling with federal non-attainment for air quality. Recently, Greenwood Technologies received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) qualified designation for two clean burning products: Greenwood Furnace and the Aspen Series. Greenwood Technologies also manufactures and distributes Pelco Series biomass boilers for commercial applications, such as greenhouses, schools and industrial buildings. The clean technology market – from solar to hydropower – has grown considerably since it first began to gain presence in the early 2000s. Recent research by the Cleantech Group found that venture capital investments in the sector could exceed $19 billion by 2010. The clean tech wood boiler industry is adding unique potential to the sector. Unlike other clean tech businesses, Greenwood is focusing its efforts on the 20 million households which use fire wood as a means to heat their home. The pace of growth in this segment has been further accelerated by rising fuel prices, environmental awareness, and desires for independence from foreign oil interests. Yet, Eckmann says that it is hard for venture capitalists to see the opportunity within the biomass heating industry because wood and biomass are not sexy. But, that view is not slowing the Greenwood Technologies team. “Investors interested in innovation are beginning to stand up and take notice,” noted Eckmann. “And, our performance and growth speaks for us.” Greenwood supports the biomass heating sector by developing innovative community heating models, creating green collar jobs and engaging with public education partnerships with air quality agencies, such as the EPA. “Burning biomass and wood is helping reduce the dependence on foreign oil and that is good for the economy,” added Eckmann. “We’re doing a lot of research and development in the alternative energy field. We see this as an important part of the North American energy portfolio.” More
May 15, 2008 Burt Hill Receives Revit BIM Experience Award for Sustainable Design of Major Education, Healthcare and Commercial Projects New Literacy Center in Pennsylvania Demonstrates Value of BIM for Green Building BOSTON, May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) today announced that Burt Hill, an architecture, engineering and design firm, has been selected to receive a Revit BIM Experience Award. At an Autodesk customer appreciation event to be held this evening, the firm will be honored for its successful use of the Revit platform for building information modeling (BIM) to design buildings that have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Revit BIM Experience Award is presented to commercial firms, educational institutions and individuals for innovation and excellence in implementing the Autodesk Revit platform (which includes Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP software applications) on one or more projects.
May 14, 2008 Keltech Provides Battle Creek Academy with Energy Saving Tankless Water Heater DELTON, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keltech Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of electric tankless water heaters, announced today that it has supplied the Battle Creek Academy with a water heating solution that will reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and reduce natural resource use. Battle Creek Academy (BCA) is a small, private K-12 school in southern Michigan. The facility serves over 160 students, teachers, administrators and other personnel. Like most schools, BCA needs a reliable water heating solution for its commercial kitchen, locker room showers and lavatories. When its old water heater finally stopped working, BCA turned to Keltech for a reliable, long lasting source of hot water. “Our Keltech tankless water heater performs,” states Wayne Johnson of BCA. “We have hot water whenever we want it. I never have to worry like I did in the past.” Installing an electric Keltech tankless water heater can provide schools like BCA with additional advantages of reduced energy and natural resource consumption. Water heating is the third largest consumer of energy in our schools. Rising energy prices, the cost of ongoing maintenance, and the impact of a school’s carbon footprint on the environment are leading school administrators across the country to re-think their water heating options. Green school initiatives provide communities with new ideas and new resources to lessen environmental impact and lower operating costs while improving the learning environment for our children. This win-win-win approach is supported by the Green Buildings Council’s LEED for Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Smart Schools, and ASHRAE’s Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools More
May 14, 2008 Contractors Guide to Green Building Construction - This 'How-to' Book Enables You to Meet the Challenges of Green Building Construction DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c91558) has announced the addition of "Contractors Guide to Green Building Construction: Management, Project Delivery, Documentation, and Risk Reduction" to their offering. Written specifically for contractors, this "how-to" book enables you to meet the challenges of green building construction. You'll discover how constructing environmentally friendly, sustainable buildings influences project management, delivery, documentation, and risk. Moreover, the book guides you through these important considerations at all phases of a green construction project, including: -- Bidding and contracting -- Managing green design when the contractor works as a design builder -- Subcontracting -- Procurement -- Construction management -- Project commissioning and closeout CONTENTS: CHAPTER 1. GREEN CONSTRUCTION & THE CONTRACTOR. CHAPTER 2. ELEMENTS OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION. CHAPTER 3. UNDERSTANDING GREEN PROJECT REQUIREMENTS. CHAPTER 4. CONTRACTING FOR GREEN CONSTRUCTION. CHAPTER 5. MANAGING GREEN DESIGN. CHAPTER 6. GREEN SUBCONTRACTING. CHAPTER 7. GREEN PROCUREMENT. CHAPTER 8. CONSTRUCTING A GREEN PROJECT. CHAPTER 9. GREEN PROJECT COMMISSIONING & CLOSEOUT. APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS. APPENDIX B. REFFERENCE. More
May 14, 2008 Mazzetti & Associates Launches Climate Change Practice Engineering Company Expands Services to Include Measuring and Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Clients’ Operations SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consulting and engineering firm Mazzetti & Associates, two-time winner of the Champions for Change Award from Hospitals for a Healthy Environment, announced today the advent of a climate change consulting practice. The new suite of services provides clients with measurement, strategic advice regarding development of greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and reduction verification services. In combination with the existing firm expertise in the areas of energy performance analysis and energy system design, construction and commissioning will provide potential clients with a one-stop shop for dealing with the changing set of legal requirements in the area of emissions reduction. The climate change consulting practice has been added to Mazzetti’s already full range of client services, which includes mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology engineering design and consulting. Mazzetti & Associates principal Walt Vernon says that clients will benefit from the service by reducing greenhouse gas emissions early, as carbon regulations and carbon trading markets are just beginning to be created. “There is little doubt that regulations and carbon markets are coming,” Vernon said. “This new world of carbon regulation will create all kinds of issues for building owners. We understand the legal, financial and policy sides of the regulation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and we can help clients turn this from a liability into an opportunity to make investments that pay back over time. Building owners who prepare for a carbon-constrained future will fare much better than those who wait for the regulations to take hold and who have to act with their backs against the wall.” In California, Assembly Bill 32—also known as the Global Warming Solutions Act—requires reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as mandating cuts in emissions overall statewide. Since 76 percent of all electricity generated in the U.S. is used to construct and operate buildings, many experts believe that buildings will be among the first to be regulated as regulation at local, state and federal levels increases. Vernon cited several benefits for those who choose voluntary greenhouse gas reduction, including recognition of environmental stewardship, successful management of the risk of future regulation, the ability to influence policymakers as legislation is being created and gaining advantage over competitors who do not reduce greenhouse gases until mandated to do so. Mazzetti has already partnered with St. Joseph Health System to measure their greenhouse gases and to report them to the California Climate Action Registry. Stanford University Medical Center recently engaged Mazzetti to perform similar services for their healthcare facilities, and help them develop various plans for responding to the challenge that comes from growing the medical center while shrinking their carbon footprint. The climate consulting services provided by Mazzetti includes a full range of planning, metrics and evaluation, and recommendations, including: Auditing: Measuring the amount of energy used and the greenhouse gases emitted by a facility’s operations; Benchmarking: Comparing a facility’s energy use and greenhouse gases with other, similar facilities; Policy research and consulting: How to leverage regulation and incentives in the future in the client’s best interests; Reduction goal formulation: Setting targets for reductions in energy and water use; Reduction measures analysis: Determining the most cost-effective and feasible ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a particular facility; Advanced energy modeling: Computer simulations that provide models of the impacts of reduction measures; Financial analysis: Evaluating the financial impacts of reductions over time; Rebates and incentives: Helping clients find and apply for ways to reduce the costs of investments in greenhouse gas emissions reductions; Systems design: Develop, implement and administer reduction measures; Construction: Partnering with construction firms and acting as the owner’s project manager to ensure timely and cost-effective construction solutions; Building commissioning: Ensuring that the building’s systems and equipment operate as designed and that building facility staff are capable of operating and maintaining them; and Emission reduction verification: This provides verification of the emissions reductions to the various available markets so as to allow a building owner to monetize them. More
May 13, 2008 Cathedral Stone Products Develops, Adds New No-VOC Water Repellent to Green Product Offering - New product universally complies with all volatile organic compound regulations issued by cities, states across the United States - HANOVER, Md., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Cathedral Stone(R) Products founder and CEO Dennis Rude announced today the company's latest innovation in masonry preservation -- R-97 Water Repellent. This no-VOC water repellent universally conforms to all volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations that continue to tighten and vary by city and state across the United States. California, New York and Utah are among those states with the strictest low-VOC requirements. R-97 provides a new, environmentally-safe, and worker-friendly solution for protecting all porous masonry surfaces from water penetration. It is formulated to create a long-lasting coating that changes the capillary force of the pores in masonry from positive to negative. Unlike water repellents containing siloxane or silane, R-97 can be applied three days (as opposed to 28 days) after new work on a building's surface is complete. R-97 is non-flammable, odorless, and it can be applied in a single application. Additionally, R-97 includes a 10-year warranty when substrate testing is performed by Cathedral Stone Products. More
May 13, 2008 Flame Seal Passes Official Fire Tests, Receives Certification, Becoming the Only Fully Qualified Thin Film Fire Protection Coating for the PUF Insulation Market SPI Begins Marketing Campaign in U.S. & Canada HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UPDATE (Stage Report): On Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Intertek Laboratories in San Antonio, TX, Flame Seal’s new Intumescent Coating became the first thin film coating to pass the Full Scale Room Corner test (UL1715). Witnesses at the test representing a major foam manufacturer stated: “This changes everything about our industry!” Michael Kiser, President of Flame Seal, also attended the test, and he said: “Nobody thought we would pass this test with such a thin coating. We used less than 18 dry mills on the test walls, and one attendee was saying the best they had done, with 'thicker' coatings, was six minutes out of fifteen, which is the pass/fail point of this test. When we went past 15 minutes without almost zero spread of flames, they were astounded! It made me proud of our Company, our products, and our team.” After the official test report was provided by Intertek Labs a few days later, Specialty Products, Inc. (SPI), Flame Seal’s exclusive distributor/marketer for the U.S. and Canada, immediately went into high gear with a National marketing campaign that was organized and ready for take-off, promoting the new product to the Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation Market, including manufacturers, distributors and contractors throughout the industry. Since a strong demand already existed for an affordable, easily applied fire protective coating for Spray Applied Polyurethane Foam Insulation, it is expected that the response to SPI’s marketing effort will be rapid and significant. Progress reports will be released as notable events occur.
May 12, 2008 1Vault Networks Can Assist Florida Businesses Who Stand to Lose Most During Upcoming 2008 Hurricane Season FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With predictions of 15 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin between June 1st and November 30th, Florida businesses are being encouraged to batten down the hatches and have a continuity plan in place. But 1Vault Networks wonders if they are listening... Gartner®, the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company, estimates that only 35 percent of small to mid-sized businesses have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place, and an even smaller percent have crisis management, contingency, business recovery and business resumption plans. “Too many businesses in Florida are simply not prepared to survive a disaster,” said Helene Wetherington, AICP, CEM, Director of Emergency Management Services for Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Calvin, Giordano & Associates. A former Assistant Director of Emergency Management for Palm Beach County, Wetherington said an estimated 75 percent of companies without a business continuity plan would fail within three years of a disaster. “Complacency about disaster preparedness can kill your business,” she added. The 2008 forecast gives 70 percent odds a hurricane will hit West Florida and 60 percent odds storms will strike the Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama coast and the U.S. east coast. “That’s a recipe for a catastrophe and should make any chairman, president, CEO, CIO, CFO and Board Director reassess their planning if they haven’t already done so,” opined Jim Thomas, founder and CEO of 1Vault Networks (www.1Vault.net), a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company offering businesses colocation, disaster recovery and hosted IT servers. For Thomas, a 25-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, the reality for inaction “certainly will result in the loss of revenue, loss of customers and most probably the loss of the business.” Is this only an issue affecting larger businesses? According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s FloridaDisaster.org website, which helps businesses in disaster planning, almost 40 percent of small businesses that close due to a disaster event never reopen. Many companies choose Florida as their base of operations because of the unique combination of a skilled workforce, booming business economy and endless recreational and arts and entertainment options. However, because Florida is located in the North Atlantic Hurricane zone, doing business there requires a well thought out business continuity plan. Having a good plan means including contingencies for weather and other more common business risks, such as fire, flood and power outages—all of which can leave a business disconnected from the world and losing money. For the majority of companies, staying in business during any major event means protecting its information, as a business cannot run for long if it loses or is disconnected from its data systems for any length of time. This makes data protection a top priority in any business continuity plan. Data protection for businesses can be as simple as backing up the data to an off-site data storage facility at regular intervals, to housing critical IT infrastructure in a weather hardened colocation facility capable of remaining online even during a Category 5 hurricane. A colocation center or carrier hotel is a secure physical site or building where data communications media converge and are interconnected. A colocation data center services multiple customers, allowing each to locate network, server and storage equipment and interconnect to a variety of telecommunications and other network service providers. These carrier hotels can provide colocation on a massive scale, offering various services to customers ranging from modest-sized racks to dedicated rooms or groups of rooms. Some sites, such as 1Vault Networks, offer hardware and software installation, maintenance, managed and unmanaged servers and suites and seats where businesses can relocate temporarily to ensure continuity to customers in spite of outside conditions. 1Vault Networks recommends a Business Survival Guide should include the following Check List: 1. Outline a Business Continuity Plan. 2. Carefully audit the plan to ensure all processes are covered, including data protection, business continuity, human resource coordination, firewalls and self-defending networks, e-mail communications, recovery and restoration, and most importantly coordinated management of all of the above. 3. Through your internal IT staff, coordinate a seamless operational plan working with a SAS 70 Certified colocation/disaster recovery partner. 4. Anticipate and budget for all related costs. Remember, many businesses are obligated to certain levels of performance through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). 5. Dry run a full test of your plan so there are no surprises. More
May 12, 2008 Kohl’s Distributed Solar Power Program Becomes World’s Largest Among Retailers Kohl’s Brings Solar Power to New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland Locations MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE:KSS) announced today that it plans to convert more than 50 of its existing New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland locations to solar power, representing nearly 80 percent of its locations in these three states. Currently Kohl’s operates 34 stores in New Jersey, 17 in Connecticut and 16 in Maryland. With the East Coast solar installation, Kohl’s is the largest retail host of solar power, and its distributed solar program is now the largest in the world among retailers. In a distributed solar program, silent, renewable energy is produced and used at the same location requiring no transmission infrastructure. Kohl’s has converted more than 25 of its 88 California locations to solar power with plans to activate approximately 50 additional sites in the state. Solar installations are also under way at three Wisconsin locations, and Kohl’s hopes to add other states to its growing solar offering before year-end. Initial construction for the East Coast solar conversions began in January. On average, solar panels provide 30 percent of a store’s annual energy, or enough to power 54 homes annually. The total East Coast program is expected to offset 370 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the 20-year program and is equivalent to removing more than 36,200 cars from the road for one year. “Our solar program is one of many ways Kohl’s is working to become a leading environmentally responsible retailer,” said Ken Bonning, executive vice president of logistics for Kohl’s. “We launched our California solar initiative one year ago and are excited to add East Coast locations to the program, making Kohl’s distributed solar power program the largest in the world among retailers.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), solar power is one of many green sources of power, which also include wind, geothermal and biogas. These power sources are partially or entirely generated from clean resources and are considered cleaner than conventional sources of electricity in part because of lower carbon dioxide emissions. Kohl’s strives to be a leading green retailer by maximizing energy efficiency, minimizing waste, improving new building design, reducing climate damaging emissions, and encouraging environmental values. Recently Kohl’s opened a new state-of-the-art photo studio in Milwaukee that was constructed using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. In its May issue, Working Mother Magazine recognized Kohl’s as one of the Best Green Companies for America’s Children. In April 2007, Kohl’s made the largest commitment to solar energy in U.S. history. Following that, the EPA recognized Kohl’s with a Green Power Leadership Award for being the No. 2 retail purchaser of renewable energy More
May 12, 2008 First Equity Group to Build World’s First Indoor Winter Sports Resort DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Equity Group (the “Group”), an Irish private equity and real estate group today confirmed that, Onslow Suffolk Limited (“OSL”), a consortium in which the Group and its investors are a 70% shareholder, has received significant support from the UK Government for a mixed-use residential, leisure and commercial development outside Ipswich, UK with a gross development value of €600 million. The development, known as SnOasis, will enjoy the status of the world’s first indoor winter sports resort. SnOasis will be developed on a c. 360 acre site and comprise an iconic sports complex, 350 ski lodges, a four-star hotel and conference centre, an athlete's village and the facilities to house many other sporting activities. Following a public enquiry, a Government appointed Inspector has recommended the scheme be approved in its entirety subject to certain conditions. The Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government today announced that she agrees with these conclusions and has approved the residential and other elements of the scheme and “is minded” to approve the leisure elements of the scheme subject to OSL complying with relevant planning and legal requirements which centre mainly on sustainability and wildlife issues. The development will deliver enormous benefits for the local community generating 3,500 jobs during the construction phase and 1,800 permanent jobs on completion. Construction is expected to commence during the second half of 2008 and will complete in 2011 in advance of the London Olympics. This development represents the single largest project undertaken by First Equity Group on behalf of its investors. Bank funding for the site acquisition and planning process was provided by AIB. In a separate development, Sir Jeremy Hanley, formerly Northern Ireland Minister and former Chairman of the Conservative Party, has been appointed as Chairman of OSL. SnOasis | Development Highlights SnOasis will be the world’s first indoor winter sports resort offering a totally new concept in family activity holidays and also a dedicated facility for winter sports training – 14 different winter sports disciplines will be catered for in one venue for the first time in the UK. The development is located in Great Blakenham, 4 miles from Ipswich, and just 70 miles from London. It will be linked by a main line railway station to London’s Liverpool Street with a commuting time of just over an hour. The key elements of the SnOasis development include: Europe’s largest indoor ski slope: 415m long, 70m wide with a 100m vertical drop Nursery slope: 100m long, 30m wide with 6-degree pitch External Ice Rink: 60m by 30m with 1,500 spectator seats 400m Speed Skating track & 100m dry Bobsleigh push start track 1.5km Cross-country ski run National Winter Sports Academy with 200-bed hostel 350 room four star hotel and conference centre, capacity for 1,000 delegates 350 self-catering holiday village style 4, 6, 8, bed ski lodges 100 one and two bed apartments 17 bars and restaurants New main line railway station with link to London’s Liverpool Street Planting of 130,000 trees and development of a 40 acre ecological mitigation project In addition to the winter sports resort, the development allows for the construction of over 400 new homes on a c. 40 acre site adjacent to the SnOasis site. Alan Barry, Managing Director, First Equity Group, commented: “We are delighted to announce this positive news in the planning process for the SnOasis development. This is an important milestone for our investment in this project and represents a significant uplift in the valuation of the project for our investor group. We can now begin the process of implementing plans to construct an iconic world class facility at this unique location.” He added “First Equity Group has a proven track record of delivering attractive returns to its investor group for more than a decade. The SnOasis development represents our largest ever investment project and further consolidates the Group’s growing reputation and position as a leader in the private equity and real estate market.” More
May 9, 2008 Landscape Architects Offer Free Green Roof Educational Resource The Roof is Growing! Targets Middle School Students, Educators WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) today announced the availability of The Roof is Growing!, an educational resource for middle-school students and teachers about green roofs and their environmental benefits. The resource includes a lesson plan, workbook, and online interactive program designed to engage students on how green roofs cool cities, clean the air, create habitats, and control stormwater. “Green roofs can serve as a creative solution to many issues facing the environment and urban infrastructure. By learning about green roofs, we hope to inspire young students to think creatively and use their imaginations as future landscape architects or any path they choose,” said Nancy Somerville, Executive Vice President and CEO of ASLA. A green roof replaces traditional roofing with a living environment of plants and soil. Among the many benefits they offer, green roofs remove pollutants from stormwater and reduce the amount of water that flows into sewer systems. The plants store excess carbon from the atmosphere, lower radiant heat in the summer, and create habitats for local wildlife. Additionally, green roofs provide extra insulation to buildings and last two or three times longer than traditional roofs. The Roof is Growing! is designed for middle-school students (grades 6-8), and is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and a generous contribution from the landscape architecture firm Lewis Scully Gionet, Inc. More
May 9, 2008 Chevron Leads the Way in Green Construction by Opening the First LEED Gold Certified Building in Louisiana ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX) today announced the opening of the company’s first LEED certified building and the first gold certified LEED building in the state of Louisiana. LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification program of the United States Green Building Council. LEED has a rating system for new buildings that are constructed to have less of an impact on the environment and are healthier for those who work in them. Chevron’s new building, Northpark, is located in St. Tammany Parish and will serve as headquarters for Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit (GOMBU). GOMBU manages Chevron’s offshore exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas located off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. “Northpark is LEED-ing the way for Chevron as the company’s first commercial LEED registered building, and we are proud that it is certified gold,” said Melody B. Meyer, vice president, GOMBU. “Northpark is highly technology enabled to support real-time operations for our Gulf of Mexico shelf and deepwater production centers.” Chevron’s new building supports the company’s long-standing commitment to the Gulf Coast and the state of Louisiana. Northpark is located in a parklike setting, and the 300,000-square foot office building provides a safe, healthy and productive workplace for up to 750 people. Northpark includes 18 technology-enabled team rooms and Asset Decision Environments that link Chevron’s offshore and onshore personnel in order to enhance innovation, concentration and collaboration. The building has an open work environment (including outdoor work areas), a pavilion, an energy center with state-of the-art conference center, fitness center and a cafeteria. More
May 9, 2008 Eskom Selects Black & Veatch to Provide Project Management and Engineering Services for World-Class Power Generation Plant Project Bravo to Add 4,800 Megawatts to Meet South Africa Electricity Needs OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, has been selected by Eskom to provide project management and engineering services for a 4,800-megawatt (MW) power generation facility being constructed in South Africa. “This is a world-class project which will have extensive and immediate benefits for South Africa,” said Len Rodman, Chairman, President and CEO of Black & Veatch. “We will provide an innovative infrastructure solution that will be sustainable for current and future generations.” Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electric utility, is utilizing Black & Veatch’s experience and expertise in assisting with engineering services and supervising construction of six-800 (MW) units that will comprise Project Bravo, a 4,800-MW supercritical coal-fired generation facility about 120 miles east of Johannesburg. The units’ design will feature flue-gas de-sulphurization with the end result being a highly efficient and reliable energy supply that will also lower air emissions. “Drawing on our in-depth experience from implementing sustainable large-scale energy projects throughout Asia-Pacific and the United States, we will utilize our global workforce to deliver a reliable solution that will also greatly benefit economic growth and enhance the quality of life for South Africa residents,” said Dean Oskvig, President and CEO of Black & Veatch’s global energy business. Project Bravo is scheduled to be completed in stages with the first unit coming online in 2012 and the final unit in 2015. Project Bravo work for Eskom, the world’s 11th-largest electric utility, is now underway and will ultimately provide needed power for South Africa’s growing economy. The country’s electric supplies are currently constrained and require increased generation capacity. The shortage of adequate electric power supply is affecting industries in South Africa such as production levels at gold and platinum mining operations. “We chose Black & Veatch for this important project based on the company’s strong record of consistently delivering solutions to complex energy projects on specified performance and schedule,” said Jan Oberholzer, Acting Senior General Manager for Eskom. “This is a historic project for South Africa and will have tremendous benefits for the country’s economic growth.” Black & Veatch has been providing engineering, consulting and construction services to Eskom since 1995 in areas ranging from power plant consulting, planning, design and engineering, renewable energy, nuclear strategy, environmental services and information technology. Oskvig added that the company’s long-term relationship with Eskom also brings added benefits to the project. “Our in-depth knowledge and experience of Eskom’s operations allow us to execute a project of this magnitude on an aggressive project schedule, addressing the critical and timely demand for energy,” said Oskvig. More
May 8, 2008 Essential Guide to Starting Your Own Architectural Firm DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c91012) has announced the addition of "Architect's Essentials of Starting a Design Firm" to their offering. Written by two leading experts in the field this essential volume offers a step-by-step guide to understanding and evaluating the goals, risks and the rewards of starting a firm. - Covers the basics of firm organisation, personnel requirements, legal considerations, fee setting, marketing issues and the essentials of strategic and business plans - Addresses how to get started including how to create your first business plan, evaluate initial needs and costs, create a budget and a produce a list of action items to get started - This volume is practical, applied, concise, portable, affordable and user-friendly
May 7, 2008 Major League Baseball’s First LEED-Certified Ballpark Embraces Renewable Energy BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC) has offset 70 percent of the electricity use at Nationals Park, home of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Washington Nationals, with its purchase of 14,600,706 kWh of renewable energy credits (RECs), from Boulder, Colo.-based Renewable Choice Energy, helping the ballpark to achieve silver-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. “The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission’s commitment to building a green ballpark is a great example of how organizations can help drive our nation’s renewable energy infrastructure,” said Quayle Hodek, CEO of Renewable Choice Energy. “We’re proud to play a role in Major League Baseball’s first LEED-certified building.” The DCSEC oversaw the stadium’s construction and now serves as its landlord. The architecture firm, HOK Sport, designed the ballpark and managed the LEED certification process. Nationals Park opened on March 30, 2008 and is the first MLB stadium to be LEED-certified. The LEED rating system was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to guide and distinguish high-performance buildings that have less of an impact on the environment and are healthier for building occupants. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. In addition to its investment in renewable energy, the ballpark features green design elements such as: Recycled materials in 20 percent of the ballpark’s construction A 6,300-square-foot green roof beyond left field to collect rain water and minimize roof heat gain High-efficiency field lighting, saving 21 percent over typical field lighting Water-conserving plumbing fixtures, reducing overall water consumption by 30 percent Recycling bins for fan use throughout the ballpark More
May 6, 2008 Environmentally Advanced Plastics Now a Popular Material for Decking and Trim PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beautiful outdoor decking is a popular, highly desirable addition to millions of American homes. So popular, in fact, that every year around this time a small army of contractors and do-it-yourselfers can be spotted adding, expanding or replacing a deck in preparation for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. And as the enthusiasm for outdoor decking grows from year to year, there is something different underfoot: it’s cellular PVC, an innovative foamed polyvinyl chloride product for decking and trim boards that’s environmentally advanced, easy to work with, and beautiful to behold! Thanks to new developments in technology, cellular PVC materials are becoming increasingly popular for decking and trim work. Rohm and Haas (NYSE:ROH), known for innovative acrylic technology solutions, develops and supplies processing aids that enable companies to produce these and other cellular PVC construction materials. These innovative plastics mimic wood, last for many years, protect resources, and limit carbon emissions by reducing the need to transport heavier materials. Perfect for harsh climates like coastal areas, cellular PVC materials are extraordinarily durable: they resist water, weather, insects, sun and mold, and even grease splatter from your BBQ. Cellular PVC materials represent a multi-faceted environmental win that prompted discerning builders and homeowners to purchase approximately $45 million worth of cellular PVC decking in 2006, a trend that is helping “green” decking grow 20 percent annually.
May 6, 2008 New Recycled Precast Concrete Formula Brings Relief to Sustainable Building Industry Innovative Mix Reduces Use of New Resources by 70% NORCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the constantly evolving building industry, there is more pressure than ever for builders to adhere to green-building standards and to qualify for The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ project points. To easily make at least one aspect of a builder’s project eco-friendly, Quick Crete Products Corp., a national leader in the precast concrete industry, has created Ecocast®, made from 70% post consumer and industrial waste. The result of extensive research and development, Ecocast® is a mix of Recycled Aggregates and other green construction materials such as pozzolans, meeting the strict standards required to help builders achieve LEED project points. “We are absolutely committed to creating sustainable-building solutions for our customers, as well as for the environment,” said Rick Crook, CEO of Quick Crete Products Corp. Utilizing a high quality Type 111 cement conforming to current ASTM standard specifications, this formula produces an average compressive strength of 5000 P.S.I. in 28 days. Grade 60 rebar, rated at 80,900 P.S.I. tensile strength, reinforces each product. Ecocast® can be used in a vast array of projects from luxury hotel facades to perimeter security protection. Quick Crete’s website, www.quickcrete.com, has a detailed description of the resource-saving mix and how it can benefit the environment. If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Rick Crook, please call Sherry Caris at 951-256-3266 or e-mail Sherry at scaris@charter.net or visit www.quickcrete.com online. More
May 5, 2008 Environmentally Advanced Plastics Now a Popular Material for Decking and Trim PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beautiful outdoor decking is a popular, highly desirable addition to millions of American homes. So popular, in fact, that every year around this time a small army of contractors and do-it-yourselfers can be spotted adding, expanding or replacing a deck in preparation for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. And as the enthusiasm for outdoor decking grows from year to year, there is something different underfoot: it’s cellular PVC, an innovative foamed polyvinyl chloride product for decking and trim boards that’s environmentally advanced, easy to work with, and beautiful to behold! Thanks to new developments in technology, cellular PVC materials are becoming increasingly popular for decking and trim work. Rohm and Haas (NYSE:ROH), known for innovative acrylic technology solutions, develops and supplies processing aids that enable companies to produce these and other cellular PVC construction materials. These innovative plastics mimic wood, last for many years, protect resources, and limit carbon emissions by reducing the need to transport heavier materials. Perfect for harsh climates like coastal areas, cellular PVC materials are extraordinarily durable: they resist water, weather, insects, sun and mold, and even grease splatter from your BBQ. Cellular PVC materials represent a multi-faceted environmental win that prompted discerning builders and homeowners to purchase approximately $45 million worth of cellular PVC decking in 2006, a trend that is helping “green” decking grow 20 percent annually. Reducing Heavy Metals in PVC Pipe In addition, Rohm and Haas develops and supplies PVC stabilizers that replace traditional additives containing lead and zinc. This enables PVC manufacturers to make PVC pipe that doesn’t contain these dangerous heavy metals. These new additives also support recycling – which is difficult with PVC pipes containing lead and zinc – thereby helping to reduce the discarded plastics that make up about a tenth of our solid waste. These products are not only good for the planet, they’re good for business, too. In Europe, they help PVC makers meet voluntary lead reduction standards in advance of pending government regulations. More
May 2, 2008 Is Your Deck Safe? Experts Say 20 Million American Decks Could be at Risk PLEASANTON, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and Simpson Strong-Tie kick off Deck Safety Month(R) with a nationwide campaign to educate homeowners about ensuring their decks are safe and secure. Nearly 85 percent of homes in the U.S. have a deck, balcony or patio. It is estimated that 20 million of these decks nationwide are in need of repair or rebuilding. "Deck failures like the tragic Chicago collapse of 2003, and the hundreds that go unreported each year, occur in an instant," said Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of NADRA. "We want to make sure consumers are aware of the necessity to maintain their decks, as well as the risks of having improperly built decks. It is critical that homeowners have the information and tools to regularly make sure that their decks are safe for use, no matter where they live." In the past ten years, there have been more than 800 reported injuries and 20 deaths as a result of deck collapses. In many cases the failing decks were built incorrectly, had not been properly maintained or were beyond their lifespan of approximately 10-15 years. "The reality of deck collapses is that many are not reported unless someone is injured or some legal action occurs," said Dr. Don Bender, a deck safety researcher and director of the Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory at Washington State University. "It's important for homeowners to remember that a valid deck inspection requires a registered design professional. If homeowners have any questions about finding a professional in their area, they should consult with their local building department." The top ten U.S. cities with the highest percentage of homes with decks, as determined by the American Housing Survey for Metropolitan Areas, and that have reported one or more deck collapses in the last 10 years are: Atlanta, Birmingham, Kansas City, Seattle-Everett-Tacoma, Denver, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale. For example, in 2006 four people in Atlanta were seriously injured in a second-story deck collapse when inspecting a home they were considering purchasing. In 2001, five people were injured and an 18-year old student attending Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., was killed during a college party at a student-rented house when a deck collapsed. "Reported deck failures often occur in cities with older housing stock, large populations or in areas located on or near the water," said Jeff Arnold, ASHI executive director. "We want to remind homeowners to make sure they work with their home inspector to take the appropriate steps to keep their friends and family safe." To evaluate the safety of their decks, homeowners should look for five warning signs that a deck is unsafe: loose connections (for example, a wobbly railing), missing connections (for example, the deck is just nailed, rather than bolted or screwed, to the side of the house), corrosion, rot and cracks. The two critical areas that typically contribute to a deck collapse are the railings and the deck's connection to the house. To ensure the structural safety of a deck, it should be built with a continuous load path -- a method of construction that creates a series of solid connections within the structure of the deck that transfers the load through its frame to the ground and adjacent support structure, commonly the house. If homeowners are unsure of the safety of their deck, experts suggest consulting with a registered design professional. "Most deck collapses are entirely avoidable," said Steve Pryor, P.E., S.E., building systems R&D manager for Simpson Strong-Tie. "Our goal is to help educate homeowners about proper deck design, construction and maintenance so they can stay safe while enjoying their decks this summer." In addition to its deck safety efforts with NADRA and ASHI, Simpson Strong-Tie is teaming with The Home Depot this May for deck safety workshops at stores throughout the U.S. The Home Depot and Simpson Strong-Tie also will host several events demonstrating safe deck construction techniques and the problems with a poorly constructed deck. Events will be held in these cities: Seattle - May 3rd; Atlanta - May 10th; Long Island (Jericho, NY) - May 17th; and Chicago - May 31st. To assist homeowners in evaluating the safety of their deck, Simpson Strong-Tie has developed a deck edition of its "5 Steps to a Safer and Stronger Home" and a "Deck Framing Connection Guide." The five steps include checking for the warning signs of an unsafe deck, knowing how weight and other forces affect the safety of a deck, ensuring the deck is built with a continuous load path, combating corrosion and knowing how to maintain a deck. The guide is designed to help those who are building a deck understand the critical areas of deck construction. For more information, or to download the Deck Guide and "5 Steps to a Safer and Stronger Home," visit the Simpson Strong-Tie Web site at http://www.strongtie.com/safedeck. More
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