HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Hailed as metro L.A.'s first certified green, all-solar Smarthome(TM) community, The Gatsby Hollywood received city and state commendations for its sustainable design at today's VIP Opening Event.

Los Angeles 4th District Councilman, Tom LaBonge and Director of California's Department of Housing and Community Development, Lynne Jacobs, joined Hollywood city representatives and Dan Thompson, CEO of MasterCraft Homes Group and developer of The Gatsby Hollywood, for the opening event.

"California is leading the way in sustainable building and The Gatsby Hollywood exemplifies our progress. We're bringing sustainable building to the state level and I know I can refer doubting inspectors to The Gatsby Hollywood to prove how sustainable building works," said Lynne Jacobs.

Councilman LaBonge expressed gratitude to Dan Thompson for The Gatsby's timeless design. "This corner [Fountain and Wilcox] has been historic for a long time and I thank Dan and his team for turning it into a design that says 'community'," said LaBonge. LaBonge then presented to Thompson a commemorative plaque and commendation signed by Los Angeles City Council President, Eric Garcetti, declaring The Gatsby Hollywood as the City of Angel's first all-green, all-solar community.

 

Southern California listeners can tune in on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 7:30 - 8:00AM to hear E-Mon's President/CEO discuss submetering's vital role in managing energy use in the green facility environment

LANGHORNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--E-Mon, LLC, the electric submetering market leader and manufacturer of the widely installed E-Mon D-Mon(R) product line, will be the featured topic on the next edition of "The Green Energy Show with Bill Tauber." Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 7:30 to 8:00 A.M. PDT, "The Green Energy Show" is heard every Saturday morning on radio station KRLA (AM 870) in the greater Los Angeles metro area and beyond. The show can also be heard live on the Internet by clicking "Listen Now" at www.krla870.com.

Hosted by Bill Tauber, a nationally recognized expert in energy conservation issues, the Green Energy Show is Southern California's first and only regularly scheduled radio talk show covering a wide range of energy-related topics and interviews with leading industry experts.

 

Industry Group Voices Concern that Short Cuts Endanger Public Safety

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With a poor economy and dwindling public resources, it is more important than ever for local governments across the state to remain vigilant in upholding fire safety laws, the Sprinkler Fitters Association of California (SFAC) announced today.

The industry group voiced its concerns in response to worsening budgets and a recent Long Beach City Council ordinance that exempts older residential high rises and large apartment complexes from a mandate to install fire sprinkler systems. Instead, Long Beach adopted an alternative plan requiring an evacuation and fire safety plan, additional smoke alarms and emergency lighting.

While important, those measures don’t address the fundamental problem of putting out fires, said Randy Roxson, SFAC's executive director.

"Taking short cuts around sprinkler systems is irresponsible in this day and age – after firefighters themselves, sprinklers are the next best way to combat fires and save lives," Roxson said. "Dismissing fire sprinkler systems is like ignoring an obvious safety measure like wearing seatbelts while driving."

 

Connecticut's Watkinson School to Demonstrate Possibilities for Smart, Green Classrooms of the Future, Today

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Project FROG (www.projectfrog.com), leading manufacturer of smart building systems, will break ground on a new energy-neutral Center for Science and Global Citizenship at the Watkinson School in Hartford, Conn, on May 27. The building will be the first of its kind in New England, and marks the company's first zero-net energy solution built in a cold climate.

John Bracker, Watkinson's head of school, announced, "The Center for Science and Global Citizenship represents an important step in our efforts to challenge the traditional orthodoxy of how a building comes together, the role it can play in teaching about sustainability and the curriculum material at hand. Just imagine what's possible when a building is as smart and dynamic as the students and faculty who live in it."

The Watkinson project demonstrates the possibilities for energy-efficient, technologically enhanced classrooms of the future, today. Incorporating the ideal learning environment into the greenest, most sustainable commercial building solution available, the 4,000 square foot state-of-the-art science center will feature 75 percent energy-demand reduction, abundant natural light and glare control, superior air quality, fungible user technology, microclimate customization and advanced climate controls in an easy to configure package. Constructed of mainly of recyclable materials, the Center will generate more energy within its footprint than is required to operate its systems. To support the linked but diverse curricula, the three Center for Science and Global Citizenship classrooms will be adaptable to lecture, seminars, and lab-style instruction.

 

PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--"This is what climate protection looks like" is the motto of the North American ACRYLITE(R) acrylic sheet climate protection campaign now being launched. "We aren't just paying lip service here — we intend to show that our high-tech material enables users throughout the continent to take cost-effective and environmentally conscious action," says Stephen Costanzo, General Manager of Evonik Cyro's Acrylic Sheet Business Line. With its favorable heat insulation, ACRYLITE(R) DEGLAS high impact acrylic double-skinned sheet reduces energy consumption in greenhouses, and therefore automatically cuts operators' CO2 emissions. This means they can make an active contribution to climate protection and reduce their monthly overheads at the same time. "Saving energy means cutting costs and CO2. Greenhouses represent a major long-term investment. By planning with foresight and using ACRYLITE(R) DEGLAS sheet products, these potential savings can be secured for decades. That is an ideal combination," says Michael Ehmann, North American ACRYLITE(R) DEGLAS Manager.

The central element of the campaign is the Web site www.acrylite-and-energy.com. At this site, greenhouse operators can access information on each of the ACRYLITE(R) DEGLAS acrylic sheet products and review case studies from actual users in Europe, the United States and Canada.

Energy is a crucial cost factor for greenhouse operators. In North America, for instance, growers spend $1 to $2 per square foot heating their greenhouses in the winter and cooling them in the summer. ACRYLITE(R) DEGLAS sheet requires much less energy due to its better insulation. Operators who make efficient use of energy not only make a positive contribution to climate protection, but also save money. For example, a greenhouse operator with 8 acres of growing area might save over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually on energy costs. As energy costs rise, this proportion also increases.

 

Solar Grid Tie Project to be Western Canada's Largest

VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A social housing development in Surrey, British Columbia is getting a green energy upgrade with the addition of a grid-tie solar power system from Carmanah Technologies Corporation (CMH:TSX). As part of BC Housing's commitment to developing sustainable social housing, Greenbrook will be equipped with a grid-tie solar power system designed to provide 10 percent of the development's annual electricity requirements to assist with common area loads such as area lighting and air source heat pumps.

Valued at approximately $1.34 million in total, the photovoltaic system will be installed in stages by Carmanah Technologies under contract with Yellowridge Construction Ltd., with completion scheduled for mid 2010. With a combined capacity of approximately 139 kW, the site-wide renovation project represents Carmanah's largest grid-tie project to date, and Western Canada's largest solar grid-tie project.

Located in Surrey's Newton Town Centre, the Greenbrook complex includes 29 buildings with 127 town houses. The grid-tie system will connect to the electric utility through multiple net metering connection points within Greenbrook's common distribution electrical system.

In designing the photovoltaic system, Carmanah representatives combined a comprehensive site evaluation with best industry practices and practical implementation strategies to design a system that would meet the challenges of local shading issues, fixed orientation of structures and an annual energy target of 130 MWh. This solar power upgrade is one aspect of a site-wide building envelope replacement that addresses a range of other improvements such as drainage, electrical, landscaping and mechanical upgrades.

 

New Life Cycle Analysis Clearly Demonstrates Environmental Contributions of Adding EPS Insulation to North American Homes

CROFTON, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new study shows that expanded polystyrene (EPS) provides a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when used to insulate homes in North America. This study, Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings for EPS Foam Insulation Applied to Exterior Walls of Single Family Residential Housing in the U.S. and Canada, calculated the resources used and emissions produced in the manufacturing and delivery of EPS and concludes that EPS insulation will reduce the operational impact of the building to an extent that far outweighs the environmental impact caused by its manufacture.

"Everyone knows that adding insulation to your home will reduce energy costs," acknowledges Betsy Steiner, executive director of the EPS Molders Association (EPSMA). "However, consumers are increasingly aware that product manufacture requires resource and energy consumption. We want our customers to know that energy and environmental payback on this investment is substantial, making EPS insulation one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce energy usage."

With mainstream support for the green movement, consumers are asking new and different questions about how products perform and are increasingly making purchasing decisions that take environmental considerations into account. This is particularly true in the area of construction, as buildings are responsible for 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), a measurement tool that provides comprehensive environmental data, is a widely accepted method of evaluating a product's environmental footprint.

 

GAINESVILLE, Fla., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- A leading forensic expert on building envelope water intrusion and toxic mold, Spiderman Mulholland, and his forensic division at U.S. Building Consultants, Inc. has determined that air sampling is not an effective method for determining the presence of toxic Chinese drywall corrosions.

Although air sampling may indicate some levels of sulfur compounds in homes, the measuring tool is unreliable unless it is used as an aid to a more conclusive testing method.

"My forensics division is now in the final stages of developing a comprehensive protocol for inspection and remediation for the drywall crisis that is currently impacting 41 states," said Mulholland.

Chinese drywall may have been installed in more than 100,000 homes between 2001 and 2006 throughout the nation during the hype of the building boom after hurricanes Wilma and Katrina dried up the domestic drywall supplies.

Mulholland has said that his laboratory analysis has indicated 11 sulfur compounds and contaminants including, sulfur acid, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Prolonged exposure may cause serious problems to the nervous system.

Given the rise of complaints by homeowners in South Florida, it is believed that a large percentage of the homes built during that time frame may contain Chinese drywall.

 

Puget Sound Energy:

What: The Powerful Business Conference, Energy Opportunities in a Changing Economy, a popular bi-annual one-day energy conference is coming to the Bellevue Meydenbauer Center on June 17, 2009. Presented by the Electric League of the Pacific Northwest, BetterBricks and three local utility companies -- Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light and Snohomish PUD -- the conference will provide practical energy solutions for business owners, facility professionals and the professional consultants who support them.

KC Golden, policy director for Climate Solutions, will present the keynote speech during lunch. Presentations throughout the day will highlight proven strategies to improve energy performance and sustain operational cost savings. An exhibit reception will close the day's activities.

Four concurrent presentation tracks will feature practical strategies to improve business energy performance and how to sustain those operational cost savings over time. Session descriptions are available at www.electricleague.net.

This year's tracks will focus on:

* Business Case for Energy Efficiency
* Proven Building Technologies
* Facility Optimization
* Building Design and Construction

Registration information and schedule are both available online. Advanced registration is required by June 11, by calling the Electric League at 425-646-4727 or by visiting www.electricleague.net. Registration fee is $125.

 

Enhances Firm's Expertise in Green Building Practices

NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--McCarter & English announced today that partners Mary Jane Augustine (New York) and Francis Kirk (Newark), and associates Brian Morgan (Boston) and Jocelyn Gabrynowicz Hill (Philadelphia) have received credentials as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) by the Green Building Certification Institute. As a joint effort between the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the LEED Green Building Rating Systems, the LEED AP program was developed to assure that professionals have the latest knowledge and understanding of green building practices.

The four attorneys join the ranks of a small number of attorneys (approximately 350 nationwide) to become LEED APs.

"We believe that sustainable, energy efficient design and construction is really the way the future must unfold," said Ms. Augustine, the Practice Group Leader for the firm's Construction Practice Group. "As we continue to face a changing economic landscape, we must also be aware of our deteriorating environmental landscape and help to sustain the earth's natural resources by doing our part. Having attorneys who are also LEED APs not only expands and strengthens our ability to serve our clients, but also demonstrates McCarter's commitment to Green Building and sustainable industry practices."

 

Fortress Group, in Partnership with Liberian Business Partner imports a shipload of Cement

MONROVIA, Liberia, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than four decades of dominance of the Liberian cement market by a single company, a milestone was dramatically accomplished in Liberia on Monday May 18, when the first shipment of 12,500 mt of high grade cement entered the Liberian Port, with another shipload of 25,000 mt scheduled to arrive in June and every month thereafter. The deal was made possible under a JV partnership arrangement between Fortress Group of New York & Hong Kong, and Srimex Enterprises of Liberia. The President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has strongly advocated for free markets for cement and other commodities in Liberia as part of her Government's efforts to rebuild post-conflict Liberia, was on hand at the Freeport of Monrovia to receive the chartered vessel, along with the Minister of Commerce, Government Officials, the management of both Fortress and Srimex, as well as Ms. Morenike Adepoju, the Managing Director and other staff from Ecobank Liberia who made financing the transaction possible. Beaming with pride, the President firmly declared "...the market for cement is open, and all of our people stand to benefit, this has always been a goal of this Government."

 

TAINAN, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With a generous gift of NT$ 100 million from Dr. Bruce CH Cheng, Chairman of Delta Electronics, the groundbreaking ceremony of the most pioneering green building in National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), also probably the first of its kind in the world, namely the Education Center for Subtropical Green Buildings (ECSGB) with an alias as “Green Magic School”, was held on the 20th of May in NCKU Li-Hsing Campus. The building is scheduled to be open in 2010. “The establishment of NCKU Green Magic School symbolizes the crucial step for energy saving and carbon reduction,” said Dr. Michael M.C. Lai, the President of NCKU.

Located at the NCKU Li-Hsing Campus, the construction budget of NCKU Green Magic School was planned at NT$ 200 millions, approximately 3 million USD, half of which, i.e. NT$ 100 millions, were endowed by Dr. Bruce CH Cheng, Chairman of Delta Electronics, approximately 3 million USD to commemorate Y.S. Sun, one of Taiwan’s most admired statesmen. Apart from Dr. Cheng’s endowment, an endowment of 40 millions NTD from various domestic entrepreneurs along with a match-up fund of NT$ 60 million NTD from NCKU Research and Development made it possible for construction of NCKU Green Magic School.

The building will have three levels above ground and one level underground, housing an international conference hall and demonstrating the green architectural technologies and researches.

NCKU Green Magic School was awarded by the Architecture and Building Research Institute of the Ministry of the Interior as a “Diamond Level Candidate for Green Building Labeling” and is going to get “Platinum Certification for Green Building” from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design of US Green Building Council.

The NCKU Green Magic School, following the example of Noah's Ark to save the world, has been designed and managed jointly by NCKU Professor Hsien-Te Lin of Architecture Department, and Architect Chao-Yung Shih. They unprecedentedly invited four NCKU faculty members to work on scientific experiments for feasibility of their environmental friendly designs. For example, the building is slated to use “adequate techniques”, instead of “expensive techniques”, to achieve “quadruple benefit” with the challengeable aims to save 50% energy, to conserve 30% water, to reduce 30% carbon emission as well as for a utilization expectancy of one hundred years.

Dr. Michael M.C. Lai, the President of NCKU, stated that faced with the threat of energy shortage and polluted environment, NCKU, as one of the best universities in Taiwan, should shoulder the responsibility to step forward energy saving and carbon reduction, and vowed to make efforts on uses and production of renewable energy.

President Lai also praised the personality of Dr. Cheng, the main donor of Green Magic School. “Dr. Cheng is a good model for entrepreneurs and his achievement has honored his alma mater, NCKU,” President Lai acclaimed. President Lai said that Dr. Cheng’s endowment for scholarship or awards was not in name of his own, instead, he attributed all the achievements to people who made great contributions to Taiwan. “Mr. Cheng's endowments show his gratitude to educational institutions, his hopes for a stable society, and his dedication to advancing the nation as an entrepreneur,” said President Lai.

Dr. Hwung-Hweng Hwung, the Senior Vice President of NCKU, appealed for more endowment from entrepreneurs to NCKU, who could make their dreams of contribution to societies come true.

According to Professor Lin, the most stunning point of this green building is built with 100% of green construction materials. For example, firstly, the Portland blast-furnace slag cement, donated by China Steel Corp. at Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, can reduce the cement utilization by 30% as well as cut carbon emission by 10%. Furthermore, it can increase the solidity strength of concrete by 40%. Secondly, the light-weight ceramsite made by mud clay dredged from nearby reservoirs can be used for partition walls and ground soils on rooftop garden, so that the structural load can be lessened and the life duration of reservoirs can be extended as well as the water usage of rooftop garden could be significantly reduced because of the intrinsic porous structures in the ceramsite that could retain more water.

Furthermore, the electric cords certified with Green Material Label and donated from Ta Ya Electric Wire & Cable Co. Ltd. is made exclusively from halogen-free plastics and will not generate any malignant substances, such as dioxin and halogen during incineration. Environmental friendly carpets and curtains, made from corn and recycled plastic bottles, respectively, are bestowed by Everest Textile Co.

The NCKU Education Center of Subtropical Green Buildings, namely the Magic Green School, is also full with healthy concepts. For example, the coatings branded with “Care Milieu” provided from BioSun Technology Co. are bacterium-and-fungus-resistant, anti-fouling and self-cleaning as well as moisture adjustable. Furthermore, water-based wood coatings, donated from Yun Chun Ho International Co., with a certificate of healthy building materials label from the Architecture and Building Research Institute of the Ministry of the Interior, does not contain any formaldehyde and heavy metals. The bacterium-resistant steel plates, donated from Yieh Phui Enterprise Co., will be adopted in the ventilation system of the air-conditioners to maintain a good quality of healthy air. The Binchoutan (Japanese bamboo charcoal) implanted with silver nanoparticles, bestowed from Lifecharcoal Corp. will be embedded into the double-layer walls in the international conference hall of the Green Magic School to disinfect release and to absorb filthy odors and fatal gases.

In addition, SanT ai Mining Co., Shan Huo Shan Mining Co., Kun Lian Co. and Taiwan Jade & Mineral Co., also conjointly made a gift donation of two hundred tons of healthy construction mineral rocks for building the NCKU Green Magic School. The beautiful serpentine supplied from Hualien County is to be used in the International Conference Hall, which is a basic stone that can emit far infrared ray as well as purify and quarantine indoor air to vitalize attendees. Furthermore, serpentine, if used in outdoor water gardens, can also clean up water and reduce propagation of bugs and mosquitoes.

 

NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME), a Fortune 500® leader in mechanical and electrical construction, energy infrastructure and facilities services for a diverse range of businesses, reported that as previously noted on its 4/28/09 First Quarter Earnings Call, its subsidiary Welsbach Electric of Long Island has been awarded a contract to perform the electrical construction related to the installation and maintenance of a new energy efficient street lighting system and its maintenance in the Town of Islip on Long Island, New York.

Welsbach Electric of Long Island will be responsible for installing and maintaining all components of a new and energy efficient “Induction Lighting System” for the streets within the Town of Islip. Induction is a new, innovative lighting system that outperforms convention systems in terms of functionality, cost efficiency, energy savings, and maintenance required. This project is in addition to Welsbach Electric’s current work for the Town of Islip to maintain all components of over 30,000 streetlights within its 105 square mile area.

“We are extremely excited to be involved in this energy saving project for the Town of Islip,” said Joseph Florio, President and CEO of Welsbach Electric of Long Island. “We are an integral part of this community, so it means a great deal to us to be able to ensure that it receives the highest level of quality electrical service and results for which Welsbach Electric is so well known.”

 

County Expects to See Savings of Nearly $1.2 Million Per Year in Part with Help from 84 IceBank Tanks Installed in Florida Buildings

FAIR LAWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CALMAC, a leader in energy storage systems, is part of a project to save Hillsborough County, Florida up to $1.2 million per year. The county installed 84 CALMAC IceBank® Energy Storage tanks to work simultaneously with its existing chilled water plant to cool its entire office space in downtown Tampa. By installing IceBank and updating the previous cooling system, the county is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the load on the power grid and saving money through the use of ice.

CALMAC’s system creates ice at night which is then used the next day to cool county buildings, including the historic downtown courthouse, the 28-story county center and the school board building. A green and energy-resourceful way to cool buildings, the IceBank system is shifting the county’s energy consumption load to off-peak times when electric rates are lower and energy is produced more efficiently.

"Hillsborough County operates over 1.5 million square feet of building space in downtown Tampa. During recent improvement projects, we identified an opportunity to reduce energy consumption in all county facilities with CALMAC's IceBank system," said Randy Klindworth, Hillsborough County energy manager. "Working with CALMAC, we are now able to efficiently cool our downtown buildings throughout the county, reducing our need for energy, which saves our taxpayers money."

The two school district buildings connected to the chilled water loop network not only provide energy-efficient cooling, but they are generating revenue for the county from the sale of chilled water. This partnership enabled the school district to reduce construction costs with an environmental, economical solution.

“Our IceBank Energy System is saving Hillsborough County money in terms of energy costs, plus generating revenue from the sale of chilled water, making the installation a lucrative business solution,” said Mark MacCracken, CALMAC CEO and USGBC Board Member. “Our IceBank System reduced peak energy consumption for all county buildings and immediately provided a return on investment.”

Air-conditioning is the main driver of on-peak energy usage and the main culprit in electricity shortages. Throughout the day, as more air conditioning is needed to maintain comfortable temperatures, the demand for electricity increases the load already created by lighting, operating equipment, computers and other sources. CALMAC’s IceBank Energy Storage System shifts the building's energy demand from on-peak to off-peak times which decreases cooling costs by up to 40 percent and reduces both source energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Solar companies donate solar electric systems, time and expertise to noteworthy non-profit

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Five families participating in Habitat for Humanity’s new homeowner program will be moving into solar-powered homes this year as a result of an industry partnership coordinated by American Solar Electric. The solar electric systems are being donated by American Solar Electric to Habitat for Humanity as part of the company’s 2009 Community Outreach Program.

The systems range in size from 2.73 to 3.15 kilowatts and are comprised of Kyocera high output 210-watt photovoltaic (PV) modules and high-efficiency Fronius IG and IG+ inverters. Electricity generated by the solar electric systems will be used to offset utility power, thereby reducing the cost of electricity for the new homeowners. The systems are forecasted to produce between 4,700 and 5,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity in their first year of production.

“Even as our local economy has slowed, the local solar industry has continued to boom,” said Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric. “Thanks to our continued success and the contributions made by our employees and industry partners, we’ve been able to increase the number of solar projects we donate to Habitat for Humanity from two in 2008 to five in 2009.”

“Solar systems are not only a great source of clean energy but they significantly lower monthly electricity bills as well,” said U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell. “At a time when many people are struggling economically, Habitat for Humanity’s energy efficient homes will help insulate these families from rising energy costs.”

In addition to American Solar Electric’s donation of system components, employees of American Solar Electric and Kyocera are donating their time and expertise to install the systems. Additionally, Fronius has agreed to supply high-efficiency inverters for the projects at discounted prices.

“The partnership with American Solar Electric has a significant impact on Habitat’s ability to build affordable homes,” said Roger Schwierjohn, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. “We appreciate American Solar’s commitment to renewable energy and to the families we serve.”

“We, at Kyocera, are pleased that our employees are volunteering their time to help Habitat for Humanity improve the human condition and the environment by installing pollution-free solar energy on homes,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.

“Fronius is excited to be a part of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to create sustainable affordable housing,” said Gord Petroski, director, Fronius USA, Solar Division. “Long-term planning is a core value at Fronius, and we are proud our inverters will be a part of the systems that will help keep these homes affordable into the future.”

It is the goal of Habitat for Humanity to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification on all five homes. One of the homes will be featured as part of the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo coming to Phoenix on November 11-13. This featured home has been designed to be a ‘net zero energy’ home; meaning the energy generated with renewable resources is as much energy as the homeowners would use on a net annual basis. Three homes are expected to be completed in the spring with two more this fall.

 

Manufacturer’s Lighting division announces new products and services
aimed at reducing energy consumption

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cooper Industries, a leading manufacturer of electrical products and components, has increased its broad line of energy-efficient lighting solutions with several innovative new products in 2009. These new additions, which are manufactured by the company’s Lighting division, were debuted this month at Lightfair International, the industry’s premier annual lighting event for architectural and commercial lighting products and services.

“Technology and innovation in the area of lighting has quickly become a vital aspect of the broader movement towards increased energy-efficiency and responsible use of global resources,” said Cooper CEO Kirk Hachigian. “As this trend becomes ever more expansive, Cooper remains committed to delivering cutting edge technology in energy-efficient lighting, without compromising the traditional steadfast quality that customers around the world have come to expect from our company.”

Among Cooper’s new product additions was the io radii 38 trackhead, which was named the Best of Category winner in Lightfair’s Innovation Awards in the Track, Low-Voltage, Cable & Rail Systems category. Offered in two light output options equivalent to either 90W PAR38 or 35W PAR30 ceramic metal halide lamps, radii features field interchangeable optics (10°, 25° and 50° beam spreads) and shielding media (cross blade baffle & snoot). Designed to last 50,000 hours, radii offers up to 70% energy savings when compared to 90W PAR halogen lamps.

Additional interior products included the Halo Eco-Twist™ 5" and 6" aperture multi-wattage compact fluorescent (CFL) downlights. These next generation IC-rated and AIR-TITE™ housings utilize a new spiral twist compact fluorescent lamp and multi-wattage ballast system from Osram Sylvania allowing interchangeability of 16W, 21W or 28W lamps in a single housing. Designed to last over 10,000 hours, the Halo Eco-Twist downlights meet ENERGY STAR® and Title 24 High Efficacy compliance standards, as well as Washington State and New York State energy codes and the International Energy Conservation Codes High Efficacy compliance.

Designed for use in commercial offices, schools, hospitals and retail merchandising areas, the Corelite Class RF Retrofit and the Metalux Optica HP High Performance T8 Parabolic Retrofit fixtures were introduced as energy-saving retrofit solutions. The luminaires offer the unique benefit of easily upgrading existing inefficient lighting systems with either T5 or T8 energy-efficient lamps and reducing the total number of lamps within a facility, which reduces energy cost.

For outdoor applications, the new McGraw-Edison Generation LED Post Top Luminaire is an energy-saving outdoor fixture that combines aesthetics with superior photometric performance, offering even and uniform illumination without pixilation. The fixture’s unique modular LED light engine, which is designed to deliver illumination comparable to a 100W HID system while offering over 50% in energy savings, can also be purchased separately for retrofit applications of pre-existing Generation Series HID fixtures.

Expanding on its LED outdoor line, the company showcased its latest LED product development initiatives that included a comprehensive offering of products featuring patented, highly efficient LED optical systems from its recent acquisition of Illumination Management Solutions, Inc. (IMS). The proprietary LED optical technology was featured in area roadway, decorative area, floodlighting, wall mount and low-level luminaires, which the company plans to commercialize throughout the year.

“Cooper has been a leader in energy-efficient lighting technology for several years, with many industry-leading brands that offer forward-thinking lighting innovation for industrial, commercial and residential spaces,” continued Hachigian. “We are invested in the continued development of LED and energy-efficient lighting technology, and will tirelessly work towards delivering unrivaled lighting solutions to our customers around the world.”

 

Luxury Oceania Condos in Hull, Massachusetts Sell at May 9th Auction

QUINCY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Flynn / Boston Realty Advisors LLC, a Northeast firm specializing in accelerated real estate auction marketing, announced today the sale of seven condominiums for a combined $4.5 million at auction on Saturday, May 9. Flynn / Boston Realty Advisors coordinated the sale of the properties through their tactic of accelerated auction marketing to sell properties in challenging real estate markets. Oceania is a residential condominium development owned by Seven Hills LLC of Weymouth, MA.

“As seen in the Oceania sale, accelerated marketing is ideal for owners looking to create activity and maximize values in an uncertain market,” said Auctioneer and Flynn / Boston Realty Advisors Principal, Dan Flynn. “It’s also a great opportunity for individuals to purchase luxury residences at affordable prices.”

The condominium building consists of 16 newly constructed units with two to three bedrooms and many units include office/dens. The most popular features are the large balconies overlooking Cape Cod Bay and the Boston city skyline.

Winning bids ranged from $530,000 for a 2,882 square foot unit to $875,000 for a 2,798 square foot penthouse unit with its own roof deck. These units originally came to the market listed for $1,225,000 and $1,425,000 respectively. One unit was designated to sell absolute, subject to no minimum bid or reserve price. The 2,338 square foot unit sold for $580,000. Bidders had to factor in a 5% buyers premium fee over their final bids. The auction took place in one of the subject units with more than 100 people in attendance. There were 25 registered bidders. Flynn / Boston Realty Advisors LLC currently has plans for similar auctions in several New England States.

 

Revolutionary Construction Software Offering Reduces Costs and Eliminates Unnecessary Support Payments


TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CMiC, the leader in providing software solutions for the architectural, engineering and construction industry (AEC), has unveiled the first integrated software as a service for the construction industry, called CMiC On Demand. Utilizing a technologically advanced cloud-computing platform, CMiC On Demand allows AEC companies to employ the fully integrated CMiC software solution without a major investment into IT resources.

“CMiC On Demand comes at a perfect time for the AEC industry,” said Bassem Hamdy, vice president, solutions, CMiC. “With the current economic conditions, companies are looking for methods to reduce costs and still maintain a competitive edge. Because it is software as a service, CMiC On Demand doesn’t cost overhead to use and can be up and running in a short period. And, with CMiC’s integrated approach, companies can eliminate support payments by eliminating multiple software vendors. CMiC On Demand changes the way software is used in the industry.”

Divided into three categories, CMiC On Demand provides all the advantages of CMiC software, including the elimination of multiple data entry and the increased visibility to information.

Standard is for organizations looking to optimize their business by replacing their current accounting and project management solution with the integrated CMiC Enterprise and CMiC Project Management.
Enterprise is for organizations that need the full power of CMiC software. Includes CMiC Enterprise, CMiC Project Management, CMiC Imaging and Workflow, CMiC Collaboration and CMiC CRM.
Project Lifecycle is for organizations that need a project management system and a secure collaborative environment. Includes CMiC Project Management, CMiC Project Costing, CMiC Customer Relationship Management and CMiC Docflow.
“Any organization that is using one system for financials, another for project management and another for customer relationship management is wasting time and money,” said Hamdy. “In this economy, that waste could mean the difference between a company remaining profitable, and ultimately surviving the downturn, or falling to the wayside. Now is the time for contractors to consider upgrading their software system. There are already signs of the market improving, and companies that have CMiC On Demand in place will be well-positioned to lead the pack when the economy gets back on track.”

Return on investment studies have shown that by integrating all aspects of your business, including financials and project management, with CMiC will reduce overheads costs by up to 70%. By using CMiC and eliminating multiple software vendors, software support payments can be significantly reduced.

“CMiC On Demand is the next step in the evolution of construction ERP software,” said Gord Rawlins, president, CMiC. “The investment into CMiC’s technologically advanced infrastructure has been an obstacle for some companies who desired to utilize the industry leading construction software system. With CMiC On Demand, that obstacle has been removed, and companies that are able to take advantage of the sophisticated CMiC software solution without the commitment to investing in IT resources.”

 

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (NYSE: ACS) will administer the state of Louisiana’s program to rebuild affordable rental property damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The two-year contract has a not-to-exceed amount of $37.5 million.

ACS will oversee construction as well as administer eligibility and grant determination for the Small Rental Property Program, which provides federal funding for property owners to repair their storm-damaged small-scale rental properties and rent them to low- and moderate-income tenants. Created in 2006, the program has awarded more than $61 million in grants to rebuild more than 1,300 rental units.

Nearly 82,000 rental units received significant damage from Katrina and Rita, which accounts for 40 percent of all housing damaged in the storms.

“By creating more affordable rental housing for the people of Louisiana, we can accelerate economic growth and recovery in the areas hit hardest by the storms,” said Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. “ACS has a proven track record and the ability to quickly implement a solution to benefit program participants.”

The Small Rental Property program is part of The Road Home program, the largest single housing recovery program in U.S. history, developed to help residents get back into a home or apartment as quickly and fairly as possible.

“For more than 25 years, ACS has provided the state of Louisiana with dependable, innovative services,” said Joe Doherty, executive vice president and group president of ACS Government Solutions Group. “Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, ACS assisted by providing critical services, including creation of the 1-888-LAHELPU citizen assistance line and ensuring that parents would receive child support payments in a timely manner. Through our agreement with the Louisiana Recovery Authority, ACS will continue to show its commitment to helping the residents of Louisiana in the recovery process.”

 

Community Power Project Makes Solar Energy More Affordable Than Ever Before

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arizona Public Service (APS) is launching an innovative pilot project in Flagstaff that ultimately could provide a substantial increase in the number of solar rooftops statewide.

As envisioned in a proposal filed today with the Arizona Corporation Commission, the APS Community Power Project will bring solar panels to the rooftops of homes and businesses with no upfront costs to customers. These panels will become, in essence, an interconnected renewable power plant. This pilot project will enable APS to measure system impacts and to better understand the total customer experience with technology.

APS will own, operate and receive energy from solar panels on eligible customer rooftops. The company will hire solar contractors to install and maintain the systems. Customers will receive an attractive long-term Community Power Rate for the solar portion of their bill, which will remain fixed at a guaranteed level – approximately equivalent to what they pay today – for 20 years.

“The APS Community Power Project will provide our customers another easy option to ‘go solar’ while further accelerating the solar industry in Arizona. The project eliminates upfront costs of more than $10,000 to each customer, which we know from our experience has been a major deterrent to distributed solar systems here and elsewhere,” said APS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Don Brandt. “We want to make solar energy affordable to everyone.”

APS intends to generate 1.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity from the Community Power Project. Under the current plan, 200 to 300 qualified participants will be interconnected with the electrical grid along a single electric distribution area, or “feeder,” called Sandvig 4 in northeast Flagstaff. This area, which serves approximately 3,000 residential and business customers, is bounded by Wupatki Trail to the north, Railhead Avenue to the south, Kochfield Road to the east and Timberline Estates to the west.

Additionally, APS will install utility-scale banks of solar panels and small wind turbines in the test area. The company also plans to install 50 solar water heaters in the pilot area on homes of customers with limited incomes.

The APS Community Power Project will benefit from ongoing Smart Grid initiatives in Flagstaff, where automated meters and switches on lines and substation equipment are being installed to provide enhanced two-way communications with APS. The technologies will improve responsiveness and reliability and eventually lead to other innovations and customer benefits.

While the investment in the pilot project will total $14.7 million, it will not result in an increase to customer bills because much of the funding is included in the Renewable Energy Standard surcharge already collected. Arizona’s RES requires 15 percent of APS’s generation to come from renewable resources by 2025.

“The Arizona Corporation Commission has shown great leadership and support of renewable energy and solar power in particular,” said Brandt. “We believe this is the type of innovation they have encouraged, and they will be vital partners as we test the possibilities for community-powered solar energy in Arizona.”

APS plans to use renewable energy to meet 1,600 MW of the more than 4,000 MW of growth in energy consumption expected over the next 15-20 years. While much of this energy will come from central power stations such as Solana, a 280-MW concentrating solar facility planned for 2012 near Gila Bend, Ariz., 30 percent of the RES is required to be generated from distributed sources, such as rooftop solar installations.

“This project provides great advantages to all Arizonans because of its broad-based benefits to the environment and to the economy. The initiative also stimulates the market for solar manufacturers and installers,” said Brandt. “On the APS side, we will be the first utility in the nation to offer a fixed rate in exchange for hosting a system. We also will be one of the first to study and fully understand the impact on the electrical system when high concentrations of consumers are producing renewable energy that goes on the grid.”

 

Ameriprise Financial Center named first building in Minneapolis to receive LEED-Existing Building certification

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) today announced that the Ameriprise Financial Center has received LEED®-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings) silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is the first building in Minneapolis to receive this prestigious designation. Fewer than 250 buildings in the world, and only four others in Minnesota, are currently LEED-EB certified. The company’s Client Service Center is also being considered for certification.

“Ensuring that our buildings operate at maximum efficiency is the right thing to do for our business and for the environment,” said Kathy Stalwick, vice president of enterprise real estate at Ameriprise Financial. “Pursuing LEED-EB certification underscores our dedication to implementing continuous sustainability measures and achieving minimal environmental impact from both of our Minneapolis buildings.”

To achieve LEED-EB certification, Ameriprise Financial worked with facility managers at CB Richard Ellis to perform a comprehensive review of all building operations, with a focus on energy reducing functions, environmental sustainability and green cleaning practices.

The Ameriprise Financial Center, 707 Second Ave. South, and Client Service Center, 901 Third Ave. South, also received the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR award in 2007 and 2008. The buildings opened in 2000 and 2002 respectively, and are two of the city’s largest office towers with nearly 2 million square feet of combined office space. More than 5,000 Ameriprise Financial employees currently work in the buildings.

 

Transforms Wastewater into Superior Drinking Water for 500,000 Residents

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System in Fountain Valley, Calif., has been named the year’s best engineering achievement in the 43rd Engineering Excellence Awards, sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

Designed by CDM, the Groundwater Replenishment System is the world’s largest facility for transforming wastewater, previously discarded into the ocean, into premium drinking water. The project was chosen from 168 projects from throughout the world for its innovative engineering design and impact on society.

Located in drought-plagued Orange County, California, the project includes a multi-stage cleansing process that produces 70 million gallons per day of recycled water that exceeds drinking water standards. The water is added after treatment to a major underground aquifer—the district’s primary water source. The additional water source satisfies the needs of 144,000 households or about half a million residents.

The landmark water purification system moves beyond engineering recycled wastewater for agriculture or landscape applications, to creating a superior drinking water source and a new model for critical large-scale water supply projects worldwide.

 

Hotel Designed to Achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver Rating From the U.S. Green Building Council

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cubellis, an international architecture, interior design and engineering firm is pleased to announce that the firm has completed work on Hotel Felix, Chicago’s first hotel designed to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Originally designed in 1926, the former Hotel Wacker has given way to the redeveloped Hotel Felix, suitably positioned in one of the nation’s leading “green” cities. The property now boasts an innovative, eco-friendly boutique hotel with efficiencies and key design elements inspired by natural elements, while lessening environmental impact. Additionally, the 12-story eco-friendly boutique hotel features a lobby bar overlooking a quiet neighborhood, an Asha wellness spa, three small conference rooms, and comfortable guest rooms with sophisticated details and outfitted with top-of-the-line technology. The hotel’s restaurant, Elate, will open in summer 2009 and feature eclectic American cuisine.

“This was an exciting design project because the facility was not only refurbished to accommodate the discerning eco-friendly traveler, but subsequently provides all new sustainable services for the hotel staff as well,” said David R. LaPlaca, AIA, Associate, Architecture at Cubellis. “It was amazing to see how when we started removing the old windows and miscellaneous masonry infill to recreate the original terra cotta frames openings, how light flooded the ground floor lobby and restaurant, creating a dynamic environment for everyone! Even the basement, designed to contain the hotel offices, a new data center, and laundry facilities for the hotel, was transformed with the addition of an employee lounge equipped with locker rooms and showers. Bike storage is provided in the basement for employees who ride to work, and a recycling room was also provided to support the hotels extensive recycling program. The hotel is a testament to exceptional design and is a well thought-out space that keeps everyone feeling connected to sustainability, without sacrificing the luxe appeal of the property.”

Gettys provided interior design, procurement, and program management services for the hotel. “Designing for LEED certification is an important capability in our practice,” says Michael Maurer, AIA, Principal with Gettys. “Working closely with Cubellis, the project engineers and the Owner, we were able to identify the cost and benefit to the hotel of every LEED point and allow the Owner to make highly informed decisions. In the end, we created an upscale design that is warm, clean, and contemporary, where guests can feel environmentally responsible and not sacrifice any luxury in doing so.”

The hotel’s LEED-related features include in-room motion sensors to control the thermostat, allowing the heating and cooling to automatically adjust based upon the guests use of the room, installation of recycled products in everything from artwork to fabrics and surfaces, flooring and wall coverings. Organic materials, renewable resources, and energy efficient plumbing, heating and air conditioning add to the benefits. Recycled materials, low-emitting paints, carpets, and a green cleaning program are used throughout.

Ancillary benefits that helped this property meet LEED certifications include the close proximity to public transportation so employees and guests can choose alternative methods of arrival and departure. Hotel guests arriving in a hybrid auto receive complimentary valet parking.

 

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Architectural Record, McGraw-Hill Construction's prestigious publication and the magazine of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), today presented its 13th annual Advertising Excellence Awards to 29 companies and agencies. The awards breakfast hosted over 250 architects, manufacturers, editors, marketers and industry leaders at San Francisco's Moscone Center during the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition.


Full page or larger ads published in Architectural Record in the first quarter of 2009 were considered for the awards. Winners were judged for content and graphic presentation by a jury of nine architects and designers representing the breadth of the profession.


"This year's winners are an inspiring group -- 29 high-performing companies," said Laura Viscusi, publisher of Architectural Record. "These winners show us how to build a world-class image for an architectural products company and exhibit mastery of the rapidly changing media landscape. When it comes to advertising, this year's winners are defining excellence."


Best in Show - Integrated Campaign
-- Rocky Mountain Hardware, Agency: Burchiellaro Design
-- Knauf Insulation, Agency: Caldwell VanRiper

Best in Show - Monthly Print Campaign

-- Construction Specialties, Agency: Brian J. Ganton & Associates

Best in Show - Spreads
-- Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Systems , Agency: Zban Advertising

-- Hunter Douglas Contract, Agency: DMD

Best in Show - Single Pages
-- BEGA
-- Cambridge Architectural, Agency: Larson O'Brien

-- Simpson Strong Tie, Agency: C Squared Advertising

Winner - Integrated Campaign
-- Phaidon Atlas

-- ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation, Agency: FIREHOUSE

Winner - Spread

-- EIMA, Agency: Bemis Resource Group

Winner - Single Page
-- AIA Contract Documents, Agency: Shelton Group
-- Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc., Agency: KleinMichael Partners
-- EventScape Inc.
-- Kawneer Company, Inc., Agency: Function
-- Kim Lighting
-- La Cantina Doors
-- NANA Wall Systems, Inc.
-- Soil Retention Products, Inc., Agency: Drop Dead Design

-- Technical Glass Products, Agency: Brandner Communications

Honorable Mention - Spread

-- Mitsubishi Chemical FP America, Inc., Agency: The Ludlow Group

Honorable Mention - Single Page
-- Eldorado Stone
-- Autodesk
-- The Travelers Company, Agency: Fallon Advertising

-- Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, Hunter Consulting Inc.

User Engagement - Continuing Education
-- General Electric Consumer and Electrical Appliances
-- Lafarge

-- Jeld-WEN Windows and Doors, Agency: CMD

User Engagement - Online Video

-- Adobe Acrobat 9

User Engagement - Online Social Media

-- Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

 

Company's Full Line of Interior Gypsum Wallboard Panel Products Meet the Industry's Most Stringent Indoor Air Quality Standards

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Gypsum, a leading gypsum wallboard manufacturer based in Dallas, TX, announced today that its complete line of interior gypsum panel products has achieved the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified(R) status and GREENGUARD Children & Schools (SM) Certification.

The GREENGUARD Certification Program (SM) is an industry-independent, third-party program that has been certifying products for low non-toxic emissions since 2001. To attain GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified status, American Gypsum's wallboard products passed thorough sample testing and review of the manufacturing processes to meet exacting standards set by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) – an internationally renowned leader in indoor air quality – to establish their impact on indoor air pollution. Then to qualify for the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification, the panels, including our family of M-Bloc(R) products, met even more rigorous emissions limits that take into account the added sensitivity of children and adults with compromised immune systems.