Firepits and Outdoor Rooms Headline Residential; Sustainability Is Top Request for Commercial Projects WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Homeowners will be adding firepits and fireplaces for outdoor entertaining in 2007. And they, along with commercial building owners, will be paying a lot more attention to environmentally-friendly landscape options, such as adding native plants and managing stormwater more effectively, according to a new survey of leading members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The informal survey conducted in December, identified the most popular requests from homeowners and commercial clients for 2007. For homeowners, firepits and outdoor fireplaces top the list. Also popular are requests for sustainable solutions, such as using native plants that require less watering and maintenance. Homeowners are requesting landscape architects design complete outdoor rooms, such as kitchens and bars, for entertaining. Water features such as koi ponds, pools, and fountains continue to be popular. Incorporating rain gardens and green roofs in home landscapes will add a different -- and more sustainable -- flavor to 2007 homes. Steve Martino, FASLA, of Phoenix-recipient of both the ASLA Design Medal and the ASLA Residential Design Award of Excellence in 2006-cites private living spaces, outdoor rooms, and water features as top homeowner requests. He also says that clients are coming to him for "green solutions" for their homes. Commercial clients are also concerned with "green solutions." Members polled said they anticipate an increase in client requests for better stormwater management options, the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting, green roofs, and native plantings. Ann McGinnes, ASLA, of Garland, Texas, says that she expects to see more requests from commercial clients for "non-traditional" means of irrigating the landscape and a focus on better management of water resources. She also says green roofs are gaining in popularity for both their environmental qualities as well as their aesthetic appeal. Other popular commercial client requests should include water features such as fountains and outdoor employee areas. Madeline Ann Sutter, ASLA, of Oriental, N.C., says that these employee areas will be designed for employee "connection with nature" -- places where they can be outside easily for a respite from work. Sustainable design is bigger than ever and homeowners and commercial building owners alike are looking to utilize outdoor spaces even more. The New Year will bring a number of exciting and creative design solutions from landscape architects.

reen Mountain Energy Offers Tips on How to Have an Environmentally Friendly Holiday Season AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While the winter holiday season brings good cheer for most people, it also brings a lot more solid waste to the landfill, increased electricity use and harm to the environment. The amount of household garbage in the United States generally increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, from 4 million to 5 million tons, and electricity consumption increases by 27 percent. 12 Tips for a Greener Holiday Season Here are ways you can reduce your environmental impact this holiday season – an eco tip for each of the 12 days of Christmas: 1. Choose cleaner electricity Give yourself an early holiday gift by signing up for cleaner electricity products from Green Mountain Energy Company for your home or business at www.pollutionfree.com, or call 1-866-473-3689. Many Texans are able to choose the source of their electricity. Now is a great time to make the switch to Green Mountain Energy® electricity and start the New Year off with clean electricity. Green Mountain Energy electricity products are sourced using renewable energy resources and are cleaner than the typical power that most Texans buy today. Clean energy is derived from any natural, non-fossil fuel resource that continually replenishes itself over time. Sources of clean energy include the wind, water and the sun. By purchasing Green Mountain Energy electricity, consumers help to reduce their share of pollution from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. In fact, over a one year period the average Texas household buying Green Mountain Pollution FreeSM electricity can help eliminate about 1,700 pounds of CO2, the equivalent of not driving their car over 2,000 miles. 2. Purchase the Gift of Green Buy your friends and loved ones the Gift of Green this holiday season from Green Mountain Energy Company through its innovative new BeGreen product. It's a great, earth-friendly gift for only $9.95! For each Gift of Green that you purchase, a tree is planted on behalf of a designated friend or family member, which offsets some of the CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming. An average tree will absorb more than 650 pounds of CO2 over its lifetime - as much as not driving a car about 740 miles. The recipient of the gift will also receive a plantable ornament that will grow into fresh cilantro. The Gift of Green also comes with a recycled paper card describing the environmental benefits achieved through planting the tree. To purchase the Gift of Green today, go to www.begreennow.com. (Customers will receive an email confirmation of the purchase, but the “gift of green” ornament won’t arrive until after Christmas.) 3. Offset your carbon footprint While at www.begreennow.com, you can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase BeGreenSM to help offset some of the CO2 emissions created by your household’s daily activities, like electricity use, driving, air travel or home heating with natural gas. 4. Give the gift of energy efficiency The best way to reduce your electricity bills and your household’s average carbon emissions is to reduce your electricity usage. This holiday season give your friends and family the gift of energy-efficient products to help them save on electricity bills. Many of these products can be found at www.greenmountain.com/powerperks. 5. Consider these light tips Use timers for holiday lights to limit their use to only six hours a day. Switch out standard light bulbs and replace with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use 66 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. 6. Send e-cards Send online electronic cards instead of printed greeting cards. Or, make a phone call instead! If sending holiday cards, look for ones made of recycled paper. Avoid cards with glossy, shiny or gold foil coatings since these cannot be recycled. Save the cards that you get in the mail, cut off the front pictures, and reuse as "postcards" next year. This saves on postage, too. 7. Recycle/reuse gift wrap Wrapping paper is often used once and thrown away. Use wrappings that can be reused one or more times, such as gift bags, before they are recycled. Better yet, avoid using paper entirely by using reusable decorative tins, baskets or boxes. If you do buy wrapping paper, look for the kind made of recycled paper. Finally, unwrap gifts carefully and save wrappings for reuse next year. If every American family wrapped just 3 presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields! 8. Purchase eco gifts Look for gifts with an environmental message or benefit: a nature book, a refillable thermos bottle, a canvas tote bag, a battery recharger or items made from recycled materials. Choose solar powered instead of battery powered products. Or better yet, gifts that require no power at all. 9. Use reusable bags When shopping, bring a reusable bag such as a personal tote bag and avoid coming home with an armload of plastic shopping bags. 10. Use edible items for tree trimmings For tree trimmings, try edible or compostable items like popcorn or cranberries on a string, gingerbread cookies or items made from "found" objects around your home. 11. Conserve energy During the sunny days, open shades and blinds to light and heat the interior of the home. Keep the cold out by sealing air leaks in your home with caulk and weather stripping. 12. Close the fireplace when Santa’s not around Close the flue in the fireplace and block the hearth to prevent heat loss when not enjoying a fire. “It’s easy to have an environmentally friendly Christmas; in fact it is easier than most people think,” said Paul Markovich, senior vice president of Residential Services for Green Mountain Energy Company. “We encourage Texans to enjoy a greener holiday season this year and give the Earth a gift, as well.” Here are some Web site links that provide tips on how to save energy and help reduce global warming: * Energy Star energy efficient appliances (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.energystar.gov/products/) * Energy Efficient Windows (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.efficientwindows.org/) * Consumer Energy Information (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/) * Power Smart (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.ase.org/powersmart/index.html) * Energy Efficiency: First Things First (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid195.php) * Tips from StopGlobalWarming.org (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.stopglobalwarming.org/sgw_actionitems.asp) * http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/home.html Additionally, the carbon footprint calculator at www.begreennow.com helps individuals determine their CO2 emissions from major sources: home energy consumption and transportation by car and plane. This website also allows individuals to take action by offsetting their carbon footprint. Green Mountain Energy Company was the first retail electric provider in Texas to offer cleaner electricity products to residential and commercial customers in the state. The company has been serving Texas residential and commercial customers since 2001 when the state of Texas opened the retail electricity market to competition.

ELK RIVER, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Construction has started on Great River Energy’s new headquarters -- a sustainably designed office campus in Maple Grove, Minn. Located along Elm Creek Boulevard in the Arbor Lakes district of Maple Grove, the four-story, 166,000-square-foot office building will provide a workplace for more than 350 employees. A possible future expansion could result in a total of 300,000 square feet of office space. The 12.5-acre site is part of a former gravel pit that has become a successful new “main street” retail and commercial district. LEED Platinum Certification “We anticipate that our new headquarters in Maple Grove will be the most energy-efficient office building ever constructed in Minnesota and one of the most energy-efficient in the world,” says Great River Energy CEO David Saggau. Great River Energy is pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum level certification for its new campus. The new office building will adhere to environmentally sustainable building practices, including: * reducing energy consumption by 50 percent when compared to standard new buildings, * reducing water usage by 40 percent when compared to standard new buildings, * diverting 75 percent of construction waste from landfills, * using recycled and locally manufactured materials, * capturing stormwater runoff in rain gardens throughout the parking areas and * delivering 10 to 15 percent of the building’s energy through on-site renewable energy sources. Great River Energy will transform wind energy into electricity through an on-site wind turbine and transform solar energy into electricity through roof-mounted photovoltaic cells. Plus, solar energy will be utilized to heat domestic hot water through a roof-mounted solar thermal system. Other innovative and cost-effective design strategies include: utilizing Arbor Lake for a geothermal heating and cooling system; providing under-floor displacement ventilation to dramatically improve indoor air quality and workplace productivity; harvesting daylight through narrow office floor plates and multiple light-filled atriums; using rainwater for site irrigation and the flushing of toilets; designing a poured in-place concrete structure that contains nearly 60 percent fly ash, a byproduct recycled from coal-based power plants; and installing new super-energy efficient “green” elevators that use 60 percent less energy and require less space. Currently, there are only 15 newly constructed LEED platinum level certified buildings worldwide. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary international standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council’s core purpose is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling a healthy and prosperous environment. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- News: INCAT, an Autodesk Authorized Reseller, has been certified to sell Autodesk AliasStudio software throughout the entire United States. The authorization follows INCAT's success selling Alias products from its California office over the last several years. Effective immediately, Autodesk AliasStudio will be available from INCAT on a nationwide basis. Autodesk customers across the country will have a new reseller to support them -- one with deep manufacturing solutions expertise. Autodesk AliasStudio is world-leading industrial design software for the product design and transportation markets. It delivers a comprehensive suite of tools for the rapid creation, evaluation and visualization of design ideas -- from concept sketches through to engineering.

ANSDALE, Pa., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Tyco Fire & Building Products, a division of Tyco International Ltd. and the world leader in water-based fire sprinkler systems and technology, will unveil its new Global Technology Center today in Cranston, R.I. Festivities include a ribbon-cutting, guided tours and speeches from the Chief Executive Officer of Tyco International, Ed Breen, as well as other Tyco representatives and Rhode Island government dignitaries. In addition to Breen, Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri, United States Rep. Jim Langevin, Rhode Island Sen. John Revens, Jr., Rhode Island Sen. and Lt. Gov.-elect Elizabeth Roberts and Rhode Island State Fire Marshal George Farrell will be in attendance. Tyco invested $5 million to renovate its Cranston research and development facility into a new, state-of-the-art Global Technology Center. The renovation consisted of a multi-phase remodel resulting in a new, world-class training and product development facility. "The new Global Technology Center will expand our resources as the leading solutions provider in the fire protection and mechanical industries and our commitment to saving lives," said Carmine Schiavone, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Tyco Fire & Building Products. Tyco chose to renovate the existing facility -- the birthplace of modern fire sprinkler technology and a key part of Tyco's history -- and further demonstrate its commitment to the Providence area. "We are thrilled to be expanding our footprint in the Providence community," Schiavone added. "Our history is here, and we wanted to honor that legacy with this investment in the future." Among the improvements is a 4,300-square-foot expansion of the existing building to allow for greater product development capacity and efficiency for new water-based fire protection and mechanical components. Already one of the fastest-growing suppliers of mechanical products in the industry, Tyco will now be able to fully capitalize on its commitment to offer fully integrated fire-suppression systems and mechanical components for the HVAC and plumbing markets. The new and improved facilities will also include valve and fire sprinkler testing areas for industrial, commercial and residential applications. The addition includes state-of-the-art residential and commercial test facilities that will allow the company to simulate Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual test services. Another focal point is the 10,500-square-foot Frederick Grinnell Education Center, which houses a 48-seat multi-media amphitheater, a product museum and display area, a visitor dining/lounge area and a hands-on, 24-seat valve training classroom with fire demonstration cells. The new Global Technology Center will be able to accommodate nearly 800 visitors per year with 38 training classes. Prior to the renovation, the facility could accommodate 200 visitors and conducted about 15 classes per year.

Publication Emphasizes Ways to Curb Humanity’s Impact on Nature HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To mark the close of its first 100 years of business and to continue its commitment to environmental conservation, CEMEX, Inc. announced today the recent release of a ground-breaking new conservation book, “The Human Footprint: Challenges for Wilderness and Biodiversity.” Produced in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Agrupación Sierra Madre, The WILD Foundation and The International League of Conservation Photographers, the book concludes that protecting large wilderness areas is crucial to the future of our planet and is an indispensable tool for preserving the world’s biodiversity. Through a series of astonishing photographs, maps and essays, “The Human Footprint,” shows the collective impact that humanity’s demands have had on the Earth’s ecological resources. The book delivers a sobering message and warning that human beings are consuming too much of our planet, and polluting the rest. The damage has come to the point of threatening the lifelines on which a moderate climate, productive oceans, functioning ecosystems, and the circle of life depend. By using the best tools and technology available to conservationists today, the book showcases not only the severity of the problem, but also what can be done to improve it. The CEMEX conservation book series is the result of a dynamic partnership with global conservation groups to identify and protect the world’s most threatened and precious wild spaces. Since the inception of the conservation book program in 1993, CEMEX has donated these works to organizations like Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund and the World Conservation Union, supporting an array of conservation projects. In addition, more than 175,000 books have been donated to universities, research institutions, governments and libraries worldwide. CEMEX is a growing global building solutions company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Commemorating its 100th anniversary in 2006, the company has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through its efforts to pursue innovative industry solutions and efficiency advancements and to promote a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.cemexusa.com. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) saves wildlife and wild lands worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. For more information, visit www.wcs.org. Agrupación Sierra Madre is a Mexican conservation organization, founded in 1989, that works to promote conservation initiatives that protect biodiversity and wilderness on the planet. Sierra Madre has published more than 20 titles in conjunction with conservation organizations worldwide such as Conservation International, IUCN, World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Wildlife Conservation Society. For more information, visit www.sierramadre.com.mx. The WILD Foundation is a US-based conservation organization that has worked internationally since 1974 on projects that protect and sustain wilderness and wildlife while addressing the needs of human communities. WILD also convenes the World Wilderness Congress since 1977, the world’s longest running international conservation forum, achieving practical results for wilderness and wild lands in many countries. For more information, visit www.wild.org. The International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through photography. We work with leading scientists, policy makers, government leaders and conservation groups to produce the highest quality documentary images of the beauty and wonder of the natural world and the challenges facing it. Our members have a unique set of skills and years of field experience documenting delicate and complex environmental subjects as well as a commitment to conserve the landscapes, people and wildlife in the places where they work. For more information, visit www.ilcp.com.

ndustry Initiatives Aim for Greater Efficiencies without Process Overhaul MANCHESTER, N.H., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of leading architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) executives has found that 10 of 11 firms are pursuing software initiatives to raise process productivity without disruptive re-engineering of their work practices. The research is available in a new white paper, Improving AEC Project Execution: Lessons from 11 Industry Leaders. Newforma, Inc., a New Hampshire-based software developer, commissioned Spar Point Research of Danvers, Mass., to interview North American AEC executives in five market segments: architecture, building engineering, civil engineering, design-build, and transportation infrastructure. While the executives agreed on the business pressures and project risks their organizations face, no consensus arose over how best to tackle key challenges such as resourcing growth, managing risk, maximizing productivity and implementing efficient project processes to raise profits. Spar Point Managing Partner Bruce Jenkins attributes the absence of industry-wide best practices to the relative newness of process improvement as a discipline in the AEC industry. Among the problems AEC firms face, those mentioned most included scarce human resources, compressed project schedules, culture gaps between companies on the project team, incompatible work processes and fragmented software environments. Firms represented in the study are BNIM Architects; Bohannan Huston; Burns & McDonnell; Dynasty Group; Ghafari Associates; HOK S+V+E; Jaros Baum & Bolles; Jordan, Jones & Goulding; Psomas; The Walsh Group; and Walter P. Moore and Associates.

LukWerks™ Video Security System Lauded by Technology Editor as One of the Year’s Coolest Products DRAPER, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WiLife announced today that its LukWerks video security system was featured on the cover of the Money section of USA Today last week as one of the Best Tech Products of 2006. Engineered for homes and small businesses, the award-winning LukWerks video security system was chosen for its ease of use and advanced functionality. “We are honored that USA Today has chosen our product as one of the best of the year,” said Evan Tree, president of WiLife. “Being recognized nationally confirms that we are achieving our goal to make high-end video security available to everyone.” WiLife’s LukWerks video security systems use HomePlug technology to securely send digital video over standard AC power lines to a PC running the WiLife surveillance management software. To install, users simply plug cameras into any standard AC electrical outlet and the cameras transmit video over the power lines to a USB receiver connected to the PC. Using this innovative technology, users do not have to run cables or configure complex wireless networks. Unlike wireless solutions, LukWerks video is reliable and secure. Free remote viewing allows users to monitor their video from an Internet-connected PC or Windows mobile phone. With the recent release of the LukWerks Outdoor Camera, WiLife customers can expand their video security to monitor additional areas. Customers now have the option of mixing and matching a starter kit with Indoor and Outdoor cameras. The system supports up to six cameras for complete coverage of homes and small businesses. At $299.00 for a starter kit, the system is a cost effective way to install a professional quality video security system.

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Venmar Ventilation is voluntarily and immediately implementing a Safety Upgrade Program for certain Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV's) that it manufactures. Venmar is asking owners of Heat Recovery Ventilators that are covered by this program to immediately turn their unit off and unplug it, and contact them as soon as possible by phone at 1 866-441-4645, by visiting our website at www.venmar.ca, or by mail at SUP, 550 Lemire blvd, Drummondville, QC J2C 7W9 CANADA. It has come to Venmar's attention that an unlikely series of circumstances could lead to a motor overheating in certain HRV models, that may result in a potential fire hazard. These units fully comply with all applicable CSA, UL, and other standards. They are already protected by circuit protection under the National Electric Code, all local Electrical Codes and by thermal protectors in the motors. Venmar will provide an additional safety upgrade device free of charge. Only certain models produced between 1991 and 2001 are affected. This preventive measure does not involve HRV's manufactured before 1991 and after 2001, as well as all other models not mentioned below. The Program affects selected units distributed under the names: Venmar, Venmar AVS, Flair, vanEE, Sears and Guardian by Broan Heat Recovery Ventilators sold in North-America. This program covers units with the following model numbers only. This model number is located on a silver or a black label positioned on the outside panel of the unit.

Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods, 4th Edition Now in its Fourth Edition, Fundamentals of Building Construction is an essential textbook that has been used by thou-sands of students annually in schools of architecture, engineering, and construction technology. The best-selling reference focuses on the basic materials and methods used in building construction. Emphasizing common construction systems such as light wood frames, masonry bearing walls, steel frames, and reinforced concrete, the new edition includes new coverage of green design and energy-efficient construction energies, and is based on the International Building Code(r). Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 2nd Edition This Second Edition features the most up-to-date explanations of today’s residential construction systems. From foundation to roof and exterior finishes to interior details, this new edition thoroughly addresses the latest developments in materials and methods of house construction, including energy efficiency, framing, and roofing. Abundantly illustrated with more than 1,200 drawings and photographs, it provides authoritative coverage on wood light-frame construction, industrialized systems of construction, and more.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hoover Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world and one of the most magnificent sites in the western United States. So much so, traffic on U.S. Highway 93, which runs across the dam in the Colorado River and is the main road connecting Las Vegas to Phoenix, often comes to a standstill as travelers slow down to take in the view. With the help of Air Liquide’s CryoCrete technology, a bypass bridge is being constructed that will open the route to smooth travel once again. Such a massive undertaking requires many cubic yards of concrete with special placing and curing requirements. Using liquid nitrogen to cool concrete mixtures to exacting specifications, CryoCrete injection technology was used in the Hoover Dam bypass bridge project to reduce the temperature of the concrete being used in the bridge’s footings prior to it being pumped down to molds resting nearly 300 ft into the canyon. CryoCrete technology resulted in cooling the concrete some 20 to 30 degrees F and was integral in delivering a quality pour and precise curing necessary to ensure the utmost structural integrity of the bridge. Said Etienne Lepoutre, president of Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP, “This has been a spectacular opportunity for Air Liquide to contribute to a project at this historic site. It is a world-scale example of the capabilities of the CryoCrete process, a technology with a wide range of industrial applications.” CryoCrete cooling and injection technology is an offering of Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP. It is the ideal solution for handling the most demanding concrete cooling requirements and placing temperature specifications during extreme hot weather conditions. CryoCrete efficiently and cost-effectively reduces the temperature of a concrete load prior to pouring by delivering liquid nitrogen into the load of each mix truck via a specialized injection method. The result is a drop in the temperature of the concrete of varying degrees, depending on application needs and ambient temperature. CryoCrete has been used in a variety of mass pour applications including the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge is a project of the U.S. government as well as the states of Arizona and Nevada. The bridge is being constructed by Obayashi/PSM JV. Air Liquide is a subcontractor on the project to provide liquid nitrogen and CryoCrete technology. The Hoover Dam, itself, was constructed during the 1930’s to harness the power of the Colorado River as a major source of hydroelectric energy and flood control for the region. Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP is the subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. responsible for providing bulk gases and related services to a diverse base of industrial customers in the U.S. Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. is the subsidiary of Air Liquide Group responsible for its North American operations.

Builders Glean Latest Trends from Experts at International Builders' Show WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Want to build the perfect house? Start with the kitchen. It's the center of home life, and if you get it right, everything else falls into place, says designer Mary Jo Camp. Camp is one of three speakers for the seminar "Lifestyle Kitchens: Designs, Materials and Techniques that Guarantee Great Kitchens" at the International Builders' Show Feb. 7-10 in Orlando, Fla. Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, the annual convention and trade show is again expected to attract more than 100,000 home builders, architects, developers, and other members of the industry to four days of education, exhibits and special events. Camp's seminar is one of 34 scheduled for the Architecture and Interior Design track, one of 18 areas of study scheduled for the show. Other tracks include Trends and Forecasting, Housing Finance, and Green Building. A big trend right now: Clients want to incorporate more light into their kitchens, and they want bright, airy and well ventilated space in a room they use not only for cooking and eating, but also for craft projects, homework, family gatherings and entertaining. The answer to that is incorporating green-building techniques like 'daylighting,' which is positioning windows to best take advantage of outside light. Morning light is especially important in kitchens, Camp said. While kitchens have long been the hub of the house, their importance has grown even more as families' lives get busier. It's a center of activity, but it's also a place to get rid of stress, relax, and recharge -- literally. Charging stations for our mobile phones, portable stereos and laptops are an important component in new kitchens, Camp said. "Plus, you'll know where to find them all," she added. Also on tap in the Architecture and Interior Design track: seminars on universal design, regional design, and trends in 'green' development. he 2007 International Builders' Show is not open to the general public. Building industry professionals and their affiliates throughout the housing trades are welcome to register by visiting the show's newly redesigned Web site at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.buildersshow.com/. Discounted online registration and hotel reservation assistance are available through Jan. 5, 2007; onsite registration begins Feb. 4. Visitors can preview the show at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.buildersshow.com/VTS, a virtual showcase for exhibitors and their products.

Innovative parts extend life, improve performance, and reduce maintenance costs of airheater CORONA, Calif., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Airheater Technologies, the fastest growing manufacturer of high-performance seals and baskets for rotary, regenerative airheaters, has announced the availability of high performance replacement basketed elements for rotary, regenerative airheaters used in steam-driven power generation applications worldwide. Two innovative technologies, both patented by Paragon, will minimize deposition and corrosion in the heat transfer surfaces (basketed element) of the airheater, thus improving performance, decreasing maintenance costs, and extending the life of the airheater. "These latest advances are part of our commitment to power producers to maximize airheater performance and efficiency through innovation, technology, and quality service," explained John Busic, CEO of Paragon. "We are steadfast in our commitment to supply replacement parts that exceed the industry's most stringent demands for fast delivery, high quality, customized service, engineering, and competitive pricing." The first innovation is Paragon's ACE-8 (Advanced Clean Element). This configuration of heat transfer surfaces in the basket of the airheater maximizes heat transfer and provides a lower pressure drop than other available elements. At the same time, its unobstructed flow pattern greatly reduces plugging from fly ash and ammonium bisulfate (ABS) - a byproduct of the NOx reduction process - that is a common problem in conventional airheaters. The unique flow pattern also enables easy cleaning throughout its entire depth with normal soot blowing. Further enhancing the airheater elements is a second Paragon innovation - its rugged DuraShield(TM) coating. Airheater basketed elements are typically coated with enamel, which commonly cracks and separates from base metal when subjected to impacts, flexing, or thermal shock. Conversely, Paragon's DuraShield(TM) coating is highly resistant to corrosion and fouling by ash and ABS, while withstanding the most demanding and extreme conditions encountered in steam-driven power generation applications. Thoroughly tested over four years, DuraShield(TM) has proven its durability, corrosion resistance, and value. John Guffre states that "Over the past three decades, I've seen many attempts made to tackle the life expectancy problems associated with the basketed elements but until now, there has not been a coating or application process that provides the protection and performance gains available with DuraShield(TM). It's an incredible opportunity for the industry."

Architect finds vinyl "perfect choice" for innovative, energy-saving homes NEW YORK, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative new uses of vinyl in the design of innovative, energy-saving homes of the future will be on display this week through July 29, 2007, at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York. Columbia University architectural professor Craig Konyk, who specializes in the use of new materials to create unique designs, said his use of translucent vinyl panels in the design of a small, futuristic type of vacation home called the "UP!house" (www.up-house.com) had proven more successful than he anticipated and could open up a whole new market for clear vinyl building materials. "It has been very exciting," he said. "Vinyl proved to be the perfect choice - durable, easy to maintain, energy-efficient, and the light diffusion it provides is soft and elegant." The museum's National Design Triennial is set to open on Friday. The UP!house exhibit is a cutaway section of the easy-to-erect prefabricated structure designed by Konyk, with insulated fiberglass wall panels, a luminous, seamless vinyl interior shell and a fiber-optic interior lighting system. "The overall feel of the home is very clean and calm," said Konyk. "It is like being inside a cloud." It can be designed in 2 or 3 bedroom versions, suitable for first homes, vacation homes, or for empty-nesters, and can be accessorized for different lifestyles. Some people in Colorado are interested in using them as ski chalets, equipped with ski racks and fireplaces, he said. Support for construction of the exhibit was provided in part by the Vinyl Institute in Arlington, VA. ENDS 120606 (www.vinylnewsservice.com)

Raleigh, N.C. - Brentwood, N.H. based Dawn Solar's solar hot water technology is now being using in a groundbreaking green building project in Raleigh, North Carolina. Built by Cherokee Investment Partners, the showcase National Homebuilder Mainstream GreenHomeTM will be the first of its kind known to be built in a traditional suburban neighborhood utilizing two solar technologies that work in tandem to produce more energy than the home will ultimately consume. The solar thermal hot water technology developed by Dawn Solar will work in conjunction with a photovoltaic system designed by Atlantis Energy to capture the sun's energy and turn it into electricity. The home's design will result in a uniquely symbiotic relationship that makes the home twice as efficient in solar energy production, and more conventional in appearance, when compared to the typical solar systems on green homes. The Dawn Solar system uses heat generated by the sun shining directly onto the roof. The solar energy is absorbed and transferred into a concealed, patent-pending collection system hidden just below the roof tiles. As the system is hidden from sight, it is hidden from the elements as well, providing storm resistance, energy security and lower operating costs by replacing fossil fuels and electricity with solar energy. "The GreenHome utilizes a very aesthetic, fully integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic system," said Jonathan Philips, Senior Director of Cherokee Investment Partners. "What that means in everyday terms is that when it comes to energy usage this home will have little if any impact on our environment and the excess energy produced can be sold back to the power company. We are very proud of that." By placing the home's solar thermal tubing underneath the photovoltaic tile system two advantages are achieved. First, a solar thermal system typically operates more efficiently the hotter it gets during the day, whereas photovoltaics operate less efficiently in the presence of heat. In this first-of-its-kind configuration, the solar thermal system absorbs the heat taken-on by the photovoltaic panels which helps both systems operate more efficiently; the home can produce more electricity from the photovoltaic systems and more hot water from the thermal system. Second, with the photovoltaic tiles designed to blend in with typical roofing shingles and the solar thermal tubing hidden under these tiles, the home eliminates the awkward looking devices associated with solar systems, helping it blend into the neighborhood. "On an annual basis, the GreenHome's Dawn Solar thermal system has the ability to harvest over 41 million BTU's of solar energy for space and water heating - saving the equivalent of 440 gallons of oil or 570 therms of gas each year," said Bill Poleatewich, Dawn Solar's President. When considered over their 40-50 year lifespan, these systems effectively lock in the owner's energy costs at 20-30% less than what they are paying today. These innovative solar energy generating systems highlight the Mainstream GreenHomeTM mission to showcase innovative, environmentally friendly features, while looking and functioning as a traditional home. Cherokee expects that the lessons learned from this project will encourage the mainstreaming of sustainable homebuilding practices nationwide. The Mainstream GreenHomeTM is intended to help reverse the negative stigma sometimes associated with green building and show that environmentally-focused construction is compatible with conventional building and better living. Cherokee's GreenHomeTM is the first home in the nation known to be built in a typical subdivision under the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Model Green Home Building Guidelines and is just one of three green homes in the nation known to meet such guidelines. The others are non-subdivision homes located in State College, Pa. and in Albuquerque, N.M. In addition, the home will be certified with the Environmental Protection Agency/US Department of Energy (EPA/DOE) Energy Star Program and the North Carolina Solar Center's HealthyBuilt Homes state program, among others. Conventional in almost every aspect, the GreenHomeTM is designed as an idea home that will showcase a mix of products, systems and techniques that could make sense for individual construction projects or large-scale developments. As green building becomes more mainstream and is injected into the early design process, costs associated with green building will continue to fall. In addition, many technologies, such as solar hot water or ground source heat pumps, become more cost effective as centralized systems in larger developments. Environmental factors are taken into account in every aspect of the home, from landscaping using edible and/or drought tolerant plants to rainwater catchment and reuse systems. The home utilizes a range of technological innovations to minimize impact on the environment without sacrificing comfort. As a result, the GreenHomeTM is designed to: * Use 50% less fossil fuel than the conventional home * Recycle or reuse 90% of all organic waste on site * Consume 50% less water than the conventional home * Recycle 75% of all construction and demolition waste * Retain 95% of all storm water on site for reuse * Create wildlife habitats * Provide exceptional indoor air quality with 95% of all products having low or zero volatile organic compounds Cherokee's residential green building goals are much larger than the GreenHomeTM itself. With its broad scope - having redevelopment projects planned or underway throughout the United States, Canada and Western Europe - Cherokee is uniquely situated to influence from the top-down the 'greenness' of homebuilders, developers, real estate investors and contractors nationwide. For more information about the Mainstream GreenHomeTM please visit www.MainstreamGreenHome.com. Cherokee Investment Partners promotes the sustainable redevelopment of brownfield properties through remediation that provides positive social, economic and environmental improvements for the areas they serve. Since 1993, they have acquired over 520 properties enabling them to clean-up and redeploy contaminated real estate, while protecting sellers, future owners and communities from the risks and liabilities associated with environmental impairment. Currently Cherokee has over $1 billion worth of property under its management. More information about Cherokee Investment Partners can be found at www.cherokeefund.com About Dawn Solar Systems, Inc. Dawn Solar Systems, Inc., located in Brentwood, NH, was founded in 2004 as an organization dedicated to developing economically viable and aesthetically pleasing solar thermal systems. The company's mission is to build a successful business while contributing to the quality of the natural environment. The Dawn Solar System(r) completely integrates into building architecture using lifetime metal, slate or concrete tile roof materials and is as reliable as conventional home heating systems without complex regulatory or interconnection issues. The system adds to a building's energy performance at highly competitive rates. The company produces systems that are certified by both the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), and meet the criteria for state and federal energy incentives and rebates. The company has projects in 25 states and in Europe.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Prism Business Media’s American School & University® magazine announced publication of its 24th annual Architectural Portfolio, honoring educational design excellence. Nearly 230 projects from across the United States are profiled in the November issue of the magazine and also on the Web at www.SchoolDesigns.com. Featured projects showcase the most effective learning environments in America. American School & University is a monthly educational facilities, purchasing and business administration magazine, reaching 65,000 facility planners, school and university administrators and architects with this special issue. Winning entries were selected by a jury of AIA architects and school administrators, who evaluated submissions of K-12 and college/university projects from architectural firms and schools across the country. The jury awarded 20 Citations, recognizing the most outstanding submissions, and selected 208 other projects to be featured as Outstanding Buildings and Outstanding Landscape Architecture and Campus Master Planning Designs. Top honors were awarded to Peter Gisolfi Associates’ Agnes Irwin School, Science & Art Center, Rosemont, Pa., winner of the William W. Caudill Citation for the most outstanding K-12 project, and Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas + Company’s Christopher Newport University Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News, Va., winner of the Louis I. Kahn Citation for most outstanding college/university project with associate firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. Other Citation winners include: * Boston University, Fitness and Recreation Center and Agganis Arena—Boston, Mass./Cannon Design—Grand Island, N.Y./Post-Secondary Citation * Cass Technical High School—Detroit, Mich./TMP Associates, Inc.—Bloomfield Hills, Mich. and TYJT (A Joint Venture)/Special Citation * Central Bucks South High School—Warrington, Pa./ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers—Minneapolis, Minn. and Associated firms: George J. Donovan AIA & Associates; Plancon, Construction Administration/High School Citation * Centre College, The College Centre—Danville, Ky./Hastings & Chivetta Architects, Inc.—St. Louis, MO/Renovation/Modernization Citation * Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College, Communication Arts Building—City of El Cajon, Calif./NTDSTICHLER Architecture—San Diego, Calif./Work In Progress Citation * Dena Primary Center—Los Angeles, Calif./Rachlin Architects Incorporated—Culver City, Calif./Elementary School Citation * Eagle Creek Academy—Oakland, Mich./French Associates, Inc.—Rochester, Mich./Elementary School Citation * Garland Independent School District, Special Events Center—Garland, Texas/HKS, Inc.—Dallas, Texas/Specialized Facility Citation * Highland Oaks Relief Middle School, K-Mart Conversion—Miami, Fla./BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc.—Palm Springs, Fla. and Associated firm: Brown & Brown Architects/Work In Progress Citation * Lankenau Hospital, Walter and Leonore Annenberg Conference Center for Medical Education—Wynnewood, Penn./EwingCole—Philadelphia, PA/Specialized Facility Citation * Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Academic Center and Student Residences—Boston, Mass./Steffian Bradley Architects—Boston, Mass./Post-Secondary Citation * Minnesota State University—Mankato, Centennial Student Union Renovation—Mankato, Minn./MHTN Architects, Inc.—Salt Lake City, Utah and Associated firm: Paulsen Architects/Renovation/Modernization Citation * Peddie School, Walter and Leonore Annenberg Science Center—Hightstown, N.J./Hillier Architecture—Princeton, N.J./High School Citation * Pennsylvania State University, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park—State College, Penn./L. Robert Kimball & Associates-Architects & Engineers—Ebensburg, Penn. and Associated firm: DLR Group/Specialized Facility Citation * South Dakota State University, Student Center—Brookings, S.D./Perkins + Will—Minneapolis, Minn. and Associated firm: Architecture Incorporated/Renovation/Modernization Citation * Sunset Ridge Middle School—West Jordan, Utah/VCBO Architecture, LLC—Salt Lake City, UT/Middle School Citation * University of Cincinnati, University Power Center—Cincinnati, Ohio/Cambridge Seven Associates, Inc.—Cambridge, Mass. and Associated firm: M. Engineering, Inc./Special Citation * University of Wisconsin—Stout, Red Cedar Residence Hall—Menomonie, Wis. SDS Architects, Inc.—Eau Claire, Wis. and Associated firm: ESG Architects, Inc./Post-Secondary Citation

DALTON, Ga., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Edge Flooring ("Edge") is pleased to announce that The Color Marketing Group (CMG) has selected one of Edge's newest designs in porcelain tile, Peppered Moss, to feature in their national public relations program, as an example of trends in new colors for 2007. The CMG is an international association of design professionals whose objective is the identification and forecast of color trends one to three years into the future for all industries. For 2007, the CMG identified as a key color indicator, "the mainstreaming of the environment as a prime mover of color such as the look of botanical greens and nature's blues derived from the sky and sea." Edge's porcelain tile Peppered Moss design was chosen as an example to represent this color trend. Dave Brownlee, a member of the CMG, and Director of Product Development and Supplier Relations for Edge flooring, said, "This recognition by the CMG demonstrates Edge's commitment to not only the further development of easy to install natural stone and porcelain tile products, but also to becoming an industry leader in color and design." Erik Christensen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Edge stated, "We have worked very closely with the best porcelain tile design companies in Italy and other parts of the world to ensure we are at the forefront of design and color trends and to provide our retailers with the products their customers want." Edge Flooring, with manufacturing facilities in Dalton, Georgia, manufactures Genuine Tile Laminate floors - GTL (TM) with distribution throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

SUGAR LAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). Tyco Thermal Controls (Redwood City, California), a subsidiary of Tyco International Limited (Pembroke, Bermuda), recently announced the worldwide release of DigiTrace® NGC-30, an advanced electronic multi-circuit control, monitoring and power distribution system for industrial heat-tracing applications. This new system is the first of a new family of advanced control & monitoring products designed to meet the industrial customers’ demands for process system control & monitoring. DigiTrace NGC-30 is a multi-circuit electronic control, monitoring and power distribution system for heat-tracing used in process-temperature maintenance and freeze-protection applications. The NGC-30 system can control up to 260 circuits with multiple networked panels. The system provides continuous monitoring of temperature, ground fault, operating currents and voltages where a change in levels indicates potential issues in the field. Upsets are reported to the user with clear messages and alarms on the DigiTrace User Interface Terminal or remotely using the client-server software package DigiTrace Supervisor™. The DigiTrace User Interface Terminal has a state-of-the-art color touch screen, allowing convenient central access to all heat-tracing circuits. The DigiTrace Supervisor client-server software package provides a graphical interface and allows the user to configure and monitor many DigiTrace NGC systems from a central location. Features like alarms, events, data logging, trending, recipes and batching have been included, to simplify maintenance of any heat-tracing installation. The reduction in the number of on-site maintenance personnel coupled with the demand for safe and reliable operation has increased the need for centralized access to critical information on the integrity of heat-tracing systems. Tyco Thermal Controls offers the DigiTrace NGC-30 as a complete solution where the control system is already fully integrated into engineered control and power distribution panels. The intuitive software and local graphic user interface simplifies set-up and operation of specific control points. “The NGC-30 is the most advanced heat-tracing control system in the industry and reinforces our commitment to provide a complete heat-management system,” said Jim Beres, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Tyco Thermal Controls.

Company Challenges Consumers and Small Businesses to Save Money and Energy JERICHO, N.Y., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- bioMETRX Inc., (BULLETIN BOARD: BMRX) announced that its second finger activated consumer/small business product will be available at retailers and distributors by Memorial Day 2007, in time for the summer season. The smartSTAT(TM) Thermostat uses finger activated technology to prevent unauthorized access to temperature settings. bioMETRX developed this product to address the common problem of unauthorized changes in temperature settings by children, tenants, restaurant employees and patrons and store employees. "I can't begin to tell you the numerous times I have been to restaurants, airports and shopping malls and have seen those ugly clear boxes that allegedly are designed to prevent access to a thermostat ripped off the walls. I have also witnessed waiters and hostesses constantly playing with temperature settings at restaurants," stated Lorraine Yarde, COO of bioMETRX, Inc. "It's actually amusing sometimes as people use paperclips and straws to defeat those boxes, while poking at the thermostats to try to manipulate the temperature," noted Ms. Yarde. The smartSTAT(TM) Thermostat allows consumers and small business owners complete control over who can change temperature settings. The product allows an owner or manager to enroll up to 20 authorized users who can then change temperature settings. The smartSTAT(TM) Thermostat will be available to businesses in April 2007, and expected to be on the shelves of major retailers by May 31, 2007. The suggested retail price is $229.00. The smartSTAT(TM) Thermostat is fully programmable and is Energy Star compliant. "The smartSTAT(TM) Thermostat is really a revolutionary product, and is the first biometrics based product that will actually save businesses and homeowners money on energy costs. Right now, to convert a business's HVAC system into a centrally controlled computerized one costs tens of thousands of dollars. Our product is designed to simply replace the existing thermostat," noted Ms. Lorraine Yarde, COO of bioMETRX, Inc. "We have received numerous online pre-orders and expect this product to be the newest, single most cost effective product in the HVAC world that will save its owners on energy costs," note Ms. Yarde. The company has established the smartSTAT(TM) Thermostat Hall of Shame at its website located at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.biometrx.net/hallofshame . This area allows you to look at existing thermostats that are installed at restaurants, airports, doctor's offices, apartment houses and shopping malls, and to see just how vulnerable a thermostat is to tampering by unauthorized individuals. You can even submit your own pictures with a chance to win a smartSTAT(TM) Thermostat. bioMETRX Inc. is a Jericho, New York-based research, development and marketing company that is utilizes state-of-the-art finger activated technology to create innovative, stand-alone security and electronics products for consumers and businesses. The company is focused on providing simpler, more secure and convenient products to protect property and save money.