Coupled with two days in the Sonoma Wine Country, the 'How Low Can You Go?' hands-on training sessions are designed for architects using BIM design and whole building energy analysis tools. SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Building Studio, Inc., the leading sustainability analysis software, training, and services company in the architectural, engineering, and construction industry, today announced an October 8-9, 2007 session for the AEC Industry's first Carbon Neutral Design Training. The two-day "How Low Can You Go?" training is designed for Lead Architects and Design Teams seeking to lead the charge for carbon neutral buildings. It will be held in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country region during the fall crush at Vintners Inn north of Santa Rosa, California. This training will be conducted by John F. Kennedy and Patrick J. Bailey using Revit, ArchiCAD, and our Green Building Studio web service (GBS). Core topics of the training include fundamental principles of how a building can achieve carbon neutrality, how today's BIM tools make it easier then ever to do energy analysis, and why the earliest decisions an architect makes are the most critical. The training team will use the GBS web service Version 3.0 which has many new features specifically targeted to designers of carbon neutral buildings including: - Carbon Neutral Building Check - Determining the feasibility for building designs to achieve carbon neutral status. - Design Advisor - Determining how efficient each building design could be given economic constraints and measure cost assumptions. - US EPA Energy Star Score - Computing the US EPA Energy Star score for every design change. - Corporate Account Capabilities - Constructing libraries of shared corporate designs and building templates, and demonstrating how to manage and review firm-wide designs for energy and water use analysis. The first training, held August 20-21, was a smashing success and attendees from leading architecture firms indicated that sessions were incredibly valuable. Training will take place on October 8th and 9th at the Vintner's Inn in Santa Rosa, California. The training costs $1,995, including all gourmet meals. Accommodations and transportation are not included, though we encourage all attendees to stay at the reasonably priced Vintner's Inn.

CINCINNATI, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Builder(R) Media (GBM), a leading provider of information about green building and sustainable development will aim to define the somewhat ubiquitous term 'green' as it relates to building related products and practices. Beginning in November, Green Builder Media will launch Green Builder College(TM), a robust online educational platform that will certify building professionals as 'Green Builders'. The program teaches building professionals how to incorporate sustainable systems and practices into their projects, leading to the development of more environmentally appropriate structures. Through a partnership with the NAHB Research Center, GBM has launched the 'Defining Green VISION House' program, a comprehensive market research and laboratory testing project to generate groundbreaking information about green building, including builder and consumer purchasing patters and expectations for the future. Through this project, GBM will develop a template that will shape the future of residential construction.

Easily Installed, Inexpensive Tubular Skylights Are A Good Source of Light FORT MILL, S.C., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Passive light is defined as light without the heat emitted by electrical sources. It's a form of natural light, but in this age of green building it has acquired an upscale name. No matter what it's called, it's still one of the best lighting methods available. It's free, effective and efficient. And it's easy to bring into homes through tubular skylights without flipping an electrical switch, especially to smaller interior areas including hallways, laundry rooms, closets, or windowless bathrooms. According to Tim Johnson, product manager with VELUX America, SUN TUNNEL(TM) skylights can bring passive natural light to areas where traditional skylights aren't needed or won't fit, while admitting very little of the heat that windows and other light sources produce. They capture light very efficiently through a clear, weatherproof dome on the roof. The light travels into the home through highly reflective tubing, ending at a diffuser in the ceiling that looks like a traditional in-ceiling light fixture. The units offer a choice of highly reflective rigid tubing between the roof and ceiling or flexible tubing to easily bypass HVAC equipment or other obstructions in the attic. They are less expensive than many traditional skylights and easier to install.

American Standard Contest Lets Plumbers Compete for Top Billing as Heroic Comic Book Character PISCATAWAY, N.J., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Plumbers are real- life superheroes who come to homeowners' rescue every day to solve plumbing and toilet troubles. That's why American Standard, manufacturer of the new virtually clog-free Champion(R) 4 toilet, is proud to celebrate plumbers, who protect the health of the nation. American Standard is inviting plumbers to share their heroic on-the-job stories for a chance to star as the superhero in a specially designed comic book that tells how they fixed a homeowner's toilet woes. The winner will also receive four Champion 4 toilets, which boast the industry's largest flush valve and trapway. American Standard's Plumber Superhero Contest, which runs through Dec. 15, 2007, is open to all professional plumbers in the United States. "Plumbers are unsung heroes for the work they do everyday," says Jeannette Long, director of marketing communications, American Standard. "American Standard wanted to show its appreciation with a superhero tribute that thanks plumbers who come to our rescue. The contest is a fun way to let plumbers tell their stories - and get an opportunity to be a superhero in their own comic book." Besides the grand prize winner, two runners-up will each receive one free Champion 4 toilet. Other top stories will be featured on the Plumber Protects Web site, www.plumberprotects.com, an online resource for plumbers to learn about ideas to grow their businesses and sales of American Standard products. How to Enter: E-mail or Mail by Dec. 15, 2007 It's easy to enter American Standard's Plumber Superhero Contest. Plumbers should submit a 100- to 200-word description of how they came to the rescue to solve a homeowner's plumbing troubles with their greatest weapon - a Champion 4 or other American Standard toilet. The description should tell about the problem, solution and results, as well as what superhero name they would select for themselves. Plumbers can enter online at www.plumberprotects.com, or they can mail their entry with the following information: name, address, daytime phone number, their selected superhero name and the 100- to 200-word description. Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 15, 2007, and sent to: American Standard's Plumber Superhero Contest c/o Carmichael Lynch Spong 110 North Fifth Street Minneapolis, MN 55403 American Standard Champion 4 Toilet: A Superhero's Ultimate Weapon As part of the contest, plumbers can share information about their arsenal of weapons to combat top toilet troubles, including clogs, leaks, dirty bowls and constant running. American Standard sells plumbers hard-working toilets, including the next-generation Champion 4 flushing system. The new toilet laps the competition . and American Standard's own previous breakthrough . with the widest waterways in the industry, virtually eliminating clogging, noisy flushes and the dreaded overflow. Featuring a four-inch Accelerator Flush Valve(TM), it creates incredible water power by pushing water into the bowl three times faster than the standard two-inch flush valve and one-third faster than a three-and-one-quarter-inch flush valve. Its wide-open, fully glazed trapway can move almost 70 percent more mass than a standard two-inch trapway.

Meets Growing Global Demand for Renewable Energy and Materials PITTSBURGH, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Speaking at the Sustainable Packaging Coalition's annual forum here today, Linda J. Fisher, DuPont Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, described DuPont's focus on business opportunities that help customers respond to growing global demand for renewable energy and materials. Fisher said that sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important, driven by evolving consumer awareness, demand from brand owners and retailers and recognition of climate change issues. "Sustainable packaging is a growing and important focus area for DuPont and is part of the company's overall commitment to create shareholder and societal value while providing direct, quantifiable environmental benefits for our customers and consumers along our value chains," she said. At the conference, DuPont announced that innovations in sustainable packaging will now be a key evaluation criteria in its long-running DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation, now in its 20th year. "In support of DuPont's corporate sustainability commitment, the awards will now recognize sustainability achievements in areas such as responsible sourcing, clean production and effective recovery that at the same time continue to meet important performance requirements such as improved freshness, convenience and shelf appeal," said William F. Weber, global DuPont director for packaging. DuPont -- one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 18 years ago -- has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products, such as sustainable packaging materials, for key global markets.

Press conference at ASLA EXPO to announce new sustainable design initiative What: The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the University of Texas at Austin's Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the United States Botanic Garden are collaborating to develop a rating system for sustainable landscape design, called the Sustainable Sites Initiative. Just as the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED(R) rating system measures a building's environmental impact, the Sites Initiative will measure the sustainability of designed landscapes of all types, including public, commercial, and residential projects. The U.S. Green Building Council is lending its support to this project and plans to adopt the Sustainable Sites metrics into its LEED(R) system once they are finished. Why: Sustainable landscape design can save billions of dollars in infrastructure and environmental costs while reducing individual maintenance and utility bills. However, no rating system exists to guide development beyond building construction. This new initiative will help balance the built and natural environments for the long-term health of communities nationwide.

Environmental Community Celebrates Company for Its Sustainable and Efficient Wood-Burning Furnaces SEATTLE, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Capping off 18 months of phenomenal growth, Greenwood Technologies is being lauded as an innovator for its environmentally friendly, high efficiency, wood-fired hydronic furnaces. This is the third such award for the company. The Bellevue, Wash.-based company is among other industry leaders being recognized by the 2007 Discover Brilliant international conference held in Seattle. The Brilliant Innovation Award celebrates innovative environmental solutions that go beyond "green." Companies honored at the Discover Brilliant conference were chosen for their innovation in mitigating negative environmental impact while providing real economic value to their customers. Greenwood's Brilliant Innovation Award follows on the heels of the company receiving a 2007 AHR Expo Innovation Award, at the world's largest heating ventilation and air conditioning gathering, and the 2006 Vesta Award at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo, where its revolutionary furnaces debuted to a strong reception from dealers and retailers. "We're thrilled to receive this recognition from the environmental community," said Michael Kuehner, Greenwood's Vice President of Marketing. "It affirms that our furnaces are being met with enthusiasm not just by consumers and retailers, but also by organizations that share our concern for the environment and locally sustainable solutions." Greenwood's wood-fired furnaces burn wood to heat water for use in forced air or hydronic heating systems. The clean-burning system leaves few particles to create smoke, creosote or ash and are up to 85-percent efficient, meaning that most of the heat released by burning wood is captured to heat a home. Because it operates at such high efficiency, the furnace also uses 50-percent less wood than other wood-burning furnaces. In addition to being environmentally friendly, Greenwood boilers are also economical as they reduce overall heating costs by up to 70-percent, according to a study done by the Canadian government.

Akeena Solar’s New Panels Look Great and Install in Minutes LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Akeena Solar, Inc. (OTCBB:AKNS), a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, today unveiled unique new solar panels that look like handsome designer-produced skylights and have built in features that cut installation time from half a day to half an hour. Best Looking Rooftop System “We’ve been selling solar power systems since 2001,” said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar, Inc. “We know what consumers want: great aesthetics and superior reliability, and we’ve designed a system that meets these requirements. We’re calling this new system Andalay – and it’s the best looking system available on the market. Gone are the days when solar panels had to have a somewhat industrial look on a home.” Andalay is the latest, state-of-the-art solar panel technology, combining built-in reliability with outstanding aesthetics. Unlike ordinary solar panels, Andalay panels are all-black and when installed actually look like a skylight on a home. Andalay features built-in wiring, built-in grounding and built-in racking so the panels attach directly to the roof offering a smooth, flush appearance. And the installation has been so streamlined – using 70 percent fewer parts and 25 percent fewer attachment points – a system for a small house can now be installed in under an hour on the roof.

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ARCADIS (EURONEXT:ARCAD), the international consulting and engineering company, is pleased to announce the launch of Water by Design, by Heather Kinkade-Levario, RLA, LEED AP, Arizona Director of Planning. With our growing population and increasing global temperatures its no secret that water is poised to become the new oil as the entire world faces the reality of a decreasing supply of clean water. In Water by Design, Kinkade-Levario demonstrates methods for rainwater harvesting, stormwater catchment, and alternate water use. These groundbreaking rainwater collection methods link human and environmental systems in mutually reinforcing health. Water by Design is available at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.arcadis-us.com/About+Us/Publications/Books.htm and www.amazon.com for $24.95.

Roof Retained 27,500 Gallons of Stormwater in First Year WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society of Landscape Architects' (ASLA) green roof retained thousands of gallons of stormwater, reduced building energy costs by hundreds of dollars a month, and significantly lowered outdoor air temperature according to a report today from the association. The report examined various components of ASLA's green roof demonstration project, ranging from water and temperature monitoring to individual plant performance. "Because landscape architects are leading in the design of green roofs across the country, it was important for us to build a demonstration project and measure the impact green roofs have on their surrounding communities," said Nancy Somerville, Executive Vice President and CEO of ASLA. "The findings show that our green roof delivered significant economic and environmental benefits."

Saves energy costs without altering standard construction NORTHBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspen Aerogels is introducing Spaceloft Insul-Cap, a new nanotechnology-based aerogel insulation product that adds R-value to wood- and steel-frame buildings, improving their energy efficiency. Spaceloft Insul-Cap is made of a 3/8" thick strip of flexible aerogel blanket, the world's most efficient insulation material. The strips are applied onto a building's framing, inside or outside, prior to sheathing. This eliminates thermal bridging, in which heat travels through the framing, resulting in heating or cooling loss. This can save the average homeowner up to $750 per year in energy costs and reduce the average home carbon footprint by several tons per year.

Certified experts use new forum to offer manufacturing design software expertise and "how to" advice QUAKERTOWN, Pa., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Synergis(R) Engineering Design Solutions (EDS), a division of Synergis Technologies, Inc., today announced its new Autodesk manufacturing software tutorial library, offering "how to" advice that users can access on the company's website at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.synergis.com/files/solutions/synergis_tutorials.shtml. Updated regularly by the Synergis team of Autodesk software experts, it is aimed at leveraging the company's wealth of information and providing customers a complimentary resource for building their software knowledge and productivity.

LANCASTER, Pa., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 7,261,947 for its NextGen(TM) technology for locking engineered hardwood flooring. Locking hardwood flooring eliminates glue, nails and staples, permitting faster, less expensive installation. NextGen technology provides increased lock strength, resulting in a tighter fit between boards and a more dimensionally stable floor with higher tolerance to moisture, seasonal and climate changes. "In North America today, more than 70-percent of new homes have foundations ideal for a floating, locking hardwood floor," says Dick Quinlan, general manager of Armstrong's Bruce(R) Hardwood Floors business. "Armstrong's NextGen flooring has a structure that can withstand varying moisture levels, allowing it to perform in most construction environments. It is an ideal hardwood floor for new home construction and remodeling projects anywhere in the U.S." NextGen flooring is available in two lines: Armstrong Locking Hardwood(TM), a collection of exotic and domestic hardwoods, and Bruce Turlington(TM) Lock & Fold(R) domestic hardwood flooring. (TM)/(R) Represent trademarks owned by AWI Licensing Company or Armstrong Hardwood Flooring Company.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Gypsum, one of the world’s leading producers of gypsum wallboard and related products, has just sealed an innovative three-year marketing partnership and it all hinges on…a red grasshopper. Say what? Hispanic television legend “El Chapulin Colorado,” translated “the red grasshopper,” is the new face of National Gypsum for its Hispanic customer base. The iconic insect, which has charmed worldwide Spanish-speaking audiences for nearly 40 years, will appear in all of National Gypsum’s Latino marketing materials across the country’s top Hispanic markets. “El Chapulin Colorado is a very powerful character known for his honesty, integrity and ability to get the job done,” said David Drummond, director of marketing for National Gypsum. “His popularity transcends all Hispanic nationalities and across all generations, so the selection for him to represent National Gypsum to increase brand awareness of our products among Hispanic construction workers is perfect.” A quick survey of the construction industry landscape reveals Hispanics are well on their way to becoming the majority end-user of all construction materials. Of special interest to National Gypsum, a 2004 survey conducted by the Occupational Outlook Handbook revealed 49.6% of all drywall installers, tapers and ceiling tile installers in the United States are Hispanic.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USG Corporation (NYSE:USG), today announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with a leading Chinese building materials company to manufacture a complete line of acoustical ceiling tiles and grid systems in China. USG’s partner in this venture is BBMG Corporation, formerly known as Beijing Building Materials Group, the sole parent of Beijing Star Building Materials Company, a leading mineral fiber tile producer in China, with net sales of $1.3 billion, employing 20,000 in China.

LAMAR, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter joined elected officials, energy industry leaders and the community to celebrate the opening of PPM Energy’s Twin Buttes Wind Power Project, Colorado’s newest wind farm, today. Twin Buttes has increased Colorado’s in-state wind energy generation capacity by more than 25 percent, according to PPM Energy. Located in the rolling ranchlands of Bent County in southeastern Colorado, the 50 wind turbines at Twin Buttes generate 75 megawatts (MW) of electricity. A wind farm of this size can typically provide clean, renewable electricity to more than 22,000 homes, according to the American Wind Energy Association. “Twin Buttes is a building block for Colorado’s New Energy Economy, moving the state toward its goal of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020. The wind farm adds significantly to the amount of clean, renewable energy generated in Colorado and helps to diversify the Bent County economy. This is a big step in the right direction as we continue to build Colorado’s New Energy Economy,” said Gov. Ritter. Twin Buttes is located adjacent to the existing Colorado Green Wind Power Project, which comprises 108 turbines generating 162 MW.

The Paint Crew® Plus The Ultimate House Painting Tool™ MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Painting your home is a large and time consuming project. The Paint Crew Plus from Wagner is able to assist homeowners to quickly complete their next painting project with professional performance. The new Wagner Paint Crew Plus allows do-it-yourselfers to dramatically improve the look of their home and deliver professional results at a fraction of the costs. The Paint Crew Plus features a powerful 2800 PSI piston pump driven by a ½ HP motor. A high-capacity 2.5 gallon material hopper feeds the unit and is removable for quick and easy clean-up. The Crew Control™ pressure selector allows the user to vary the pressure between 1000 and 2800 PSI. High pressure is ideal for spraying today’s thick exterior latex paints, while lower pressure provides superior control and less overspray when spraying thinner materials. Low pressure is also preferred when using the included roller arm accessory, which quickly turns the Paint Crew Plus into a time-saving interior rolling tool. Other features include rugged wheels and a telescoping handle for easy transport. The Paint Crew Plus comes complete with a 25 ft. high-pressure spray hose, a professional-grade metal spray gun and a 415 reversible spray tip. A convenient hose wrap stores the hose when not in use and the front of the unit offers two locations for the storage of additional spray tips.

NEWINGTON, Connecticut, September 13/PRNewswire/ -- At Solar Power 2007 in Long Beach (Stand 414), Schuco USA L.P. will unveil a newly developed system for efficient mounting of photovoltaic modules on flat roofs for maximum power production. The Schuco SolarEZ Flatroof Mounting System is extremely stable, guaranteeing the maximum number of PV modules for every roof type in new buildings, refits and renovations. It sets a new industry standard for efficiency, enabling fast, effect mounting of large photovoltaic modules on flat roofs.

-Nationwide Contest Arrives in Delaware and Will Award Chance to Win $1.26 Million Dollar Prize in Addition to Supercharged Ford F-150 Customized by Roush Fenway Racing DOVER, Del., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- IRWIN Industrial Tools, a Newell Rubbermaid(R) company, is conducting a nationwide search for America's top tradesman, which will arrive in Delaware on September 19th. The IRWIN Ultimate Tradesman Challenge will take place in Delaware and then will follow the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series schedule into multiple racing markets throughout the United States. In total, the company plans to stage more than 150 Ultimate Tradesman Challenge events in 30 states over the next seven months. Seventy-five million adult NASCAR fans live in the United States and 27 percent of them earn a living by using tools on the job. IRWIN Industrial Tools is providing these consumers, and others, with the chance to become a millionaire. The IRWIN Ultimate Tradesman grand-prize winner will receive a new 2007 supercharged Ford F-150 pick-up truck customized by Roush Performance, a dream barbeque with Jamie McMurray and the #26 IRWIN race team at their home and the chance to win $1.26 million dollars.

CAMBRIDGE, England, September 12/PRNewswire/ -- Widespread concerns over the impact on the environment of building-related carbon emissions have been instrumental in raising the profile of 'green' building initiatives. As a consequence the adoption of low-emission building technology has allowed some architects and developers to punch above their weight in an increasingly competitive property market, and seen their work receive international attention. This is a key conclusion of a report published by Cambridge UK based analysts CarbonFree. According to the report, green building techniques will be an important tool for developers and architects if governments intervene to support the construction sector. CarbonFree have identified key areas where governments are attempting to reduce building-related energy use and believe that future support, via public building programmes, will be conditional on the construction industry including low- or zero-emission technology in building designs and development projects.

NEW YORK, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McGraw-Hill Construction's Architectural Record website, http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.architecturalrecord.com/, has been named a finalist in Folio Magazine's Eddie & Ozzie Awards in the "Best Site Design, B-to-B" category. In addition, GreenSource, McGraw-Hill Construction's magazine devoted to sustainable design, has been named a finalist in the "Best Design, New Magazine, B-to-B" category (January 2007). Winners will be announced at the Eddie & Ozzie Awards Gala on September 23, 2007 in New York City.

LINTHICUM, Md., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- JG Architectural Supply unveils "Barrelhouse Heart Pine," an exclusive and environmentally friendly antique hardwood flooring product that is chock-full of history. Antique hardwood can be found at the bottom of rivers and lakes, but is more often salvaged from historic buildings constructed prior to the 1900's. Typically, these antique hardwoods are from original growth forests -- the pristine forests that stood long before America was first colonized. These trees were slow-growing and massive, some up to five feet in diameter. In the 1880's, several massive Long Leaf Pine trees were harvested from an original growth forest in Mississippi. These were floated and pushed up the Mississippi river by steamboat, where they reached their final destination of Louisville, Kentucky. There, they were used to construct a massive barrel warehouse for a whiskey baron named Otho Wathen, the founder of the American Medicinal Spirits Company (AMS), and the producer of Old Grand Dad Whiskey. For over a century, barrels of Old Grand Dad and other whiskey rolled across the rafters of this barrelhouse. During prohibition AMS remained active as a supplier of medicinal whiskey to the lame and the blind. In the late 1900's the barrelhouse finally closed-down. Starting in 2003, this barrel warehouse was carefully dismantled, piece by piece. The massive rafters, originally used to bear the whiskey barrels, are now being milled into beautiful original growth hardwood flooring -- exclusively for JG Architectural Supply. Barrelhouse Heart Pine is environmentally responsible as it contains 100% salvaged/recycled content, making perfect for Green Building projects. Its exquisite grain and color is a fine complement to both traditional and modern decor and is extraordinarily rich in history. Each and every order of Barrelhouse Heart Pine is delivered with a complete history of the product, and framed photographs are available of the original barrelhouse. About JG Architectural Supply JG Architectural Supply is a manufacturer/distributor of environmentally friendly hardwood flooring products. Founded in 2006 by John Gasparine, a former biologist and public health consultant, JG Architectural Supply has begun building a brand-name of flooring that meets two basic criteria: quality and environmental responsibility.

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Bidets - those bathroom fixtures made specifically for post-toileting hygiene - are commonplace in Japan, most of Europe and, increasingly, in wealthier households in the U.S. But now, thanks to the Miracle Toilet Faucet(TM) (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.miraclefaucet.com/), any homeowner can enjoy the health and hygiene benefits bidets offer, without the expense and hassle of installing a traditional bidet. Like a traditional bidet, the Miracle Toilet Faucet gently cleanses with a stream of clean water. But in contrast to its freestanding predecessors, the Miracle Toilet Faucet requires no major plumbing work, no electricity, and no extra space in the bathroom. "Bidets are not affordable for the average homeowner. They require space in the bathroom most Americans just don't have, not to mention the additional plumbing needed for a separate fixture," explained Miracle Toilet Faucet inventor Albert Louis Wokas. "The Miracle Toilet Faucet is designed to be easily installed by do-it-yourselfers and simple to use. It is an inexpensive way to promote better health through improved hygiene for both men and women." Because the Miracle Toilet Faucet cleans so efficiently with little additional water use, homeowners will find they need significantly less toilet paper. That's good news for those with septic tanks - and great news for anyone interested in reducing their household expenses or environmental impact. The Miracle Toilet Faucet uses the existing water supply to the toilet, tapping into the fresh water line from the wall. Even homeowners new to do-it-yourself projects can install it with a few common tools in about fifteen minutes. The unit's nozzle rests under the toilet seat and angles downward, giving it a low profile. One simple lever activates the Miracle Toilet Faucet and controls water pressure. The unit is easily cleaned with standard toilet cleansers.

$295 Sprinkler Control System Saves Users 30-70% on Watering Bills LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Los Angeles-based Cyber-Rain (www.cyber-rain.com) today announced that it has launched its Cyber-Rain XCI product, a residential irrigation system that gives homeowners an easy way to save 30-70 percent on their landscape watering bills by using PC and wireless technology – with a little guidance from Mother Nature – to save water. While most sprinkler control systems on the market today rely on timers to regulate watering schedules, the Cyber-Rain system automatically adjusts watering levels based on local weather and seasonal conditions, saving money, water and reducing pollution-causing runoff by stopping sprinkler systems on rainy days, automatically decreasing the watering schedule on cold or humid days, and increasing it on hot and dry days.

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The garage is one of the most important multifunctional areas of the home; for some it is the largest and most used space in the home. In many cases, the garage is the "front door" to home owners -- making it a prime candidate for a makeover. "We are very excited to launch two new key product categories to help consumers take that first step in creating their dream garage," says Linda Kuiken, Marketing Director for Venture Products. "Our goal is to help consumers economically improve the function and look of their garage and work areas without a lot of effort. We have a full product line ready to go, including: Interlocking EVA Foam Flooring, Interlocking Rubber Flooring, Anti-Fatigue Work Mats, Protective Parking Accessories, Foam Tool Drawer Organizers and Rubber Workbench Mats. We are excited about our license with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a leader in the automotive industry and a brand synonymous with innovation, dependability, leadership and trust."

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In an unprecedented partnership, Bama Gruppen (Norway), Bend It (Norwegian juvenile organization sponsored by Bama), Fenacle (Ecuadorian agricultural workers’ organization), the Marcelino Maridueña Municipality, UBESA (Dole’s subsidiary in Ecuador), the Dale Foundation (sponsored by Dole and banana growers) and the Dole Food Company, Inc. broke ground on September 4 at the construction site for a new school. The school is being constructed for the Río Viejo Community, in the Guayas Province in Ecuador under the slogan “Unidos por el Desarollo de Nuestra Ninez” (“United for the Development of our Children”). This joint project reflects the shared commitment towards Corporate Social Responsibility by all the partners involved and will be fully and equally financed between Dole and Bama. “We believe that education is the foundation of a strong and prosperous community,” said Sylvain Cuperlier, Dole’s Vice President and Director of Worldwide Corporate Social Responsibility. “This new institution will provide the youth of this community with a quality education while ensuring them with a healthy and safe learning environment.” Dole’s Education Program which initiated in 2001 with the construction of the first school grows stronger with this new project. The new “Ecuador Pais Amazónico” school will provide students with a modern building infrastructure including well-ventilated classrooms, spaces for recreational activities, a teachers' room, a kitchen and a cafeteria. The school will serve over 300 children from the Río Viejo Community and surrounding areas. “This is much more than building a school, it is a contribution to the development of the society,” said Mario Padilla, Dole Ecuador General Manager, “and is a unique example in the Ecuador Banana Industry, as we are integrating the community, Government, local authorities, local and national workers’ organizations, and a customer in the financing, planning and implementation of the project.” The groundbreaking ceremony featured several representatives from the organizations supporting the school and included local residents and officials of Marcelino Maridueña. René Maldonado - Mayor of Marcelino Maridueña, Guillermo Touma - President of Fenacle, Mario Padilla - General Manager Dole Ecuador, Magne Svartbekk - Bama CSR Director attended this event.

XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE:LDK) , a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Fluor Corporation (NYSE:FLR) to provide general engineering, procurement, construction management (EPCM) services for LDK's polysilicon manufacturing plant at its Xinyu, Jiangxi headquarters. This signed agreement is in line with the company's publicly announced plans to complete construction and reach a production capacity of up to 6,000 metric tons of polysilicon by the end of 2008 and 15,000 metric tons by the end of 2009. The company has also indicated that it plans to commence volume production by the end of 2008. "We are pleased that Fluor will work with us to achieve high-quality construction management standards during this significant endeavor. Our partnership with a reputable EPCM service provider reiterates our commitment to remaining on schedule and within budget in establishing its polysilicon production plant," said Mr. Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Speed of execution will be a key to this agreement, and there will be an incentive to Fluor if this project is performed ahead of schedule and below budget. This latest agreement once again demonstrates execution of our strategy as we align our resources to facilitate our capacity expansion plans."

ASHEVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SafeHome Filters announces a sponsorship agreement with the Western North Carolina Green Building Council’s HealthyBuilt Homes program. The Council is a non-profit organization that promotes healthy and environmentally-friendly building practices through energy efficient construction methods with safe materials, preserving land around construction areas and community education programs. SafeHome Filters, based in Asheville, North Carolina, was formed to combat indoor air quality issues. Sam and Liz McLamb, founders of SafeHome Filters, worked with leading engineers and an industrial pollution filter manufacturer to develop a patent-pending system that is safe, easy and highly effective against common hazardous gases as well as odors and allergens. SafeHome Filters work in existing air systems to remove pollution throughout a home. The Council focuses on educating the community about the environmental benefits of using green building materials and methods. Currently, the organization leads the state in the number of HealthyBuilt certifications, has taken leadership positions on topics such as indoor air quality and continues to receive numerous grants for their health-conscious initiatives. HealthyBuilt Homes is a North Carolina-based green building certification program endorsed by Home Builders Associations, the North Carolina Solar Center and the State Energy Office. The Council and the Asheville Home Builder Association have partnered to offer the HealthyBuilt Homes program to builders in many Carolina counties. Benefits of HealthyBuilt Homes include energy efficient appliances, healthier indoor environments with superior air quality, higher resale values, state and federal tax credits for utilizing renewable energy, high-efficiency windows and insulation, and erosion control landscaping. “We are passionate about creating healthier homes for healthier lives,” said Sam McLamb, co-founder of SafeHome Filters. “We are delighted to sponsor the HealthyBuilt Homes program because, like us, the Western North Carolina Green Building Council is committed to promoting sustainability.” SafeHome Filters offers safe, easy and highly-effective solutions for removing hazardous gases, odors and allergens from the air in your home. By reengineering the same chemical pollution filters used to protect leading hospitals and major airports, SafeHome Filters work with existing home air systems to purify air throughout your home. Because not all air systems are the same, solutions are specialized for different filter locations and offer benefits such as self-sealing edges and increased longevity. Where previous solutions required extensive equipment installation, SafeHome Filters offers highly effective pollution removal that is as simple as changing your air filter.

Second Largest Employment Industry In The U.S. Sponsors Program That Addresses Growing Need For Talented Professionals STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program announced it has stepped up its nationwide efforts to introduce the nation’s high school and college students to the potential of careers in the industry through its highly acclaimed mentoring program. Created to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the architecture, construction and engineering industries - a shortage that could become a crisis if current trends continue – the ACE initiative is backed by a coalition of the industry’s top companies that includes Turner Construction, EMCOR Group, PSI, Gilbane Building Company, and McGraw Hill Construction, among many others. The program includes localized outreach and mentoring to students in the 90 markets across the country where ACE has a presence, and beyond. It also includes national advertising, a newly designed website, and collateral materials, including a range of posters and a brochure, all designed to engage students, parents, and educational institutions and communicate the potential of careers in architecture, construction, engineering, and related fields. “The construction industry is the second-largest employer in the U.S. With 50 percent of all buildings that will exist by the year 2030 not even built yet, it is a growing industry. However, current statistics project that the need for qualified, skilled individuals working in the field will far exceed the supply, with over 1 million job openings by 2012. This is a crisis that we cannot afford – the growth of our country depends on finding solutions,” said Dr. Charles H. Thornton, Founder and Chairman of ACE. “This national initiative will help to begin the careers of a new generation of talented professionals and marks an historic opportunity for us to make a difference and continue the growth of an industry that is so important. There are jobs in the construction industry for skilled and trained high school and college graduates alike. And the unique aspect of the construction industry is that the jobs can’t be outsourced offshore.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. construction industry employs over 7 million people and generates over $230 billion per year, accounting for more than 8 percent of activity in the economy and more than 10 percent of all businesses.

Initiative Will Educate Consumers and Offer Insight on Green Remodeling BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Case Design Remodeling, Inc., the nation’s largest full service remodeling organization has unveiled a new initiative designed to provide consumers with a better understanding of green remodeling in the home. “A Balanced Approach to Green” focuses on educating consumers on the important benefits of energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, resource conservation and using environmentally friendly products. “The term green means different things to different people,” says Case President Mark G. Richardson, CR. “However, there is a willingness and desire from consumers to become more knowledgeable about the advantages of green in relation to their everyday home lives. As a leader in our industry, we want to help consumers make smart choices that are important to their individual lifestyles by providing them with viable remodeling solutions.” According to a survey conducted by The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), forty-six percent of American homeowners say they would be willing to incorporate green principles into their homes, especially if it would save them money. Richardson says his company has adopted this balanced approach at the right time. “Most people are very eager to make their homes more comfortable and healthier,” says Richardson. “We can show them ways to achieve this goal, being more energy-efficient and ultimately saving them money.” In 2007, Case participated in the Green Advantage Certification program. To date, the company has more green certified experts than any home improvement and remodeling organization in the country. Case’s green initiative will be presented on client marketing materials, at seminars, remodeling teleconferences, presentation books and on its corporate website. For more information, please contact George Weissgerber at 301-229-4600; email gweissgerber@casedesign.com.

As Californians Face Power Alerts, CBIA Encourages Buyers to Go ‘Green’ SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Californians once again face power alerts, California homebuilders remind prospective buyers that today’s new homes use far less energy than homes built 15 to 20 years ago and far less energy than homes being built today in any other part of the nation. “Today’s new homes are 30 percent more energy-efficient than the typical home built elsewhere in the nation and an astonishing 70 percent more energy-efficient than homes built in the 1970s and early ‘80s,” said Robert Rivinius, President and CEO of the California Building Industry Association. “Californians who are sweating out power alerts in older homes should take another look at the energy value built into every new home.” Among the features that keep energy costs down in new homes are: * extremely efficient air conditioning systems * high-quality insulation in the walls and attic * windows that keep out much of the sun’s radiant heat * and energy-efficient washers, dryers, dishwashers and other major appliances. And Rivinius said many builders go even further. “Today, a growing number of builders are building even more-efficient homes to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. While these technologies, including solar power, do add to the initial cost, rebates and credits can significantly reduce the cost. New-homebuyers start saving money on their energy bills immediately, adding value and comfort to their home,” he said. In addition, many builders are now participating in the voluntary California Green Builder program. Those builders take added steps to reduce energy consumption by another 15 percent, reduce construction waste to landfills, use resource friendly materials, and save buyers money on their water bills. “Today’s new homes really are the best-built and most efficient ever made, and homebuilders are willing to work with buyers to help them make the American dream of homeownership a reality. Now really is a great time to buy,” he said.