WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) brought together private-sector construction professionals including architects, engineers and general contractors at its first Design and Construction Industry Day Forum. Under the theme of "Building Opportunities Together," 400 forum attendees networked with GSA leadership on project opportunities for the coming year. They also had the chance to meet with regional GSA Property Development Directors one-on-one, learn about policy and program changes in numerous workshops, including how the construction acquisition process works and requirements for submitting a successful construction contract bid. "GSA has a responsibility to provide high-quality workplaces for our federal customer agencies at the best value to the American taxpayer," said David Winstead, GSA's Commissioner for Public Buildings. "Now more than ever, we need strong collaboration with our industry partners and all of our design and construction contractors to achieve successful results in our capital construction program."

Winning Design Created by Farr Associates of Chicago ALYS BEACH, Fla., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- A beautiful new courtyard home in Alys Beach captured a major category in this year's "American Institute of Architects/Chicago Design Awards" program. Designed by Doug Farr of Chicago's Farr Associates, the 2,400 square-foot home received the AIA Chicago Design Excellence Award for Environmental Sustainability. "We're extremely honored to receive this award," said Doug Farr of Farr Associates, a Chicago-based architecture firm. "Alys Beach is truly on the forefront of marrying uncompromising architectural beauty with environmental responsibility, and we're proud that our home is helping to bring much- deserved recognition to such a unique new resort town." According to the award presented at AIA Chicago's 52nd Annual Awards Banquet, "the architect used several techniques to maximize the structures' energy efficiency, ultimately attaining energy use that is 71 percent below code. Green features like the shaded arcade, central courtyard, geothermal heating and cooling, insulated concrete walls and even a shaded outdoor kitchen combine to give the home a languid comfort that enhances enjoyment of the setting." "Farr Associates really went the extra mile on this home design," said Christian Wagley, Alys Beach's Environmental Program Manager. "From placing terrace windows to dramatically reduce the need for artificial lighting, to utilizing a concealed 4.8 kW solar photovoltaic system, to incorporating reclaimed red gum wood floors from a barn in the Midwest so that no new trees were cut, Doug thought of everything."

State & Local Architects Work with Fire & Safety Officials to Help Fire Survivors SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) and AIA Los Angeles chapter will again mobilize and actively work with city and county building officials to simplify the rebuilding process for homeowners whose structures were damaged or destroyed by fires raging through Malibu, Saturday, November 24, 2007. Pam Touschner, AIA president of The AIACC, states, “The architectural community disaster relief efforts are in full motion with the October 2007 wildfires that devastated Southern California. These efforts will be expanded to serve the residents of Malibu. Architects will educate residents about the rebuilding process, as well as identify options, resources and long-term impact.” Architects are concerned with the sustainability of all buildings and the usage of materials to make the rebuilt structures as environmentally responsible and energy efficient as possible. Sustainable design also means that homes can be designed and rebuilt to enhance their capacity for survivability in disasters. Architects’ expertise is key in defining the best approach for each rebuild project. The AIACC warns residents to watch out for and report to local authorities potential fraudulent activity regarding damage assessment, debris removal / demolition, the process of financing and rebuilding. The AIACC and AIA Los Angeles can advise survivors regarding rebuilding options and what to look for when contracting with rebuilding professionals.

HILLSBORO, Ore., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to save badly needed water from going down the drain, Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed legislation, AB 715, requiring the installation of high efficiency toilets, both dual flush and single flush models. The law makes California the first state in the nation to mandate high efficiency toilets (HETs), and is expected to save about 8 billion gallons of water annually. Phase-in of the ruling begins January 2010 and requires that 100 percent of all toilets installed or sold by January 2014 be the high efficiency type. Meanwhile, there are high efficiency toilets already widely available in California. Since the state last updated its guidelines in 1992, dual flush toilets have come onto the scene and become an increasingly popular choice. An Australian invention, where conservation has long been a daily necessity, dual flush toilets have become the worldwide standard for water efficiency. First developed by Caroma, a dual flush toilet saves even more water than a single flush HET because of the flushing options. Two buttons atop the tank release different flush volumes, one to eliminate liquid waste, a second for a larger volume of water. The dual flush option leads to greater water savings over single flush types, since the small flush is used four times more than the larger flush.

Carolinas AGC Construction Barometer CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an unusual turn of events, the Carolinas AGC Construction Barometer fell 1.4% in Quarter 2, 2007 on deteriorating financial market conditions offset by an improvement in construction labor market conditions. Unexpectedly, contractors reported easier hiring conditions, a growing supply of qualified workers, and stable wage rates for skilled labor. These improved conditions are anticipated to continue well into 2008. Continuing job losses in residential construction are providing a labor market safety valve to the red-hot need for commercial construction workers. In another unexpected turn, contractors noted that long-term interest rates for construction financing were sharply higher in 2nd quarter -- but this increase was not met with a similar increase in short-term interest rates on lines of credit, etc. Moreover, contractors reported very little deterioration in demand for credit, and modestly stronger planned expenditures for new construction equipment. The combination of improved labor conditions and deteriorating financial conditions drove the composite Barometer score downward by a slight 1.4%. Contractor panelist optimism prevails that stable business conditions will continue well into 2008; excluding the sharp drop in financial market conditions, there's virtually no bad news to report. Materials and equipment costs remain stable with the exception of oil prices, and there's confidence that the spike in materials and equipment costs experienced in 2005 and 2006 will not reoccur in the next several quarters.

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (NYSE:JEC) announced today that it and the Port of Long Beach earned national recognition for excellence in construction management from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The Ocean Boulevard/Terminal Island Freeway (OBTIF) Interchange project in Long Beach, Calif., was named winner of a Project Achievement Award in the category of infrastructure projects with a constructed value of less than $50 million. CMAA presented the awards during its National Conference & Trade Show held in Chicago on October 7-9. The awards are presented annually to projects and programs that reflect outstanding achievement in the professions of Construction and Program Management. A panel of industry judges selected the dozen honored projects, in diverse size and type categories, from among more than 100 nominations. Jacobs was construction manager on the project owned by the Port of Long Beach. In presenting the award, the judges commented, "Fifteen percent of all of America's imports begin their distribution journey in trucks traveling on Ocean Boulevard. Before this project, the boulevard was at grade and included several signal-controlled intersections. This project replaced this congestion-prone highway with a half-mile elevated freeway and a diamond interchange. After the project was affected early on by unforeseen conditions, Jacobs worked with the contractor to develop a series of innovative proposals that accelerated the remaining work and put this vital roadway improvement into operation as quickly as possible."

FREMONT, Ohio, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Style Crest, Inc. (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.stylecrestproducts.com/) has combined state-of-the-art technology and superior product engineering to produce the industry benchmark in manufactured home HVAC equipment. In addition to an extensive range of HVAC products, the Smart Components line includes 13 SEER air conditioning condensers with Micro Channel technology. As part of the Smart Components line, Style Crest's new 13 SEER Air Conditioning Condenser Units bring ground-breaking Micro Channel technology to the industry. Micro Channel technology replaces traditional copper tube/aluminum fin heat exchangers with all aluminum multi-path, parallel-flow tubes and enhanced fins. Micro Channel is the new technology that is more efficient, resulting in a unit that is up to 40% smaller, 30% lighter and requires up to 50% less refrigerant. This combination allows for easier installation and maintenance and has up to 7 times the corrosion resistance of conventional units. By reducing the environmental impact, the smaller refrigerant charge creates additional value. Furnaces in the Smart Components line are air conditioner and heat pump ready. A built-in coil cabinet provides for the simple installation of an air conditioning evaporator without the moisture problems associated with an uncased coil. Electric furnaces feature sound absorbing insulation for even quieter operation. Evaporator coils from the Smart Components line will work with any manufactured housing-type furnace, and are ARI rated for use with a variety of manufacturers' condensers. However, when used in combination with a Micro Channel condenser unit, these coils deliver even greater performance. Offered in nominal 2 through 5 ton capacities, these coils offer true 13 SEER efficiency.

Pavilion Built From Recycled Material Makes North American Debut at Design Miami 2007 WESTMONT, Ill., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UPM ProFi, a wood/plastic composite that is gaining popularity in Europe as an environmentally attractive "green building" material, will be introduced to North America at Design Miami, December 6-9. UPM ProFi is manufactured from surplus materials, primarily paper and plastic, left over from the production of self-adhesive label stock by UPM Raflatac, the Label Division of UPM. The process residue is sent to UPM ProFi's production facility where it is recycled and moulded into patio decking and corner protector profiles. "The Space of Silence", a pavilion built entirely of UPM ProFi, is the result of a unique partnership of global forest industry leader UPM, renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and Finnish design company Artek. A trailblazer in applying ecological thinking to architectural design, Ban was inspired by ProFi and sketched an exhibition space for Artek that would be built from the new wood/plastic composite. The pavilion was first presented by Artek and UPM in April at Salone Internationale del Mobile in Milan, Italy, then was reassembled for display in Helsinki, Finland. The first appearance of the pavilion in North America will be at Design Miami.

Free Construction School Helps Seattle’s Women, Minority-Owned Businesses SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Twenty individuals will graduate from the 8th Annual Turner School of Construction Management in Seattle, WA, at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 27, 2007 at The Association of General Contractor’s (AGC) Seattle headquarters, 1200 Westlake Avenue North. Offered annually in Seattle, the free 8-week program enables minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses (M/W/ESB’s) to develop a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry through hands-on course work and case studies. In addition, students hone their professional skills and have the opportunity to develop new strategic business relationships. During the 15 sessions, students who are often business owners, participate in courses such as business plan writing, marketing, accounting and financial management, bid estimating, purchasing, safety, risk management and much more. Cindy Patterson, controller for residential, commercial and marine flooring company Fryer Knowles Inc., a woman-owned business in Seattle, participated in the Construction School in order to learn “how the big companies operate, to learn what general contractors look for in partners, and to see how they structure certain processes. It’s given us a breath of fresh new thoughts -- not just how we can grow the company but grow it successfully,” Patterson said. “The school has also given me insight to problems we might not even have known about. I feel it will help us tremendously.” Upon Cindy’s graduation last year, Fryer Knowles was one of a few companies selected to receive additional consulting services in partnership with local university business students.

French firm helps global companies establish U.S. operations at Science Center PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The University City Science Center (“Science Center”), today announced that Innovation Development International Services (IDIS), a Paris-based organization that assists small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the biotech, healthcare and information technology markets in their overseas expansion efforts, has established its U.S. operations at the Science Center. Acting as a guide, IDIS provides customized market entry strategies, consulting, sales and marketing, and event services for European companies seeking to establish a foothold in the U.S. and the reverse; for U.S. companies interested in developing their business in Europe. The new Innovation Development International Services IDIS venture, called IDISUS, is headquartered in the Science Center on Market Street in Philadelphia, and is actively working with U.S. companies looking to expand into Europe. In addition to serving as a “Total Venture Eco-System” for entrepreneurial ventures, The Science Center offers a Soft-Landing Program designed to assist international companies seeking to expand into US markets with space, funding, and domestic market expertise. The Science Center worked in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development and Select Greater Philadelphia to bring IDISUS to Greater Philadelphia. With a strategic location between the nation’s regulatory/legislative hub in Washington, and the world’s financial center in New York, the Science Center affords these companies ready access to a wealth of resources, in addition to proximity to a high concentration of life science and high-technology companies.

Library Is First Federal Building Certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Program LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The William J. Clinton Presidential Library, a part of the National Archives, has been designated as one of the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly places to work in the United States by the U.S. Green Buildings Council under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-EB) Green Building program. The 153,779 sq. ft. Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas is the first federal building to receive a platinum rating, the highest in the LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) Green Building rating system. Only 29 other buildings in the world have achieved the LEED platinum designation.

BRISTOL, England, November 22/PRNewswire/ -- - 62% of companies are now aware of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs), compared with just 34% in January 2007 - However, of those that are aware, 78% have not created an SWMP for their building site - 38% are unaware that SWMPs could soon become a legal requirement, compared with January's figure of 63% Following the announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that it plans to move forward with proposals to introduce Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) as a legally binding requirement in England by April 2008, a survey by NetRegs has revealed that although construction businesses are increasingly aware of SWMPs, they are still not putting them into practice. The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is backing a campaign by NetRegs (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.netregs.gov.uk) - a free website that provides guidance to small businesses on their legal environmental obligations - to plan for the expected change in the law in April next year. NetRegs is encouraging small businesses in the construction sector to start using SWMPs by highlighting the financial and legal importance of preparing well ahead of April 2008. The survey follows a similar study conducted by NetRegs in January this year. Encouragingly today's results reveal that knowledge of SWMPs has increased to 62%, compared with 34% in the previous survey. A similar number of businesses are now also aware that SWMPs are likely to become a legal requirement soon. However, although awareness is increasing, businesses are still not taking the practical steps required to protect themselves. Of those businesses that know what an SWMP is, 78% have not created one for their building site. This is despite 63% being aware that such a plan could save them money.

BRISTOL, England, November 22/PRNewswire/ -- - 62% of companies are now aware of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs), compared with just 34% in January 2007 - However, of those that are aware, 78% have not created an SWMP for their building site - 38% are unaware that SWMPs could soon become a legal requirement, compared with January's figure of 63% Following the announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that it plans to move forward with proposals to introduce Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) as a legally binding requirement in England by April 2008, a survey by NetRegs has revealed that although construction businesses are increasingly aware of SWMPs, they are still not putting them into practice. The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is backing a campaign by NetRegs (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.netregs.gov.uk) - a free website that provides guidance to small businesses on their legal environmental obligations - to plan for the expected change in the law in April next year. NetRegs is encouraging small businesses in the construction sector to start using SWMPs by highlighting the financial and legal importance of preparing well ahead of April 2008. The survey follows a similar study conducted by NetRegs in January this year. Encouragingly today's results reveal that knowledge of SWMPs has increased to 62%, compared with 34% in the previous survey. A similar number of businesses are now also aware that SWMPs are likely to become a legal requirement soon. However, although awareness is increasing, businesses are still not taking the practical steps required to protect themselves. Of those businesses that know what an SWMP is, 78% have not created one for their building site. This is despite 63% being aware that such a plan could save them money.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Governor Schwarzenegger has bestowed one of his most prestigious awards, the Governor’s Environmental & Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), to Del Sur, a new master-planned community in north San Diego that exemplifies sustainable development practices and smart-growth planning. In a ceremony today at CalEPA headquarters in Sacramento, Fred Maas, president and CEO of Black Mountain Ranch LLC and developer of Del Sur, accepted the award honoring the new home community in the category of Comprehensive Land Use Planning. Earlier this year, the Ranch House information center at Del Sur earned California’s first Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for a private-enterprise, new construction building from the U.S. Green Building Council. “This honor recognizes Del Sur’s commitment to developing socially responsible and environmentally friendly practices that promote environmental protection and economic growth,” said Linda Adams, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. “We applaud Black Mountain Ranch LLC for demonstrating an exemplary dedication to our families and community to protect our natural resources and environment for generations to come.” Del Sur was recognized in the category of comprehensive land use planning, which honors projects demonstrating “social equity and adequate housing; cost-effective infrastructure and transportation; water and energy efficiencies; and open space conservation to protect forests, agriculture, watersheds and other ecosystem values,” according to judging criteria.

Many Firms Seeking Additional Staff WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite a housing slowdown, the vast majority of landscape architecture firms report they are just as or even more busy than before, according to a third quarter survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). More than three out of four firms reported steady or increased billable hours compared to the previous quarter, and four in ten firms were planning to hire additional staff. "The demand for landscape architecture services remains strong in the traditional markets, while it continues to grow in emerging areas, particularly for sustainable design services," said Nancy C. Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. "With only 30,000 landscape architects in the U.S. and the projected growth in demand for landscape architecture services, there are significant opportunities for young people considering entering the profession." ASLA is working with the ACE Mentor program and other organizations to introduce the profession to prospective students, and will celebrate National Landscape Architecture Month in April 2008 around the theme "Discover Careers in Landscape Architecture." Nearly 44 percent of respondents described their billable hours as either "well above" or "slightly above" average. Thirty-three percent said that billable hours were "average," while 24 percent said hours were either "slightly below" (20 percent) or "well below" average (4 percent). Inquiries were more evenly distributed: six percent reported well above average inquiries, 30 percent reported slightly above, 30 percent reported average, and 35 percent reported their inquiries were down this quarter. Forty-one percent of firms surveyed also said they are hiring new employees in the fourth quarter. ASLA emailed a brief questionnaire to the key firm contacts across the country, and received responses from 251 independent landscape architecture firms. The survey will be repeated in mid-January, 2008, and the results will be reported in early February.

MIAMI, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami-based international architecture and interiors firm Arquitectonica continues its legacy of designing award-winning buildings. The firm's work is honored during several November award ceremonies. The firm's projects were awarded five 2007 Design Awards from the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, four Community Advancement Awards from the Developers & Builders Alliance, and two national awards from the Society of American Registered Architects.

F-Wing Academic Expansion Provides New Classroom and Faculty Office Space PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubellis, a national architectural, interior design, and engineering firm with offices in Philadelphia and New Jersey, and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey are proud to announce that the college's F-wing Expansion has been awarded LEED(TM) Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC's leading edge system for designing and constructing green, energy efficient, high performing buildings. The F-Wing Expansion provides additional classrooms and faculty offices within the academic core of the Stockton campus. A central feature of the addition is the sky-lit, two-story atrium, which adds a large public gathering space to the building and provides daylight to the interior of the F-Wing. The F-Wing Expansion was designed to achieve LEED Certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return. LEED was established for market leaders to design and construct buildings that protect and save precious resources while also making good economic sense.

Sustainable 'Green' Design and Operations a Principle Objective for Planning Team TROY, N.Y. and PORTLAND, Maine, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Architects and engineers SMRT Inc. http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.smrtinc.com/ of Portland, ME and Troy, NY was selected by General Electric Healthcare http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.gehealthcare.com/ to design a new digital X-ray detector production facility in North Greenbush, NY. The new 150,000 square foot clean manufacturing facility will help meet a growing worldwide demand for digital imaging equipment used by healthcare professionals for patient x-rays, mammograms and diagnostic testing. When complete in 2008, the operation in New York will employ 100-150 people. The new North Greenbush production facility will feature a dramatic, curved glass and brick entrance anchoring a two-story manufacturing center. The facility's infrastructure will be equally dramatic, states Russ Bailey, SMRT's Troy, NY Office Director. "The interior production spaces will feature state-of-the-art clean manufacturing and sustainable, energy-efficient mechanical, electrical and control systems," Bailey said. SMRT and GE Healthcare will make use of sustainable design standards for the project, and will pursue certification for environmental performance through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) rating system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

CORONA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SE Corporation, developers of the award-winning, sustainable mixed-use community of Dos Lagos in Corona, Calif., is the state’s first developer to join the California Climate Action Registry (Registry). As a member, SE Corporation will work with the Registry to annually track report and certify its greenhouse gas emissions, the main drivers of climate change. “Our sustainable goals and objectives are reflected in Dos Lagos, which has become one of my main missions, along with forming the ‘Green Valley Initiative’ that includes San Bernardino and Riverside Counties,” said Ali Sahabi, Founder and CEO of SE Corporation. “We need to practice what we preach by forming public-private partnerships to develop communities that are sustainable through green buildings, technologies and programs.” “Connecting our communities with the natural environment is very important,” said Diane Wittenberg, president of the California Climate Action Registry. “SE Corporation is a model for sustainable development practices and we are excited to welcome them to the Registry.” The Registry, created by the California Legislature in 2000, is a nonprofit public/private partnership that helps companies and organizations throughout the United States to track, publicly report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The results are certified by independent third-parties to ensure compliance with Registry protocols and standardization across participants and sectors. The Registry has been widely recognized as a gold standard for public reporting of greenhouse gases. The Registry’s membership base is comprised of a distinguished group of organizations demonstrating leadership by voluntarily taking action on climate change.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 22 years, San Francisco has been the site of the Construction SuperConference, as it will be this year when it is held December 12 - 14, 2007. The Construction SuperConference is recognized as the preeminent legal construction conference. With the guidance of the Advisory Board and the expertise and feedback from past participants and longtime supporters of the conference, a program has been established that will provide insight into some of the most complex legal and business issues facing the construction industry. This year, the conference has been organized into 4 tracks: Legal and Institutional, Business Related Issues, Contracts and Management, and Industry Specific. In addition, there are 3 plenary session presentations, a breakfast session, and, for the first time, "deep dive" workshops. The workshops, offered on Friday afternoon, are an opportunity for attendees to attend interactive sessions that will spend time on specific and focused topics, strategies, services, or technologies that affect our industry. As the 2007 Construction SuperConference rapidly approaches, the excitement and anticipation about this year's program continues to build. Registration is swelling, quickly surpassing last year's number of enrolled construction professionals.

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Park, a $6 billion, 11-million-square-foot, mixed-use project under development in the heart of downtown Las Vegas on land owned by the City of Las Vegas, is the only project in the state of Nevada to be accepted into the LEED for Neighborhood Development national pilot program. The program, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is creating a rating system that integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building into the first national rating system for neighborhood design. The program is a collaboration between the U.S. Green Building Council, the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "We are pleased to be a part of the LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot program, particularly as the only Las Vegas project announced to date," said Scott Adams, director of the Office of Business Development for the City of Las Vegas. "Union Park is a development whose time has come in Las Vegas," he said. "It is playing a central role in the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas and by embracing environmentally sound development practices, is forging new ground for 'green' neighborhood development in our valley." According to Rita Brandin, senior vice president and development director for Newland Communities, the national real estate development firm retained by the City of Las Vegas to act as development manager for Union Park, the 11-million-square-foot, mixed-use project is creating an in-town culture, entertainment, working and living environment on currently unused railroad lands. "Not only will Union Park embrace environmentally sensitive development practices going forward, it embodies the very essence of land recycling by transforming a fallow brownfield site into a vibrant community."

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a part of a continued commitment to sustainable practices, Aggregate Industries US announced today it has entered into a partnership with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Climate Leaders program. By becoming a Climate Leaders partner, Aggregate Industries US has pledged to reduce its company-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The company also announced that it has established a new partnership with the Cool Climate Concrete (C3) program. This effort will allow Aggregate Industries to provide carbon offset credits gained from the use of supplementary cementitious materials in the production of ready mixed concrete. The partnerships were announced during the International Greenbuild Conference and Expo in Chicago, Illinois.

KETTERING, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ClimateMaster, Inc., a leading manufacturer of water-source and geothermal heating and cooling systems, today endorsed the GEOSmart Loan program offered through a partnership between GE Money & the Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA) at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum in Washington, D.C. The GEOSmart Loan program, sponsored by EGIA and funded by GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, provides both installment and revolving financing options and is available through EGIA-approved contractors to assist consumers looking to purchase a ClimateMaster geothermal heating, cooling and water heating system for their home. “The level of long-term financing provided through the GEOSmart Loan program is something that has long been needed in the geothermal heat pump (GHP) market,” said Daniel Ellis, president of ClimateMaster. “GEOSmart financing makes these systems more affordable for consumers retrofitting existing homes.” “GHP technology harnesses energy stored near the surface of the earth to provide heating and cooling,” says John Bailey, senior vice president of sales for ClimateMaster. “This stable underground temperature reservoir is maintained by solar energy and is a clean and renewable resource available in all 50 states. GHPs tap into this reserve to reach 400 to 600 percent energy efficiency, in terms of energy delivered versus energy drawn from the grid to operate the system.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space-conditioning system for most locations in the U.S.

PCA Study Evaluates Reflective Properties of Concrete SKOKIE, Ill., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New research on the solar reflectance of concrete and its positive impact on limiting the heat island effect can help architects and builders reduce this phenomenon. Announced Nov. 8 at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Chicago, the research will allow projects to accrue points towards LEED certification without costly testing. "PCA is a leader in research on how cement-based applications can play a positive role in sustainable development," David Shepherd, AIA, director of sustainable development for PCA, said. "This study shows that concrete, regardless of its ingredients, can help to limit the heat island effect." A heat island is a local area of elevated temperature in a region of cooler temperatures. Heat islands occur where there is a preponderance of dark exterior building materials and pavements, and a lack of vegetation, typically in urban areas. The research, commissioned by PCA and conducted by the construction research organization CTL Group, evaluated the reflective properties of concrete, using the LEED-NC SS Credit 7.1 Heat Island Effect: Non-Roof criteria, to determine concrete's effectiveness in limiting the heat island effect. The research results, with respect to LEED certification, are significant. All 45 sets of concrete samples tested, regardless of the mix, met the required criteria. The mixes were created using a number of different components, including recovered materials such as fly ash or slag cement. The solar reflectance of the cement proved to have more effect on the solar reflectance of the concrete than any other constituent material. This is the first time the solar reflectance of concrete has been examined in relation to LEED points and is the most comprehensive study of the solar reflectance of concrete to date.

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RedVector is pleased to announce the launch of new distance learning services for manufacturers and service providers to the building construction industry. These specialized solutions help solve several challenges in the marketplace, including: * Training and educating contractors who install their products * Discovering new ways to expose their products, services and systems to the Architects and Engineers who need them * Educating distributors who sell their products * Training/educating/measuring internal/external sales staff on the intricacies of the product lines and ramping up product knowledge quickly RedVector is recognized as a leader in delivering online learning solutions, content development and training management services to the design and construction industry. With RedVector’s new distance-learning solutions, manufacturers can now benefit from the expertise RedVector has developed in creating online courses and certification programs for engineers, architects and contractors. RedVector’s online course library currently boasts more than 950 courses on a variety of technical, managerial and professional development topics.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--By utilizing the expertise of a remote staff to handle technical and CAD work, architectural companies, builders, and engineers are able to do the work of much larger firms, and are able to accomplish enormous tasks while still maintaining a manageable manpower size. According to the Engineer Workforce Commission of Washington, D.C., there were 11,119 graduates with bachelor's degrees in civil engineering in 1997, compared with only 9,432 in 2006. Declining numbers make engineers and architects more expensive to use for minor technical work. “It may take an architect only 8 hours to initially work up specs on a shopping mall, and then 100 hours to fill in the technical details,” said Al Danto, CEO of DANO Inc., a firm that specializes in providing degreed architects, CAD specialists, and engineers to companies. “We can be an architect or a builder’s secret weapon, taking care of tasks they would rather delegate and allowing them to focus on more important aspects of a project.” More and more architectural engineering firms are discovering that it is not only cost effective—but profitable—to outsource CAD and other technical details. By outsourcing functions such as encoding, generation, architectural detailing, and site development, companies can avoid spending millions of dollars to hire, train, and manage staff. Using a remote staff provides a company with the latest advances in human and information technology without making expensive investments with an in-house infrastructure. Architectural and engineering companies often turn to DANO’s remote staff when they hit physical limits in their operations. Although they may want to increase capacity to handle additional projects, they are reluctant to spend excessive dollars on the necessary staff, office space, and hardware. From landscape modeling to 3D site overlays, a CAD specialist can add his or her expertise to any task, no matter how large or small, and model everything from the structural, mechanical, and plumbing details of a project, to picture-perfect exterior shots.

Technology Innovations and Educational Initiatives Showcased in Ongoing Strategic Relationship CHICAGO, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Greenbuild Expo -- At the 2007 Greenbuild Expo, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) presented an update on their ongoing collaboration to expand the use of technology to facilitate adoption of sustainable design and green building. Autodesk also showcased a technology concept for a new sustainability analysis dashboard that could be used in combination with the Revit platform for building information modeling (BIM) to provide architects, engineers and designers with real-time graphical feedback about the impact of their design decisions on the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. "As we've worked closely together over the past year, it is clear that USGBC and Autodesk share a vision of using technology to drive the mainstream adoption of green building practices," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "We're very excited about the sustainability analysis dashboard concept, and look forward to continued cooperation and new technology developments that will accelerate green building practices globally." Autodesk's proposed sustainability dashboard concept, showcased during the opening plenary session of 2007 Greenbuild Expo, could facilitate sustainable design and LEED certification by, for example, enabling architects and designers to continually calculate such factors as use of energy and municipal water, storm water runoff, recycled material content, carbon footprint, daylighting and potential LEED rating. The dashboard could also be used to track LEED points through the design process to help achieve additional points that would increase the overall LEED score. The dashboard was presented by Autodesk and the USGBC as a technology concept, but it is not a commercially available product. At the USGBC's Formal Education Committee's Educator Summit, Autodesk also launched the first version of the new Autodesk Sustainable Design Curriculum. Now available for free to post secondary educators worldwide through the Autodesk Student Engineering & Design Community Faculty Lounge, the Autodesk curriculum will enable educators to promote sustainable design practices and integrate BIM techniques and technology into the classroom and studio.

Enabling Architects to Immediately Evaluate Carbon Neutral Building Design Strategies CHICAGO, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenbuild 2007 -- Green Building Studio, Inc., today announced the release and general availability of Green Building Studio V3.0. This release of the award-winning web service features ground-breaking capabilities for assessing carbon neutrality potential, total PV & wind energy, emissions, total building energy, and water consumption for commercial and residential building design alternatives, interacting seamlessly with leading BIM design tools from Autodesk, Graphisoft, and Google. The release provides US EPA ENERGY STAR Scores and Architecture 2030 targets based on every design change and meets industry standards, including ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2004, qualified software for Energy Policy Act of 2005, and Microsoft Platform Tests for Hosted Solutions. "The world we live in truly depends on architects making the right decisions on their building scheme selections to minimize or eliminate building CO2 emissions," said John F. Kennedy, President and CTO of Green Building Studio. "Release V3.0 shows building design teams how low they can go."

2007 Autodesk/AIA Green Index Shows Increasing Practice of Sustainable Design; Client Demand and Technology are Key Drivers CHICAGO, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Greenbuild Expo -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced the results of the 2007 Autodesk/AIA Green Index, an annual survey that measures how AIA member architects in the United States are practicing sustainable design, as well as their opinions about the green building movement. The index shows that green building has taken a firm hold on the industry and has captured the attention of both architects and their clients. The 2007 Autodesk/AIA Green Index survey reports 70% of architects say client demand is the leading driver of green building and that the primary reason these owners and developers are demanding greener buildings is for reduced operating costs. Architects are responding by significantly increasing their use of sustainable elements such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, recycled building materials and using software to model energy usage. Today's Green Building Landscape According to the Autodesk/AIA Green Index, less than half of architects were incorporating sustainable design practices into their projects five years ago. However, this number is quickly rising with 90 percent of architects expecting to incorporate some sustainable elements by 2012. This rapidly growing adoption of sustainable design is in direct response to a strong client demand for green building, with 70 percent of this year's respondents citing client demand as the main driver pushing architects to go green. When asked to cite a reason behind clients' push toward green building, 64 percent of respondents cited the reduced operating costs that can be obtained through sustainable design as the cause.

Guide Provides Construction and Design Industry with Outline for Working in a Collaborative Model SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects (AIA) in conjunction with the AIA California Council (AIACC) announced the availability of Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide (The Guide), a briefing for working in an integrated team model that includes the owner, architect and contractor, and extends beyond the major stakeholders including subcontractors, engineers and major systems suppliers, in addition to others. The Guide, which is a resource available at no cost, provides direction on transitioning existing project delivery models to a collaborative, integrated team model. The resulting model leverages the early contribution of individual expertise and allows all team members to better realize their potential while expanding the value they provide throughout the project lifecycle. Recently, a number of studies have been conducted which show increasing inefficiencies and waste in the construction industry. An Economist article from 2000 identifies 30 percent waste in the U.S. construction industry; a National Institute Standards and Technology (NIST) study from 2004 targets lack of interoperability as costing the industry $15.8 billion annually; and a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study shows construction alone, out of all non-farm industry as decreasing in productivity since 1964, while all other industry has increased productivity by over 200 percent. These inefficiencies, coupled with new technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) and owner demand for better quality and cost controls, have created a need for a collaborative approach to construction and design. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) provides an industry-wide solution. As defined by the AIA, IPD is a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, construction, and occupancy. Developed jointly by the AIA’s Contract Documents Committee and The AIACC, The Guide was drafted in response to the shifting landscape of the industry.

HARRISBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Phoenix Award™ Executive Committee is proud to announce The Phoenix Award™ winners for 2007 for excellence in Brownfield redevelopment. Created in 1997, this prestigious award honors individuals and groups who are working to solve the critical environmental challenge of transforming blighted and contaminated areas into productive new uses. The Phoenix Awards™ are widely recognized as the outstanding award for achievement of excellence in Brownfield redevelopment, and are often called “the Brownfields equivalent of Hollywood’s Oscar.” The 2007 Phoenix Award winners represent outstanding Brownfield projects from each of the 10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regions. The 2007 winners are: Region 1: Gateway Park Project, Worcester, Massachusetts Region 2: The Shops at Atlas Park, Queens, New York Region 3: Canton Crossing, Baltimore, Maryland Region 4: Filemile Creek Greenway Project, Jefferson County, Alabama Region 5: Fairlane Green, Allen Park, Michigan Region 6: Shurden-Leist Industrial Park, Henryetta, Oklahoma Region 7: The Iowa River Landing Revitalization, Coralville, Iowa Region 8: Elati Light Rail Facility, Denver/Englewood, Colorado Region 9: Former NASA/Downey Industrial Plant Project, Downey, California Region 10: Thea Foss Waterway Brownfield Revitalization Project, Tacoma, Washington Community Impact Winner: University of Illinois Chicago South Campus Development Project, Chicago, Illinois UST Winner: McVay Highway – SeQuential Biofuels Brownfields Project, Eugene, Oregon

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Representatives from approximately 40 Canadian-based companies, organizations and government agencies are showcasing their goods and services to architects, home builders, developers and engineers from around the globe at Greenbuild 2007, the world’s largest conference and exposition dedicated to employing green building practices. The show runs November 7-9, 2007 at the McCormick Place West Building in Chicago. “From the latest in solar water heating appliances and demountable wall systems, to synthetic cedar shake roofing that’s 95 percent derived from recycled materials, to a new heat treatment technology for wood and security platform that eliminates the need for electronic hardware, Canada has much to offer the growing green building industry,” said Canadian Consul General Georges Rioux. “We’re thrilled to have such a strong Canadian presence here in Chicago and expect to make quite an impression with the show’s attendees.” According to Rioux, roughly five percent of the Greenbuild 2007 exhibitors will be from Canada. Nearly half of the Canadian exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services in a common area as part of the Canadian Pavilion, booth 1502, coordinated by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

Hester Painting & Decorating Offers A Healthy, Easy, Last-Minute Gift Idea: Eco-Friendly Painting Gift Certificates CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Those looking for a holiday gift that says, “I care about you, I care about the environment. Let’s do it with style,” will appreciate the ease of eco-friendly painting gift certificates from Hester Painting & Decorating. The recipient will have his or her walls painted or faux finished with earth-friendly, low-odor paints in a rich range of hues and finishes. New technology at the molecular level, which enables better color locking, means the faux and specialty finishes experts at Hester Painting & Decorating can create virtually all their finishes, such as glaze mottling, alligator skin and assorted Venetian plasters with “green” paint. “The certificates are ideal for the environmentally conscious individual, or for that matter, the allergy sufferer, on your list,” said Jeff Hester, vice president of Hester Painting & Decorating, a.k.a. “Professor Paint.” Available in increments of $250, Hester Painting & Decorating gift certificates can be applied to any service and are valid for two years. Hester Painting & Decorating serves clients across the country. The certificates can be ordered by contacting Steve Hester at (847) 677-5130.

2007 Update to AIA Contract Documents Includes Changes to A201™ and New Owner/Architect Agreements WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today introduced its 2007 Update to AIA Contract Documents, which have defined the contractual relationships in the design and construction industry for 120 years. The AIA prepared the 2007 Update, which consists primarily of agreements in the popular A201 family of documents, with input from owners, contractors, attorneys, architects and engineers. The 2007 Update includes 40 revised, updated or new documents, including new owner/architect agreements. The AIA updates the A201 family on a ten year cycle to reflect changes in industry trends and practices. The revision process began in 2004, when the AIA solicited industry feedback on the 1997 A201 family of documents from more than a dozen industry groups, including the Associated General Contractors, the Associated Specialty Contractors, the American Subcontractors Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Council of American Structural Engineers, the National Association of State Facilities Administrators, the Commercial Owners Association of America, the American Council of Construction Lawyers, and attorneys from Division 2, and 12 of the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry.

WOODSTOCK, Md., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Most potential solid wood flooring customers have a pretty good idea of what they want -- they either have a budget to stick to, or they have a color in mind, or perhaps a style, or maybe a particular species has caught their interest. Their problem has been translating that idea into an available option that matches it. There are so many choices at so many different prices, all jumbled up in no particular order, where does one start? CountryPlank.com, an online purveyor of traditional wide plank solid wood flooring seeks to solve that dilemma with their new website at www.countryplank.com. "Our customers have always appreciated all of the useful information available on our website, now it's even more useful -- and pretty, too," says company president Mark Harbold with a smile. "The new website still has all of the same great content as before, but, with a really handy new search feature and more photographs. Our current customers will still be able to locate what they need and new customers will find it easier to find exactly what they want."

Schuco USA L.P. Showcases Innovative Building Envelope at Greenbuild Chicago 2007 NEWINGTON, Connecticut, November 5/PRNewswire/ -- Schuco USA L.P., American supplier of aluminum and steel windows, facade systems, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, will be on hand at Greenbuild 2007 in Chicago (Stand 724) on November 7-9, 2007, presenting the very latest product developments from Germany. The company's SunControl sun protection system sets the standard worldwide for design, materials, and mounting technology. Its ProSol photovoltaic (PV) modules are integrated directly into modern building envelopes. AWS, Schuco's new state-of-the-art aluminum window system, combines climatic and architectonic features in a single system. As a token of its commitment to sustainable design and green building practices, Schuco is sponsoring Greenbuild 2007 and the keynote speech of Paul Hawken, bestselling environmental author and founder of WiserEarth.org. Jochen Wilms, Senior Vice President, Schuco International will hold a brief introductory speech beforehand. Thanks to SunControl, Schuco now offers a comprehensive array of sun and glare protection solutions. Featuring either rigid or moveable louvre blades, manual or automatic control, and horizontal or vertical layouts, the large blade system assures immense scope for creativity with respect to both function and design. The ProSol system means that PV modules can be integrated directly into the blades and other elements of the facade: Made in Germany in accordance with architects' specifications, these PV modules permit maximum freedom of design when it comes to form, color and external appearance. Yet another highlight in the world of Schuco solar power generation is the company's superbly insulated FW 60+Hi glass roof system. It can span large spaces and meet even the most geometrically demanding architectural specifications. The integration of translucent PV modules opens up entirely new possibilities for design as well as being extremely energy efficient.

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- After posting an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% through 2006, the market for green, or environmentally friendly, building materials is expected to continue growing from almost $2.2 billion in 2006 to $4.7 billion in 2011, although at a slightly slower rate of 17%, according to Green Building Materials in the U.S., a new report from market research publisher SBI. For a growing percentage of building buyers, occupants, and do-it-yourselfers, issues such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, sustainability, and even more abstract measures of environmental impact no longer represent minor components of the decision process; they are now increasingly core preferences for homes and buildings. Although the public sector and commercial projects have dominated green construction, residential green construction will undoubtedly see a boom. Residential projects have different materials profiles and imply different opportunities than those in the commercial sector, particularly in their extensive use of wood. SBI projects that green flooring, the slowest growing segment through 2006, will become the market's fastest grower through 2011, earning a CAGR of 45%. "There is a risk that the 'green washing' of construction-related products and services will dilute the emerging trend so much that it will lose its meaning and its impact on sustainability and sound practices," notes Tatjana Meerman, Publisher of SBI. "However, there is too much genuine opportunity in the industry for stakeholders to just sit by and watch this exciting new trend be eroded by paler shades of green construction. The industry will be disciplined either internally or by consumers who will demand clarity."

Environmental News Hour finds new home, new team, for popular Saturday show hosted by Mo Mellady SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- KTRB-AM 860, one of the West Coast's oldest radio stations, and Green Building Exchange (GBE), the first year-round trade show dedicated to environmentally conscious builders, developers and consumers, have teamed up to present Green Seed Radio, the new, cutting-edge environmental talk radio program. The show will air every Saturday, 10am to Noon beginning November 3, 2007. Hosted by long-time broadcast veteran Mo Mellady, Green Seed Radio offers listeners the latest news, information and resources on the green movement. "Green Building Exchange has become the crossroads for informed, experienced people, exchanging and inspiring sustainable ideas and solutions. Green Seed Radio in partnership with KTRB will provide a great outlet for sharing these ideas," said Michael Schaeffer, Founder and CEO of Green Building Exchange. "It's an honor to be able to share in this new green partnership for change." "Here at AM 860 KTRB, our mission is to provide entertaining, informative, and compelling programs to Bay Area listeners," said Jim Pappas, Vice President and General Manager of KTRB. "As the Bay Area's newest radio station, we're proud to do our part to help 'green' the radio dial." Green Seed Radio will entertain, incite and inform discussion on the latest in green innovation and current environmental news topics surrounding green living. Through interviews with leading authorities, celebrities and government policy makers, listeners will be invited into the world of green living. Green Seed Radio will also showcase products that minimize impact on the environment, provide glimpses into the green tech arena, discuss sustainable building practices and innovative green architecture, and provide a forum for designers with a vision for the future, as well as builders who are creating environmentally friendly structures.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The management from Solar Gard® window films, a Bekaert product, today announced it has teamed up with the Clinton Climate Initiative to reduce energy consumption in public and commercial buildings. Installation of Solar Gard window film is included under the Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, which was designed to help public entities lower their energy consumption. Solar Gard window film can be sized to fit any glass door or window, making it an essential measure for government buildings which are often historic and frequently characterized by oversized windows. Now, all public organizations that have committed to reducing their carbon footprint can easily and cost-effectively fit Solar Gard window film into an overall strategy to reduce CO2 emissions. "Climate change is a global issue that we must address immediately if we are to reverse its catastrophic effects," said President Clinton. "I am pleased that the US Conference of Mayors, Wal-Mart and many businesses are working with my foundation to supply energy efficient and clean energy products. By offering these products at a discounted rate, we can ensure that more cities and citizens have access to them and that the market for clean energy technology will grow. Together, I hope that we can have a measurable impact on greenhouse gas emissions around the world." Numerous municipal buildings worldwide have already realized the benefits of Solar Gard window film. A select list of these installations includes: Department of Energy and National Geographic Society Campus (both in the USA), Hong Kong International Airport (China); Seongdong-Gu Office Complex (Korea); Helsinki Metro (Finland); Lyon Metro (France); Raffles Tower (Singapore); Australia Square (Australia); Kudan Fuji Building (Japan) and Millbank Tower (England).

Mortenson energizes its long-term commitment to sustainability. MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Mortenson Construction announced it will purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from clean, emission-free wind farms to power its U.S. offices. The RECs, purchased through Community Energy, Inc. correspond to 100 percent of its electricity usage for its national headquarters in Minneapolis and all six of its regional offices around the country. The purchase demonstrates Mortenson's long-term commitment to the preservation of our environment. Mortenson acts on its commitment to environmental stewardship by emphasizing the use of renewable energy and sustainable practices in the design and construction of its projects. In the past 14 years the company has completed 42 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) compliant projects and was recently named Engineering News-Record 17th Top Green Contractor in the U.S. As the leading wind energy contractor in North America, Mortenson directly services customers who are dedicated to making wind energy a viable, global energy source. Since 1995, its Energy Group has been involved in the construction of 60 wind energy projects in 27 states and provinces. These projects are capable of producing nearly 5,000 megawatts; the equivalent to providing power to 1.4 million average households. In 2007, Mortenson will construct 34 percent of the new wind energy capacity coming on-line in the U.S.

More Than 2,000 Searches Every Day LITTLETON, Mass., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Natural Stone Buyer's Guide, an extensive online database of more than 1,000 professionals throughout the United States, is an ideal resource for anyone who is looking for stone building and stone landscaping experts. More than a million visitors use the site every year -- and a new, updated version offers enhanced user-friendly search options. Stoneyard.com specializes in New England Fieldstone Veneer for commercial and residential construction projects. Stone buyers use the guide to locate masons, landscape contractors, designers and many other construction professionals. "The Buyer's Guide was the perfect addition to our site," said John Croteau, company president. "Giving our customers access to our extensive database of stone professionals was the best way to help them complete their projects. The public response has been great. Our customers love the new Buyer's Guide. It is so easy to use and makes finding that perfect stone professional much easier." Since Stoneyard.com added the Buyer's Guide to the website, traffic has increased significantly. "We want to help our customers reach their renovation and building goals. Whether it's through innovative design ideas, professional recommendations or quality natural stone, we strive to be the number-one source for New England Fieldstone Veneer," said Mr. Croteau.

NAHB National Green Building Program Anticipates Home Buyer Demands WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey conducted for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) confirms that a desire for greater energy efficiency drives consumers to choose a green-built home. “Green building is the home buyer’s best defense against soaring energy costs,” said NAHB President Brian Catalde, a Southern California home builder. “But it’s up to the nation’s home builders to make sure the cure is not more expensive than the problem itself. The NAHB National Green Building Program paves the way for authentic yet cost-effective green building,” he said. The voluntary program, based on the three-year-old NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, is set to launch Feb. 14 at the International Builders’ Show® in Orlando. “New technologies, advances in building science and materials for insulation, windows and other components mean that homes are significantly more energy efficient than they used to be,” Catalde said. “Still, it’s time to take that next step. The NAHB National Green Building Program does that – and more.” The survey was conducted the week of Oct. 15 by the respected national polling firm Public Opinion Strategies.

Leading window manufacturer also announces first AIA-approved seminar, “Wind Provisions and US Standards and Codes.” WALPOLE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stergis Windows and Doors, renowned manufacturer of custom and commercial building products and a leading innovator of protective window technology, will launch two new high-performance window lines next month at the Build Boston Tradeshow (Booth #852), which takes place November 13-15 at the Seaport World Trade Center. Stergis will unveil its new line of PVC replacement and new construction windows made with PVB .090 Laminated Impact glass. The protective design exceeds performance standards for large missile impact outlined in the International Building Code, which tests windows for air, water, and wind-load resistance through cyclic hurricane-force wind simulation. Stergis, which has been in business since 1959, becomes New England’s first major provider of this type of impact window. “We’re proud to offer this type of impact window design, most of which are manufactured in Florida, to architects and contractors in New England,” says company president Gus Stergis. “Our participation in the American Window Alliance (AWA) has pushed us ahead of the curve in protective window design, and we can now employ this technology to meet our customers’ specific needs.” Impact-resistant windows contain a plastic interlayer laminated between two panes of glass. Stergis Impact Windows feature Stainless Coastal Hardware, and are available in a wide variety of sizes, configurations (e.g. fixed, sliding, or casement) and colors. Show goers can also learn about Stergis’s one-hour seminar “Wind Provisions and US Standards and Codes,” its first AIA-approved course counting towards Continuing Education System (CES) credits required for the professional development architects and design specialists in New England.