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Radical Green Building Takes a Giant Leap Forward as The International Living Building Institute’s New Standard Addresses Social Justice, Urban Agriculture and Community Scale Impacts

March 04, 2024

Version 2.0 of the Living Building Challenge Expands Its Focus to Local Food Production, Unrestricted Access to Nature, No Gated Communities and Other Equity Issues Greenbuild 2009 PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The concept of Living Buildings was first introduced three years ago and quickly gained recognition as the world’s most revolutionary approach to green building. The newest iteration of the Living Building Challenge was released today at Greenbuild, the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual conference. The International Living Building Institute (ILBI), in conjunction with the Cascadia Region Green Building Council, launched version 2.0 with the ultimate goal to fundamentally change the built environment. Most green building certification programs have focused on individual buildings, but the new Living Building Challenge program is both more comprehensive and more expansive, including small in-home remodels, community or campus-wide initiatives and infrastructure projects – including bridges, roads and parks. The expanded breadth of version 2.0 brings more people to the table. “This standard is a unifying tool, bringing together many disciplines and players for the first time under one green building standard – architects and developers with urban planners and landscape architects, environmentalists and social activists, as well as affordable housing advocates and preservationists – to form a visionary pathway to a restorative future,” says Jason F. McLennan, CEO of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council. The new Living Building Challenge standard is designed to address critical social and economic issues, including the collapse of domestic manufacturing, global trade imbalances, urban sprawl, the marginalization of those that can’t purchase the ‘American dream’ and the lack of community distinctiveness and culture. Version 2.0 is the first green building certification program to integrate urban agriculture, social justice and universal access issues as mandatory requirements. A new section addresses equity, examining ways to create equal access for all citizens, incorporate Universal Design considerations, promote culture and interaction, and end economic segregation of public and semi-public places. The new standards even require unrestricted access to rivers, lakes and shorelines, as well as other important natural elements – even when built on private property. The program also introduces a new focus on urban agriculture, requiring a minimum amount of site square footage be dedicated to food production except in the densest urban environments – the more suburban a site is, the more food production is required. A new ‘car-free living’ imperative does not mandate the elimination of cars from development; rather, it is defined by the potential for a majority of people living in a neighborhood to have a productive and rich lifestyle without needing a car. Version 2.0 represents the collective wisdom and feedback of the community of design professionals who have been working on Living Buildings over the last three years. Many of the changes incorporated into the new version were spurred by commentary from project teams within the Living Building Community.
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Helsinki named World Design Capital 2012

November 26, 2009

World Design Capital 2012 Helsinki embeds design in life HELSINKI, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Helsinki will be the World Design Capital of 2012. The designation was announced by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) at the Icsid World Design Congress 2009 in Singapore on November 25, 2009. “This is a magnificent achievement and an important recognition for Helsinki, the collaborating cities of Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti, and all the participating organizations and individuals. We have received a unique opportunity and will be taking every advantage of it,” says Helsinki Mayor Jussi Pajunen, accepting the World Design Capital 2012 designation at the Icsid World Design Congress. Altogether 46 cities from 27 countries applied for the designation. An international jury first shortlisted Helsinki and Eindhoven of the Netherlands before awarding the designation to Helsinki. The title of Helsinki’s bid for the designation was Open Helsinki – Embedding Design in Life. The concept expressed by the title will form the basis of Helsinki’s ambitious program for the design year 2012. “We will invite all citizens, enterprises and organizations, as well as visiting design professionals and enthusiasts, to participate in the preparations and the events of 2012,” Mayor Pajunen says. “This is a major challenge for us to use design in Helsinki and in the other participating cities to develop our cities from the social, economic and cultural perspectives, according to the World Design Capital project’s vision.” Pointing out that design should be seen from a broad perspective, he says, “Our goal is to build a better city and to improve our quality of life.” Helsinki will be the third World Design Capital, following Turin (Torino, 2008) and Seoul (2010). The biennial designation is given to one city at a time.
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Sivan Design Announces Version 2.0 Release of its 3D Simulation Software Civil Simulate

November 25, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, November 24/PRNewswire/ -- Sivan Design, a leading provider of civil engineering software solutions, today announces version 2.0 release of its powerful 3D simulation software Civil Simulate, supporting Civil 3D 2010 and Windows 7 (32/64 Bit). Civil Simulate is an interactive 3D visualization and simulation tool for AutoCAD(R) Civil 3D(R) and CivilCAD offering a unique approach to overcoming the challenge of turning civil engineering design into highly sophisticated 3D simulation. From loading orthophoto raster images onto the simulation to interactive drive-through simulation from the driver's point-of-view, Civil Simulate does it all with ease and an accuracy of +/- 0.8 inch to the CAD drawing. The current release incorporates two new innovative features including automatic creation of intersections and bridges and enhanced support for large scale projects. The software user interface incorporates the same Ribbon style from Civil 3D 2010 and is simple and intuitive - as expected from Sivan Design's products. Sivan Design's CEO, Shlomi Sivan, said: "It is a great pleasure for us to introduce the current release of Civil Simulate, which represents the future in civil engineering design processes by offering on-the-spot evaluation in a realistic 3D environment of any change made to the design, even while still in preliminary stages." Visitors of the annual Autodesk University (AU) 2009 user conference and exhibition in Las Vegas (Dec. 1-3, 2009) are invited to visit Sivan Design's booth #310 for ongoing live demonstrations of Civil Simulate's capabilities.
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Skanska Creates Global Unit for Green Business – Cecilia Fasth Appointed Green Business Officer (GBO)

November 25, 2009

STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Skanska (STO:SKAB) is establishing a new global unit charged with supporting the Group’s worldwide operations in the rapid dispersal and commercialization of technology, solutions and business models for green construction. The venture is an extension of Skanska’s intensive work in recent years to map and develop various global solutions, methods and pilot projects to create buildings that are energy-efficient and have low environmental impact. The new unit for green business will be called Skanska Green Business and will be headed from Stockholm but will have employees throughout Skanska’s operations in Europe and the United States. Cecilia Fasth will head the new unit as GBO at Skanska and will report to Skanska’s President and CEO Johan Karlström. “Increasing the pace of, spreading and commercializing green construction globally is currently the highest priority at Skanska. The company realizes that green construction is becoming a mature product. The technology and competence required to construct energy-efficient and environmentally correct projects on a large scale is now available and it also makes for economically viable business. Accordingly, now is the time to act,” says Johan Karlström, President and CEO of Skanska. Buildings currently account for 40 percent of global carbon emissions during their lifetime, which is more than, for example, the automotive industry where there now is a rapid progression toward more fuel-efficient cars. Skanska wants to lead a corresponding development in the construction sector. Skanska Green Business will work to enhance the green offering for Skanska’s customers. This may include solutions and agreements regarding continuous upgrades to ensure that a property remains as energy efficient as possible, even years after it was constructed or renovated. Cecilia Fasth has worked at Skanska since 1996 and held a number of positions in commercial property development. She has been President of Skanska Fastigheter Gothenburg since 2006.
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Skanska Creates Global Unit for Green Business – Cecilia Fasth Appointed Green Business Officer (GBO)

November 25, 2009

STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Skanska (STO:SKAB) is establishing a new global unit charged with supporting the Group’s worldwide operations in the rapid dispersal and commercialization of technology, solutions and business models for green construction. The venture is an extension of Skanska’s intensive work in recent years to map and develop various global solutions, methods and pilot projects to create buildings that are energy-efficient and have low environmental impact. The new unit for green business will be called Skanska Green Business and will be headed from Stockholm but will have employees throughout Skanska’s operations in Europe and the United States. Cecilia Fasth will head the new unit as GBO at Skanska and will report to Skanska’s President and CEO Johan Karlström. “Increasing the pace of, spreading and commercializing green construction globally is currently the highest priority at Skanska. The company realizes that green construction is becoming a mature product. The technology and competence required to construct energy-efficient and environmentally correct projects on a large scale is now available and it also makes for economically viable business. Accordingly, now is the time to act,” says Johan Karlström, President and CEO of Skanska. Buildings currently account for 40 percent of global carbon emissions during their lifetime, which is more than, for example, the automotive industry where there now is a rapid progression toward more fuel-efficient cars. Skanska wants to lead a corresponding development in the construction sector. Skanska Green Business will work to enhance the green offering for Skanska’s customers. This may include solutions and agreements regarding continuous upgrades to ensure that a property remains as energy efficient as possible, even years after it was constructed or renovated. Cecilia Fasth has worked at Skanska since 1996 and held a number of positions in commercial property development. She has been President of Skanska Fastigheter Gothenburg since 2006.
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Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Southwest Chelsea Streetscape Collection Wins The Spark 2009 Design & Architecture Award

November 24, 2009

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chelsea Improvement Company, created by Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, has received has received a Silver Prize at The Spark 2009 Design & Architecture Awards for its Southwest Chelsea Streetscape Collection. The Southwest Chelsea Streetscape Collection award submission represented the overall redevelopment of the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan, including improvements in signage, lamps, flowerbeds, tree plantings, lighting, signage and liter receptacles. Ignacio Ciocchini, Director of Design for Chelsea Improvement Company, conceived the Streetscape Collection. Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV), which founded the Chelsea Improvement Company in 2007 to oversee the redevelopment of that district, works with New York and cities around the country to consult and bring improvements to their parks and downtown areas. "We're thrilled and delighted that Spark has presented us this award," said Dan Biederman, President of Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corp. and the Chelsea Improvement Company. "The Southwest Chelsea Streetscape Collection shows how a rundown city district can be transformed into a beautiful area where people move to work and live." The Spark 2009 Design & Architecture Awards are an exciting new competition created to promote great design and designers and encourage people to explore their creativity. Sponsors include: Hewlett-Packard, Autodesk, Guangzhou Design Week, Global Design Network, Hong Kong Designers Association and the British Design Innovation Organization. More than 370 contenders applied to Spark, the unique awards and qualification process that seeks out the best in dazzling design. The judges selected 93 winning designs in one of four categories -- bronze, silver, gold or the ultimate Spark! Winners of the 2009 Spark Design and Architecture Awards are showcased at the Autodesk Gallery at One Market in San Francisco.
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Gladiator Claw(TM) Advanced Bike Storage Device Receives 2009 Innovation Award From HANDY Magazine

November 24, 2009

Bike Hook Recognized For Its Initiative, Creativity, Invention, Re-Invention and Eco-Innovation BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Gladiator® GarageWorks, the leader in garage organization, has received a 2009 Innovation Award from HANDY Magazine for its Gladiator Claw(TM) Advanced Bike Storage device. The device allows consumers to hang their bicycle on the wall or ceiling by either tire with one horizontal motion. It eliminates the painstaking effort of lifting the entire bicycle's weight onto a cumbersome J-hook. Now in its ninth year, HANDY Magazine's Innovation Award program is known for honoring products that showcase initiative, creativity, invention, reinvention and eco-innovation. Award winners were selected by the editorial staff of the publication and its readership, the majority of whom are members of the Handyman Club of America. "The Gladiator Claw(TM) Advanced Bike Storage device exemplifies the type of innovative products that our editorial staff and readers appreciate because it can really make a difference for homeowners," said Larry Okrend, editor in chief and executive director of HANDY Magazine. The Gladiator Claw(TM) Advanced Bike Storage device helps homeowners by freeing up valuable floor space in the garage and by keeping the bicycle out of the way so it is less likely to incur damage. The device's closed loop design enables users to quickly hang or release a bicycle with one intuitive motion. Users push up on the central plunger to close the arms around the rear tire, and push up again to open the arms. Its push-lock mechanism features soft-touch grips to protect bike rims. The Gladiator Claw(TM) Advanced Bike Storage device, as well as the other 2009 Innovation Award recipients, will be featured in the December 2009/January 2010 issue.
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Governor to Announce Creation of 'Green City' in Maryland

November 24, 2009

On Monday, November 30, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Congressman Steny Hoyer, representatives of American Community Properties Trust (ACPT) and other partners will announce the creation of a "Green City" in St. Charles County, Maryland. Located only 22 miles from the White House, it will be an international model of how to design and build an economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable community. In addition, thousands of existing homes will be retrofitted to take advantage of current and future green technologies and services. When complete, the community will include nearly 25,000 homes and nine million square feet of industrial, commercial and retail space. The news conference giving details about the transformation of St. Charles, Maryland into a Green City will take place at noon on Nov. 30 at 10440 O'Donnell Place in St. Charles, Maryland, 20603. The office building is the future corporate home of ACPT, and is located just off of Smallwood Drive West, next to Boston's Restaurant. Contacts: Tim Ayers, +1-202-422-5048, tim@keenanpr.com Heathere Evans-Keenan, +1-703 875-8969, heathere@keenanpr.com
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Magnum Releases Fox Business Network Airing dates for Its Environmental Clean Technology TV Series

November 24, 2009

HUDSON, Colo., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Magnum D'Or Resources, Inc. (OTC:MDOR) (BULLETIN BOARD: MDOR) , releases the Fox Business Network initial airing dates for the Environmental Clean Technology TV Series. This segment includes footage of Magnum's Magog (Quebec) Facility, Magnum's Hudson, Colorado Facility as well as exclusive footage of Ex-White House Chairman of climate change, Roger Ballentine with Magnum's CEO, Joseph Glusic. Magnum's 20min+ Environmental Clean Technology TV Series will also air on CNBC, Hong Kong's Asia TV, Canada's DirecTV Dish and Other Leading Networks. The series will also be included in the curriculum of 90+ prestigious educational universities. Magnum will soon announce these additional networks airing dates & times as soon as they are confirmed. Joseph Glusic, CEO of Magnum stated, "Our media campaign is just beginning and we are nearing completion of our other TV segment being produced by 'Our Planet'. This segment should follow on the heels of the '21st Century' Environmental Clean Technology Series airings and compliment the print articles that should be circulating soon." Magnum Series: The following Air Time's and Date's listed below for Fox Business Network are on Saturday December 12, 2009: Rank State Station Time 1 NEW YORK NY FOX BUSINESS NETWORK 5:00pm ET 2 LOS ANGELES CA FOX BUSINESS NETWORK 2:00pm PT 3 CHICAGO IL FOX BUSINESS NETWORK 4:00PM CT 4 PHILADELPHIA PA FOX BUSINESS NETWORK 5:00pm ET 5 SAN FRANCISCO- OAK-SAN JOSE CA FOX BUSINESS NETWORK 2:00pm PT 6 BOSTON (MANCHESTER) MA FOX BUSINESS NETWORK 5:00pm ET 7 DALLAS-FT. WORTH TX FOX BUSINESS NETWORK 4:00PM CT 8 WASHINGTON, DC.
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Restoration Environmental, one of Canada's leading GREEN specialty contractors in Asbestos Removal, Demolition and Disaster Recovery, completes Two Green LEED Projects in Kingston and Toronto, Ontario, Canada

November 24, 2009

TORONTO, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Restoration Environmental Contractors-REC Demolition announced their 20th anniversary of being GREEN. Established in 1989, the company has completed over 9,000 environmental restoration and demolition projects throughout Canada specializing in demolition, asbestos removal, lead abatement and industrial plant cleaning, plant decommissioning & closures, site remediation, disaster recovery and emergency response in the industrial, commercial, governmental and institutional sectors. Restoration Environmental REC Demolition has safely completed the asbestos removal, remediation and demolition of the seven storey Historic Guild Inn project in Toronto, by using their Caterpillar Demolition Excavator fleet with the addition of a new CAT 330D UHD - Ultra High Reach Demolition Excavator and new CAT shear. REC has completed two "GREEN LEED" projects. REC exceeded 94.7%, LEED certification at the Regent Park, the Toronto Community Housing Corporation TCHC and Toronto Revitalization environmental remediation and demolition project, and achieved over 75% LEED certification at the Queen's University, Jock Harty Demolition PCL Constructors project in Kingston, Ontario. Restoration Environmental prides themselves on their outstanding safety record, their commitment to environmental stewardship, the high level of productivity of their skilled unionized workforce and by enforcing the Three R's - Reduce, Re-use and Recycle, the company's "Green Philosophy" and market strategy. Restoration Environmental's senior project management and site supervisory team has accumulated more than one million hours of on-site contracting experience, whether they are small or large projects, from emergency service response calls, or maintenance calls, or multi-million dollar demolition, disaster recovery, and environmental remediation projects. REC believes the process should be simple, while at the same time creating options for their clients that offer sound environmental solutions in plant decommissioning, site decontamination, soil remediation and demolition. The company's commitment to meet the needs of their clients with experienced, highly skilled unionized workers, well-planned project planning and an assurance to quality means that Restoration Environmental can help with a disaster recovery emergency response readiness plan, plant decommissioning or closure, an asbestos removal, an environmental remediation, demolition or historic restoration project. Restoration Environmental Contractors - REC Demolition - REC Disaster Recovery services include: - Environmental Abatement and Soil Remediation Contractors - Demolition; Deconstruction, Asset Recovery, Equipment Dismantling - Hazardous Materials Removal; asbestos removal, Mold, PCBs, Lead. - Plant Closures: Industrial Plant Decommissioning, Soil & Site Remediation - Removal and Interior Plant Cleaning of Heavy Metals - Disaster Recovery; Planning Cost saving Service Contracts - Fire, Sewage Backup, Flood, Water, Wind Damage Restoration - Emergency Response: bonded secure, CPIC Police Cleared Staff. Restoration Environmental REC Demolition REC Disaster Recovery is a turnkey, full-service, emergency response contractor and specialty contractor, a recognized leader in the environmental, demolition, restoration and construction industry. Their exceptional reputation, aggressive health & safety program and quality client services make them one of Canada's leading specialty contractors. For more information on all REC's services, please visit our Websites: www.recdemolition.com, www.environmentalhazards.com, www.recdisaster.com or www.soilremediation.com.
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Stinkbugs See the Light: Moyer|Indoor Outdoor Offers the Most Effective Way to Catch a Common Household Pest

November 24, 2009

SOUDERTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Is your home plagued by one of the peskiest of pests – the stinkbug? If so, local pest control provider Moyer Indoor|Outdoor® can help. The days are getting cooler and the brunt of winter is just around the corner. This is the time when adult stinkbugs (technically known as the brown marmorated stinkbug) search refuge in homes to find a cozy place to overwinter. And as temperatures drop, these slow-moving bugs seek warmer temperatures, often moving down from attics and into our living areas. Fortunately, Moyer Indoor|Outdoor® has discovered an innovative method of capturing stinkbugs in attics before they begin creeping downstairs on walls, around windows, tucked among folds in curtains or sitting on bed pillows. Within the past two years, Moyer has leased and installed over 50 UV light traps that measure 30” long and 12” high in homeowners’ attics and crawl spaces. Flying insects like stinkbugs actively search out UV rays and are drawn to the light, mistaking it for the sun’s rays. Once drawn, the pests stick to the light and are trapped. Bob Williamson, Moyer’s general manager, advises, “It’s critical to start treatments early in the season. We offer an exterior treatment that can be applied to repel stinkbugs from entering your house before cold weather hits, and our UV light traps help catch any that are able to find a way into your home.” Another tip is to winterize your home as best as possible. Seal cracks around windows and doors, and caulk around areas where pipes come into the home. Since it’s impossible to completely seal up a house, these preventative measures may not be effective enough. This is when a UV light trap is often your best defense against stinkbugs.
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Carlisle Wide Plank Floors®: Helping Green Life Smart Life™ Take the LEED

November 23, 2009

STODDARD, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When Kimberly and Joe Hageman decided to build a state-of-the-art LEED®-H certified green home on the Rhode Island coast, they researched both cutting-edge new technologies and various companies that had long been known for supplying green products. Carlisle Wide Plank Floors of Stoddard, New Hampshire, and its 100% FSC Certified Antique Reclaimed Flooring quickly became part of the mix. Working closely with the owners, Carlisle found just the right old barn, which had been slated for demolition, carefully dismantled it and a created gorgeous wide plank milled barnwood from the re-milled timbers. It covers almost half of the home’s 4,400 square feet and qualified for full LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) H points. “Carlisle became one of our favorite partners,” says Kimberly. “They really care about getting everything right and have a long history of green environmental practices.” Carlisle President Don Carlisle adds, “All our floors are custom crafted one board at a time, utilizing either newly sawn wood harvested from sustainably managed forests or true antique timbers from structures that would otherwise be demolished. We’re the number one supplier of FSC Certified Antique Reclaimed Wood in North America, and opting to use this precious commodity reduces the overall embodied energy of a floor and puts less stress on our natural resources. Plus, you get a wonderful look and feel that resonates like no other floor.” The home, which took well over a year to complete, isn’t merely a living residence. It is a showcase home offering a hands-on demonstration site where builders, architects, designers, schools, members of the media and the general public are invited to tour and learn about all the latest innovations in eco-friendly sustainable living. Foremost among the home’s features is an energy control system that uses various sensors to constantly monitor energy usage and maximize efficiencies. A geothermal system will provide all the home’s heating and cooling, via a 1,000-foot well. Small wonder that the home has already received strong endorsements from the green press and trade publications that cater to the construction and design industries. An open house for the public will be held Saturday, December 12 that will feature tours and demonstrations. For details, contact Ashley Daigneault at Ashley@castercomm.com.
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Flatiron Wins International Award for Innovative Bridge Construction Method

November 23, 2009

LONGMONT, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Construction Innovation Forum, an international organization that recognizes construction innovation, presented Flatiron with the prestigious NOVA Award for a new pile driving launching gantry method that reduces the environmental impacts of bridge construction. Flatiron successfully used the method at the Washington Bypass project in North Carolina to construct a 3-mile-long precast concrete bridge over protected wetlands and the Tar River. The patented process consists of two self-contained gantries capable of performing all the tasks associated with the bridge construction, including precast pile driving, girder erection, and bent cap construction. It is the world’s first application of the pile driving operation from an erection gantry. The method not only saves time and cost, it also eliminates the need for large cranes and temporary access trestles, significantly reducing environmental disturbances to the fragile wetlands below. “I am honored to receive this award and am thankful that Flatiron supports new ideas that ultimately improve the quality of construction,” said Flatiron’s senior vice president of engineering, Elie Homsi, who developed the technique and helped see it through to successful employment in the field. He accepted the award during a banquet on November 17 that was held in conjunction with the National Conference of the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) in Orlando, Fla. The Construction Innovation Forum (CIF) is an international, non-profit organization formed in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovation that improves the quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness of construction. The Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) exists to create a competitive advantage for construction users. CURT accomplishes this by providing aggressive leadership on those business issues that promote excellence in the creation of capital assets. Flatiron, with a construction volume of $1.04 billion in 2008, is one of the leading providers of transportation construction and civil engineering in North America. Its core competencies include major bridge, highway, and rail projects. Flatiron also operates as a contractor in public-private partnership projects. Founded in 1947, the firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, one of the world's leading international construction service providers. Further information is available at www.flatironcorp.com. HOCHTIEF is one of the leading international providers of construction-related services. With more than 64,000 employees and a sales volume of EUR 18,70 Mrd. Euro billion in FY 2008, the company is represented in all the world‘s major markets. The Group's service offering in the fields of development, construction, services, concessions and operation covers the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects, real estate and facilities. In the USA, the biggest construction market in the world, HOCHTIEF is the No. 1 general builder via its subsidiary Turner and, with Group company Flatiron, ranks among the most important players in the field of transportation infrastructure construction. With its subsidiary Leighton (HOCHTIEF share around 55 percent), the group is market leader in Australia. Because of its engagement for sustainability, HOCHTIEF has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2006. Further information is available at www.hochtief.com/press.
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New Home Green Materials and Learning Center Selects PV Powered Grid-Tied Inverters for Distribution

November 20, 2009

DUBLIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a move that strengthens New Home Green Materials and Learning Center’s market position, the California start-up has become a distributor for US-based PV Powered, an acknowledged innovation leader for grid-tied PV inverters in the residential, commercial and utility markets. PV Powered residential inverters deliver maximum energy harvest with the highest reliability and industry-leading efficiency from PV systems. The simple modular design provides a scalable platform with fewer components, higher system uptime and field-proven dependability. PV Powered has earned a reputation for superior support and offers online monitoring, providing secure, easy access to system performance and inverter status over the internet. This allows the system owner or installer to verify that maximum energy is being delivered, to review past performance data and provide service and support. “PV Powered manufactures very high efficiency inverters. Plus they have built their reputation on products engineered to long outlast their warranty and their competition,” said Jason Hamilton, head of New Home’s Renewable Energy Division. “Like New Home, PV Powered is helping to move forward the new green collar economy. We are happy to have them as a partner.” New Home will leverage its soon-to-launch platform of San Francisco Bay Area green home improvement superstores to make renewable energy systems and other green home innovations mainstream. New Home is emerging as a leading distributor of photovoltaic materials distribution with a unique partner approach for small to medium sized installers and contractors. With over 40 categories of green materials, New Home is the first one-stop shop for installers. “Inverters have historically been a significant source of system downtime. PV Powered is committed to building the most reliable inverters in the industry. That’s why we chose PV Powered as one of New Home’s family of solar products,” added Hamilton. For information on New Home's line of products, including PV Powered, call 925-828-8080 or email Jason Hamilton at jhamilton@newhomeinc.com.
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W. R. MEADOWS, INC. Forms New Subsidiary: Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. to Revive Celotex® Brand

November 20, 2009

HAMPSHIRE, IL– Construction products industry leader W. R. MEADOWS, INC. today announced the formation of a new subsidiary, Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc., to resume the manufacturing of Celotex® branded fiberboard products. The company made the announcement following its purchase of Knight-Celotex which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June of 2009. According to W. R. MEADOWS’ management, Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. is already preparing for the re-opening of the Celotex® plant in Danville, VA. Actual manufacturing operations are expected to begin in December. In addition, the re-opening of a second Celotex® plant in Lisbon Falls, ME is slated to coincide with growing market demand. According to chairman, H.G. Meadows, "W. R. MEADOWS, INC. is pleased to be in a position to launch Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. and re-open the Celotex® plant in Danville at a time when many businesses are struggling. As an 80-plus-year-old family-owned and operated company, we are equally pleased to welcome back many former plant employees. We know the quality and experience of the workforce will be an important contributing factor to Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc.’s overall success.” Meadows is also quick to say that decades-old synergies between W. R. MEADOWS and Celotex® helped cement this new relationship. Both companies have long been associated with quality, consistency and innovation in building products: Celotex® was originally established in 1920, while W. R. MEADOWS, INC. was founded in 1926 and began doing business with Celotex® around 1930. “The formation of Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. is an extension of W. R. MEADOWS’ commitment to providing architects, engineers and contractors with the best quality products possible,” said Meadows. “Under the Blue Ridge Fiberboard, Inc. banner, Celotex® products such as Structodek® roofing insulation board, SoundStop® fiberboard panels, SturdyBrace® structural wall sheathing and VersaKor® all-purpose fiberboard will continue to offer building professionals the same uncompromising performance they have depended on in the past.” ABOUT W. R. MEADOWS, INC.: Founded by W. R. "Bob" Meadows in 1926 in Elgin, Illinois, W. R. MEADOWS is a family-owned and operated company that has built a coveted reputation for product quality, company integrity and customer service among building professionals in both private and public construction markets. W. R. MEADOWS has multiple branch locations throughout North America and its products are available worldwide.
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Whirlpool(R) Appliances to be Featured in New Line of High-Quality, Affordable Sustainable Kit Homes

November 20, 2009

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (Nov. 19, 2009) – Whirlpool Corporation has jumped on board of an exciting, new initiative for sustainable homebuilding, which aims to make eco-conscious, energy-efficient homes more affordable for the average homebuyer. The American Sustainability Initiative — or AmeriSus, for short — will launch in January with a goal of placing 12,000 affordable sustainable homes throughout 15 states over the next two years. And, each of these homes will feature energy-efficient Whirlpool brand appliances. “We selected Whirlpool(R) brand appliances for our sustainable home designs because we know Whirlpool Corporation is very committed to producing high-quality, energy-efficient products.” said Charlie Kamps, managing director of AmeriSus. “They have an excellent reputation and years of global experience — more reasons we are happy to have them as a part of our team in this venture.” Based in Philadelphia, AmeriSus is a consortium of design and development professionals focused on providing creative designs and materials for energy-efficient homes that are within the price range of the average American homebuyer. The idea is to reduce environmental impact, while offering homeowners more reasonable home prices and the lower utility bills of an energy-efficient home. “We established AmeriSus two years ago to demonstrate that affordability, efficiency and sustainability are not mutually exclusive,” Kamps said. “For many households, the cost of home ownership has become a financial burden.” AmeriSus has expanded on the “kit home” concept, popularized by Sears, Roebuck and Co. in the first half of the 20th Century, allowing such pre-construction activities as design, engineering, procurement and logistics to be optimized for builders. Everything from nuts and bolts to appliances and finishes are included as part of one complete building package available through AmeriSus’ proprietary Ready Build System(TM). An ever-growing line of architectural layouts is available to builders and homebuyers via the AmeriSus Web site, where selections and upgrades in such areas as appliances, flooring, fixtures and energy systems can be made. AmeriSus selected products, materials and services from more than 30 “Best-In-Class” companies across the globe, such as Whirlpool Corporation, IKEA, and FedEx, which epitomize sustainability in their products and daily operations. “We are thrilled to partner with AmeriSus in this exciting new sustainable building venture. Whirlpool is a strong proponent of sustainable building, and this is a wonderful opportunity to make sustainably built homes available to a wider variety of people,” said Mitchell Isert, North Atlantic contract division director at Whirlpool Corporation. When the selection process is complete, AmeriSus ships all of the design plans, building materials and finishes to the home site, saving several steps for builders. For more information on AmeriSus, go to amerisus.com. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Market Insight to support building professionals. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2008, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.
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ECO(TM) by Cosentino Wins Multiple Industry Awards in Innovation and Sustainability

November 19, 2009

Environmentally-Friendly Surface Sets New Standard for Green Building Practices NEW YORK, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- ECO(TM) by Cosentino, (www.ecobycosentino.com), a revolutionary new line of sustainable countertop and surfacing material composed of 75% recycled material, is proud to announce its sweeping win in multiple industry awards in innovation and sustainability. Selected by a distinguished panel of judges, editors, industry leaders, and consumers, ECO(TM) by Cosentino has won the 2009 Building Products Green Product Awards, Multi-Housing News Green Initiative Awards, Interiors & Sources Readers Choice Awards. Additionally, ECO(TM) by Cosentino was awarded the Innovative Product of the Year at the 2009 Stone Expo in Las Vegas and was won the Best Construction Product at 2009 Construmat, the leading international construction fair in Barcelona, Spain. "We are thrilled by the industry's overwhelmingly positive response and are proud to deliver a categorically innovative and beautiful product," said Lorenzo Marquez, Vice President of Marketing of Cosentino North America. "These industry awards and recognition are an important indication that ECO(TM) by Cosentino is helping to fill a void in the market by providing a sustainable surfacing material that does not sacrifice design or performance." Continuing to set an unprecedented standard for the green building and sustainable design industries, ECO(TM) by Cosentino was selected as a winner of the Green Product Awards by Building Products magazine. The winning products were selected based on their sustainable attributes including energy efficiency, resource efficiency, innovation, and their overall value to residential contractors employing green practices. As the winners of Multi-Housing News' Green Initiative Awards, ECO(TM) by Cosentino was recognized as an environmentally-friendly countertop product. The award also recognizes the company's corporate green initiatives and commitment to the environment. Additionally, ECO(TM) by Cosentino was selected as the Readers' Choice for Surfacing Materials in an online survey performed by Interiors & Sources magazine. With thousands of unique votes cast, ECO(TM) by Cosentino was the favorite choice for consumer's who looked for a beautiful sustainable product that is durable, and has high stain, scratch and scorch performance. ECO(TM) by Cosentino is composed of 75% post-industrial and post-consumer recycled raw material, including: mirrors salvaged from houses, building and factories; glass from windows and bottles; granulated glass from consumer recycling practices; porcelain from china, tiles, sinks, toilets and decorative elements; and industrial furnace residuals from factories in the form of crystallized ashes. By utilizing these recycled materials, Cosentino is "upcycling" products that have reached the end of their lifecycle - meaning that they cannot be incorporated in to any other industrial product and would otherwise collect in landfill sites. Since its launch, ECO has achieved several industry certifications including Cradle-to-Cradle, GREENGUARD Children's & Schools, and NSF 51 Certification. Architects and building teams will gain points toward LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for a building project that utilizes ECO(TM) by Cosentino surfacing. ECO(TM) by Cosentino is available at all Lowe's stores nationwide as well as specialty kitchen and bath distributors and showrooms across the country. ECO(TM) by Cosentino offers consumers a 10-year warranty. For more information, visit www.ecobycosentino.com.
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Serious Materials’ SeriousWindows Win Building Products’ 2009 Green Product Award

November 19, 2009

Super-insulating SeriousWindows Are Recognized for Innovation and Sustainability SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Serious Materials, a leading energy-saving building materials company in the U.S., received the 2009 Green Product Award, as part of Building Products Fall issue, for its super-insulating, high R-value SeriousWindows. Serious Materials’ SeriousWindows are the only windows out of 16 products to be honored with this award. According to the editors, the 2009 Green Product Awards represent those product introductions that excelled in three areas: sustainability, value to the contractor, and innovation. Building Products Magazine is the premier information source for builders and remodelers searching for what's new in building materials and products. The 16 winners were judged on their green and sustainable attributes, including, but not limited to, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, and/or health and comfort. Each product also was evaluated on its innovation and overall value to residential construction professionals’ use of green building practices. The Green Product Awards were open to all categories of residential building products, materials, and technologies introduced between January 2008 and April 2009. The award winners represent the best new products that contribute to green-built homes and that bring the most value to builders, remodelers, or architects, or their clients. “It’s a great honor to be the only windows manufacturer given this award and to have our super-insulating windows highlighted as one of just a handful of green products chosen by Building Products Magazine’s editors,” said Kevin Surace, CEO of Serious Materials. “They really understand how crucial windows are to the energy efficiency of homes. By installing SeriousWindows, you can not only cut up to 40 percent off your energy bills, but you benefit from greater visibility, daylight, and more comfort all year round.” Super-insulating SeriousWindows offer full frame, high R-value of up to R-11. This performance is up to four times higher than major brands and current Energy Star requirements and can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 40% depending on climate zone. Available in a full line of fiberglass and vinyl frames, SeriousWindows offer UV protection of 99 percent, superior condensation control, year-round thermal efficiency and comfort, and maximize architectural freedom with complete range of styles, color and hardware options. SeriousWindows are available in a full range of commercial and residential styles, including single-hung, double-hung, picture, gliders, casement, gliding doors, swing doors, and storefront systems. SeriousWindows may be ordered through authorized dealers across the U.S. or customers may call (800) 797-8159 for more information or go to www.SeriousWindows.com.
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Wilsonart Achieves Third-Party Certification for Laminate Flooring

November 19, 2009

First FSC-certified Laminate Flooring Manufacturer in North America TEMPLE, Texas, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilsonart Flooring is the first laminate flooring manufacturer to earn Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody certification, ensuring that products marked with the recognizable FSC "checkmark and tree" ecologo were sourced from responsibly managed forests. Through the use of materials from well-managed forests and recycled sources, Wilsonart offers High Pressure Laminate (HPL) Flooring manufactured in the USA that provides a responsible solution for green building projects. Wilsonart enlisted Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) for certification services based on the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody standard (certification number SCS-COC-002415). FSC is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. "Achieving this standard for our HPL flooring is a major achievement, given its inherent thickness and the greater complexity of layers necessary to achieve our flooring's standards for durability, performance and longevity, while also meeting FSC chain of custody requirements," said Joe Branch, Manager of Technology of Wilsonart Flooring. "We are proud to be the HPL manufacturer that establishes this industry benchmark." Wilsonart's high pressure laminate business lies mostly in the commercial sector and Wilsonart understands the importance of working with customers to achieve their necessary LEED qualification requirements. "This certification can contribute to our customers' LEED Certified projects under MR Credit 7: Certified Wood and MR 4: Recycled Content" said Rajesh Ramamurthy, Wilsonart's Director of Sustainability. All Wilsonart Flooring is rated for commercial use and is suitable for corporate, healthcare, hospitality, retail, education and multi-family housing segments. "FSC certification allows Wilsonart® Flooring to compete with other FSC products such as wood/veneer and solid wood species. The enhanced performance characteristics of the HPL surface: durability, design flexibility and longevity are icing on the cake," said Ramamurthy. For more information on Wilsonart's FSC solutions, contact your local Wilsonart representative. WILSONART FLOORING AT GREENBUILD EXPO 09 - FSC School Wilsonart Flooring was part of the "FSC School" at this year's Greenbuild Expo (Nov. 11 - 13) in Phoenix, Ariz. The purpose of the exhibit was to inspire architects, interior designers, developers and other design/construction professionals and demonstrate the importance of wood products that originate in forests where management practices are environmentally sound, socially respectful and economically viable. Given the strong growth in specifications for FSC-certified wood products especially within the education sector, Wilsonart Flooring's third-party certification provides a solution for customers at a time when the demand is growing for these products. Wilsonart certification is posted on www.fsc.org and www.scscertified.com. For more information, call the Wilsonart Customer Service Hotline at 800-433-3222. Customers can also visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/sustain.wilsonart.com/. Wilsonart International was founded in 1956 and has since grown to become the leading producer of High Pressure Decorative Laminate in North America. The company has achieved success through a combination of outstanding service, high-quality products and a focus on continuously redefining the laminate surface through improved performance and aesthetics. Wilsonart Flooring was introduced in 1995 and has continuously earned top honors for quality by floor covering retailers. All Wilsonart Flooring products are manufactured in the USA in Temple, Texas. Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for more than 25 years. In addition to certification for the Forest Stewardship Council's Forest Management and Chain of Custody programs, SCS programs recognize accomplishments in agricultural production, food processing and handling, fisheries, flowers and plants, energy, green building, consumer and business products, and corporate social responsibility. www.SCScertified.com/forestry.
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New Home Green Materials To Offer ET Solar Panels and Tracking Systems

November 18, 2009

DUBLIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Home Green Materials and Learning Center is proud to announce its new collaborative relationship with ET Solar Group Corp ("ET Solar"), one of the top providers of photovoltaic systems in the world today. New Home, a soon-to-launch California-based chain of green home improvement superstores, is emerging as a leader in photovoltaic materials distribution with a unique partner approach for small to medium sized installers and contractors. With 39 categories of green materials, it offers one-stop shopping for installers. "I'm excited about the new relationship between New Home and ET Solar," said New Home CEO and founder Rich Rifkin. "From what I've seen, ET is a solid company with a high quality product which our customers demand as a defense against some of the well-known lower performing products on the market." ET Solar is a Nanjing-based vertical integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic ("PV") products (ingot, wafer, modules and tracking systems) and solar power solutions provider. ET Solar's projects range across the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. ET's high-power solar panels of 275 to 280 watts makes them a more economically viable choice for commercial installation because they are more cost-effective; requiring less labor and supplies. Their black frame modules can meet aesthetic requirements for residential and smaller commercial applications. "New Home offers a very unique business model at the right moment in time. This exciting new retail concept will really give consumers a chance to do their share to help reduce their climate impact. We are very happy to be part of this effort as a supplier," said ET Vice President Linhui Sui PhD. New Home is pleased to offer ET's excellent panels and tracking systems as one of our inaugural product lines in the launch of our renewable energy division.
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Whirlpool Corporation Issues Global Sustainability Report

November 18, 2009

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (Nov. 18, 2009) – Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, today announced the release of the company’s first global, comprehensive sustainability report. The report provides an overview of the company’s efforts to make a sustainable difference in the world. The company also produces an annual report and, for the first time, is making a detailed Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) report publicly available, in addition to other required regulatory filings. These reports reflect the company’s commitment to openly communicating with its stakeholders about its economic, social and environmental performance. Whirlpool Corporation is an industry leader in developing high-performance appliances that help conserve the earth's resources and allow homeowners to use resources more efficiently. The company continually strives to understand and manage the environmental effects of its business, not only by creating new and innovative products that consume less energy and water, but also by improving processes and using materials that minimize the impact on the planet. Whirlpool Corporation has a long-term commitment to environmental protection and natural resource efficiency, which began 40 years ago with the creation of a corporate office for environmental control. In 2003, Whirlpool became the world's first appliance manufacturer to announce a global greenhouse gas reduction target. Recently, the company announced that by 2015, it will make all the electronically controlled appliances it produces – everywhere in the world – capable of receiving and responding to signals from smart grids. Whirlpool Corporation has received global recognition for its social and environmental performance. The company was recently named one of the “Greenest Big Companies in America” by Newsweek magazine and is included in the FTSE4Good and the KLD Domini 400 Social and Global Sustainability Indexes. Whirlpool also was named one of FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies,” one of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Chief Responsibility Officer magazine, one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere magazine and one of the “Top 50 Most Respected U.S. Companies” by the Reputation Institute. Detailed information about the company’s financial performance is available in its 2008 annual report and its 10-K filing on the corporate Web site at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/investors.whirlpoolcorp..com. More information on Whirlpool Corporation’s sustainability performance can be found in the Whirlpool Sustainability Report and companion GRI Matrix, available at www.whirlpoolcorp.com/responsibility. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Market Insight to support building professionals. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2008, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit www.insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.
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BuildingGreen Recognizes Rheem Heat Pump Water Heater as a Top-10 Product for 2009

November 17, 2009

PHOENIX, Nov. 16 /PRnewswire/ -- The new integrated air-source HP-50 Heat Pump Water Heater from Rheem Water Heating was recently named one of BuildingGreen's Top-10 Products for 2009. Presented during the Greenbuild Expo in Phoenix on November 12, the award recognizes products listed over the past year in BuildingGreen's product directory, GreenSpec®, or covered in Environmental Building News magazine. This past September, Rheem became the first industry manufacturer to announce delivery of a fully integrated, high-efficiency heat pump water heater to both the plumbing wholesale and utility channels. The new HP-50 Heat Pump Water Heater, which meets the qualifications for an ENERGY STAR® listing, offers an Energy Factor (EF) of 2.0, or more than twice the energy efficiency of a standard electric storage water heater. "The average annual operating cost will be between $225 and $280, or roughly half that of even the most efficient standard electric water heaters on the market today," says Rheem product manager Tommy Olsen. The energy-saving design will help a family reduce its carbon footprint by nearly two tons annually. In addition, the HP-50, which has a storage capacity of 50 gallons, qualifies for a federal tax credit as well as many state and utility rebates and incentives. Measuring only 21 inches in diameter and 75.5 inches tall, the HP-50 offers a slimmer, more portable profile that makes installation in spaces with restricted access -- including attics and basement mechanical rooms --easier. "That's why this new unit is an easy retrofit product for existing electric installations," Olsen comments. "If a 240-volt electric service is located nearby, it can replace a gas model as well." BuildingGreen, LLC, is an independent company with a longstanding reputation for publishing accurate, unbiased and timely information for building professionals interested in improving the environmental performance of buildings and surrounding landscapes. GreenSpec, the nation's most comprehensive directory of green building products, includes more than 2,000 listings. The directory does not carry advertising, and manufacturers do not pay for listings. Product selection is based on a careful evaluation of products according to green criteria developed by Environmental Building News editors of over the past 15 years. More than 175 new listings have been added to the directory over the past year. From these, the BuildingGreen staff selected 10 products for special recognition, including the Rheem HP-50 Heat Pump Water Heater, which was ranked sixth. "Our intent with this annual award is to draw national attention to some of the most exciting and innovative new products in the green building field," says Alex Wilson of BuildingGreen and executive editor of GreenSpec. For more information on the Rheem HP-50 Heat Pump Water Heater, please visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.rheemhpwh.com/
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DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle Named a Best Invention of 2009 by TIME Magazine

November 17, 2009

MIDLAND, Mich., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Dow Chemical Company's (NYSE:DOW) DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle, the revolutionary flexible photovoltaic solar cell packaged in the form of a roofing shingle that can be easily integrated with standard asphalt shingle materials, has been named one of "The 50 Best Inventions of 2009" by TIME magazine. "The introduction of the DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle exemplifies Dow's commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the world's most critical challenges," said Jane Palmieri, Managing Director of Dow Solar Solutions. "This groundbreaking technology will make affordable renewable energy a reality now and for future generations. Dow is proud to be recognized by TIME magazine - a strong testimonial to the power of our chemistry and science to deliver sustainable solutions." The DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle integrates low-cost, thin-film CIGS photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design, which represents a multi-functional solar energy generating roofing product. The innovative product design reduces installation costs because conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors - no specialized skills or knowledge of solar array installations are required. Additionally, Dow and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) recently announced the signing of a multi-year research collaboration that is strategic to both organizations' interests in solar energy. The arrangement is aimed at developing the next generation of ultra low cost, high efficiency photovoltaic materials and will accelerate the speed to market for these next generation materials. Based on earth abundant elements, these new PV materials should further reduce the cost of Dow's building integrated photovoltaic line, including the DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle. "Products like the DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle demonstrate what the innovation engine of the new Dow can do," said David Parrillo, Senior R&D Director for Dow Solar Solutions. "Dow's innovation pipeline is robust and will allow us to continue to develop new building related photovoltaic materials and solutions. The collaboration with Caltech is projected to keep affordability and accessibility at the forefront of Dow's solar photovoltaic product lines and is another example of how Dow's leadership and innovation will further unlock the power of the sun for the masses." The DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle systems are expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and projected to be more widely available in 2011, putting the power of solar electricity generation directly and conveniently in the hands of homeowners. To learn more about the DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle visit www.dowsolar.com
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Young leaves McGraw-Hill Construction

November 17, 2009

Story posted: November 10, 2009 - 2:24 pm EDT New York—McGraw-Hill Cos. said Monday that Norbert Young, who was president of McGraw-Hill Construction, has left the company. In a statement, the company said, “Glenn Goldberg, president of McGraw-Hill Information & Media, has direct operating responsibility for McGraw-Hill Construction and will be assisted in day-to-day operations by Robert Stuono, senior vice president and general manager of McGraw-Hill Construction.” When asked if Young’s departure was prompted by a lawsuit filed by competitor Reed Construction Data in October that alleged McGraw-Hill Construction had engaged in corporate espionage, a company spokesperson declined to comment beyond asserting: “We take the allegations seriously. We’re continuing to conduct an investigation, and we plan to vigorously defend ourselves against the lawsuit."
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New Trex® Transcend™ Innovates and Elevates Outdoor Living Category

November 16, 2009

New Decking and Railing Couples Enduring Beauty and Unmatched Performance WINCHESTER, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The best has just gotten better. Already the established industry leader, Trex Company (NYSE: TWP) is expanding its portfolio of durable and beautiful outdoor living products with the new Trex Transcend™ decking and railing system. This revolutionary collection boasts an unprecedented combination of performance and aesthetics guaranteed to outperform wood, composite and PVC for decades. Trex Transcend will begin shipping to distributor partners on Jan. 4, 2010 – with the product scheduled to roll-out at retailers nationwide in February. “Trex Transcend is a game-changing product that quite simply exceeds all other materials in the marketplace,” said Ron Kaplan, president and CEO of Trex, the nation’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing, fencing and trim products. “Since inventing the concept of durable and low-maintenance outdoor living products nearly 20 years ago, we’ve consistently introduced design and manufacturing innovations that have secured Trex’s position as the preferred brand among both consumers and professionals. With Transcend, we’re combining all of the benefits of our existing collections with proprietary new technologies that offer unparalleled durability, wear-resistance and long-lasting good looks.” Engineered with an exclusive nine-element surface formulation, Trex Transcend decking combines a finish that resists stains, scratches and mold with a distinctive and natural-looking, high-definition wood grain pattern The key to Trex Transcend’s extreme durability is its integrated shell, which is two to three times thicker than that of other manufacturers’ products. Each board is protected on three sides for superior defense against severe weather, heavy foot traffic and everyday occurrences like wet planter pots, red wine rings, spilled food and dropped grilling tools. The underside of each board breathes to avoid surface separation and ensure lifelong endurance. As a result, consumers receive comfort and beauty without the maintenance issues of wood and the plastic-like appearance of PVC. Like all Trex products, Transcend won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter – and upkeep is hassle-free. The product requires no sanding, staining or painting, and its protective shell defends against fading while being extremely low maintenance. In fact, spills wash off easily with just soap and water. The entire Transcend decking collection is also backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty that is unprecedented in the industry. Trex Transcend is offered in four rich colors that are engineered right into the board – allowing for a deeper, more natural appearance and ensuring that the vibrancy and hue of the product will remain unchanged for decades to come. Each Trex Transcend deck board is available in two profile options – square and grooved. The grooved boards accommodate the Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fastening System, which allows for a smooth, unfettered finish free of nails and other visible fasteners. The collection also includes a completely modular railing system that enables consumers to mix or match decking and railing components to create a customized look specifically tailored to their outdoor living areas. “Through Trex Transcend, we’re elevating the entire decking category and creating new standards for performance and aesthetics,” said Kaplan. “No alternative outdoor living product truly has delivered the benefits of both composite and PVC decking until now. That’s why we’re confident Trex Transcend is in a class of its own.” Trex extensively tested Transcend among 1,500 consumers and 500 contractors to ensure that it would deliver on its promise to be the best product on the marketplace. Transcend decking and railing also remain true to Trex’s environmentally-friendly legacy – the decking contains 95 percent recycled content, and the railing uses entirely reclaimed wood, contributing to the LEED points of any residential or commercial structure. Trex saves approximately 600 million pounds of plastic and wood scrap from landfills each year and recycles approximately 1.5 billion plastic grocery bags – seven out of every 10 in the United States.
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UL Environment to Develop Additional Green Building Standards

November 13, 2009

New Industry Standards for Stone, Ceramic, Clay and Glass Building Materials and Windows Add to Program Milestones NORTHBROOK, Ill., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- UL Environment (ULE) announces at Greenbuild 2009 that it intends to develop standards for sustainability in new industry categories: stone, ceramic, clay and glass building materials and glazing materials, windows and associated hardware and accessories. The standards establish environmental requirements for these building products and the environmental criteria are based on the life cycle impacts and health effects of the associated products. ULE's new sustainability standards will draw on input from UL Environment Standard Technical Panels (STPs) comprised of stakeholders such as manufacturers, government entities, consumer interest groups, product installers, users, distributors and testing organizations. These standards will set minimum environmental requirements and create a progressive and tiered approach allowing sustainability leaders to highlight their achievements. The new standards announcement brings the categories in which ULE is driving the development of sustainability standards to five separate categories covering multiple products: stone, ceramic, clay and glass building materials; glazing materials windows and associated hardware and accessories; doors and related hardware; mineral board, fiberboard and wallboard; and, suspended ceiling materials and systems. Since its launch in early 2009, the company has made several announcements regarding top companies participating in its Environmental Claims Validation (ECV) program. EcoRock® from Serious Materials was the first company to achieve an ECV from ULE. Most recently companies including Owens Corning and LG Electronics have gone through ULE's ECV program, providing the market with products that not only say they are environmentally-preferable, but carry specific, validated claims. Owens Corning, an industry leader in residential and commercial building materials, received the ULE ECV for a minimum of 35 percent recycled content in its manufactured stone and veneer products, Cultured Stone® and ProStone®. These products represent the first manufactured stone veneer products to receive third party validation for recycled content. By the end of the year, ULE will announce the first-ever company to complete the ULE Sustainable Product Certification (SPC) program for meeting the NSF 140-2007 sustainability standards for commercial carpet. "The building industry is one of the first industries to see concentrated efforts for sustainability including building with sustainable design and energy efficiency," said Steve Wenc, President, UL Environment. "It has been the first to begin to prove out environmental claims within product categories and it makes sense for us to start here in terms of development of environmental standards for the industry." ULE is an official certifying body for BIFMA level(TM) Program, a multi-attribute sustainability standard and for the furniture industry. ULE's validations and certifications also help manufacturers achieve the NAHB Research Center "Green Approved" product seal, which qualifies products to earn points toward National Green Building Certification under the ICC-700 National Green Building Standard(TM). ULE anticipates drafts of all sustainability standards announced in 2009 to be ready by the end of 2010.
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BuildingGreen Publishing Company Names Thermafiber(R) Mineral Wool Insulation a Top-10 Product

November 13, 2009

Recycled content, sustainable attributes help earn prestigious award WABASH, Ind., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermafiber mineral wool insulation has been selected as one of the top-10 products of 2009 by the editors at BuildingGreen publishing. The eighth annual award recognizes the most innovative and appealing green building products added to the company's GreenSpec® Product Directory or covered in Environmental Building News during the past year. "It is an honor for Thermafiber to be chosen as a top-10 green building product for 2009," says Steve Edris, Thermafiber's President and CEO. "Our products offer up to 90% recycled content -- the highest of any commercial insulation. In addition, our insulation helps buildings conserve energy, control noise, improve indoor air quality, improve life safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We appreciate BuildingGreen's recognition of the sustainable attributes our products provide." As in previous years, BuildingGreen selected its top-10 products primarily from new additions to the company's GreenSpec Product Directory, which includes thousands of products. "Our selections of the top-10 green building products represent a wide range of product types in many application areas," noted BuildingGreen founder and Executive Editor Alex Wilson. "Many of the top-10 products this year have multiple environmental attributes." The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System continues to drive the development of green products. The LEED system awards points for the use of certain product types or for energy/water savings. "Designers of LEED buildings are looking for green products, and manufacturers are responding," Wilson said. Thermafiber's commercial mineral wool products contribute up to 33 LEED credits across four categories. About Thermafiber Thermafiber, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of premium mineral wool insulation products for commercial, residential, industrial and marine applications. Thermafiber commercial insulation products are specified 4-to-1 over other brands and have been installed in 5 of the 7 tallest buildings in the world. To learn more about Thermafiber, visit www.thermafiber.com. Thermafiber mineral wool insulation has been recognized as a 2009 Top-10 Green Building product.
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Eco-Efficiency Analysis of Wall Systems Confirms: Smallest Ecological Footprint Belongs to EIFS

November 12, 2009

Results introduced at the GreenBuild 2009 tradeshow in Phoenix, Arizona PHOENIX, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- BASF Wall Systems today announced the results of an Eco-Efficiency Analysis comparing brick, stucco and Senergy® Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). The detailed Eco-Efficiency Analysis was performed to determine the balance of environmental burden and life cycle costs associated with the construction, use and disposal of commercial exterior wall claddings in the United States. The analysis considered the ecological impact of processes involved in the extraction, conversion, maintenance and disposal of each component used in the three wall claddings. The performance of each cladding was evaluated in six key environmental categories: energy consumption; emissions; toxicity potential; occupational illness and accidents; resource consumption; and land use. The ecological assessment was combined with a Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCA) of the three claddings, creating a comprehensive assessment of both cost and ecological impact. Findings of the Study The study's results show that: -- Senergy EIFS has the smallest ecological footprint in every category of environmental impact. Both brick and stucco construction are more material-intensive than EIFS. Stucco provides an environmental impact that is greater than EIFS, but less than brick. -- The lifecycle cost of Senergy EIFS and stucco were much lower than brick. Brick was more expensive in all three phases: production, use and disposal. -- Brick provides the least eco-efficient wall cladding due to its higher cost and larger ecological footprint. The study was based upon a comparison of a 3,000 square foot, eight story wall section clad with either EIFS, stucco or single-wythe brick built on steel stud infill construction with gypsum sheathing. The walls were equally insulated (U-0.077) and were supported at 12' intervals. A 50-year service life was selected, based on published data and methods outlined in the Canadian Standards Association S478-95 Guideline on Durability in Buildings standard. Eco-Efficiency Analyses are conducted to enable identification of efficient production processes and creation of products and services that reduce resource use, waste, and pollution along the entire value chain. From a construction industry perspective, Eco-Efficiency Analysis can help designers understand the implications of design decisions with a level of confidence that was not previously available. BASF has conducted more than 400 Eco-Efficiency Analysis studies worldwide on an array of products and services, since the methodology was developed in 1996.
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SAFETOUCH(TM) Fiberglass-Free Insulation is an itch-free alternative that performs as well as traditional fiberglass insulation

November 12, 2009

MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- First launched in 2007 in a very select group of markets, SAFETOUCH(TM) Fiberglass-Free Insulation is now available in 53 demographic market areas (DMAs). Manufactured from the same polyester fibers as clothing and bedding, SAFETOUCH(TM) has become increasingly popular as an itch-free alternative to traditional batt insulation. No special protection, gloves, or goggles are required when using SAFETOUCH(TM) because the product does not irritate skin and does not create glass dust. It is similar to its fiberglass counterparts in terms of sound deadening capabilities, R-value, and durability, and also offers additional benefits not found in other insulation: -- Flexible - easily fitted and repositioned. -- Friction fit - holds itself in place in most cases, so there's no need for staples. For ceiling applications it can be stapled or nailed with standard equipment. -- Workable - score the facer with a knife then tear by hand. Unfaced batts do not need to be cut and can be torn to length by hand. No gloves, goggles, or special equipment required Some of the most common areas to use SAFETOUCH(TM) include a home's exterior stud walls, sound deadening interior walls, basement walls and ceiling, attic floors, and crawl spaces. Under the new American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners who purchase SAFETOUCH(TM) may be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of the amount paid for the qualified energy effiency improvements. The Dow Chemical Company manufactures STYROFOAM(TM) Branded Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation, along with GREAT STUFF(TM) Insulating Foam Sealant, which also qualify for the tax rebate.
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Serious Materials Launches QuietRock ES which is 4X Easier to Use than Other Brands

November 12, 2009

Breakthrough Technology Delivers Lowest-Cost, Type X Soundproof Drywall SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Serious Materials, a leading energy-saving building materials company in the U.S., today launched QuietRock® ES soundproof drywall with EZ-SNAP™ Technology which is 4X easier to score and snap than other brands. QuietRock ES is the lowest-cost, sound-reducing Type X drywall available today and the only one without any paper in the middle. The advanced, patent pending approach incorporates new gypsum core technology which offers greater strength, enhanced fire resistance, and easier and cleaner score and snap than even standard gypsum board. Manufactured completely in the U.S., QuietRock ES delivers acoustical ratings of up to STC 55 on single stud construction and is designed to complement Serious Materials’ family of QuietRock products which are available with ratings up to STC 80. Unlike old methods such as resilient channel, it cannot be easily shorted out in the field, thus yielding superior results with less cost and supervision. And unlike other brands of soundproof drywall, it can be scored and snapped as easy as regular drywall, yielding lower labor costs and higher productivity. Serious Materials invented acoustical drywall in 2002, and now has more than 2 million panels installed in 50,000 successful projects. “QuietRock ES is another example of how we continue to innovate and obsolete older approaches,” said Kevin Surace, CEO of Serious Materials. “Our customers asked for a product that was lower cost and far easier to use than any other product from any other manufacturer. We listened intently and delivered. Simply put: No one else has this level of advanced technology in the space at any price…let alone the lowest price.” “With QuietRock ES being 4 times easier to score and snap, and more affordable, it is clearly way ahead of other sound-reducing drywall products on the market today, which simply sandwich two pieces of drywall together and have 2-layers of paper in the middle,” said Craig St. John, President of Westwood Building Materials. “I can’t wait to get this in the hands of my customers.” “QuietRock ES is just as easy to score and snap as regular gypsum and handles very well,” said Paul Repetto from Eric Stark Interiors. “I can tell from the texture of the material that cutting out outlets or other openings will be easy. I absolutely will recommend using it for common walls and other sound applications instead of some of those old, antiquated sound-reducing products.” Disruptive Manufacturing Approach Delivers QuietRock ES with EZ-SNAP Technology Serious Materials has developed patent-pending, disruptive, automated manufacturing processes to create QuietRock ES with EZ-SNAP Technology, making obsolete the old line process of how traditional sound-reducing drywall is made. Nearly 4 years in the making, Serious Materials engineered an advanced gypsum core technology and created a breakthrough manufacturing process that splits the core down the center, dispenses proprietary polymers in a specified and proprietary pattern inside, presses the two halves back together and seals the edges. About QuietRock ES with EZ-SNAP Technology 5/8 inch QuietRock ES is load bearing, Type X, 1-hour fire-rated, abuse-resistant panel that scores and snaps easier than standard drywall. QuietRock ES is designed to install and hang just like standard drywall. A typical QuietRock ES wall assembly, with QuietRock ES on both sides of single wood studs, has an STC rating of 52 compared with a typical gypsum wall assembly, with gypsum on both sides of single wood studs, which has an STC rating of 39. QuietRock ES delivers ratings up to STC 55 on single steel stud construction. Benefits of QuietRock ES with EZ-SNAP Technology include: * Ease of use: QuietRock ES has no paper in the middle, is even easier to score and snap than regular gypsum, and is 4X easier to use than other brands of sound-reducing drywall. There is no need to use a saw to cut the panel. * Lowest cost: QuietRock ES is less expensive than any other brand of acoustical drywall (as of today) and is easier and faster to install, which leads to increased productivity and lower labor costs. * High performance and reliability: QuietRock ES outperforms other sound-reducing methods, and can be used on ceilings and load bearing walls. Unlike resilient channel, QuietRock ES cannot be easily short circuited. About Serious Materials Serious Materials develops and manufactures sustainable green building materials that save energy, save money, improve comfort, and aggressively address climate change. Super-insulating high R-value SeriousWindows™ reduce heating and cooling energy costs by up to 40%. SeriousGlass™ industry-leading insulating commercial glass has been installed in thousands of projects and offers the highest energy savings in the industry. QuietRock® soundproof drywall reduces material use, enhances livability, and supports dense urban construction. EcoRock™ is the only true green alternative to gypsum drywall. Serious Materials’ products are manufactured in the company’s 5 factories across North America. For more information, visit www.SeriousMaterials.com.
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Autodesk Brings Together Digital Prototyping and Building Information Modeling

November 11, 2009

Digital Prototyping with Autodesk Inventor Software Helps Building Product Manufacturers Reilly Windows & Doors and Mestek, Inc., Collaborate More Effectively with AEC Firms PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greenbuild Expo 2009--Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced that building product manufacturers including Reilly Windows & Doors (Reilly) and Mestek, Inc., are successfully using the Autodesk solution for Digital Prototyping to collaborate with the building information modeling (BIM) process and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms. By providing “BIM-ready” product models that can be directly incorporated into the building design and construction process, product manufacturers help AEC firms make better design decisions around constructability, fit, aesthetics, performance and cost, while increasing their own ability to win new business. With the growing adoption of BIM in the building industry, AEC firms are increasingly requiring 3D, BIM-ready models from manufacturers as part of the acceptance criteria. Autodesk Inventor software gives building product manufacturers the ability to create digital prototypes of their products and then publish simplified 3D representations with intelligent connectors and product information as BIM objects. These 3D representations can be consumed by the Autodesk Revit suite of products, which are purpose-built BIM applications designed for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. BIM-ready models can also carry important information about a product’s green characteristics, providing early insight into potential LEED certification. Digital Prototyping as a Competitive Advantage Reilly designs, fabricates and installs custom windows and doors that exceed the expectations of even the most exacting clients. To create elegant, high-quality products, Reilly relies on a Digital Prototyping workflow based on Autodesk Inventor software to design, visualize and simulate its products digitally and to deliver models of its products to architects who use Autodesk Revit Architecture software. “Delivering 3D models to architects is a huge value, particularly because most architects can’t spend time creating realistic models of windows and doors,” said Michael John Iwanyczko, director of marketing at Reilly. “We’re offering them highly detailed 3D models that they can incorporate into their architectural designs — it’s another level of service that sets us apart.” Mestek, Inc., is a family of more than 30 specialty manufacturers providing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) products. For more than 40 years, the company has focused on creating a superior indoor environment for building occupants through its offerings. The company recently started using digital prototypes created in Inventor software to develop BIM objects and currently has a published library of more than 300 objects that can be downloaded directly into Revit models. “The ability to reuse our digital prototypes and repurpose that data to create BIM objects is very important for us, especially since our products tend to be complex and highly configured,” said Mike Kaler, general manager of Mestex, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Mestek. “Sharing these BIM objects with the architects and engineers provides tremendous time savings since we don’t have to create the content from scratch again.” “Autodesk’s established presence in both the AEC and manufacturing markets is enabling more effective communication and collaboration between disciplines,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “Using Inventor software-based solutions allow building product manufacturers to go beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping, and it allows our AEC customers to leverage digital prototypes in their Revit-based BIM workflows.”
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New Green Seal Company Certification Program Validates Green Claims

November 10, 2009

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer product manufacturers will now be able to prove their sustainability claims to customers and stockholders with a new certification program that rewards the highest levels of environmental performance and leadership. Green Seal, the 20-year old non-profit certifier of green products and services, is launching a pilot Company Certification Program that provides the first and only holistic assessment of a company’s product line and its business operations. The new program builds on Green Seal’s development of 30 environmental standards and certification of over 3,500 “green” products and services. This pilot program will certify companies as a whole based on their commitment to environmentally-sound business practices and sustainable products. Recognition of environmental leadership – at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels – will be based on corporate-wide practices and environmental impacts, third-party environmental certification of the company’s products, and life-cycle assessment of the company’s key product lines. Green Seal will factor in greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, biodiversity impact and labor relations, among other requirements. The pilot Company Certification Program represents a significant leap forward in green product certification programs by assessing entire companies rather than assessing one product at a time. Certification to the Green Seal standard will be done by teams of independent experts during on-site inspections and life-cycle assessments of the company’s supply chain and major products. Social and environmental impact studies will also be considered. Once completed, companies are given a license to use the Green Seal which, in addition to certifying their commitment to the environment for consumers, also provides greenwashing insurance for the business.
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Thermafiber(R) Introduces VersaBoard(TM) Mineral Wool Insulation

November 10, 2009

Multi-purpose commercial insulation has highest recycled content WABASH, Ind., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermafiber, Inc., has launched its new VersaBoard product line -- Thermafiber's newest product designed to meet multiple needs in commercial construction. VersaBoard is available in four densities (3.5 to 8.0 pcf). Like all Thermafiber insulation, VersaBoard is engineered to provide thermal insulation, fire protection and exceptional sound and noise absorption. Thermafiber can apply a variety of facings to VersaBoard during manufacturing to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of a building. VersaBoard also repels moisture and can be an exposed interior surface. Like all Thermafiber mineral wool products, VersaBoard has the highest recycled content (up to 90%) of any commercial insulation. VersaBoard contributes up to 33 LEED® credits across four categories. Thermafiber mineral wool insulation helps buildings conserve energy, control noise, improve indoor air quality, improve life safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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YKK AP America Improves Energy-Efficiency of Commercial Buildings with Addition of Two Products to enerGfacade Family

November 10, 2009

Commercial Building Industry Now Benefits From YKK AP’s Most Energy-Efficient Entrance in Its Class and Quick to Install Unitized Curtain Wall System AUSTELL, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visit us at Greenbuild, Booth #315: At Greenbuild, YKK AP America, the leader in manufacturing high quality architectural products, expands its enerGfacade family with the addition of two new aluminum fenestration products for commercial use, the MegaTherm® XT entrance and the YCU 750 TU unitized curtain wall. The most energy-efficient, aluminum swing entrance system in its class, the MegaTherm XT entrance provides resistance to energy loss and achieves U-factors as low as 0.49 when used with standard low-emissivity glazing. The YCU 750 TU is the first dry glazed, unitized curtain wall system manufactured in the U.S. that features a polyurethane barrier to minimize energy transfer. With the addition of these two products to the enerGfacade family, YKK AP further positions itself as a leading manufacturer of sustainable architectural products. “The new MegaTherm XT entrance and the YCU 750 TU curtain wall maximize energy savings by reducing overall heat transfer,” said Oliver Stepe, senior vice president for YKK AP. “Designed for exceptional durability and longevity, these products are ideal for construction projects looking to incorporate sustainable design or meet LEED requirements. With these new additions, we are bringing added value to our enerGfacade family while establishing a foothold toward the realization of net-zero buildings.” To conserve energy, the MegaTherm XT entrance is thermally-broken by YKK AP’s low conductive polymer strips, which separate exterior metal from interior metal, providing a continuous thermal barrier to reduce heat flow and condensation. Utilizing foam polymer inserts and a dual perimeter air seal, the entrance offers reduced air infiltration as well as superior acoustical performance over standard solutions. Available in YKK AP’s medium stile configuration, Model 35XT, and wide stile configuration, Model 50XT, the entrance is designed to accept one-inch insulating glazing units and a wide variety of hardware for customized applications. Door corners are mechanically joined and triple point welded to ensure long lasting performance and to withstand intense environmental conditions. The YCU 750 TU is a thermally-broken curtain wall system that is designed for speed of construction. This system helps address the most critical path of the “dry-in” process by allowing for rapid job site installation. As a result, the building takes less time to construct, allowing for quicker revenue generation. Utilizing YKK AP’s patented screw spline and dry glazing process, the YCU 750 TU can be quickly assembled and glazed in the shop to reduce the chance of weather delays and increase the quality control of the assembled unit. To meet the strictest building code requirements, the YCU 750 TU has been tested to industry standards for air, water, structural, seismic, acoustical and thermal performance. YKK AP America is showcasing the enerGfacade product line this week at Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, November 11-13 in Phoenix, Arizona in booth number 315. About YKK AP America YKK AP America Inc. manufactures entrances, storefronts, curtain walls, window walls, sunshades, windows and sliding doors for office buildings, residential high-rises, schools, stadiums, shopping centers and institutional structures. All building products are manufactured in ISO 14001 certified facilities in Dublin, Georgia – a standard for businesses that operate in a sustainable manner by reducing pollution and waste. The company has also been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for Exceptional Leadership in Industrial Energy Efficiency. YKK AP America is based in Austell, Ga. It is a subsidiary of YKK Corporation of America, whose parent company is global manufacturer YKK Corporation of Japan. For more information, visit www.ykkap.com.
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Alcoa’s Kawneer Architectural Aluminum Products Enhance Learning in an Environmentally Friendly Way

November 09, 2009

Kawneer Products Helps Build a New State-of-the-Art, Energy Efficient Intermediate School in Hot Springs, Arkansas HOT SPRINGS, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hot Springs Intermediate School, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, may appear to be an everyday, two-story school. But in taking a closer look at the aluminum, glass and brick building it is apparent that there is much more to the building than meets the eye. Sustainability was a key factor in creating the new school. It was important that the Intermediate School incorporate solutions that help provide a healthy, productive learning environment, such as increased daylighting and improved energy efficiency. To help achieve natural lighting, products from Alcoa’s Kawneer architectural aluminum products business were selected to help increase the durability, sustainability and energy efficiency of the school. The new school, now occupied by approximately 700 students, is spacious and features an open floor plan with natural light throughout. Challenges for Kawneer •The School District had strict energy requirements; therefore energy efficiency was essential to the project. •Many of the classrooms in the new school faced west, which was not ideal for energy efficiency or daylighting. •To fit the needs of a growing student body, the new facility needed to be durable and able to handle heavy traffic. Kawneer Solutions •To meet the energy and lighting needs of the school while keeping within the project’s budget and design guidelines, a combination of Kawneer’s 1600 SunShade® and custom sunshades were used to help control glare and maximize natural light during the school day. •For additional thermal and performance options, Kawneer’s versatile Trifab® VG 451T Storefront Framing was selected. The building also incorporates a geo-thermal heating system and an insulated building envelope. Additionally, extra insulation was integrated into the roof to exceed the energy code. Entrance vestibules also featured sloped glazing to allow for increased natural light to enter the building. •For durability, Kawneer 350 Medium Stile Entrances were used. This entrance package, composed of a door, door frame and hardware, is designed specifically for high traffic areas such as school entrances, and makes a good, aesthetic impression, while simultaneously withstanding the rigors of constant use. To provide heightened security, Kawneer’s Paneline® Exit Devices, which offer total access control, were installed on the entrances to the facility. Other Design Highlights The site that the school district selected for the new facility was adjacent to the old building and fairly small in size. To compensate for the small building site, local architectural firm Douglas A. Arnold and Associates was required to go from a one-story design to a two-story plan. A greenhouse, incorporated into the design as a part of its science curriculum, features a skylight that provides smooth appearance and helps minimize heat loss and condensation. The combination of the building’s green features and modern teaching facilities, which includes a separate physical education building and auditorium, as well as an elaborate arts wing, helped make Hot Springs Intermediate School state-of-the-art.
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Arclin Announces E-Natural(TM) and E-Sorb(TM), the Most Advanced Low and Zero Emitting Binders for Composite Wood Panels

November 09, 2009

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Arclin, a leading provider of bonding, surfacing and related products for today's engineered building, industrial materials and natural resources markets announced the addition of two new product lines of binders for wood panels designed to meet the most stringent emission requirements for composite wood panels. Arclin's E-Gen(TM) designated family of wood binder systems has been expanded to include E-Natural(TM) ultra low-emitting systems and E-Sorb(TM) zero-emitting systems. E-Natural(TM) binders are designed to meet the lowest emission performance standards in the world. These systems are ideally suited for California's "Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF)" applications as they emit at or below naturally occurring levels while maintaining performance characteristics. E-Sorb(TM) zero-emitting binders are the best-in-class ULEFs. Their inherent scavenging ability negates even naturally occurring emissions, making them an exceptional option for sensitive building environments as well as helping panel manufacturers control emissions when large amounts of reclaimed or urban wood are introduced into their raw material stream.
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Fiberon Horizon(TM) Decking Resonates with Homeowners

November 09, 2009

The rich look of tropical hardwoods helps deck builder grow business NEW LONDON, N.C., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- For Bobby Parks, a deck builder in the Atlanta, Ga. area and owner of Peachtree Decks and Porches, the tropical look and colors of Fiberon Horizon(TM) decking have been a huge hit. His first client to select the tropical hardwood look of Fiberon Horizon decking agrees. "I was looking to expand my deck, covering half in a screened-in porch and leaving the rest open," says Kelli Shea Miller, an Atlanta-area homeowner. "I am very environmentally conscious, and that is reflected in my decorating and style tastes. I knew I wanted real ipe hardwood to floor the screened-in portion, but with all the trees in my backyard and the red Georgia clay, I needed something low-maintenance for the rest. Horizon in the Ipe color was the perfect match -- its recycled content fit my environmental needs and its appearance allowed my covered space to flow perfectly to my open space." Fiberon®, LLC, which manufactures composite decking, railing and fencing and PVC outdoor flooring, introduced the multi-chromatic Rosewood and Ipe colors for Fiberon Horizon decking in time for the summer 2009 season. These colors emulate the rich graining of tropical hardwoods such as tigerwood, mahogany and others. With no organic material on the surface, Fiberon Horizon decking is extremely mold resistant. Its patent-pending PermaTech(TM) surface technology also makes it stain and fade resistant. Fiberon Horizon comes with the industry's first 10-Year Limited Stain and Fade Resistance Warranty, in addition to a 20-Year Limited Lifetime Warranty.
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Builders Applaud Congress on Extending Home Buyer Tax Credit

November 06, 2009

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today applauded Congress for passing legislation that will extend and expand the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, stating that this will provide a much-needed boost to the fragile housing market and economy. “We commend lawmakers for acting in a bipartisan manner to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit beyond its Nov. 30 deadline and expand it to a wider group of home buyers,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “The tax credit has proven to be a powerful economic incentive. Today’s action by Congress will further stabilize housing and the economy by creating new jobs, stimulating home sales, reducing foreclosures, cutting excess inventories and stabilizing home prices.” The new law will extend the $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers for sales contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30. Further, it has been expanded to include a new $6,500 credit for owners of existing homes who are purchasing a new principal residence. An existing home owner can claim the $6,500 tax credit if they have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight. Additionally, the income eligibility limits to claim the full credit amount for both groups of home buyers have been raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples. NAHB estimates that the extended and expanded home buyer tax credit will create 211,000 jobs and generate 180,000 additional home sales in the coming year. It is also expected to generate $9.6 billion in wage income and $6.9 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The legislation, which also extends unemployment insurance benefits and offers relief to cash-strapped firms by providing broader tax benefits for businesses with net operating losses (NOLs), is expected to be signed into law shortly by President Obama.
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Eco Institution Releases New “Green Consultant” Online Training Course

November 06, 2009

Enhanced Program Aimed at Fulfilling Mandate for a National Energy-Efficiency Workforce Cited by a Recent White House Task Force SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Eco Institution, a San Diego-based environmental education and training firm, today announced the release of a new and enhanced “Green Consultant” certification and training course. The new online course is intended to make it easier than ever before for home-service professionals and other interested individuals to become Certified Green Consultants, and thereafter to deliver “Green Consulting” services to homeowners, businesses, and organizations in their neighborhoods and communities. The new course builds on and replaces the Eco Institution’s initial Eco Consultant Certification course, which has been offered since early summer. The new course presents more detailed and advanced training content than was included in the original course, and focuses exclusively on strategies for reducing energy use, water use, and utility costs in homes and workplaces. The release of the enhanced course could not be timed more appropriately, as it responds directly to a recent call by the White House “Recovery Through Retrofit” Middle Class Task Force for greatly accelerated training of environmental professionals. The October 2009 report noted that “there are currently not enough skilled workers and green entrepreneurs to expand weatherization and efficiency retrofit programs on a national scale." A Powerful New Approach to Energy- and Water-Efficiency The Eco Institution’s Certified Green Consultant Training Course is aimed at both existing home-service professionals—ranging from real estate agents and home inspectors to interior designers, electricians, and plumbers—seeking to add a new line of business to their current professional practices, as well as other individuals (including career-changes, underemployed professionals, and local entrepreneurs) looking to generate extra income and to establish a foothold in a solid and promising next-generation career. A Rich Course Curriculum The Eco Institution’s Certified Green Consultant Training Course covers the full range of topics necessary for future Green Consultants to become locally recognized experts in residential and commercial energy- and water-efficiency. Among the topics covered by the 17-unit online course are: •Green Consulting as a profession •The residential ecosystem •Residential heating and cooling systems •Insulation and thermostats •Windows and doors •Household appliances and electronics •Water use and water heating •Energy-efficient lighting solutions •Alternative-energy options, including solar and wind •Green home design principles •Energy and water use in the workplace •Workplace-based recycling practices •Conducting Green Home and Green Workplace surveys •Marketing and selling Green Consulting services •Publishing and promoting Green Consulting services •Promoting Green Consulting services online The Eco Institution’s Green Consultant certification process has been designed for maximum flexibility and adaptability to the needs of individual Green Consultant trainees. Taking advantage of the latest in web-based training technologies, the Certified Green Consultant Training Course is available online, and can be studied at the student’s own pace and on his or her own schedule. Each of the introductory course’s 17 units includes a detailed, easy-to-read text-based lesson, and is accompanied by email-based access to a professional Green Consulting Coach who will guide students through both the substantive and practical aspects of setting up and building their Green Consulting practice. The Certified Green Consultant Training Course also includes a professionally designed business “Start Up Kit” intended to help Green Consultants to rapidly build their professional practices. Among the Kit’s more than two dozen components are a suite of home consulting, workplace consulting, and marketing and promotion tools that will enable Green Consultants to focus more time on the vital matters of client service and follow-up and less on the rote mechanics of running a business. The centerpiece of the Start Up Kit are comprehensive Green Home Survey and Green Workplace Surveys and Reports, that will enable Green Consultants to review homes and workplaces and to deliver their findings in a cost-efficient and consistent manner. The Eco Institution operates its Green Consultant credentialing program as an educational and training network and not as a franchise. Specifically, the Eco Institution sets no fee structures that its trained and certified Green Consultants are required to charge and makes no guarantees of any specific income stream (although many Green Consultants and Eco Consultants currently earn from $100 to $400 per home or business survey, and several hundred dollars or more from follow-on work with the same client). Additionally, Green Consultants choose their company’s own name and location, set their own hours, and determine which specific services they will offer and how much they will charge. There are also no sales territories or sales quotas. Eco Institution-trained Green Consultants keep 100% of whatever they earn from clients, and do not have to pay a “sales commission” or licensing fee to the Eco Institution for ongoing use of Eco Institution materials. Signing Up for the Eco Consultant Certification Course Signing up for the Eco Institution’s Certified Green Consultant Training Course is a simple and straightforward matter. Interested individuals should visit the Eco Institution’s Green Consultant web site at www.greenconsultant.com. Alternatively, students may telephone the Eco Institution directly at (877) 235-3170.
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Green Education Services Launches iPhone Applications for LEED Exam Prep

November 04, 2009

The nation's leader in sustainable design education and LEED Exam Prep has now expanded its offerings to flashcard iPhone Applications NEW YORK, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Education Services (formerly named LEEDTeacher), a national provider of educational support services for Sustainable Design & LEED, announced Friday that its LEED Green Associate Flashcards are now available in the iTunes Store. The application is the first of its kind to feature over 350 flashcards, real-time instructor support, and an easy to use intuitive interface. "We quickly realized that while there are plenty of options for students to purchase printed flashcards for the LEED Examinations, there were no apps that allowed you to study directly from your iPhone," said Zach Rose, CEO of Green Education Services. "Having already sold thousands of sets of flashcards for LEED prep, these applications were the next logical step and are a digital, more environmentally conscious way to study." Some of the new features of the app include categorical studying, a "Remember Position" feature so you can always pick up where you left off, shuffle option to mix up the cards, and the option to contact a LEED teacher while studying your cards. Green Education Services is even including a special discount code in the app for $100 off an in-person LEED seminar. "In these tough economic times, attaining a LEED credential is of the utmost importance," stated Rose. "For those seeking employment in the construction industry, it is literally a prerequisite to even be considered for any job opportunities. Furthermore, companies are now required to have LEED professionals on staff in order to submit bids for professional services." Green Education Services' application is available now by visiting http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.greenedu.com/leed-iphone-apps/. About Green Education Services Miami and New York-based Green Education Services (formerly named LEEDTeacher) was founded by Zach Rose, LEED AP in January 2009. The company offers building developers, architects, interior designers, planners, engineers, commercial real estate brokers, and construction industry professionals LEED and sustainable design education. Their proprietary curriculum and interactive approach is focused on helping AEC professionals achieve their green design credentialing goals and holistically understand the entire value chain of sustainable design applications and green building certification specifications. For more information, visit www.GreenEdu.com.
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HUD Receives Excellence in Enterprise Architecture Award

November 04, 2009

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thomas & Herbert Consulting LLC (T&H) announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) was awarded the Excellence in Enterprise Architecture Award by the 1105 Government Information Group and the Federated Enterprise Architecture Certification (FEAC) Institute. The award recognized HUD for use of Enterprise Architecture best practices in achieving efficiencies, greater effectiveness, transparency, and increased collaboration and innovation in developing solutions to mission goals. HUD's Acquisition Modernization Initiative yielded increased business process efficiencies and the elimination of non-value added steps in the acquisition process.
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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Releases Multi-Party Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery

November 04, 2009

New Documents Release Includes Multi-Party Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery and Document for Federally Funded or Federally Insured Projects WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced the release of the new C191™-2009, Standard Form Multi-Party Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), which provides for a collaborative working relationship among parties involved in a design and construction project and utilizing the IPD delivery model. With this new agreement the parties execute one coordinated and integrated agreement that clearly sets forth the parties’ roles and responsibilities in delivering a project consistent with the principles of IPD. Unlike the C195™-2008, the parties do not form an LLC under the C191-2009 framework. In addition, the AIA released B108™-2009, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for a Federally Funded or Federally Insured Project, and a new document, B202™-2009, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Programming. Collectively called the “4.2 Release,” these three documents expand the extensive library of AIA Contract Documents and build on more than 100 years of experience in defining the contractual relationships in the design and construction industry. “The design and construction industries are evolving, and AIA Contract Documents continue to guide the way by creating documents and resources that are necessary to lead the industry in new practices and project delivery approaches,” said Michael B. Bomba, Esq., Associate Counsel, AIA Contract Documents. “The AIA’s new Multi-Party Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery reflects the shift away from working in silos and supports new collaborative methods being employed among architects, owners and contractors.” Paradigm Shifting Approach With the new C191-2009 Standard Form Multi-Party Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery individual success of each party is directly tied to a project’s overall success. The architect and the contractor, as well as any other non-owner parties, earn profit through the achievement of the owner’s specified goals. This method of compensation promotes “good for the project” behavior and encourages all parties to work through disputes as they arise rather than assigning blame. In addition, the agreement establishes a collaborative management structure that involves all of the primary project stakeholders and is designed to minimize disputes while increasing project efficiency and quality. Availability The new AIA IPD Multi-Party Agreement, as well as B108-2009 and B202-2009, will be available beginning November 3, 2009. Existing AIA Contract Documents software customers will obtain these new documents at no additional cost when they download the latest software update at www.aia.org/contractdocs. More information about AIA Contract Documents can be found at www.aia.org/contractdocs. AIA Contract Documents software can be purchased at www.aia.org/contractdocs/purchase. Documents in paper form are available through the AIA’s full service distributors. For a listing of full service distributors and pricing information, please visit www.aia.org/docs_purchase.
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International Code Council Votes To Keep Residential Fire Sprinklers

November 03, 2009

ORLAND PARK, Ill., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Code Council's (ICC) Residential Building Code Committee voted to keep the residential fire sprinkler system requirement for one- and two-family new construction homes in the International Residential Code at the ICC hearings in Baltimore, MD this week. The requirement was in danger of being removed when the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) submitted proposals to eliminate the requirement. The committee voted seven to four to oppose the motion to remove mandatory sprinklers from the IRC. The vote then went to the floor where more than 1,500 member voters also voted to keep the fire sprinkler mandate. The fire sprinkler requirement was originally added to the 2009 IRC last September at the ICC meeting in Minneapolis, MN. According to Michael Schmitt, President of the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association (IFIA), it was an exciting day in fire safety history. "It was great to be surrounded by so many supporters, which was clear when the entire room cheered after the vote," Schmitt said. "This vote also reinforces the decision that the 61 Illinois municipalities and fire districts made when they passed ordinances requiring fire sprinklers in all new homes," he added. Schmitt is also the Fire Marshal with the Long Grove Fire Protection District, the first municipality in Illinois to pass a residential fire sprinkler ordinances more than 20 years ago. Illinois is second to California, which as more than 80 municipalities with fire sprinkler ordinances. The final action on residential fire sprinkler requirement will be voted upon at the May 2010 meeting of ICC, where only building officials and code enforcers can vote. The vote in Baltimore was an important win for residential fire safety because it will force homebuilders who oppose home fire sprinklers in the IRC to get a two-thirds vote to over-ride these sprinkler requirements at the May ICC meeting. Fire service professionals across the country have endorsed the new sprinkler regulations, including the NFPA, U.S. Fire Administration, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and the International Association of Firefighters. These groups agree that fire sprinklers provide a level of protection that no other fire protection technology can offer. Smoke alarms are important because they provide valuable early warning in dwellings. Many high-risk populations - infants, children, people with disabilities, older adults - can have difficulty hearing and waking to smoke alarms, and difficulty reacting quickly and effectively enough for safe escape. Fire sprinklers immediately respond to a fire while it is still small, controlling the spread of deadly heat, flames and toxic smoke. Fire sprinklers also protect firefighters. NIFSAB is a non-profit organization composed of fire officials, contractors, building officials, suppliers, architects, engineers, and manufacturers. NIFSAB is dedicated to educating and informing the public and elected and appointed officials of the vital role that fire sprinklers play in fire protection.
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Safety Cones at a Lower Cost for Companies

November 03, 2009

SEATTLE, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard ADA Systems, a firm well-known for safety products in ADA fields, recently branched out to include its most recent product: the DisposaCone, the world's first disposable traffic barricade system. Introduced in the first week of March 2008, DisposaCones are already in use in the U.S. markets and available to Canada as well. Jon Julnes, owner of Vanguard ADA Systems and the DisposaCone division, invented the product after years of frustration at running back and forth to construction and other sites to pick up 3 of the 10 traffic cones his firm left only the day before. Finally he exclaimed, "There has to be a better way!" Indeed there was, and DisposaCones were the natural solution. When asked about the product, Mr. Julnes said, "Years ago one of my firms used traffic cones fairly often. One day I thought we really ought to change our company slogan to 'cone supplier of the known universe,' since we're always leaving 10 cones, only to come back the next day and pick up 3 or 4. It seemed like we were always spending $60.00 to send someone out to pick up the $30.00 worth of cones that remained, or weren't already on their way to someone's soccer field." Made of recyclable paper with a small butyl (tar) adhesive strip on the base that keeps them attached to any dry, hard surface, they can be picked up by onsite personnel. Meanwhile the contractor, whose work needs protecting, can send crews to other projects, instead of clogging freeways and wasting valuable resources picking up products that aren't even as valuable as the resources spent to retrieve them in the first place. Sized perfectly to fit motorcycle saddlebags, emergency preparedness kits, construction trucks, buses, mail carriers and the like, DisposaCones fold flat and easily fit under most car seats. DisposaCones are available at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.disposacone.com/, and soon at retail outlets nationwide.
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Smart Meter Installations to Reach 250 Million Worldwide by 2015, Says Pike Research

November 03, 2009

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electricity metering is undergoing its greatest transformation since the first meter was installed more than 120 year ago. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), integrating two-way communications with energy measurement, is on the front lines of utility Smart Grid deployments, promising major energy savings by changing how and when customers use electricity. According to a new report from Pike Research, more than 250 million smart meters will be installed worldwide by 2015, representing a penetration rate of 18% of all electrical meters by that time, up from 46 million in 2008. “Smart meters are the vanguard of Smart Grid deployments,” says managing director Clint Wheelock. “Current AMI rollouts are breaking the traditional 15-20 year meter replacement cycle, and represent an unprecedented effort to add intelligence and communications to electrical metering.” Wheelock adds that, while Europe is currently the top region for smart meter adoption, North America will become the leading market in 2010, reaching 55% penetration of all electric meters by 2015. Pike Research segments the smart meter market into two primary categories: Basic meters, which transmit energy usage data over two-way communications networks, and Advanced meters, which include basic functionality in addition to remote disconnect and home area networking (HAN) capabilities. The cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts that total smart meter shipments will reach 39.5 million units by 2015, representing a $3.9 billion global market. Pike Research’s report, “Smart Meters”, examines global and regional Smart Meter trends, explores neighborhood-area and home-area communications technologies and standards, defines “Basic” versus “Advanced” meter capabilities, and provides detailed market forecasts by technology and world region. Key vendors, standards, and deployments are profiled, offering a comprehensive window into the dynamic market for smart metering. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website. Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Renewable Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Green Consumers, and Environmental Management sectors. For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.7609.
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