GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Consumer Products announces the addition of Deckorators® aluminum deck railing to its spring 2010 lineup. Long known as the leader in decorative railing in-fill products, Deckorators now offers a fully integrated railing kit of its own. The sleek, durable top profile creates an eye-catching appearance and is compatible with all Deckorators baluster styles. This innovative new railing system is available in powder-coated black or white and features a lifetime limited warranty. The rails are sold in kits to make purchasing simple. Post sleeves, stair rail bracket kits, angled brackets and matching post caps are also available. All kits can be shipped via UPS. This new line also features two matching styles and colors of post caps to accent the railing. Deckorators aluminum post caps, available in black or white, include a pyramid and a square, solar-powered post cap. The solar post cap requires no wiring or electricity and comes with two rechargeable AA batteries. The small solar collector rests atop an attractive silhouette light made of shatter-resistant glass. Its glow is perfect for casting a relaxing ambiance on deck areas. “As an industry leader, we continue to push the design envelope and give builders and consumers world-class options for decks and outdoor living areas. We’re confident our new railing system will be a hit as we showcase it at the 2010 LBM Expo in Boston," said Rick Preble, Director of Product Development for Universal Consumer Products. Deckorators aluminum railing and deck and fence railing accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation national sales manager Bob Johnson was recently honored by KB Home, one of America's premier homebuilders, with its first-ever Michael Ulinski Leadership Award. Presented at the KB Home Strategic Supplier Conference, the award recognizes Johnson's leadership in the appliance industry, as well as in the building industry. According to KB Home, the Michael Ulinski Leadership Award is considered to be the uppermost honor for its suppliers. A 25-year veteran at Masco Corporation, Ulinski was a well-respected leader in the building industry. He received the KB Home supplier leadership award October 2008 before passing away in August 2009. KB Home decided to rename its supplier leadership award in his memory, recognizing a strategic supplier who shares the same leadership qualities as Ulinski. "Michael Ulinski will always be held in high regard in our industry and it's a great testament to Bob Johnson's leadership skills for him to receive this award," said Daniel Bridleman, vice president, national contracts and studio for KB Home. "Whether it's helping us find innovative ways to solve problems, reduce costs or better meet the needs of our homebuyers, he always puts KB Home first." In 2008, Johnson and the KB Home team implemented a program to ensure that every new KB home features only ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. "This is a major honor for our team and a well deserved award for Bob's success in representing Whirlpool Corporation to KB Home," said Tom Halford, general manager, contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. The award also further reinforces the strong relationship Whirlpool Corporation has had with KB Home since 1993.

APF will be offering a Moisture Remediation Seminar (CES), titled 'Understanding Concrete Moisture Issues,' and will also be featuring their Cem-Rez HT, micro-topping product at the 'Innovations in Architectural and Decorative Concrete' panel. GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- APF is proud to announce that they are founding sponsors in the first annual Concrete Decor Show of 2010 in Phoenix, AZ from March 16-19th. The tradeshow will focus specifically on the decorative concrete market and feature some major players in decorative concrete training including their own APF professionals and experts, John Schneider, Moisture Remediation expert and Daniel Owen, Vice President of Arizona Polymer Flooring. APF will be offering two seminars on Moisture Remediation, by John Schneider. One seminar will be targeted towards contractors called "Turning Moisture Remediation Problems Into Profit." This seminar will teach contractors how to effectively evaluate and remediate concrete floors with moisture issues and how to turn problems into a source of profit. John Schneider will share his experience in this area, where there is an increasing need for solutions. He will cover testing procedures and installation of a moisture stop system, plus how to estimate and sell these services. The course will also provide a general understanding of vapor-related problems in concrete and how to talk to property owners or architects about these topics. A certificate of completion will be provided. The second Moisture Remediation seminar, titled "Understanding Concrete Moisture Issues," will be a CES (Continuing Education Seminar) targeted towards architects and architectural specifiers. In addition to the Moisture Remediation seminars, APF will also feature Cem-Rez HT during the "Innovations in Architectural and Decorative Concrete" press conference panel. This new interior micro-topping product was selected because it combines the benefits of design versatility, a long working life, and a superior high durability finish. No other trowelable micro-topping product currently on the market offers all three attributes. Daniel Owen, Vice President of Arizona Polymer Flooring will be on the panel to answer questions. For more information about DCS 2010. Please visit their website: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.concretedecorshow.com/.

The new website features live chats with technical representatives, online tools, expert industry blog and resource guide for architectural specifiers and contractors. GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona Polymer Flooring, manufacturer of resinous polymer flooring materials for concrete for over 25 years, announces the launch of their new website,. "It's been a long time coming but it's finally here. We are pleased to announce that we've added some great features to help our customers with their flooring projects," states Leane Owen, Marketing Director at APF. You can browse through APF's systems and individual products and all the associated technical data that you need is right at your fingertips. If you have a question about one of the systems or products, you can go to the "Live Help" feature and talk in real-time to an APF technical representative. Other features, such as the System Guide, allow users to narrow down the right system for their flooring project based on the specifications of a project. From there, you can utilize the Project Estimator to estimate material needs based on a chosen flooring system and square footage. Architects and Architectural Specifiers have a section of resource information targeted to their specific needs. Technical data such as MSDS, architectural drawings, specifications and product datasheets are easily accessible. Case studies are available to provide a better understanding of the APF flooring systems in practical application. The Green Products section offers information regarding products that are suitable for environmentally sensitive projects. In addition to this, all APF brochures and color charts are now available online and easily downloadable. Commercial, Industrial and Residential Contractors also have a section of resources that is dedicated to technical documentation including system application instructions, a list of official APF distributors by state and information regarding seminars and training.

Entire DensArmor Plus(R) Line Joins Company's Exterior Products in Offering Industry-Leading Coverage ATLANTA, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia-Pacific Gypsum - the first manufacturer to offer extended Weather Exposure Limited Warranties for fiberglass mat gypsum panels - is now doubling the weather exposure limited warranty for its entire line of DensArmor Plus® interior panels from six months to 12 months. All of the following Georgia-Pacific Gypsum fiberglass mat interior panels now offer a 12-month weather exposure limited warranty: - DensArmor Plus® High-Performance Interior Panels - DensArmor Plus® Abuse-Resistant Interior Panels - DensArmor Plus® Impact-Resistant Interior Panels These interior products join Georgia-Pacific Gypsum's exterior products - its flagship DensGlass® Sheathing and DensGlass® Shaftliner - in offering the industry-leading 12-month weather exposure limited warranty for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Recently, the DensArmor Plus High-Performance Interior Panels*, along with DensShield® Tile Backer, became the first gypsum panel products to pass the industry's most stringent mold resistance test. The 12-week test, conducted in accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency's ASTM D 6329 ** protocol, is three times longer and much more rigorous than ASTM D 3273, the current industry standard. No other gypsum products manufacturer has announced test results showing zero mold growth for 12 full weeks for any product. The 12-month weather exposure limited warranty extension and the 12-week test results continue the long history of "firsts" achieved by Georgia-Pacific Gypsum via its Dens(TM) family of products, which were first introduced more than 20 years ago. Georgia-Pacific Gypsum was the first company to offer fiberglass mat products, the first to score a 10, the highest rating, when tested, as manufactured, under ASTM D 3273 and the first to offer an extended weather exposure limited warranty. The DensArmor Plus Interior Panels were also the first to be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and GREENGUARD Children & Schools(SM) Certified as low-emitting gypsum panels, and were among the first gypsum panels to be listed by The Collaborative for High Performing Schools® (CHPS(TM)) as low-emitting materials. For more information on the Dens line please visit www.gpgypsum.com. To see online case studies, please visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.youtube.com/gpdens. * Test results limited to DensArmor Plus High-Performance Interior Panel and do not include DensArmor Plus Abuse-Resistant Interior Panels and DensArmor Plus Impact-Resistant Panels.

JONESBORO, Ark., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Farr Air Pollution Control (APC), a leading producer of dust and fume collectors to clean up industrial processes, has announced that the company will now operate under the name Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control (APC). "This name change reflects our company's expansion from a leading North American dust collection manufacturer to an international player," states company president Lee Morgan. Camfil Farr APC is a subsidiary of Camfil Farr, the world's largest air filter manufacturer. "The dust collection business unit has merged two well-known and respected names - Farr APC in North America and Camfil Farr in the rest of the world - to create a single identity that will have global recognition." Camfil Farr APC is headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas and has ISO 9001 certified factories in Manchester, England; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Levice, Slovakia. The company also has facilities and sales offices in a rapidly growing number of countries worldwide. For further information, contact Camfil Farr APC at (800) 479-6801 or (870) 933-8048; fax (800) 222-6891; or write to Camfil Farr APC, 3505 S. Airport Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401; e-mail filterman@farrapc.com; web www.farrapc.com.

Revolutionary System Offers Two Doors in One DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Overhead Door Corporation is proud to introduce their landmark RapidSlat™ door system to architects, facility managers and business owners across the country. The door system, which combines the best of both worlds; speed and efficiency, as well as strength and durability, is an advancement of the Rolling Steel line. Typically, businesses which need both speed and security are forced to utilize two doors, a lightweight yet highly efficient fabric door and a heavier more durable rolling steel door for security purposes. Operating and maintaining two doors equates to double the costs and often times lower profits. As an organization, Overhead Door Corporation saw an opportunity to meet an unmet need in the marketplace. Our revolutionary RapidSlat™ door system offers the convenience of two doors in one and solves this problem for one low price. Karen Cohen Senior Product Manager for Overhead Door Corporation says, “This unique product offering eliminates the need for business owners to install two doors to enjoy the combination of speed and security. RapidSlat™ satisfies the need for the speed provided by a high-performance door without sacrificing the safety and security provided by a rolling steel door. In addition to offering speed, security, and durability, RapidSlat™ doors are also safe, rugged, and easy-to-operate. Furthermore, when compared to standard rolling steel doors they can provide increased productivity and maximum energy efficiency. Finally someone has offered customers a real solution to their dilemma in choosing between speed and security. At Overhead Door we say, why choose?” RapidSlat™ shares the same general construction of the Rolling Steel line with enhancements and upgrades including: * Reliable springless operation eliminating the need for a counterbalance * A variety of windload, insulation, and weather seal options to cover all applications * Universal components for easy maintenance * Advanced diagnostics for fast and easy trouble-shooting * Built-in safety features including a sensing edge and photo edge for peace of mind * A self-energizing stop lock brake to prevent uncontrolled curtain travel * An easy to clean anti-graffiti powdercoat finish * Two-year or 300,000 cycle limited warranty coverage on components * Five-year limited warranty coverage on the motor Perfectly suited for applications in high-traffic areas such as auto dealerships, hospitals, parking garages, loading docks, and delivery bays, RapidSlat™ is ideal for the harshest of environments. The RapidSlat™ door system will be available beginning January 20, 2010. For additional information please contact your local Ribbon Distributor or call (800) 929-DOOR.

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Entech Solar, Inc. (OTC BB: ENSL.OB) (the “Company”, “Entech Solar”) is pleased to announce the launch and immediate availability of its new Entech™ Tubular Skylight, a state-of-the-art tubular skylight developed based on Entech Solar’s patented Solar Collimator™ technology. This proprietary Solar Collimator is designed to provide superior optical efficiency, increase lumen output, and improve light distribution over conventional tubular skylights, providing enhanced all-day illumination in desired areas. The Entech Tubular Skylight is suitable for most commercial and industrial buildings that can benefit from natural daylighting, such as deep interior spaces of offices, warehouses, retail stores, manufacturing facilities, schools and hospitals. It can also contribute to a building meeting the certification requirements for the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System, a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

Monitoring temperature, CO2 and humidity from one GE unit can save building owners 20% of ventilation costs BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The new Ventostat 8000 series, from GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies, monitors temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity via one cost effective transmitter unit. This allows building managers to easily control indoor air quality within a building management system. Through monitoring, energy loss from over ventilation can be reduced and may provide building owners a savings of up to 20% of the ventilation costs. “The combination of humidity, temperature and CO2 monitoring is a new process that provides our customers with lower purchase and installation cost,” said Chris Ranwell, Global Product Manager at GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies. Replacing the existing Telaire Ventostat, this new transmitter for HVAC demand control ventilation brings three technologies together into one sleek modern design. The Ventostat was recently honored with Chicago Athenaeum’s Good Design Award, recognizing designers and manufacturers for advancing new and innovative product concepts and designs. The patented ABC Logic self-calibration logarithms provide a lifetime calibration guarantee, which eliminates long-term cost. GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies designs a wide range of sensors that help monitor indoor air quality and help maximize energy use. GE building transmitters, such as those found in the Ventostat product family, can help achieve green building objectives and reduce a building’s environmental footprint.

Enhanced Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid Brand Web Sites Help Consumers Locate Rebates for Energy-Efficient Appliance Purchases BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (Jan. 25, 2010) – Whirlpool Corporation continues its legacy of leadership in energy efficiency with the launch of an easy-to-use rebate finder tool on three of its brand Web sites – Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands. As a manufacturer and marketer of more than 300 ENERGY STAR® qualified major appliances in the U.S. and Canada, Whirlpool Corporation created the tool to help consumers navigate and make the most of the “Cash for Appliances” rebate program. By entering a local zip code and appliance type, the online tool instantly informs the consumer of the amount of applicable state rebates through the federal program. While rebate terms and eligible products vary greatly, many states offer generous rebates for qualified washers, dishwashers and refrigerators. Additionally, the rebate finder will provide information on rebates from a consumer’s local utility company if available. “Cash for Appliances” is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a Department of Energy (DOE) program providing nearly $300 million to fund state-run rebate programs for consumer purchases of new ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. “The ‘Cash for Appliances’ program is a great incentive for consumers to purchase new, energy-efficient appliances and retire their energy draining older appliances,” said Warwick Stirling, Whirlpool global director of energy and sustainability. “The rebate on the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR® qualified appliance is just the beginning of the savings. Ultimately, it’s an investment that will provide monthly savings on utility bills and benefit the environment through reduced energy and water use.” Beyond the Rebates Whirlpool brand leads the industry with the Resource Saver™ refrigerator, the most energy efficient side-by-side ever. It exceeds federal energy standards by 30 percent and consumes less energy annually than a 60-watt light bulb under continuous operation. According to the ENERGY STAR program, by replacing any refrigerator made before 1993 with a new ENERGY STAR® qualified model, consumers can save up to $65 per year in operating costs. ENERGY STAR® qualified washers are leaders in energy and water savings. Replacing a traditional top-load washer made before 2000 with a new ENERGY STAR® model can save consumers up to $135 per year according to the DOE. Whirlpool Corporation offers both front- and top-load high-efficiency washers. The Whirlpool brand Duet® front-load washer (model WFW9700V) uses 74 percent less water and 80 less energy saving up to $1,000 in lifetime water and energy costs.* The Maytag® Bravos® top-load washer can save the consumer up to $900 in lifetime water and energy costs.* Commitment to ENERGY STAR® Qualification As a leader in developing high-performance appliances which conserve resources, Whirlpool Corporation has been an ENERGY STAR® partner since 1998 most recently earning the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award four in years in a row (2006-2009). This award is the most prestigious by the ENERGY STAR® program and given only to select organizations that have exhibited outstanding, ongoing leadership in their industries. Visit www.whirlpool.com, www.maytag.com or www.kitchenaid.com for more information. For detailed state-by-state information, visit the federal Web site at www.energysavers.gov and click on “state appliance rebate program.” 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™ 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 1-800-952-2537.

Region’s Most Prominent Green Building Event Will Focus on the Economic Benefits of Green Building Practices and Advances in Green Design SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In its ninth year, the Built Green Conference, the Pacific Northwest’s main green building event attended by thousands in the industry, will be held March 12 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Wash. The event is hosted by Built Green, an environmentally-friendly, non-profit, residential building program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, which has certified over 14,500 homes since 1999. Attendees will gain in-depth knowledge of the value that green building certification can add to residential properties, while highlighting the rapidly changing nature of green design as architects and builders push technology and innovation further. This year the conference’s trade floor will also be open to the public. Educational sessions held throughout the day will provide valuable information to builders and designers who need to understand the mindset of homebuyers who are showing a preference for green-certified homes. In Seattle in 2008, Built Green Certified townhomes appreciated by 8 percent while the uncertified homes depreciated by 4 percent. Similarly, sales of Built Green certified homes in east King County rose from 9 to 23 percent since 2005. This year’s conference will feature Professor David Orr as the keynote speaker. Mr. Orr is the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies at Oberlin College and is the author of “Design on the Edge: The Making of a High Performance Building.” Mr. Orr led the effort to design and build a $7.2 million Environmental Studies Center at Oberlin, a building described by The New York Times as one of 30 “Milestone” buildings of the 20th century. Mr. Orr brings into focus the evolving nature of green design and the increasingly important role building design plays in protecting and enhancing the natural world. For designers, builders and the ecologically minded, Mr. Orr’s presentation will serve as an anchor for a conference that will focus on both the urgency of environmental issues associated with building, from climate change to urban sprawl, and the opportunities that smart environmental design presents as designers look to the future. According to Aaron Adelstein, executive director of the Built Green Program of King and Snohomish Counties, “With several educational sessions addressing topics such as the market forces driving up the value of green-certified property, the state of lending, and remodeling for energy efficiency, builders will learn why applying green building practices and achieving green building certification can make the difference when it comes to a residential project’s success during these tough economic times.” For prospective home buyers, the trade floor provides an opportunity to learn about what makes a home truly green and to talk to builders suppliers of green building products and services in order to make an informed decision about purchasing a truly green home. At the same time, homeowners who are considering a remodel will get the information they need to decrease their home’s existing environmental footprint while creating a more efficient, livable space. Consumers will have the chance to learn how a green certified home can increase their property value while providing a safer, more comfortable residence.

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time ever, GE Appliances & Lighting will announce finalists in its prestigious and long-running annual GE Edison Award global lighting design competition. GE will reveal the list of finalists as part of its participation in Light+Building 2010, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for architecture and technology, held April 11-16, 2010, in Frankfurt, Germany. GE’s presence at the show in Booth D20 of Hall 4.1 will showcase numerous advanced lighting technologies, including light-emitting diode (LED) systems and components. The GE Edison Award competition—which recognizes excellence and quality in professional lighting designs that employ the significant use of GE light sources (lamps and/or LEDs)—is open to professional designers, architects, engineers and consultants from anywhere in the world. Entries are judged on functional excellence; architectural compatibility; effective use of state–of–the–art lighting products and techniques; appropriate color, form and texture revelation; energy effectiveness and cost effectiveness. Judges this year come from France and the U.S. All qualifying entrants—the finalists named at Light+Building 2010—will be invited to an awards ceremony held Tuesday, May 11, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, the evening before the start of LightFair International. During the May 2010 ceremony, designers who have been designated as winners of Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit, the Award for Excellence in Environmental Design and the Award for Residential Design will be recognized with personalized plaques acknowledging their lighting design achievements. The identity of the final 2009 GE Edison Award Winner (awarded in 2010) will remain confidential until announced at the awards ceremony. The winner will receive a personalized Steuben crystal trophy and continued publicity throughout the following year. A distinctive plaque will also be presented to the owner of the winning installation. All lighting projects submitted for award consideration must have been completed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009. For more information about the GE Edison Awards visit www.GEEdisonAward.com. Because Light+Building is a biennial show, GE will select another venue for the following year’s finalist announcement. “We expect to make the finalist announcement a permanent lead-in to the GE Edison Award ceremony,” adds Phillips.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Consumer Products, a subsidiary of Universal Forest Products, Inc. and maker of Latitudes composite decking and railing, announces the addition of Latitudes Intrepid™ Railing to its spring 2010 lineup. Latitudes Intrepid Railing Latitudes Intrepid composite railing features a robust, symmetrical railing profile with an innovative hidden fastener system. The concealed mounting hardware allows for fast, easy installation and provides a clean, seamless appearance. The pre-drilled insert rail assures proper spacing and ease of assembly. This new railing is code-compliant without the use of special inserts for added reinforcement. The Latitudes Intrepid railing system also features a 2x4 rail that can be used to mount all Latitudes ornamental baluster infills into the railing system. Latitudes 25-Year Limited Warranty Latitudes Decking and Railing systems, including Capricorn™ composite decking and all composite and ornamental baluster infills, now boast a new 25-year limited warranty. All Latitudes composite decking and Intrepid Railing products employ proven Strandex® technology, which promotes long-lasting beauty and minimal upkeep. Latitudes Marine composite decking, when used in residential applications, will also be covered by the new 25-year limited warranty. Latitudes Luster® Railing will retain its current 20-year limited warranty.

Pella installation method enhances energy with less expense, effort - PELLA, Iowa, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Replacing windows or doors with more energy-efficient options often meant you had to also tear out and shell out more money to replace exterior siding. Even though you might have only replaced a few windows or doors, you often had to replace all of the structure's exterior siding to maintain a color match to avoid your home or business looking like a patchwork quilt. Now you can enhance energy efficiency and retain your existing siding, plus more of your hardearned money, thanks to an innovative new method for installing Pella replacement windows and doors. Pella Corporation Installation Engineer Tim Heitkamp said Pella's new method saves time, money and maintains the looks of the structure. "Pella's new low profile replacement installation process is low-impact to the home or business, since you don't have to cut back or replace siding as you're installing new Pella windows and doors. That way you can replace all the windows and doors or once or as many at a time as your budget allows, and the exterior of your home still matches, instead of looking like a series of patches," he said. So what's the difference in Pella's low profile process? In traditional construction replacement methods, exterior siding or trim has to first be cut back or removed. Then installers tear out the old window with nailing fin and install a new window or door with nailing fin, which holds the new window or door in place as the unit is installed. Once that's completed, siding, J-channel, or trim has to be reapplied or replaced.

Garage organization leader shows homeowners in any life phase how to take command of their clutter and shelter their belongings LAS VEGAS, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As lifestyles change, so should your garage. At this year's International Builders' Show (IBS), Gladiator® GarageWorks will show consumers how to customize garage organization to fit lifestyle needs whether you are a first-time homeowner, part of a growing family or an empty nester. At IBS, the Gladiator brand booth will feature three distinct garage set-ups that represent key phases in a typical consumer's life. The first-time homeowner section will help consumers tackle the basics with hooks, shelves and cabinets for everyday storage. For more information, please visit www.GladiatorGW.com. or visit booth C3543 at the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 19-22, 2010.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- According to a recent online survey by Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) , the majority of consumers (68 percent) want to live "green" but only if it is convenient to their lifestyle. The study, conducted on its behalf by Harris Interactive®, found that while finances are top of mind and consumers are still on the hunt for a good bargain, many are unwilling to compromise; searching until they find the right product at the right price. Overall, the survey demonstrates that consumers are becoming more and more savvy about how best to spend - and save - their hard-earned money. In fact, more than half of adults (59%) said they would rather spend more money now to save energy (and money) later when it came to home appliances. With that in mind, Whirlpool Corporation continues to lead the industry when it comes to efficiency, offering more than 300 ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances, more than any other manufacturer. Sixty-eight percent of adults said they do their best to be green to the extent that it fits into their lifestyles and their finances. Fortunately, Whirlpool Corporation offers some of the most water and energy efficient products on the market, in the kitchen and the laundry room and across all price points. The survey also found that the majority of adults (68 percent) said they will search until they find the product they are looking for at the right price. Opinions varied by region with those from the South indicating that they will search until they find the product they are looking for at the right price (77%), while Midwesterners indicated that they will buy what is on sale (25%). And, no surprise here, men and women had different opinions. More women (71 percent), as opposed to men (65 percent), are willing to search until they find the product they are looking for at the right price. Interestingly, 35-44 year-old men are more willing than women to sacrifice certain features and/or eco-efficiency to spend less (24% vs. 21% respectively). This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation from November 20-24, 2009 among 2,089 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact media@whirlpool.com.

Laundry Leader Brings Largest Capacity to Market in ENERGY STAR(R) qualified Washer LAS VEGAS, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Historically, consumers have preferred the look and feel of top-load laundry in their homes, and recent advances have improved both capacity and efficiency. With the launch of the newest Cabrio® high efficiency (HE) top-load washer and dryer, laundry leader Whirlpool brand introduces the largest washer capacity on the market - 5.2 cu. ft. Along with the industry first Eco Monitor, the new Cabrio® washer utilizes the H2Low(TM) wash system - a low water wash system that uses less water per load, yet delivers better cleaning performance and is more gentle than a traditional top-load washing machine. Outstanding fabric care performance doesn't mean compromising energy and water savings. The ENERGY STAR® qualified Cabrio® pair exceeds current CEE Tier III specifications and is expected to meet 2011 Tier III requirements. The CEE tier system is based on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency qualified product listings. The Cabrio® HE washers with the H2Low wash system use 75 percent less water and 65 percent less energy, saving up to more than $900 in lifetime water and energy costs.* Additionally, both the Cabrio® HE washer and dryer include an Eco Monitor that provides consumers with an instant rating - from good to best - describing how eco-friendly their cycle choices are based on cycle selection. The washer's EcoBoost(TM) option further enhances resource efficiency by adjusting water temperatures and mechanical energy to thoroughly clean in the most efficient way. The dryer also includes an Eco Normal Cycle, which uses less energy than a conventional dryer's normal cycle when paired with a Cabrio® washer.

New SplitCool DC18 Unit is Designed for Off-Grid Solar for Commercial and Residential Locations AHR EXPO 2010 CHESAPEAKE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Panels Plus (SPP), designer and manufacturer of solar water heaters, solar air conditioning/heating systems and photovoltaic solar panels, has released the SplitCool DC18, the world’s first and only DC-powered, high SEER air conditioning system. The SplitCool DC18 is ideal for any commercial or residential location where cooling or heating is required and grid power is unavailable, unreliable or requires generators (with potentially complex or costly refueling logistics). The SplitCool DC18 runs off a battery bank that is supplied power from an array of photovoltaic panels and installs without ducts, eliminating the majority of installation and materials costs. The unit can be added quickly to an existing structure and eliminates nearly 30 percent of cooling or heating losses which occur in the ductwork of forced air systems. It allows each room to be conditioned as a separate zone. The SplitCool DC18 can be used in permanent and temporary remote buildings or structures, such as construction office trailers, portable classrooms or medical facilities. There are other advantages to the SplitCool DC18 versus a traditional window or wall unit including that the remote compressor makes it significantly quieter and does not require a large hole in exterior walls. It also allows an interior room without an exterior wall to be cooled up to 50 feet away. The unit uses four or more 12 volt standard deep cycle batteries. The SplitCool DC18 uses a brushless, permanent magnet DC motor with a digital frequency driver that allows it to size itself dynamically based on load with a variable speed and variable refrigerant flow compressor, unlike a normal AC unit that has two speeds, stop and go. On a given day it can be an 18,000 BTU unit or a 4,000, 8,000, or 12,000 BTU unit based on need. By eliminating the on-off cycle of traditional air conditioners, the SplitCool DC18 is more efficient and it can provide more hours of cooling while using less power. Solar Panels Plus will be demonstrating the new SplitCool DC18 air conditioning system at the AHR Expo, Monday, January 25-Wednesday, January 27, in booth #1989. To schedule a meeting with Solar Panels Plus or for more information, contact Bill Keeler or Evan Siff at 781 684-0770 or spp@schwartz-pr.com.

New Aide Solar Panels Blend High Performance with Aesthetics on New Construction Home Located Onsite at IBS in Las Vegas, January 19-22, 2010 LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aide Solar (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.aidesolar.com), a large-scale producer of photovoltaic modules, today announced that its new 230 watt poly-crystalline black frame solar panels have debuted as an energy-efficient feature on the NextGen “Home for the Generations” at the International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, January 19-22, 2010. The 1,800 sq. foot home spotlighting friendly products and a greater focus on energy efficiency was built onsite at IBS as part of the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s "Builders’ Challenge.” “Black frame panels offer an alternative to the typical aluminum frames used for most silicon photovoltaic panels, and give a more elegant appearance that blends beautifully with roof lines and tiles,” said Raymond C. Wiley, director, North America Sales, Aide Solar, U.S.A. “The NextGen Home experience is the perfect way to showcase our product as an energy-efficient option for builders seeking to provide energy-saving advantages to new home buyers. We’re proud that our panels are a part of such a worthwhile endeavor.”

Comprehensive Georgia-Pacific Wood Products Portfolio Helps Builders Earn Points toward National Green Building Certification LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, a leader in the building and construction industry, announced today that it has achieved "Green Approved" certification from the NAHB Research Center for 13 of its wood and engineered lumber products. "Green Approved" certification means that the Georgia-Pacific products comply with specific green practice criteria in the National Green Building Standard(TM). Builders can earn points toward certification to the Standard by using Georgia-Pacific "Green Approved" products in accordance with both the approved practices described in the Standard and manufacturer installation instructions. The following Georgia-Pacific wood products have been "Green Approved" by the NAHB Research Center: Plytanium® and DryPly® plywood; Blue Ribbon® oriented strand board (OSB); DryGuard® enhanced OSB; Nautilus® wall sheathing; Thermostat® radiant barrier sheathing; Wood I Beam(TM), XJ 85®, and Broadspan® joists; GP Lam® and Broadspan® laminated veneer lumber (LVL); and Fiberstrong® and Broadspan® rim board. Georgia-Pacific Wood Products continues to demonstrate environmental commitment and industry leadership through the NAHB "Green Approved" certification, as well as the fiber procurement and chain-of-custody certifications they achieved through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®). Georgia-Pacific Wood Products will be exhibiting at the 2010 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 19-22 (booth C3265). For additional information, visit Georgia-Pacific Wood Products via www.builditbetter.com.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, a leader in the building and construction industry, announced today it has achieved certifications to the independent Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) chain-of-custody standard across its engineered lumber facilities and the SFI fiber sourcing certification for its engineered lumber, structural panels and softwood lumber products. With more than 170 million acres certified across North America, the non-profit SFI sustainable forestry certification program is one of the largest in the world, with a standard based on principles and measures that promote sound forest management including measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests with exceptional conservation value. Through SFI chain-of-custody certification, the Georgia-Pacific engineered lumber facilities all have a tracking system in place to identify the amount of wood fiber originating from forests certified to SFI. Additionally, Georgia-Pacific engineered lumber, structural panels and softwood lumber product mills are all SFI fiber sourcing certified, which means that the raw material in the supply chain comes from legal and responsible sources.

Kwikset’s Key Control™ Deadbolt Eliminates Need for Master Keys Providing Superior Control, Security, and Cost-Savings to Property Managers LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kwikset®, an innovation leader in the residential door hardware industry, today introduced the Key Control™ Deadbolt featuring SmartKey® re-key technology, a smart and secure alternative to master keying. Kwikset Key Control deadbolts differ from traditional pin and tumbler master key deadbolts because they contain two cylinders: one concealed, patented cylinder that is a new and proprietary keyway for added security beyond current master key options, to be used by the property manager, allowing for one key control to all units; and a second cylinder to be used by the tenant, or individual user. Kwikset’s new Key Control Deadbolts provide significant time and cost-savings to property managers over the traditional pin and tumbler master key system. With the pin and tumbler master key system, a lost or stolen master key creates a significant security risk for potentially hundreds of tenants, and the only solutions for property managers are time consuming and expensive. In this situation, a property manager has to either hire an outside contractor who charges a fee plus a cost per lock, or use an internal maintenance employee, who earns an hourly wage to undergo the time consuming process of removing every lock from every unit, disassembling, re-keying, reassembling, and then re-installing each one. Because this must be done as quickly as possible for tenant security, property managers can also expect to incur additional fees or charges for the extended hours required.

Category leaders partner to offer a lift and slide door and motorized retractable screen combination that enhances both living spaces and views with unsurpassed performance, beauty, and comfort 2010 International Builders' Show LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phantom Screens®, North America’s leading provider of retractable screen solutions, announced today that Kolbe® has selected the Phantom Motorized Executive retractable screen, professionally installed by Phantom, as the motorized screen solution for its TerraSpan™ Lift and Slide doors. Once installed by one of Phantom’s highly-skilled distributors, the Phantom Motorized Executive retractable screen seamlessly integrates with the Kolbe TerraSpan Lift and Slide door to provide customers the benefits of insect and solar protection without compromising the expansive views or easy transition between indoor and outdoor living. When not in use, the Executive screen is stored conveniently out-of-sight until needed. TerraSpan doors can incorporate up to 10 panels per unit with a 12-foot maximum panel height. As each panel is 2.25-inches thick, they require minimum space when open — either nesting behind one another, or recessing into a pocket opening to disappear completely from view. TerraSpan Lift and Slide doors are available in energy-efficient glass options. A broad palette of environmentally friendly finishes protect the exterior cladding, which includes recycled aluminum. A range of sustainably harvested wood species can be chosen for the interior trim. The Phantom Motorized Executive retractable screen is designed for larger openings and can be mounted on the inside or outside of the door. One Executive screen product will cover a maximum opening of 25-feet wide by 16-feet high. The Motorized Executive retractable screen offers the ultimate in solar shading and insect protection with convenience and luxury — blending form, function, and comfort. The Executive can also help clients maximize energy savings, reducing the amount of air-conditioning needed to cool the building. The system can be programmed to come down and retract with sun and wind sensors, and can be connected to building automation systems to have the screens come down at a specific time of day when extra shade or insect protection is needed. The new Kolbe TerraSpan Lift and Slide door featuring the Phantom Motorized Executive retractable screen will be on display in the Kolbe booth (# N2645) at the International Builders` Show.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to sustainability, CertainTeed is "all in." At the 2010 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, the company (Booth C2026) offers a sneak peek of seven new products that incorporate meaningful sustainable attributes with mainstream appeal. The two new products headlining the show include EnerGen(TM), a photovoltaic roofing panel for residential applications, and Sustainable Insulation(TM), a new fiberglass insulation product meeting the strictest California Indoor Air Quality Requirements that incorporates recycled materials, a bio-based organic binder, and a low impact manufacturing process. A breakthrough in the roofing industry, the EnerGen system features integrated UNI-SOLAR® thin-film photovoltaic laminates that seamlessly integrate with traditional asphalt roofing shingles and provide utility savings for homeowners. The lightweight and flexible design requires no rooftop penetrations making the system easier for conventional roofing contractors to install while maintaining roof deck integrity. EnerGen offers consumers a seamless solution to their needs by providing roofing protection and aesthetic appeal while creating clean, renewable energy. At the show, EnerGen will be displayed alongside CertainTeed's Landmark Solaris(TM) solar reflective roofing shingles - a demonstration of how solar reflective and photovoltaic technologies work in tandem to create a high performance, visually appealing roof. In the continued spirit of environmental responsibility, CertainTeed also introduces Sustainable Insulation. The offering includes fiberglass insulation with a new proprietary, organic binder that is comprised of rapidly renewable bio-based materials and contains no phenol formaldehyde, harsh acrylics or dyes. In conjunction with the new binder technology, the use of readily available renewable resources to manufacture the insulation adds to the product's sustainable appeal. In addition to sand -- an abundant natural resource -- CertainTeed fiberglass insulation consists of a recycled glass content of 35 percent. In the manufacturing process, CertainTeed has reduced its energy usage over the years, utilizes closed-loop water systems, and embraces a zero-waste commitment. In addition to EnerGen and Sustainable Insulation, CertainTeed is showcasing five other new products at IBS.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is presenting a smart grid-compatible clothes dryer demonstration unit during the International Builders' Show (IBS) in Las Vegas January 19-22, 2010. The Whirlpool smart dryer demonstration illustrates how smart grid-compatible dryers will operate in consumers' homes, reacting intelligently to peak-demand signals from a smart electrical grid and automatically modifying energy consumption. The smart dryer demonstration - shown by Whirlpool Corporation product experts, and accompanied by an interactive smart appliance simulation - offers a preview of the various smart grid-compatible appliances Whirlpool Corporation has pledged to manufacture in the near future. Whirlpool Corporation's recent commitment to produce 1 million smart appliances by the end of 2011 is a significant step toward the company's larger commitment to make all the electronic appliances it produces, throughout the world, smart grid-compatible by the end of 2015. This timeline is dependent on the development by the end of 2010 of an open, global standard and appropriate policies to reward consumers, manufacturers and utilities. Helping to accelerate the work the company is doing, Whirlpool Corporation was recently awarded a $19.33 million federal matching grant by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Smart Grid Investment Grant program. "We believe that the smart grid and smart appliances are the next big opportunity in energy savings," said Marc Bitzer, president, Whirlpool Corporation North America. "We are continuing to make significant strides in the development of smart grid-enabled appliances." Smart appliances, connected to a smart electrical grid, will be able to send and receive signals to and from the utility and automatically modify energy consumption, helping consumers to save money on their home electric bills and reduce carbon emissions. "Smart grid technology provides a significant opportunity to make renewable energy sources such as wind and solar more usable," said Warwick Stirling, global director of energy and sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation. "These sources of energy are inherently more variable, but fit well with smart-grid technology which can more easily take advantage of this energy when it is available." By connecting household appliances, homes and communities to a smart grid, smart appliances can easily and conveniently shift a portion of household energy use to "off peak" hours, drastically reducing peak energy consumption without compromising core product performance and while keeping control in the hands of consumers. In markets where utilities offer variable or time-of-use pricing, a typical consumer could save up to $40 per year, per appliance, while also benefiting the environment.

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – January 15, 2010 – US Tile Announces the Addition of All-Weather, Lightweight ClayMax Clay Roofing Tile to its National Portfolio. ClayMax combines the superior features and benefits only US Tile can offer, with modern low profile double-barrel tile aesthetics. ClayMax is the only Lightweight, All-Weather clay tile in the US, weighing 590 pounds per square, making ClayMax ideal for reroof projects. ClayMax is also well suited for use on commercial, home owners associations and institutional projects where weight, durability, and cost are key considerations. ClayMax is designed and engineered for all weather climates include freeze-thaw conditions and snow loads. In addition, ClayMax is one of the most sustainable products on the market today. US Tile manufactures the only tile products in the world to receive the prestigious Cradle to Cradle certification for sustainability, and their products are available in Energy Star and CRRC Cool Roof rated colors. ClayMax is backed by the same limited lifetime warranty with fade and labor coverage all authentic US Tile Clay Roofing Products carry. Visit www.ustile.com for more information on All-Weather ClayMax and the complete line of authentic, sustainable US Tile clay roofing products.

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Wood Flooring Association has announced that it is introducing a new Environmental Craftsmanship Award to recognize professionally installed wood floors that exhibit creative and responsible environmental stewardship in their methods of installation, raw material sourcing, and/or contributions to human well being in the indoor built environment. The contest is open to any professional wood flooring company and there is no entry fee. Wood floors entered into the contest will be evaluated based on a number of environmental criteria. General environmental attributes include using reclaimed or recycled materials, renovating existing floors, and maximizing the yield from the raw materials used. Other criteria include U.S. Lacey Act documentation for imported wood species, which verifies that the wood used is logged legally, and United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) documentation for green building certification, which verifies environmentally responsible building practices. The contest also recognizes the NWFA's Responsible Procurement Program, which promotes environmentally and socially responsible forest management, as well as other environmental certification programs including GREENGUARD, the Sustainable Forest Initiative, Tree Farm, and the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification. Judging will be conducted by the environmental design community, with the winner being announced during the NWFA's 2010 Convention in Washington, DC. The deadline for entries is February 19, 2010. For more information, or an entry form, visit www.nwfa.org, and click on the Convention & Expo link.

Eco-Friendly Wood-Alternative Lumber Offers Aesthetic Attributes of Wood While Solving the Problems of Degradation, Weathering and Perpetual Maintenance 2010 International Builders' Show SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LifeTime Lumber® (www.lifetimelumber.com), a low-maintenance, eco-friendly and fire-resistant deck, dock and fence material launches next week at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2010, January 19-22 in Las Vegas. LifeTime Lumber is a unique, wood-alternative lumber made from inert material recovered from the electric power generation industry. Ideal for building decks, docks and fences, LifeTime Lumber offers the aesthetic attributes of wood, while solving the problems of maintenance, degradation, and weathering. “LifeTime Lumber is a highly versatile material with working properties similar to those of wood, and can be sawed, as well as screwed and nailed together with regular wood working tools” What is LifeTime Lumber Containing no wood, plastic or PVC, LifeTime Lumber is something completely new for the building industry – thermoset polymers combined with recycled mineral filler. A breakthrough in materials science, LifeTime Lumber is made from a patented mixture of fly ash, a non-hazardous inert material recovered from the electric power generation industry, and polyurethane. The resulting wood-alternative lumber for decking, docks and fences contains no wood unlike many of the wood plastic composites lumbers, and therefore it will not rot, be affected by termites, support mold and mildew, absorb water or significantly expand or contract. Because of these features LifeTime Lumber is a win-win for builders and homeowners looking for the unique properties of fire and mold-resistance as well as a material that is impervious to termites and dry rot, all combined in an easy-to-use, color-fast, green building material product. At IBS 2010 visit LifeTime Lumber at their demonstration deck on the "Highlander" home at IBS Show Village. Or learn more about them at their Show Village sponsorship page, http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/pbshowvillage.com/sponsors/life-time.php.

Smart Control System Reduces Energy Consumption up to 10% TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it has developed a new multi-elevator smart-control technology that can reduce energy consumption by up to 10% compared to current elevator systems, enabling building owners to cut energy costs without sacrificing passenger convenience. Mitsubishi Electric will incorporate the technology in its elevator systems starting this April, beginning with limited models and then gradually extending to other models in the company’s lineup. In line with increasing concerns about global warming, the operators of tall buildings and large facilities have shown strong interest in elevator systems that can help reduce energy consumption. Currently, however, most multi-elevator control systems require a trade-off between passenger convenience and energy saving, because they focus mainly on the reduction of passenger waiting time, which can lead to increased energy consumption. With Mitsubishi Electric’s new smart control technology, however, when someone pushes an elevator button, the system selects the elevator that best balances operational efficiency and energy consumption. Selection is based on each elevator’s potential energy consumption according to its current location and passenger load. The system also predicts congestion levels throughout the day to maximize operational efficiency and minimize energy consumption. For example, it prioritizes operational efficiency during peak usage in morning and evening rush hours and at lunchtime, but then prioritizes energy efficiency during non-peak hours. In the latter case, the average wait time in a common office building is no more than 1 to 1.6 seconds longer than the current average wait of 20 seconds, so passenger convenience is hardly affected. Energy-efficiency parameters can be selected manually, and elevators also can be set to proceed non-stop to the lobby floor to accommodate large crowds during special events.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to the latest appliances from Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Maytag, Whirlpool, Amana and Gladiator brands during the 2010 International Builders' Show®(IBS), Whirlpool Corporation is offering builders an overview on how the company is working better together with builders to help them build their businesses. Attendees of the show can tour The Inside Advantage(TM) section of the booth, an exhibit dedicated to new ways Whirlpool Corporation is investing in the building community. "The past couple of years in the building industry have been challenging, to say the least," said Tracy Frye, senior contract marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation. "We've positioned ourselves to meet the challenges of today's marketplace, refocusing our people and processes around our trade customers. We've also invested in a complete continuum of support, resources and services to make it easier and more beneficial to do business with us." The exhibit begins with a hands-on demonstration of The Inside Advantage(TM), which is designed to meet the needs of Whirlpool Corporation's trade customers and other building and design professionals. More than a program, The Inside Advantage(TM) is defined by four pillars, which are demonstrated throughout the exhibit: - Powerful Brands - learn more about items of interest within each specific established brand; - Innovative Products - view unique products that entice homeowners and make it easy to specify, use and install Whirlpool Corporation appliances; - Market Insight - examples of how Whirlpool Corporation keeps its eye on housing trends and develops innovations and products to anticipate market demand, including products that meet universal design, open floor plan, sustainable, multi-cultural and generational customers and other needs; - Targeted Services - special services that enable building professionals to best serve their customers, including the Quality Express Delivery Service and Finishing Touches(TM) Program, to name a few. As part of the exhibit, attendees can also learn more about the Green Touch(TM) Program, which makes it easier to design, build and market sustainable homes. The program provides builders with a variety of practical solutions to help make a sustainable difference, such as sustainable products, design tools and marketing assistance. "Our Green Touch(TM) Program is a perfect example of how we're helping builders meet today's new challenges," said Frye. "We consult with our builder customers to provide them with appliance packages that meet the requirements of today's sustainable homes, while also fitting homebuyers' lifestyle needs, including kitchens, laundry rooms, HVAC products and beyond. Additionally, we provide our builder customers with access to an exclusive portal, which is our ready resource for the latest information pertaining to sustainability. "The Whirlpool Corporation exhibit can be found during IBS at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #C3543, January 19-22, 2010.

Novel System to ‘Spray’ Solar Cells onto New Energy’s SolarWindow™ Replaces Slow, Expensive Methods with High-Speed, Cost-Saving Process; Previous Breakthrough Replaces ‘Visibility-Blocking’ Metal with See-Thru, Environmentally-Friendly Compounds. BURTONSVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Energy Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: NENE), developer of MotionPower™ technologies for generating sustainable electricity from the kinetic energy of moving vehicles and SolarWindow™ technologies capable of generating electricity on see-thru glass windows, today announced that researchers have developed a novel, patent-pending process for ‘spraying’ solar cells and their related components onto glass – a technical achievement recently presented in AZoNano’s (peer-reviewed, Journal of Nanotechnology Online; Dec. 20, 2009), “Nanotechnology Thought Leaders” series. “The ability to spray solar coatings directly onto glass follows on the heels of our recent breakthrough which replaced visibility-blocking metal with environmentally-friendly see-thru compounds, and marks an important advance in the development of our see-thru glass windows capable of generating electricity,” announced Mr. Meetesh V. Patel, President and CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc. Once scaled-up for use in commercial-scale production, researchers anticipate the ability to spray solar coatings directly onto New Energy’s first-of-its-kind see-thru SolarWindow™, currently under development, could provide significant commercial production advantages over today’s thin-films. Conventional solar films are typically manufactured using expensive and slow manufacturing methods which rely on high-temperature and finicky ‘vacuum deposition’ processes for depositing solar materials onto substrates; the resultant products are simply too thick to allow for transparency, an important consideration in the development of a commercially viable solar-powered glass window. Last week, New Energy announced that researchers successfully overcame one of the biggest transparency-related obstacles faced by scientists developing New Energy’s SolarWindow™ technology --- the presence of metal, an opaque material which blocks visibility and prevents light from passing through glass. Eliminating metal has proved especially challenging since the metal component acts as the negative ‘polar contact’ – an important function in collecting the electricity generated from solar cells on the surface of the glass. Last week’s breakthrough replaces this ‘visibility-blocking’ metal with environmentally-friendly and more transparent compounds. These compounds now function as the negative polar contact and collect electricity from New Energy’s SolarWindow™. The production of solar-generated electricity on glass is made possible by the world’s tiniest working solar cells, which along with their related components, have now been successfully sprayed on to glass surfaces by researchers currently developing the Company’s SolarWindow™. These ultra-small solar cells measure less than 1/4 the size of a grain of rice, are fabricated using environmentally-friendly materials, and successfully produce electricity, as demonstrated in a published peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy of the American Institute of Physics. Unique performance properties of New Energy’s ultra-small solar cells enable development of an ultra-thin film, only 1/1000th the thickness of a human hair, or 1/10th of a micrometer. In contrast, conventional thin films are exponentially thicker, measuring several micrometers thick and inhibiting transparency. In photovoltaic applications such as see-thru windows, where transparency is a primary concern, today’s thin film solar cells simply cannot be utilized to produce a transparent solar window for application in homes, offices, and commercial buildings.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PlasmaTech, Inc. (Pink Sheets:PMAH), a wireless technology innovator providing solutions to the $120 billion global security market, announced it has released its first consumer keyless door lock for the retail marketplace. The easy-to-install 2400CL (Consumer Lock) fits most existing doors, allowing users keyless secured access to their home or office. With the simple touch of a wireless key fob, the 2400CL automatically unlocks a motorized door hardware allowing access. The 2400CL kit comes complete with all hardware required, including a class one door lock available in silver, brass and gold, 3 key fobs, and easy-to-follow instructions. The 2400CL will have a suggested retail price of $399 for brushed aluminum, with brass and gold available at an additional charge. Consumers will be able to purchase additional fobs for $19.99, and the 2400CL will accommodate up to 10 fobs in total. The company has already received initial orders for its 2400CL and expects to be able to ship in quantity in approximately 90 days. View the 2400CL in action at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.plasmatechwireless.com/products.html.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainable Minds, a greener product design software and information company, today announced a partnership with the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA), the leading organization representing product, interaction, experience and service design, to advance the adoption and integration of ecodesign and sustainability practices in product design. The partnership will bring together software and information to educate, inspire, and ensure that product development organizations have the knowledge, tools, and value systems in place to support greener product design practices. "It's the optimal partnership to catalyze meaningful change," stated Terry Swack, CEO and co-founder of Sustainable Minds. "Our mission is to bring environmental sustainability to mainstream product development and manufacturing in an accessible, empowering, and credible way. Designers have the opportunity and responsibility to change organizations and culture through the products we value and use. Our partnership with IDSA allows us to deliver our ecodesign and life cycle assessment software directly to this community, enabling them to develop new knowledge, skills, and competencies to integrate environmental sustainability into their standard product design processes. We are excited about our partnership with IDSA, and will be offering training and discounted subscriptions to all types of IDSA members -- professionals, educators and students -- to help make this happen." "At IDSA, our goal is to help prepare our members for the challenges that lie ahead, especially in the area of sustainability and ecodesign," stated Clive Roux, executive director of IDSA. "We are excited to now have a more effective tool in place to help designers plan for sustainability and environmental impact assessment. Together, with Sustainable Minds, we can work to advance the understanding and practice of whole systems and life cycle thinking in product design processes. We look forward to working with Sustainable Minds to help us deliver greener product design education to our membership."

Industry Experts Agree: Kwikset’s SmartCode with Home Connect is one of the Best Products of 2009 2010 International CES LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kwikset®, an innovation leader in the residential door hardware industry, today proudly announced and celebrated multiple prestigious award wins for the revolutionary SmartCode™ with Home Connect™ at CES 2010 in Las Vegas. Introduced to market in Oct. 2009, the SmartCode with Home Connect has won the following industry awards and recognitions in the last three months alone: - CE Pro BEST Award – BEST Integrated Security System/Module/Device - Electronic House TOPS Award – Access Control: Videophones, Door Locks and Gates - Custom Retailer Excite! Award - Handy Innovation Award – Honorable Mention - The Last Gadget Standing Semifinalist – Online voting still in progress at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/lastgadgetstanding.com/ballot-box/ “We knew when we were developing the SmartCode with Home Connect that it would revolutionize the way we think about door hardware,” said Dave Albert, vice president of Residential Access Solutions, Security Hardware Division, Black & Decker. “We’re extremely proud and humbled to see it so quickly being honored as the best product available in its category by the leading industry experts and integrators.” Homeowners using SmartCode with Home Connect, whether the deadbolt, or the yet-to-be released lever product – currently being previewed to the public for the first time at CES – can use a Web-enabled cell phone, the Internet, or home automation/security touch panel to check their door lock status, automatically arm and disarm their security system, and receive text notification when someone has entered. This is the only remotely accessible lock on the market that has true, one touch locking for added convenience. Homeowners can select to have their doors automatically lock after 30 seconds for the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind, without fear of being locked out. Finally, both products have the ability to speak wirelessly with other home electronics, such as lighting, the thermostat and music/entertainment system(s). “The motorized deadbolt makes remote locking and unlocking possible on the SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect,” continued Albert. “It’s also what differentiates it from other so-called ‘remote’ controlled locks that still require a person to physically stand on the porch in order to lock or unlock the door. In our opinion, it can’t really be called ‘remote access’ if you still need physical interaction with the deadbolt.”

Powered by Marvell Wi-Fi Technologies and Processors and chumby Software, New Green Wireless Home Energy Management and Control Products Provide Consumers with Solutions to Save Energy LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- CES -- Golden Power Manufacturing through its affiliated company Radio Thermostat Company of America (RTCA), today announced it has jointly developed a new home automation platform with Marvell (NASDAQ:MRVL) and chumby industries to power a series of new energy efficient solutions for the emerging smart home market at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The home automation platform, based on the RTCA Smart Thermostat, will power a new Irrigation Timer and Load Shed Devices that will also be unveiled at the show. To increase the smart home's flexibility the RTCA Smart Thermostat line can also link with chumbys and chumby-powered devices that also use the Marvell Platform. These new efficient home solutions, with Smart Grid features and remote control access to personal information and resources, enable management of electricity in the home reliably and securely to save consumers valuable energy and money throughout the year. Powered by Marvell® ultra low power Wi-Fi technologies, processors and networking technologies, the new affordable RTCA energy efficient solutions include a Wi-Fi thermostat, Wi-Fi sprinkler system, and wireless lighting control. Marvell's highly scalable, intelligent processors enable development of devices to connect consumers with access to live digital content and information - anywhere, anytime and any size. RTCA's home automation platform is designed for home owners, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and professional installers. The wide-ranging home automation platform features multiple radios including Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, RDS, and Flexnet allowing it to communicate with the wide variety of connected devices in homes such as pool pumps, irrigation systems, intelligent connected displays, and other connected smart appliances.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation recently announced that Sue Reed, senior account manager Florida Contract Sales, and Mark Peterson, senior account manager Southern States Contract Sales, have earned Certified Green Professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The CGP distinction recognizes Reed and Peterson as building industry professionals with knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building principles into home building. As an almost 24-year member of the Whirlpool Corporation team, Reed plays an integral role in a number of building groups. Her recent accomplishment positions Reed to speak on various environmentally friendly building elements, including waste management, materials, construction and sustainable practices. In addition to her recent CGP certification, Reed has received a Green Advantage Certification. Peterson, a 23-year member of Whirlpool Corporation's team, is well versed on building sustainably without driving up the cost of construction. As a CGP-certified professional, he helps promote the importance of increased indoor air quality and energy and resource efficiency. "Whirlpool Corporation congratulates Reed and Peterson on their recent accomplishments," said Tracy Frye, senior contract marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation. "The CGP certification is not an easy task and we commend them for their dedication to better serving our company, its trade customers and the building industry. With these credentials, we can further educate our customers about sustainable building practices, while reducing the building industry's carbon footprint." The CGP curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners on a range of topics, including strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction, and how green homes provide homeowners with lower maintenance and good indoor air quality. Reed is required to maintain the designation by completing 12 hours of continuing education every three years, a portion of which pertains to green building activities.

POMPANO BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cyclone Power Technologies Inc. (Pink Sheets: CYPW) has released new video demonstrating the economic and environment benefits of utilizing its heat-regenerative, external combustion engines to power waste energy recovery applications. Cyclone’s Waste Heat Engine (WHE) is designed to power a grid-tied or stand-alone waste energy recovery system capable of generating between 1kW and 1MW of electricity. The patented piston-based engine captures 600F to 2000F of excess wasted heat from sources such as engine exhaust, commercial ovens, industrial furnaces and landfill flares. The Company is currently completing extensive testing of the WHE and expects to place smaller units into production later this year. “We believe that our WHE systems can fill an enormous gap in the waste energy recovery industry – namely small and medium sized businesses with low to medium quality excess wasted heat,” stated Cyclone’s CEO, Harry Schoell. “We believe that our WHE units are the only truly viable options for facilities as small as restaurants, to medium-sized industrial furnaces, foundries and gas flares.” According to industry studies, such facilities comprise 20% or more of the nation’s total waste heat resources. The Company’s WHE systems produce electricity from heat (thermal energy) that is otherwise lost into the atmosphere through tail pipes, smoke stacks, exhaust flues and flares. According to the US Clean Heat and Power Association, combined heat and power (CHP) and waste heat recovery processes like these currently: * Save business owners over $5 billion/year in energy costs; * Reduce emissions of NOx by 400,000 tons/year and SO2 by 900,000 tons/year; and * Prevent the release of 35 million tons of CO2 equivalent into the atmosphere. Cyclone believes that the installation of its WHE systems can also drive investment and create jobs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if the U.S. were to increase its use of CHP and waste heat recovery systems to generate 20% of its electricity by 2030, it would spur $234 billion in private investment and create 1 million jobs.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (Jan. 7, 2010) – Whirlpool Corporation recently announced that Sue Reed, senior account manager Florida Contract Sales, and Mark Peterson, senior account manager Southern States Contract Sales, have earned Certified Green Professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The CGP distinction recognizes Reed and Peterson as building industry professionals with knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building principles into home building. As an almost 24-year member of the Whirlpool Corporation team, Reed plays an integral role in a number of building groups. Her recent accomplishment positions Reed to speak on various environmentally friendly building elements, including waste management, materials, construction and sustainable practices. In addition to her recent CGP certification, Reed has received a Green Advantage Certification. Peterson, a 23-year member of Whirlpool Corporation’s team, is well versed on building sustainably without driving up the cost of construction. As a CGP-certified professional, he helps promote the importance of increased indoor air quality and energy and resource efficiency. “Whirlpool Corporation congratulates Reed and Peterson on their recent accomplishments,” said Tracy Frye, senior contract marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation. “The CGP certification is not an easy task and we commend them for their dedication to better serving our company, its trade customers and the building industry. With these credentials, we can further educate our customers about sustainable building practices, while reducing the building industry’s carbon footprint.” The CGP curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners on a range of topics, including strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction, and how green homes provide homeowners with lower maintenance and good indoor air quality. Reed is required to maintain the designation by completing 12 hours of continuing education every three years, a portion of which pertains to green building activities. 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 1-800-952-2537.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Architectural Building Components, the premier manufacturer of innovative metal roofing solutions like the 238T roof system and Archzilla™ jobsite manufacturing truck used in low-/steep-slope and complex roofing applications, today announced the launch of their new Web site (www.archmetalroof.com) aimed at providing updated product information and enhancing customer relationships. The new site boasts an expanded and constantly-updated product gallery with new information, photos and informational videos. It also hosts enhanced search functionality geared to help visitors quickly locate metal roofing and siding information. "This new Web site allows us the opportunity to increase our customer reach and enhance our communication with them,” said Charlie Smith, president of Architectural Building Components. “We’re always striving to stay on the cutting edge of industry leadership and that means providing prospects and customers with a great educational source for metal roofing and siding solutions.” The Web site now also includes specification information for architects and general contractors to easily identify standing-seam panel roof products, allowing them to expedite roofing needs for their projects more quickly. Architectural Building Components plans to continue Web site enhancements for improved information flow to customers and to better serve industry demand for metal roof and siding expertise.

Products Will Extend Autodesk’s Visualization Solutions for Civil Engineering and Architecture Projects SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) announced that it has completed the acquisition of Dynamite VSP and Dynamite SIM visualization software products and related assets. The products were purchased from 3AM Solutions, a UK-based privately owned technology company that develops visualization software for civil infrastructure. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Dynamite VSP and Dynamite SIM technology will help Autodesk automate the process of creating visualizations for projects made with AutoCAD Civil 3D software. Dynamite VSP offers simple and efficient ways to bring AutoCAD Civil 3D software data into Autodesk 3ds Max Design software. “We believe that every design has a story to tell. This acquisition will greatly simplify the process of visualizing complex AutoCAD Civil 3D projects with 3ds Max Design,” explained Jay Bhatt, Autodesk senior vice president, Architecture, Engineering and Construction. “It will help civil engineers tell their story in the most compelling way possible — validating their designs in context and showcasing projects for public consultation and approval.” “With Autodesk’s research and development investment capabilities, this acquisition is expected to benefit our existing users as our technology is taken to the next level,” said Bruce Harfield, director of 3AM Solutions. “We look forward to working with Autodesk to further integrate the technology into the company’s existing software and advance Autodesk’s visualization offerings for civil engineers.” “This acquisition will help empower users to more rapidly produce high-quality visualizations of civil engineering projects — even those without detailed knowledge of 3ds Max Design,” added Bhatt. Product Integration Autodesk intends to integrate core technology from the Dynamite VSP and Dynamite SIM products into 3ds Max Design and other existing Autodesk architecture, civil engineering and visual communication applications.

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clear-Lite Holdings, Inc. (“ClearLite”) (OTCBB: CLRH), a leading innovator of eco-friendly lighting and the appreciably safer ArmorLite™ CFL, today announced the launch of its new and improved corporate website, www.clearlite.com, designed to be more streamlined and user-friendly. The new corporate website includes new videos and additional information on ClearLite's complete line of lighting products, including the latest details on its green-tech innovation, ArmorLite: A Safer CFL™, which is available on Amazon.com and for commercial customers at Creative Lighting LLC., please email inquiries to sales@creativelightingllc.com. The website also provides a comprehensive investor relations platform to streamline communication with shareholders and the investment community. “We believe that our new website provides users an efficient means of accessing our information; enabling us to better inform them about our innovative earth-friendly product lines," said President and CEO Thomas Irvine of ClearLite. "The new site is part of a larger effort to offer our customers, vendors and shareholders the most up-to-date information on our Company, the industry and our products as well as express the importance of making the planet, our family, home, and business a safer and better place using A Safer CFL." ClearLite constantly embraces innovation; its cutting-edge products help reduce energy use, provide a more natural light and now A Safer CFL. Unlike the commonly found spiral design CFLs, the patent-pending ArmorLite looks like an incandescent bulb. It is in fact a compact fluorescent light bulb hidden inside a glass-shaped safety-coated cover; it is similar in design to the incandescent light bulb that seems to be preferred by most consumers. ClearLite offers a wide range of green lighting solutions for both retail and commercial clients. It has focused on earth-friendly, energy-saving “natural” lighting and now A Safer CFL, the patent-pending ArmorLite SAFETY ECO CFL.

CINCINNATI, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- As an industry leader in industrial and commercial mezzanine flooring for warehouses, Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC is committed to high-performance floors. "Proper installation is a big part of a solid mezzanine flooring, and so are budgets today. That is why we have introduced a new collated screw system for our ResinDek mezzanine flooring," said Greg Doppler, President of Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products. "If we can make an installation go easier and cost less while keeping ResinDek floors performing and looking good, then we are focused upon our customers' needs," continued Greg Doppler. The new installation method includes industrial collated floor color matched screws specifically designed for ResinDek, and a stand-up screw gun with consistent screw depth control settings. This new installation method is projected to save up to 40% in installation costs when used with ResinDek mezzanine flooring panels.

MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO —10 December 2009— First Lady Frances Strickland and Chris Korleski, director of the Ohio EPA, today presented the Ohio Award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Stewardship to six organizations including Masco Retail Cabinet Group, the manufacturer of KraftMaid Cabinetry. Receiving the award for KraftMaid Cabinetry was Chris Winans, Vice President of Operations at Masco Retail Cabinet Group. “We’re honored and grateful to be recognized for our efforts in environmental responsibility and sustainability,” he said. “From our start as a small cabinetry shop and through every aspect of our business, taking personal responsibility for the environment is central to our culture. This award validates our sustainable practices to our customers and neighbors.” All KraftMaid Cabinetry plants operate under an environmental management system certified to ISO-14001:2004. The company also: • has earned certification under the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s Association (KCMA) for manufacturers who meet a stringent set of environmental criteria • meets or exceed the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) cabinetry requirements for inclusion in the Environments for Living® Certified Green program • is a downstream licensed facility of the Composite Panel Association (CPA) Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) program, procuring at least 95% EPP Certified particle board and using MDF which contains 100% recovered or recycled wood fibers • continually monitors environmental impact through a strong focus on the three R’s – reduce, reuse, recycle • supports local communities and neighborhoods around the country through product donation and involvement with various charities and institutions including Habitat for Humanity and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Also this year, KraftMaid Cabinetry was ranked highest overall among cabinet manufacturers in satisfying customers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Cabinet Satisfaction StudySM. Winners of the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Stewardship were selected based on a sound track record of environmental compliance and a commitment to go above and beyond regulations to improve environmental performance; a mature environmental management system (EMS) or integration of the EMS principles into core business functions; aggressive environmental performance goals, and a process for communicating with the local community about program activities and progress on performance goals. For more than 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection featuring more than 100 trend-on door styles and over 45 furniture-quality finishes. In 1990, KraftMaid was purchased by Masco Corporation of Taylor, Michigan, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. KraftMaid® is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group.

New technology simplifies key control, enabling locks and deadbolts to be rekeyed in two easy steps with no extra tools and without being removed from the door 2010 International Builders' Show, Booth C3142, Central Hall CARMEL, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jobsites will now be more secure and home builders will be able to quickly change keys at any time during construction with the new line of SecureKey™ bump- and pick-resistant residential door locks Schlage is introducing at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, January 19-22. Unlike traditional pin-and-tumbler locks, which must be removed from the door and disassembled for rekeying, SecureKey locks and deadbolts employ a new high-security design that enables them to be rekeyed in seconds—without removal from the door and without compromising security. Security is actually enhanced through the use of a pick-resistant Grade 1* cylinder and a special locking sidebar that protects against lock bumping. The SecureKey design provides well over 100,000 possible key combinations, making it 10 times more secure from key duplication than other rekeyable systems on the market. Rekeying: A Simple Two-Step Process Rekeying Schlage SecureKey deadbolts and locks is a simple two-step procedure that does not require any extra tools. Simply insert the blue Reset Key included with every SecureKey lock, turn it to the 11:00 position and remove the key. Then insert a new blue Reset Key that matches the new keys for the lock, turn it back to the 12:00 position and you’re done. The lock is now rekeyed to the new key. A plus sign on the face of the lock cylinder makes it easy to identify SecureKey products, which can be keyed to other Schlage C keyway 5-pin products, making it easy to manage keys with staff and sub-contractors. Other SecureKey benefits include: * The lock cannot be forced into rekey mode with a generic tool or foreign object because the unique blue Reset Key must be inserted to rekey the lock. * The lock is secure even when the lock is in its rekey position, which is not the case with other rekeyable locks on the market. * Once the lock is in its rekey position, builders can give any set of keys to the homeowner, making it easy to manage keys for each home. SecureKey locks cost the same as Schlage’s conventional locks and will be available in all styles of residential deadbolts and door locks, including handlesets. Demonstrations will be ongoing during IBS at Schlage’s booth (C3142) in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- fiberAmerica, an innovative manufacturer of consistent, high quality and environmentally-friendly cellulose fiber insulation products, today announced the launch of its 'Green Seal' cellulose fiber insulation product line. This environmentally-friendly family of insulation products provides homeowners with a cost-effective, healthier and more energy-efficient option than fiberglass products. "With proper insulation, homeowners can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, which will be critical as utility rates are expected to increase dramatically in 2010 across the country. Green Seal can help homeowners save money, while also keeping the impact to the environment at a minimum," said David A. Johnson, president for fiberAmerica. "The fact that our initial group of customers is already placing repeat orders is validation that Green Seal is meeting the market needs for a high-quality, environmentally-friendly insulation product." Tested and certified by R&D Services as well as in fiberAmerica's on-site laboratory, the Green Seal product line uses high quality recycled paper and environmentally-friendly fire-retardant materials in its manufacturing process. Green Seal's excellent insulating properties help reduce energy consumption and provide superior acoustical insulation assets compared to fiberglass insulation. Additionally, cellulose insulation is safe and non-toxic to installers and building inhabitants - promoting a healthier environment. fiberAmerica will be announcing additional products in the near future, all manufactured in its new technically-advanced production facility conveniently located for installers throughout the eastern United States.

Competitively Priced LED Series Features High Luminous Intensity and High Reliability Performance SAN JOSE, Calif. & SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avago Technologies (Nasdaq: AVGO), a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, today announced a new series of 5mm green and blue high brightness, high performance Through-hole LEDs for use in Electronic Sign and Signal applications. Avago’s competitively priced HLMP-Cxxx Through-hole round LED lamp series provide high reliability performance and high luminous intensity in electronic signs to help improve the contrast ratio and readability in sunlight. These new LEDs are also ideal for use in Traffic Signs, Variable Message Signs, and Monocolor Signs. Each of the HLMP-Cxxx series LEDs are made with an advanced optical grade epoxy offering superior high temperature and high moisture resistance. Moreover, the package epoxy has high Ultra-violet resistivity which can reduce the effects of long term exposure to direct sunlight. Features * High luminous intensity * Well defined spatial radiation pattern * Available in green and blue colors * Pb-Free and RoHS compliant

Researchers replace ‘visibility-blocking’ metal with transparent, environmentally-friendly compounds which collect electricity generated on the Company’s SolarWindow™, currently under development. BURTONSVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Energy Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: NENE), currently developing MotionPower™ technologies for generating electricity from the kinetic energy of moving vehicles and SolarWindow™ technologies capable of generating electricity on glass windows, today announced that researchers have overcome a significant scientific hurdle in creating the first-of-its-kind see-thru solar glass by replacing a visibility-blocking solid metal component with environmentally-friendly, non-metallic, transparent compounds. To-date, one of the biggest obstacles faced by researchers developing New Energy’s SolarWindow™ technology has been the presence of metal, an opaque material which blocks all visibility and prevents light from passing through glass. Eliminating metal has proved especially challenging since the metal component acts as the negative ‘polar contact’ – an important function in collecting the electricity generated from solar cells on the surface of the glass. Today’s breakthrough replaces this visibility-blocking metal with environmentally-friendly and more transparent compounds. These compounds now function as the negative polar contact and collect electricity from New Energy’s SolarWindow™. The production of solar-generated electricity on glass is made possible by the world’s tiniest working solar cells, which have been successfully applied on to glass surfaces by researchers currently developing the Company’s transparent SolarWindow™ technology. These ultra-small solar cells measure less than ¼ the size of a grain of rice, are fabricated using environmentally-friendly materials, and successfully produce electricity, as demonstrated in a published peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy of the American Institute of Physics.

DUBLIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEW HOME GREEN MATERIALS AND LEARNING CENTER, the first sizable superstore chain of green building materials with a wholesale distribution, will launch its highly anticipated “Social Marketplace” website feature on February 1, 2010. The new platform, developed exclusively by NEW HOME, is the first real digital hub to offer free green building advertising, classifieds, social linkage and networking, a vast library of educational documents, videos, and professional certification opportunities for contractors all over the US. In addition the site will include streaming webinars, instructional videos, teleconferencing and portals to key regulatory agencies. “It is the first online platform directly linking green manufacturers, education providers and regulatory agencies with consumers, contractors and professionals. Consumers can put a project out for bid, professionals can advertise services on our classified ad network, get a project team together and live chat with other professionals plus find out what’s the latest on government rebates, incentives and regulations,” explained Rich Rifkin, NEW HOME CEO and Founder. “Already in production for five months, we are populating initial content for the new website features through January and launch the platform to the public February 1, 2010. By late March our products will be made available via the web – about 200,000 green building materials meta-rated and easy to source,” Rifkin added. Set to launch on February 1, the free services will include: * Manufacturer Product Training * Classifieds for Consumers and Professionals * Professional Certification (LEED AP, GPR, etc) * Blogs, News, RSS Feeds * User Uploaded Documents and Videos * Post and Watch Live Streaming Seminars From Around the World * Webinars (Attend or create your own) * Building Permit and Application (Chat online with local building officials) * Laws, Ordinances, Regulations and Incentives * Social Networking Opportunities

New Name Helps to Reflect the Corporations Global Strength Anaheim, CA – December 29, 2009 – ParexLahabra, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco, Teifs and Merkrete today announced it would change its name to Parex USA, Inc. effective January 1, 2010. "ParexLahabra is a leader in each of the three product families we focus on,” said Rodrigo Lacerda, President and CEO of Parex USA, Inc. “The name change to Parex USA reflects our global strength as a subsidiary of the ParexGroup, one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and ready-to-use mortars for the construction industry. We are confident that customers will see that they can rely on the stability of a large corporation while enjoying the service and relationship of a local company they can trust. This is the heart and soul of Parex USA!" With over 175 years of combined industry experience, Parex USA boasts a rich history built on hard work, knowledge, commitment and loyalty. Today, Parex USA is one of North America's most respected suppliers of building materials. Their dynamic offering of leading brands have been created to support the building industry with exceptional product development and the highest standard of service in the industry, Parex USA is committed to exceeding customer expectations and the demands of an ever changing industry. Parex USA's global network provides unlimited access to innovation and industry trends around the world. They are driven by three distinct business groups: • EIFS • Stucco Solutions • Tile & Stone Installation Systems As Parex USA moves into the future their focus will be on state-of-the-art technology, innovation and unsurpassed customer service. About Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of the ParexGroup one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and ready-to-use mortars for the construction industry. With over 45 manufacturing sites in 18 countries the ParexGroup employs more than 2,700 industry professionals who are the corner stone of this thriving global organization. The brands of Parex USA are Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco and Merkrete. For more information regarding Parex USA, Inc. visit www.parexusa.com.