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Copper Industry Launches New DIY Architectural and Plumbing Videos

May 27, 2011

How-to video series shows step-by-step copper application techniques NEW YORK, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Do It Proper with Copper" video series is back with its second installment of DIY architectural and plumbing how-to videos. (Photo: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110526/MM08075) The short, instructional videos have been produced by the Copper Development Association (CDA) and are designed to illustrate exactly how one can use this versatile metal in plumbing, architecture and building and construction projects. CDA project managers Larry Peters, who specializes in architectural applications, and Harold Moret, who specializes in plumbing applications, once again provide their expertise in proper copper application techniques. The new series expands on the first how-to videos which launched in 2010 and cover building techniques such as: vertical lap seams, flat seams and standing seams for architectural copper systems and bending & flaring, structural adhesives and a continuation of brazing techniques used in plumbing applications. Each video explains which tools are needed for the application, while giving a step-by-step tutorial that is easy to understand for anyone from the average do-it-yourselfer to the seasoned professional. The videos break down the different copper methods, and make sure no small details are overlooked. For example, the standing seam video not only discusses how the seam is constructed, but also how cleats should be used to attach the sheet copper to the substrate of the roof or wall. The Do it Proper with Copper video series could be applied in the classroom and used as a learning tool by vocational schools, for training programs and apprenticeship workshops. "We received good feedback from the first series, both from individuals using copper on their own projects and from instructors using the videos as a teaching tool. So we created this second series to expand to other joining systems and applications," said Andy Kireta Jr., vice president of building construction for CDA. "The videos are great for anybody looking for guidance on the right way to install copper systems, and they are packaged in a way that makes specific information easy to access and understand. In just a few short minutes you can gain confidence that your skills in installing the system will allow copper to provide the lifetime of service that you expect." The Do it Proper with Copper video series is available for free download on the CDA website, and are also featured on CDA's YouTube channel.
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DeckWise™ Introduces Improved Line of Deck Tile Fasteners

May 27, 2011

GAFFNEY, S.C., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company is proud to introduce the Deck Tile Connector. As part of the DeckWise™ brand of decking products, the Deck Tile Connector gives builders and DIY homeowners an easy and affordable way to fasten hardwood decking tiles. The DeckWise™ Deck Tile Connector achieves both. With a retail price under $2.00 each, the Deck Tile Connector is the key to making a wood-backed deck tile surface even more solid and reliable. The DeckWise™ Deck Tile Connector system benefits include: * Uniform gap spacing for a consistently attractive surface * Improved drainage with pre-cut centered drain hole * Simple to fasten over an existing wooden deck or concrete slab * Easy score & snap system for edges and corners * Engineered with chemical & UV resistant polyethylene * Matte texture provides a more subtle look between gaps * Available in our signature colors: Hardwood Brown, Shadowline Black, & Composite Grey Chris Shope adds, "Deck builders have been asking for a convenient way to install wood-backed tiles. Now, all they have to do is screw into a worn concrete slab, or patio, and place these tiles in the pattern of their choosing. It's just a smarter way to install deck tiles." About The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company & DeckWise™ The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company manufactures patented deck fasteners for hardwood, composite, and PVC decking. Their flagship Extreme™ line of deck fasteners allow for fast and easy installation while giving the do-it-yourselfer and expert deck builder a professionally finished look. The DeckWise™ line of deck-building products are ideal for hardwood decking and a variety of composite and PVC decking. From stainless & Colormatch deck screws, gap spacers, hardwood plug kits, the Drill & Drive, and much more, DeckWise™ offers deck builders an all-in-one source for all their decking tool and accessory needs.
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NO BUILDING LEFT BEHIND: OpenADR for the Masses with REGEN Energy's EnviroGrid

May 27, 2011

TORONTO, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- REGEN Energy™ announces the availability of its OpenADR (Open Automated Demand Response) solution for summer 2011. This solution breaks down technology barriers so that every commercial and industrial facility can benefit from OpenADR programs and incentives. REGEN's simple wireless EnviroGrid™ demand management technology enables building owners to participate in OpenADR, whether directly with a utility or through a load aggregator, at a fraction of the cost and complexity compared to an Energy Management System (EMS). Most facilities can be installed and commissioned within one day by any HVAC technician or electrician, making EnviroGrid one of the fastest deployment solutions available today. EnviroGrid requires no intervention on the part of the customer, and qualifies for utility incentives that trim financial payback into months, not years. The OpenADR standard, already in use by many of California's largest utilities, allows customers to receive Automatic Demand Response signals to control building equipment such as air-conditioning and lighting, which can represent over 50% of total building electrical load. Customers are eligible for tremendous utility incentives if they participate via OpenADR. Until now, the only way that commercial and industrial customers could convert those OpenADR signals into action was if they installed and customized an EMS. This presented an obstacle for the majority of building operators, given the cost and complexity involved in installing and managing an EMS -- let alone the costs to customize load limiting strategies for each building. Department of Energy surveys indicate that 75% of buildings do not have an EMS, restricting adoption of OpenADR to a small segment of the market. EnviroGrid employs REGEN's patented wireless swarm logic controllers to distribute a Demand Response event's curtailment across loads and across time as smoothly as possible, providing substantially better occupant comfort compared to conventional temperature setback or load limiting techniques. EnviroGrid also provides consumption reduction and peak demand reduction benefits well beyond DR events, generating energy efficiency savings for customers year-round. "Even buildings with an EMS can profit from the use of REGEN's system, as EnviroGrid can be integrated with existing control systems to provide additional benefits in conjunction with OpenADR connectivity," says Tim Angus, CEO of REGEN Energy. EnviroGrid simplifies not only the equipment required to participate in OpenADR, but also the process by which a customer can engage a utility -- whether one chooses to enter into a third-party aggregator contract, or enroll directly with the utility under the many attractive DR programs offered today.
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Ontario-Based E-Commerce Company Announces New Web Site

May 25, 2011

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Canada-based e-commerce company, Drews Enterprises Incorporated, has announced the launch of a new consumer tools Web site: www.DrewsTools.com. DrewsTools.com operates as an electronic commerce (e-commerce) Web site. The site offers a wide range of quality tools including air nailers, air tool kits, air compressors and more. DrewsTools.com continuously researches other types of tools so that they are always providing their customers with the latest designs and styles. The expansive variety of air nailers, air tool kits and air compressors found on the Web site eliminates a customer's need to shop on multiple sites, therefore saving them time and money. With customer satisfaction in the forefront, DrewsTools.com offers high quality products at competitive prices. Ward added, "When you purchase an item from DrewsTools.com, you can be confident that we are supplying you with the best product, backed by our satisfaction guarantee. We are dedicated to providing fast shipping services on all purchases so that our customers don't have to wait long for their new tools!" New products are added frequently and items purchased through the site may be returned for a full refund (minus shipping) within 30 days of purchase if the customer is dissatisfied with their selection. In addition to online sales, a customer service team is available during normal business hours for customer ordering support. For more information on Drews Enterprises Incorporated and its newest site visit www.DrewsTools.com or call 877-511-8864.
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GreenWizard and Building Systems Design Form Collaborative Partnership

May 24, 2011

New Partnership of Building Systems Design and GreenWizard Will Address Issues of Product Discovery, Evaluation, and Specification of Green and LEED-Oriented Materials CHARLESTON, S.C. & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GreenWizard® Inc., and Building Systems Design, Inc. (BSD), today announced they have entered into a collaborative partnership to investigate the opportunities for developing cross-platform tools for the identification, analysis, and specification of green and LEED-oriented construction materials. Today, GreenWizard is the only data-driven workflow solution that puts product search, evaluation, selection, LEED credit modeling / assessment and LEED documentation at the fingertips of the design and construction community. BSD SpecLink-E® is a powerful, database-driven specifications platform that offers more efficient specifications production for design professionals. GreenWizard and BSD SpecLink-E users may expect to benefit even more from the granular-level green and performance product data within GreenWizard and the significant specification writing capabilities of SpecLink-E as data and software from the two applications become more closely connected. Founded in 1983, BSD's current line of BSD SoftLink® products is gaining wide acceptance as state-of-the-art software because of the innovative ways that data is linked and displayed. GreenWizard has become the leading provider of green building product data and the necessary workflows required to specify green building products in LEED-oriented projects. GreenWizard’s software allows a user to research, model, and optimize green building product decisions.
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Homes.com Launches Home Values Channel

May 24, 2011

New Tools Provide Property Value Information and Connect Consumers with Real Estate Professionals NORFOLK, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Homes.com, anchor website for Homes Media Solutions and a division of Dominion Enterprises, announced today the launch of its new Home Values channel. Designed to serve as the first step for consumers seeking more information about a home’s market value, the channel’s innovative tools provide a wealth of property information to help educate consumers on local market conditions. Home Values gives users highly accurate estimates of property values based on a proprietary, automated valuation model from SmartZip Analytics, Inc. It has valuable information about the property, including estimated value over time, last sold date and price, and a mortgage estimate. Home Values also delivers information on nearby homes for sale and recently sold properties. Homes.com is the first major real estate search site to utilize Bing Maps 7, the latest in mapping technology. Using three different perspectives, including the closest bird’s eye view in the industry, Home Values offers users a clear, crisp and easy-to-navigate view of the neighborhood they are searching, both on the web and on Homes.com mobile.
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Every Type of Home Exterior Can Benefit from Top Quality Paint

May 20, 2011

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--There are so many exterior paints and coatings available today that choosing the right product can be confusing. But, according to the Paint Quality Institute, this is one decision you really don’t need to fret over. “By using a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint, you’ll enjoy a variety of performance benefits, whether your home exterior is made of wood, aluminum siding, vinyl siding, or masonry,” says Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Institute. Wood When applied to a properly prepared wood exterior, top quality 100% acrylic latex paint can protect and beautify a home for up to 10 years or more, says Zimmer, far longer than ordinary paint. That makes it a great long-term investment. One reason for its durability is the excellent adhesion of 100% acrylic latex paint. By getting a better “grip” on wood -- especially if it is primed beforehand – the paint resists peeling and flaking. And since acrylic is also very elastic, the paint can stretch or shrink with the wood without suffering damage. Top quality paints also contain beneficial ingredients that ward off troublesome problems on wood. An example is mildewcide, which helps prevent mildew growth. Aluminum Siding While aluminum siding is very durable, the factory-applied color eventually tends to chalk and fade. According to Zimmer, applying a coat of top quality 100% acrylic paint can not only restore the appearance of the panels, but also provide superior resistance to the UV rays that cause chalking and fading. Special additives in top quality paint offer another advantage when painting aluminum siding: They help the paint go on thick and uniform, with good “leveling”. That’s a technical way of saying that the paint will tend to duplicate the original appearance of the aluminum siding, be it smooth or textured. Vinyl Siding Although manufacturers often describe vinyl siding as “maintenance free,” the surface can eventually become marred, discolored or chalky. Even if it doesn’t, there may simply be a desire to change its color. In either case, there are two very important reasons to use top quality 100% acrylic latex paint on vinyl siding: the paint’s excellent adhesion and its superior flexibility. “Because vinyl siding has such a slick surface, you must use a paint with good adhesion to be sure it grabs onto the siding,” says Zimmer. “You also need a paint that is flexible enough to ‘move’ with the panels when temperature changes cause them to expand and contract. Top quality paint satisfies both criteria.” Some top quality 100% acrylic latex paints are even made with reflective pigments that protect vinyl siding from the sun’s UV rays, which forestalls fading. And, as with aluminum siding, the good leveling quality of top quality paint will mimic the smooth or textured profile of the vinyl panels. Masonry If you want the best performance on stucco, concrete or any other masonry surface, there are a host of reasons to use top quality 100% acrylic latex paint. According to Zimmer, these paints offer excellent chalk resistance, which helps prevent the color from fading, even where UV rays are strongest. “By contrast, a lesser paint can quickly fade under these conditions,” she says. Top quality 100% acrylic latex paints also have superior alkali resistance. Fresh masonry, in particular, is often so alkaline that it can “burn” some paints, changing the color and even deteriorating the paint film. By using a quality acrylic sealer and applying a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint, you can avoid these problems. On aged masonry, top quality 100% acrylic latex paints offer still another advantage: resistance to efflorescence, a white, crusty powder that can ruin the appearance of any paint job. So, whatever type of exterior you have on your home, don’t sweat your paint selection. By choosing 100% acrylic latex paint, you’ll get some great benefits that will protect your home and keep it looking freshly-painted for years to come.
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Lighting Science Group Redefines Architainment With PriZmaline Series

May 20, 2011

First Standard Wireless RGBW LED Architectural/Entertainment Lighting Fixtures PR Newswire SATELLITE BEACH, Fla., May 19, 2011 SATELLITE BEACH, Fla., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Translating imagination into sustainable lighting design—Lighting Science Group (OTCBB: LSCG) unveiled this week the PriZmaline Series, a sweeping product line which can bring advanced project visions of lighting designers, architects and artists alike, to life. Lighting Science Group's Advanced Projects Group has taken front-line technological developments of one of the world's leading LED companies and fused them with the desire to turn creative concepts into realities. The unparalleled PriZmaline Series features numerous wall washing and grazing applications, value-boosting efficacy and streamlined control. From the Times Square Ball to Louis Vuitton in Las Vegas, Lighting Science Group's Advanced Projects Group is turning architectural and artist dreams into reality, while at the same time saving energy and virtually eliminating maintenance cost. The PriZmaline Series will be available this summer. The wall washing, wall grazing and interior cove fixtures are on display in Lighting Science Group's booth # 3301 at LIGHTFAIR International 2011 in Philadelphia, May 17–19, 201. For more information about Lighting Science Group's Advanced Projects Group, visit www.lsgc.com.
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Universal Display Announces All-Phosphorescent White OLED Lighting Panel with 58 Lumens Per Watt and 30,000 Hours of Operating Lifetime at 2011 SID

May 19, 2011

Company also exhibits novel all-PHOLED white OLED lighting panel prototypes with innovative design elements for lighting products SID Display Week 2011 EWING, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: PANL), enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its UniversalPHOLED® technology and materials, announced record-breaking performance of the company’s white OLED lighting technology at the 2011 Society for Information Display (SID) International Symposium, Seminar, and Exhibition being held from May 15 - 20, 2011. The company has developed a warm-white, all-phosphorescent OLED lighting panel with a power efficacy of 58 lumens per Watt (lm/W) and a record-breaking 30,000 hours of operating lifetime (to 70 percent of initial luminance). Based, in part, on the company’s new light blue UniversalPHOLED materials system, this represents a three times improvement in operating lifetime over results presented this time last year. The company is also exhibiting a series of white OLED lighting panel designs at booth #1212 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA from May 17 - 19. The panels illustrate a number of novel design elements, including transparency and flexibility, for white OLED lighting products (see attached photo). Dr. Peter A. Levermore, Research Scientist at Universal Display, will present the advances in a paper titled, ‘Phosphorescent OLEDs: Enabling Solid-State Lighting with Lower Temperature and Longer Lifetime’, on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in Room 408B. In his paper, Dr. Levermore will describe two high performance, all-phosphorescent OLED lighting panels, 15 cm x 15 cm in size. In addition to the company’s enhanced light blue PHOLED materials system, the lighting panels use advances in OLED panel layout to achieve better uniformity. Combined with the lower operating temperatures afforded by the all-PHOLED material system, the panels achieved a three times greater operating lifetime compared to similar panels introduced last year. The first warm-white OLED panel, with a power efficacy of 58 lm/W, a color rendering index (CRI) of 83 and a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2,580K, achieved a record-breaking 30,000 hours of operating lifetime to 70 percent of an initial luminance at 1,000 cd/m2. Results from the second panel design are similarly impressive. With a CRI of 82 and a CCT of 2,950K, the second panel demonstrates a record-breaking 62 lm/W with an operating lifetime of 18,000 hours to 70 percent of initial luminance at 1,000 cd/m2. It has been estimated that by 2016, solid-state lighting, including white OLEDs, could generate well over $20 billion in worldwide savings of electricity costs and could save over nine million metric tons of carbon emissions from the U.S. alone. Funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, these new white OLED panel performance advances now meet a variety of niche performance targets and move white OLEDs closer to general lighting targets established by the U.S. DOE.
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Collaboration Software from CadFaster for Real-time Annotation and Co-viewing of 3D CAD Models Now Available for Bentley Users

May 18, 2011

CadFaster|Collaborate allows stakeholders to review designs in real time without installing software PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bentley User Conference, Philadelphia – In a move that broadens the options of CAD designers everywhere, CadFaster, Inc. (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.cadfaster.com/) today announced that its CadFaster|Collaborate™ software tool, already available for users of Autodesk Revit® and SolidWorks®, is now available for use with Bentley MicroStation®. As any designer will attest, the ability to view 3D CAD models and review them with a dispersed team is frustrating. Large files, disparate software and lack of accessibility to workstations make transferring data difficult. Tracking changes becomes a formidable challenge. CadFaster|Collaborate is a plug-in cloud software tool that solves these problems by allowing distribution, annotation and co-viewing of diverse 3D designs in real time using portable executable files with fast and efficient 3D visualization technology. Anyone, anywhere can participate in the design review process without installing software or using workstations. CadFaster|Collaborate even operates on mobile devices.
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HCSS Launches New Safety Application

May 18, 2011

Integrates seamlessly with HeavyJob Job Management Software and other HCSS products SUGAR LAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Construction software developer HCSS (www.hcss.com) has launched a new safety application geared specifically to construction companies. The safety application is a stand-alone product that integrates seamlessly with HCSS’s HeavyJob® Job Management Software and other HCSS products. Foremen and project engineers who are already entering time-card information into HeavyJob can quickly and easily enter safety-related information into the new safety application. “It requires just a few extra ‘clicks,’ for example, for the foreman or project engineer to record that an individual has attended a safety meeting,” explained Mike Rydin, HCSS president. “It’s also very simple for project engineers and foremen to maintain and achieve the safety goals that have been established by the company’s safety officers.” Construction companies use the safety application to track and report all job-level safety information and manage historical safety data for each job in one location. The product also helps the company manage individual employees’ safety compliance, certification and training. A dashboard displays the key indicators of the company’s safety program across all jobs instantly, and alerts management to areas that require immediate attention. An incident management feature simplifies capture, classification and documentation of recordable incidents for company analysis and the OSHA Form 300 log of work-related injuries and illnesses. Companies can use the safety application as a central location to schedule trainings, inspections and other safety-related activities.
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ECORE International Announces New Line of Green Cleaning Products

May 17, 2011

ECORE Introduces ECORE Green Solutions Line of E-Cleaner, E-Strip, and E-Finish. LANCASTER, PA – May 16, 2011 - ECORE International, global innovator of the recycled rubber flooring industry for over 20 years, is proud to launch, ECORE Green Solutions, its new line of eco-friendly floor care products. Products in the line include E-Cleaner, E-Strip, and E-Finish. The line has been developed as a system that cleans, strips, and finishes without harming floor surfaces or the environment while still doing the job. “All of ECORE Green Solutions are in concentrated form. This not only saves money but also continues our green friendly initiative as it reduces packaging waste,” explains Thomas Utley, Technical Services Manager, ECORE International. E-Cleaner, a highly concentrated low foam floor cleaner, is effective for all routine cleaning jobs. It is designed for use with all ECORE recycled rubber surfacing products. Use for damp mopping, scrubbing, spray and wipe cleaning, or with a hand bucket and cloth. E-Cleaner revitalizes any washable surface without damage. Additionally, E-Cleaner is Green Seal certified, meaning it has complied with rigorous requirements designed to reduce its environmental impacts. Fast acting with low odor, E-Strip removes multiple layers of finish, in only 5 minutes, without harsh alkalies and other conventional components. E-Strip is specifically designed to remove E-Finish, but will also remove most conventional metalcrosslinked floor polishes. Safe and effective, E-Strip requires no neutralization prior to finish application. It is readily biodegradable, phosphate-free and VOC compliant. Creating a new standard in floor finishing, E-Finish combines an unequaled level of environmental preference with performance, surpassing conventional floor finishing technologies. It gives a tough, black-mark resistant shine with no powdering. E-Finish excels with all maintenance systems, including scrub and recoat, spray buff, and burnish. It contains no Polymers or Urethane and meets ASTM D2047-93 requirements for slip resistance. About ECORE International ECORE International has been at the forefront of recycling efforts since their inception in 1989. Twenty years ago, ECORE pioneered the recycled rubber flooring category. Today, as North America’s largest user of recycled scrap tire rubber, ECORE processes more than 80 million pounds of scrap tire rubber each year, and helps to conserve more than one million barrels of oil in the process to convert pliable treads into durable product solutions for commercial, industrial, and architectural applications.
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From Shockingly Intense Oranges to Electric Pinks and Bold Yellows...The Future is Brights

May 16, 2011

Playful and Energetic, PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights Add a Brilliant Pop of Color to Any Design CARLSTADT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT) and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today introduced the PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights collection. With 21 electric shades in a nylon format, the PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights collection provides designers developing products in nylon materials with an internationally-recognized standard for accurate color selection, specification and reproduction. Bright colors serve as powerful inspiration and stimulate a renewed sense of creativity among designers. Vibrantly colored athletic apparel, swimwear, footwear, women’s wear, intimate apparel, hosiery and accessories appearing on the runways have inspired stylish splashes of hot hues in housewares, luggage and industrial textiles. The PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights collection is available in two formats: the PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights set and PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights swatch cards. The PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights set contains 21 loose-format nylon swatches. The 1 ¼” x 4” swatches are arranged by color family and presented on a metal ring. A BHT-free amber UV protective pouch is included to protect the colors while not in use. PANTONE FASHION + HOME nylon brights are also available as 4” x 4” loose-format Swatch Cards. Spectral data and starting dye formulations – available at www.matchpantonecolors.com – ensure quick and accurate color results. All colors in the nylon brights collection are dyed in Nylon 6.6, a much improved fiber for light fastness and wash fastness over Nylon 6.
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Research and Markets: The 2011 Report on Roofing and Insulation Products: World Market Segmentation by City is Out Now

May 16, 2011

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1b69e8/the_2011_report_on) has announced the addition of the "The 2011 Report on Roofing and Insulation Products: World Market Segmentation by City" report to their offering. This study covers the world outlook for roofing and insulation products across more than 2,000 cities. For the year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the city in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the city is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved. This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities of the world). This study gives, however, my estimates for the worldwide latent demand, or the P.I.E. for roofing and insulation products. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the world's cities. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business.
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City Capital Subsidiary ERX Energy Completes Web Site

May 13, 2011

CHICAGO, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- City Capital Corporation (Pinksheets: CTCC) today announced that its recently formed subsidiary ERX Energy, LLC, has completed a beta web site designed to supply information regarding the company's services, as well as present corporate developments to the investment community. The site can be accessed at www.erxenergy.com. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and municipal solar roofing applications and integration, ERX Energy continues to service all the solar and roofing needs of the Northeast. Jeffrey Smuda, Chief Executive Officer of City Capital Corporation, stated, "We continue to move forward with our plan as we launch this first web site. This newly created web portal will be a source of company and industry information for both customers and investors." About City Capital Corporation City Capital Corporation (Pinksheets: CTCC), through its subsidiaries, has entered the emerging solar energy technology and related services industry. Its holdings and partnerships in the green energy market currently focus on the design, integration, installation, and maintenance of solar roofing projects and related services for its clients across the nation. City Capital through its subsidiaries and joint venture partners seeks to expand its presence in the alternative energy services industry.
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Con Edison Energy Efficiency Summit Helps Commercial & Industrial Property Owners and Managers Capitalize on Their Energy-Saving Potential

May 13, 2011

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Managing energy use and costs is one of the many challenges of operating a commercial or industrial property. In New York City, office buildings consume almost 80 percent of all the city’s energy. The cost of this energy averages $2.50 per square foot, almost a dollar more than the national average according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. On June 1, owners and managers of commercial and industrial properties in New York City and Westchester County can learn how to capitalize on their energy-saving potential at Con Edison’s first Energy Efficiency Summit 2011: Racing Toward High Performance Buildings. The one-day summit, which takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton New York, will feature business strategies, new technologies and valuable rebates and incentives available to Con Edison’s commercial and industrial (C&I) customers who want to lower their energy use and costs through the installation of energy-efficient gas and electric equipment.
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Reliance Foundry Adds Easy Mix and Match Flexibility to Removable and Retractable Bollards

May 13, 2011

Reliance Foundry has added new mechanisms for both period and contemporary bollards that expand design options and make using removable & retractable bollards easier than ever to use. Series 7900/8900 Removable Bollards New mounting hardware is available for a variety of removable bollards in the company's more traditional powder-coated steel finishes, with many stainless steel options available also. The mix and match features of the Series 7900/8900 removable bollard product line include two bollard posts, two types of bike arm attachments and two different in-ground removable receiver systems. These bollards can also be mounted as fixed bollard versions, by using a surface/flange mount installation option or by using an in-ground/embedded installation option. Image of R-7901 steel removable bollard in locked position After installation, removable bollards are easily lifted entirely out of a metal sleeve (or “receiver”) in the ground - an attractive cost option for venues that work best with varied bollard arrangements for events or other changing uses. Many such venues buy receivers for several bollard configurations they use, and save money by moving the removable bollard posts from spot to spot as needed. Reliance Foundry receivers for removable bollards include two styles – receivers with lids, and removable receivers with chain fastenings. This expanded line also now includes removable bike parking bollards. "The additional option of adding bicycle parking arms makes bollards more versatile than ever, using bike parking bollards in removable applications”, according to Brad Done, vice president of Reliance Foundry. Series 8400 Retractable Bollards Retractable bollards, sometimes called collapsible, pop-up or telescopic bollards, lower or retract completely into the ground, and provide secure, locking accomodation for above-ground positions. These types of bollards are most often used in areas such as driveways or other entry points where passive security bollards are needed most of the time, but which need to be opened for purposes including delivery, maintenance & emergency vehicles. The Series Series 8400 retractable bollards now have complimentary fixed and removable bollards available. "Both retractable and removable bollards are an important design and cost asset. They make it easy to match bollards throughout a property, rather than having decorative bollards around most of the perimeter but less attractive ‘utility’ bollards across vehicle entry points, and save money by allowing designers to use lower cost fixed bollards on most of a site, investing a bit more for retractable or removable bollards where they are needed," Done noted. Additional options for all removable, retractable or fixed bollards include reflective stripes to make them more visible at night, decreasing accidental damage. Reliance Foundry provides all of the hardware and installation instructions needed for all of its bollard lines, so specifiers and others face no danger of having to search for separate hardware to install these bollards. All Reliance Foundry bollard products may be found at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.bollards.ca/.
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Reliance Foundry Improves Popular Bollard Style with Machined Fluting

May 13, 2011

A perennial favorite vertically fluted bollard in Reliance Foundry's classics line has been updated to better accent and enhance the decorative fluting detail. Reliance Foundry has improved one of it’s classic architectural bollards to increase the definition of it’s decorative features. Traditionally finished direct from casting, the new version has added detailed machining after casting and before coating to better define the features. The updated model R-7535 bollard is a decorative, fluted architectural post with a smooth, domed top. This bollard functions either as the cover for a steel security bollard, or it may be installed on its own to enhance a landscape; safely direct & separate vehicle or pedestrian traffic; clearly delineate perimeters or borders; or protect features such as utility lines, fire hydrants & outdoor furniture in a landscape or streetscape setting. This bollard also is now available with bicycle parking arms for added versatility, the new Reliance Foundry model R-7535-B bike bollard. Bike parking arms for the bike bollards may be color matched or contrasted in bare, brushed stainless steel to any bollard. Clear, vertical fluting on bollards adds a classic but simple line. The R-7535 bollard design emphasizes the fluting especially well with a simple base and a gently rounded dome top that works well with period buildings, but also would compliment many contemporary designs. This updated bollard model provides good perimeter accent height at 39 inches (99 centimeters), and a well balanced base diameter of 14 inches (35.6 centimeters). This allows the R-7535 bollard to act as a cover over top of a security pipe bollard up to 36 inches (91.4 centimeters) high and up to 10-3/4 inches (27.3 centimeters) wide. Foundry cast in recyclable ductile iron, the model R-7535 bollard offers a substantial weight of 188 pounds (85.5 kilograms) in weight. Similar tooling has been used to upgrade base detail, cast rings, and the large ball top on the Reliance model R-7595 bollard, and for the model R-7593 bollard – similar, but with a smaller ball top. Both bollard models are produced in ductile iron, and can be used as steel bollard post covers or as stand-alone, decorative bollards. “Safety Yellow” has been added to Reliance Foundry standard powder-coat color offerrings. Other standard color choices are black semi-textured gloss, dark green, statuary bronze, anodized grey metallic and anodized silver. Custom color matching is also available. Reliance provides a wide selection of durable hardware for installing bollards in concrete, asphalt & other new or existing landscape surfaces, or into security bollards when being installed as a cover. To maximize visibility and effectiveness for pedestrian and vehicle control, chains and attachments may be added, either matching or contrasting with bollard colors. About Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd. Reliance Foundry has been a family-owned business since 1927. Bollards are one of its main product lines, along with industrial wheels, parts and castings. Reliance sources products globally and offers quick and convenient delivery in the United States and Canada from its Vancouver location. All Reliance Foundry bollard products may be found at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.bollards.ca/. Extensive bike parking product choices are spotlighted at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.bike-parking.ca/.
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Reliance Foundry’s asset-protection bollards extend the life of store fixtures

May 13, 2011

Making physical assets last longer fits with today's increasing demand for sustainability, and strengthens the bottom line. Reliance Foundry's asset-protection safety bollards play an important role in extending the life of commercial assets. Surrey, British Columbia, March 24, 2011 --- “Customers wanted an inexpensive asset-protection safety bollard, easy to install, for both commercial and retail use,” said Brad Done, Vice President of Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd. “We’ve added two stainless steel models to meet these needs, priced competitively to meet today’s demanding budgets” Bollards can often be used to protect physical assets such as the edges of doorways, building corners, utility installations and other property features. Reliance Foundry now offers stainless steel asset-protection safety bollards easily mounted at ground level to perform these and other functions in grocery stores, malls, and warehouse storage areas. Indoor asset protection safety bollard uses include protecting display corners & features such as ATM’s in malls & stores; preventing dents & dings to in-store items such as refrigeration units for frozen products; and dividing areas so customers have an easier visual reference from one area to another. In work areas, safety bollards are used to protect assets including stationary equipment, fixtures, warehouse racking and personnel. "The easy surface installation of our newest asset-protection safety bollards – model R-7180 and model R-7181 - along with their tested ability to withstand contact from moving objects like warehouse handcarts and floor-cleaning equipment, is a big plus for customers," Done said. "The installation mounting receiver, a threaded metal round, is installed by drilling two holes into existing flooring. The bollards thread on to the mount, providing an attractive flush-to-the-floor presentation." Reliance Foundry’s two new asset-protection bollards are produced using brushed 304 stainless steel with 4 mm gauge construction. Stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, resists corrosion and is fully recyclable. The model R-7180 safety bollard is 24" high, and the model R-7181 safety bollard stands at 32". Done said they are suitable for almost any indoor use other than protection from heavy equipment, for which he suggests using heavier metal post covers for security bollards, also available from Reliance Foundry. The complete collection of Reliance Foundry bollards is available at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.bollards.ca/.
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Lumenergi Launches NetLight™ Driver at Lightfair 2011

May 12, 2011

All-in-one, Communicating Intelligent Dimming Driver is Latest Addition to Lumenergi's Smart Grid-Enabling NetLight™ Product Line LIGHTFAIR International 2011 NEWARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A leading provider of networked lighting controls, Lumenergi is pleased to introduce NetLight™ Driver at Lightfair 2011 May 17-19, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA. NetLight Driver is the most recent addition to Lumenergi’s NetLight system and provides a new level of versatility to enable the greatest energy and cost saving for large- and medium-scale intelligent lighting in office buildings and industrial applications. NetLight Driver represents a significant breakthrough in advanced dimming ballasts, supporting multiple lamp types, configurations and voltages, all based on open protocols for maximum versatility. NetLight Driver enables smart fixtures with two-way communication for T5, T5HO and T8 fluorescent lamps, operates in DALI or 0-10VDC control modes, and takes electrical inputs from 120V to 277V at 50 or 60 Hz. By simplifying system design, installation, operation and maintenance, the driver allows for fast retrofit and renovation projects, increasing ROI and reducing payback time. In booth #2937 at the world’s largest lighting exposition, Lightfair International, on May 17-19, 2011, Lumenergi will preview upcoming NetLight products and demonstrate NetLight Driver in a dynamic display wall showcasing the system’s capabilities on fixture designs by luminaire makers Philips LIGHTOLIER, H.E. Williams and Lunera. The NetLight system demonstration will highlight its compatibility with DualDrive LED driver by eldoLED. The NetLight system also will be featured at the eldoLED booth #2847 at Lightfair. Lumenergi recently expanded its base of lighting control installations nationwide, adding Fenwick & West in California, the Cherokee Commerce Center in Georgia, the Sandra Day O’Connor Federal Building in Arizona, the Chet Holifield Federal Buildings in Laguna Niguel, CA, the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Los Angeles Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles, and the Bank of New York Mellon in Oriskany, New York. Earlier installations include state and federal buildings in New Hampshire, Nevada, and Texas, as well as, the Philip Burton Federal Building, Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Court House in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. Lumenergi is sought for fast-track projects that require quick installation, deep energy reductions, improved light quality and increased worker productivity.
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New High-Output Cree LED Module Delivers Both High-Quality Light and Efficiency

May 12, 2011

Lightfair International DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a market leader in LED lighting, announces the new 1000 lumen LMR4 LED module, delivering 66 lumens per watt efficiency in a fully-integrated solution for downlight applications where high-quality light is essential such as commercial, retail and residential. Featuring Cree TrueWhite® Technology, the LMR4-1000 module provides higher quality light and efficiency, using 42 percent less input power, than 26 watt compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. The LMR4-1000 is also the only commercially available 2700 K LED module to deliver 1000 lumen output at more than 90 CRI, which can replace 100 watt incandescent bulbs in downlight applications. The Cree LED Module LMR4-1000 integrates driver electronics, optics and primary thermal management, making the compact Cree module drop-in-ready. Designed to last 35,000 hours and dimmable to 5 percent, the LMR4-1000 module is available in color temperatures of 2700 K, 3000 K, 3500 K and 4000 K with more than 90 CRI.
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ilumisys and Altair Engineering Strengthen Patent Portfolio with Addition of Four New Patents

May 11, 2011

TROY, Mich., May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ilumisys, Inc. (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.ilumisys.com), developer and producer of next-generation solid-state lighting technology, announced today on behalf of its parent company Altair Engineering, that four new patents have been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to Altair Engineering. These patents add to ilumisys' foundational patent portfolio for the replacement of fluorescent tubes with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), further positioning the company as an industry leader in the LED market. With the backing of Altair, its majority owner, ilumisys has a deep and substantial investment in research and development that includes more than 75 patent applications filed to date. Altair continues to aggressively protect its LED lighting intellectual property against infringing manufacturers and distributors, while growing its patent licensing program. About ilumisys ilumisys, Inc. is a Troy, Mich.-based company focused on next-generation solid-state lighting technology. The company was formed in 2007 as a spinoff venture and wholly owned subsidiary of Altair Engineering, Inc. Products are derived from Altair's intellectual property for the direct replacement of fluorescent light tubes with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps and direct replacement of incandescent lamps.
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GRAPHISOFT to First Publicly Feature ArchiCAD 15 at AIA 2011 National Conference

May 10, 2011

ArchiCAD 15 incites creativity with enriched architectural forms BOSTON, May 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- GRAPHISOFT will introduce ArchiCAD 15, the latest version of its flagship BIM software package to the North American architectural community, at the American Institute of Architects' 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition May 12-14 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Visitors to Booth 3401 will experience ArchiCAD 15's many new features such as enhanced architectural form capabilities to support the broad spectrum of architectural shapes and forms, and an expanded BIM workflow to better support renovation and refurbishment projects. BIM experts Yanni Alexakis, CSI, Int'l Assoc. AIA, and Tom Pansing, AIA CSI NCARB of Perspective Architecture LLC will join the GRAPHISOFT booth to talk about their first hand experiences using ArchiCAD and offer guidance on best practices for BIM deployments. Alexakis is an architectural consultant regularly speaking on BIM deployment and practices at AIA meetings and conventions. Pansing is a long-time BIM user continually looking for ways to bridge traditional industry divisions with the unifying power of BIM.
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Acuity Brands Announces Debut of Organic LED (OLED) Luminaires

May 06, 2011

Commercial launch of OLED Lighting Products scheduled for LIGHTFAIR International 2011 Tradeshow and Conference ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI; “Company”), a market leader in innovative energy-efficient lighting and control solutions, has announced the commercial launch of two technologically advanced Organic LED (“OLED”) luminaires. This launch continues the Company’s commitment to provide the industry’s broadest and most diverse product portfolio using traditional, LED and leading-edge light sources. The new products, the Kindred™ and the Revel™, are engineered to deliver light in unique and interactive ways. The design capabilities of these new products exemplify how OLED light sources break traditional paradigms and create new possibilities for luminaires to customize an environment in distinctive ways. The Kindred and the Revel luminaires are both designed for indoor, ambient applications. The Kindred, engineered to provide a room with individualized canopies of light, is a contemporary-styled luminaire that blurs the lines between architecture and lighting. Developed in collaboration with lighting designers, it blends energy-efficiency, lighting quality and design elegance with a slim profile, providing the feel of a personalized lighting environment. It delivers excellent color rendering quality and over 3,000 glare-free lumens, making it suitable for indoor ambient applications in office, retail, hospitality and restaurant settings, as well as in architecturally-designed spaces. The Revel, inspired by the organic shapes of flowers, is a lighting system that gives designers the freedom to create lighting patterns tailored to their unique application. Offering the ability to add to the architectural elements of a ceiling while providing high-quality ambient lighting, the Revel breaks the traditional design pattern of grid-based luminaire layouts that has been used for decades. With high-quality color and brightness control, the Revel is a first-of-its-kind lighting system. Each Revel module delivers a discrete amount of light that can be positioned where light is needed. Using an innovative plug-in mounting, designers can configure clusters of Revel modules into architectural patterns. The Revel delivers an enhanced visual environment while supporting sustainability imperatives as a result of its flexible design capabilities and use of energy-efficient OLEDs. The Acuity Brands’ Kindred and Revel OLED luminaires will be on display at the LIGHTFAIR® International 2011 Tradeshow and Conference, booth #1801, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia May 17-19, 2011. Product specifications, ordering information and pricing are available upon request. For more information, please visit Acuity Brands and view the entire portfolio of Acuity Brands’ OLED luminaires and Acuity Brands’ YouTube Channel on the web. You can also become a fan of Acuity Brands and Acuity Brands OLED on Facebook® and follow Acuity Brands on Twitter®.
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GreenWizard’s New Web-Services Enable Direct Access to Manufacturer and Product Data for Building Product Specification Platforms

May 06, 2011

GreenWizard Now Offers A Vertically-Oriented Software Solution For Product Research, Project-Modeling, Specification, Procurement & Documentation, All In One Integrated Offering CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GreenWizard® Inc., web-based software to simplify building material selection, optimization, and documentation for projects seeking LEED® certification, today announced that its web-services capabilities have made linkages possible between its database and nearly any building product specification platform. With GreenWizard’s latest integration efforts, nearly any specification-writing platform can now freely access – and be seamlessly interoperable with – GreenWizard’s data-driven workflow solution for product search, LEED credit modeling / assessment, and LEED documentation. Now, building designers, architects, and product specifiers can access a vertically-oriented software solution that offers product-research, specification, procurement, and documentation, all in one integrated offering. Perhaps more importantly, manufacturers who are eager to access building product specifiers at the point of product selection can readily integrate both their product data and their product catalogs directly into GreenWizard’s open platform. About GreenWizard GreenWizard, Inc. is a technology company that has created a cloud software solution to help the design and construction communities simplify the process of green product selection and management. Architects, engineers, project owners, consultants, contractors, and others use GreenWizard’s WORKflow platform to compare and evaluate products from a centralized search engine and directly communicate with manufacturers. For those seeking LEED certification, it also offers an end-to-end solution by utilizing its proprietary credit assessment tools as a factor in the product selection process to optimize credits, manage product-related documentation, and ultimately automate the online submission component to LEED Online. Manufacturers and suppliers provide product data and documents through GreenWizard’s MARKET Pro platform, which populate its search engine. GreenWizard also has a LEED AP Consulting Division to staff projects and assist WORKflow Enterprise project teams in finding, specifying, and buying products on an as-requested basis. The Charleston, SC-based company was founded in 2008.
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YKK AP Debuts Energy-Saving Thermal Performance Calculator on the Web

May 05, 2011

AUSTELL, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today YKK AP America debuts its thermal performance calculator, myThermalAssistant, on the web. Architects and building professionals now have easy, online access to a tool that can calculate the overall façade system U-factor when using the energy-saving performance metrics of YKK AP enerGfacade and other products using the AAMA 507 standard based on NFRC test methods. Using the tool, users can calculate overall façade U-factors in seconds – versus minutes or hours of consultation with multiple suppliers or building consultants. A complement to the company’s iPad app, Architectural Product Master®, the web application now makes myThermalAssistant accessible to a broader audience of industry professionals, underscoring YKK AP’s ongoing commitment to sustainable architecture. Hosted on YKK AP’s website, myThermalAssistant provides information in a printer-friendly format and is compatible with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome browsers. If a professional is unsure of which product and glass package to specify in order to meet the thermal performance needs of the building envelope, he can simply go online, enter the desired energy performance criteria and the program will recommend the YKK AP framing system and glass package to specify in order to meet that requirement.
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Draper Introduces GreenScreen® Revive

May 04, 2011

(Spiceland, Ind.)–Draper, Inc. is continuing the company’s commitment to sustainable building products with the introduction of a new eco-friendly window shade fabric. Draper’s all-new GreenScreen® Revive provides excellent solar control, reducing heat and glare while offering a remarkably clean view through to the outdoors owing to its finely knitted weave. This fire retardant, PVC-free fabric is constructed of 100% polyester yarn, with a minimum of 89% REPREVE® polyester. REPREVE is recycled and recyclable, contains low VOC's, and is made in the USA. GreenScreen Revive fabric is made with REPREVE polyester. REPREVE is made from 100% recycled materials, making it one of the most earth-friendly ingredients you’ll find anywhere. For more information about REPREVE, please visit www.repreve.com. GreenScreen Revive featuring REPREVE is RoHS compliant (free of heavy metals) and GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certified. The lightweight nature of the fabric also means lighter shade units, which require fewer raw materials to produce. GreenScreen Revive is available in 1% and 5% openness, in eight colors, and is offered on Draper manual and motorized FlexShades.
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KraftMyStyle™ iPhone® App from KraftMaid® Cabinetry Captures Homeowners’ Inspirations

May 04, 2011

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KraftMaid Cabinetry, a leader in the semi-custom cabinetry industry, launched KraftMyStyle™, a free iPhone® application, to help homeowners capture and share their ideas with their designer, family and friends. The unique tool gives iPhone, iPad® and iPod Touch® users the ability to capture images and create photo collages of items that inspire them, like colors, unique spaces, fabrics and art. Because inspiration can strike anytime and anyplace, this application is a practical resource for those designing on the go. Designed as an easy-to-use tool to aid in the design and remodeling process, the KraftMyStyle app allows users to capture photos and use them to create Style Boards. Style Boards are photo collages that inspire and reflect the user’s sense of personal style. The collage can be organized around a specific project, like a room remodel, or it can convey the general mood or style the user would like to create for the space. Style Boards are also an easy and creative way to create collages with the everyday photos snapped on users’ iPhones. Creating a Style Board with the KraftMyStyle app can be an important first step in the design or remodeling process. Through the Style Board, homeowners can share their ideas and desires with their designer. The Style Boards become a conduit for a homeowner’s sense of style through the moods, colors and images they capture. Users can choose from three collage templates with varied photo layouts, then arrange their photos within the collage and add titles and descriptions for easy referral. At a later date, users will be able to send their Style Boards to friends and designers or share on Facebook®.
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Scholarships Available To Architects For The Next Veronafiere AIA-Approved Continuing Education Course “Designing With Natural Stone”

May 04, 2011

Washington, DC – May 2, 2011) -- The thirteenth edition of “Designing with Natural Stone” will run from September 19-24, 2011 in Verona, Italy, in conjunction with MARMOMACC, the world’s leading trade show for stone and design. More than 200 architects from all over the U.S. have participated in previous editions of the course. Scholarship applications for this year’s course will be accepted until July 15th. Veronafiere offers this course to help architects learn advanced techniques in the use of marble, granite and other stone materials. The program is a unique combination of classroom lectures, guided architectural tours, and field trips to local quarries, as well as to natural stone processing facilities. This comprehensive approach enables architects to better understand stone’s full life-cycle -- including how marble is quarried, cut, processed, finished, selected for specific jobs and installed, all using the latest technologies and products. The 2011 edition will include visits to a quarry and stone processing plant in Chiampo, a case study on stone use in the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and the M Resort, and architectural tours of Vicenza and Verona. Sustainable design (SD) became a principal focus of the course in 2008. A minimum of four AIA SD credits will again be offered, including case studies of sustainable projects in stone. In addition, the course provides time to explore MARMOMACC, with its more than 1,500 exhibitors of stone and stone-related products from around the world. “Designing with Natural Stone” has been recognized by the AIA as a “Best Practices and Trends” educational program. Comments from last year’s students support this judgment: ▪ “The program was great for me, just what I needed. I love the craft of building and there is no better material to express a sense of permanence with than natural stone.” - Earl Jackson, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (New York, NY) ▪ "This was such a positive experience and I would recommend it to any designer…I now know how to talk about stone, and to understand the issues related to stone.”- Peter Birkholz, Page & Turnbull (San Francisco, CA) MARMOMACC, with its more than 1,500 exhibitors of stone and stone-related products from around the world. Participants earn approximately 23 AIA/CES learning-unit hours. Many classes also count as HSW credits and four as SD credits. The class is limited to 30 architects, 16 from the U.S., the others from Canada, the U.K., South Africa, India, Singapore and Hungary. Scholarships – covering tuition, hotels and meals – are awarded on a competitive basis, based on a candidate’s demonstrated interest in the field, responsibilities within their firm, and experience with stone. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Verona as well as a $480 registration fee. Those interested should fax or e-mail to the address below their curriculum vitae and a cover letter specifying why they wish to take part in the course. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15th. The course is co-sponsored by Stone World magazine and supported by the Marble Institute of America, which donates a copy of its MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual to all participants. Please send applications to: Toni Paniagua, The Consultants International Group: 1616 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, fax: (202) 393-4655, e-mail: info@cig-dc.com.
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Announcing Building Safety Month Green and Energy Week, May 1-7

May 03, 2011

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- May marks the 31st anniversary of the International Code Council Foundation's (ICCF) Building Safety Month. Throughout the month, ICC Members will educate the public and builders about building safety and sustainability issues, and sharing ideas to create more energy-efficient and durable structures. The first week of Building Safety Month will be devoted to green and energy efficiency issues—a timely topic because of the forthcoming introduction of the International Green Construction Code by the International Code Council in 2012.During Green and Energy Week, consumers will learn comprehensive strategies, such as replacing insulation, windows, and roofs, as well as low-cost strategies for increasing energy efficiency. BASF, The Chemical Company, and a presenting sponsor of Building Safety Month, has created a series of online video diaries to show consumers the real-life benefits of durable, energy-efficient building materials.
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Quanex Building Products Launches ScreenItAgain.com

May 03, 2011

Leading provider of window and door hardware technologies unveils new website streamlining the online shopping experience for replacement door and window screens HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Quanex Building Products Corporation (NYSE:NX), a company specializing in components and systems that produce innovative and energy-efficient window and door products, announces the launch of ScreenItAgain.com, the premier online shopping source for made-to-order window and door replacement screens and grilles. Ordering replacement screens and grilles for your home can be a confusing and time consuming process, but not any more. This summer, cool your house with confidence at the same time you keep your family safe from dangerous and annoying airborne pests. ScreenItAgain makes it as easy as 1-2-3 to get screens or grilles delivered right to your door: * With just a few clicks of a mouse homeowners can configure the product needed to replace broken or missing window screens and window grilles on their home. * ScreenItAgain also offers a variety of energy saving solar screen mesh products to help reduce cooling losses during the summer air conditioning season. * ScreenItAgain offers DIY Kits, too. For DIY consumers, our online assembly videos provide step-by-step instructions, so building your new screen or grille at home is a snap, saving you both money and time. * Proper installation and maintenance of your replacement screens and grilles is the best way to protect your home and window investment, too. That’s why ScreenItAgain provides screen replacement installation guides covering a wide range of window and door styles. Visit ScreenItAgain.com for your entire window and door screen and grill replacement needs. About ScreenItAgain.com With ‘Made in USA’ manufacturing facilities across the country, ScreenItAgain is a business unit of Quanex Building Products Corporation, a global company with a focus on residential engineered products for energy-saving window and door systems, including window components and systems that optimize high performance insulating glass. www.screenitagain.com About Quanex Building Products Quanex Building Products Corporation is an industry-leading manufacturer of value-added, engineered materials and components, serving the energy-efficient building products markets. It is an ROIC-driven company that grows shareholder returns through a combination of organic growth via new products, programs and strategic acquisitions. For more information about Quanex, visit our website at www.quanex.com.
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Touch Up Products Introduces the 'No Sanding Required' Scratch Repair for Wood Floors Kit

May 03, 2011

PLANO, Ill., May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the housing market in a tremendous downturn and people being cautious with their discretionary spending, an inexpensive way to repair a wood floor scratch is invaluable. When it comes to hardwood floors, traditional refinishing can cost $2.50-$4.00 per square foot and take days to finish. A typical open floor plan home can easily cost $5000 or more to refinish the hardwood floors. A more economical and timesaving option is the Exact Match Wood Floor Repair kit, which lets homeowners achieve professional results in about 10 minutes' time. The patented Exact Match system will permanently repair scratches or gouges on hardwood floors with no sanding required. The Exact Match "no sanding required" Wood Floor Repair kit includes everything needed to repair shallow or deep scratches on any color or type of wood floor. The system works in four simple steps: Fill the scratch with the epoxy, select the color from a fan-deck of color cards that matches wood floor colors, wet the card with the supplied activator solution and apply the stain from the card to the epoxy that has filled the scratch. It's quick, simple and costs a fraction of what a refinish job would cost without the mess and disturbance to your home and schedule. Previously, only two repair options were available: refinish the entire floor, or replace the board with the scratch. According to company Vice President Don Burch, with the ability to focus only on permanently repairing the scratch while leaving the rest of the floor alone, Exact Match will revolutionize the process of repairing hardwood and wood laminate floors.
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W. R. MEADOWS Launches PARGE-ALL AF Architectural Finishing Mortar

May 03, 2011

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS is proud to announce their newest product offering, PARGE-ALL AF architectural finishing mortar. PARGE-ALL AF is a single-component, polymer-modified, aggregate-free, cementitious feather-finishing architectural mortar. PARGE-ALL AF contains specialized fillers, additives, and polymers that ensure a strong bond and smooth finish, which may be sanded. PARGE-ALL AF is ready to use; mix with water only. It dries to a smooth, light gray color to hide surface defects and blemishes. PARGE-ALL AF leaves a finish that is suitable for architectural coatings. PARGE-ALL AF may be trowel-applied, sponge-floated, or sanded. PARGE-ALL AF is designed to resurface, repair, renovate, and restore existing and new concrete structures. PARGE-ALL AF is specifically designed for rubbing, smoothing, and filling minor voids, bug holes, and resurfacing concrete. The product is specially designed for use in the tilt-up, precast, or cast-in-place concrete construction market. PARGE-ALL AF is recommended for vertical and overhead concrete applications. It may be used for horizontal applications as a trowel-applied finishing material below standard flooring systems. PARGE-ALL AF is yet another addition to the wide line of concrete restoration products from W. R. MEADOWS. Other concrete restoration products from W. R. MEADOWS include repair mortars, patching compounds, and waterproofing coatings. For more information on PARGE-ALL AF, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Launches Innovative Do-It-Yourself Landscape Lighting Offering for Consumers Who Want to Buy Their Premium Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Direct

May 02, 2011

North America’s largest outdoor lighting and landscape lighting franchise company breaks new ground by augmenting its full-service professional business model of outdoor lighting design, installation, service and maintenance RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After receiving numerous requests from consumers who have wanted to buy the premium landscape and architectural lighting fixtures that are exclusive to Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, the company has now added a Do-It-Yourself offering to complement its comprehensive full-service business model. By visiting http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.outdoorlights.com/DIY, do-it-yourselfers and handymen can learn how easy the process is. An animated video explains how a consumer uploads a photo of the area they want to light. With that photo, the local Outdoor Lighting Perspectives lighting designer creates a custom design plan for the customer, and recommends the types and number of fixtures for the installation. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives then delivers the premium low voltage outdoor lighting fixtures, along with a transformer, wire, accessories, fixture placement flags, a step-by-step installation DVD and a printed installation manual. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is a global provider of residential outdoor lighting systems, including lighting design, installation and maintenance. Operating through 51 independent franchisees around the world, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives has redefined the outdoor lighting category through the application of innovative lighting designs and eco-friendly technologies.
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