ECOBOND® for homeowners is available now at The Home Depot DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MT2 (www.mt2.com), based in Arvada, Colo., announces that its ECOBOND® LBP line of products, which have been verified to reduce the hazards of lead paint contamination in structures, soils, and waste, are available at www.homedepot.com. Available for government and commercial use for six years, ECOBOND has such potential to improve quality of life by helping reduce lead hazards in housing that MT2 this year developed a residential line of the ECOBOND product to meet potential consumer demand. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/lead ), lead is a toxic and poisonous metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from industrial sources, and leaded gasoline, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. ECOBOND (www.ecobondlbp.com), which meets testing standards for reducing lead hazards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is now in mass production at MT2’s Colorado plants in anticipation of filling orders for The Home Depot and from consumers buying from MT2’s website. Lead-based paint was banned in the U.S. in 1978. A U.S. Housing and Urban Development Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing estimated that 38 million permanently occupied housing units (40% of all housing units) in the United States contain some lead-based paint that was applied before the residential use of lead-based paint was banned in 1978. MT2 BACKGROUND MT2 is widely recognized as the nation’s leading provider of products and services for lead contamination, and environmental cleanup. MT2 has provided lead remediation services for more than 500 unique locations nationwide, primarily focusing on lead paint, firing range lead cleanup and soil remediation.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), an independent national nonprofit dedicated to helping distressed homeowners navigate financial challenges and avoid mortgage foreclosure through its Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline at 888-995-HOPE™, today unveiled its redesigned website at www.995hope.org. In addition to new graphic design elements, HPF's newly revised website features expanded content in several sections to help homeowners more effectively and efficiently access timely, reliable, and unbiased information that could help them better manage their finances and, in the case of individuals facing foreclosure, to stay in their homes. New functionality will enable HPF to better track and measure changing homeowner sentiment on news, economic trends, and national policy issues that affect their financial lives. Content available to homeowners via HPF's website mirrors the information available to consumers by phone every day, around the clock, via HPF's Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline at 888-995-HOPE™, including: how HPF's HUD-approved counselors can help homeowners facing foreclosure, step-by-step details on the foreclosure process, overview of potential alternative lender solutions, a glossary of mortgage- and foreclosure-related terms to help homeowners "speak" their lender's language, as well as details on how to avoid mortgage scams and government mortgage relief programs. Housing- and foreclosure-related news from third-party sources such as national newspapers is also available. About the Homeownership Preservation Foundation The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) is an independent national nonprofit dedicated to helping distressed homeowners navigate financial challenges and avoid mortgage foreclosure. HPF guides consumers onto the path of sustainable homeownership and develops innovative solutions to preserve and expand homeownership. Through its Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline, 888-995-HOPE™, HPF provides comprehensive financial education and confidential foreclosure prevention counseling for FREE, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in over 170 languages. Since 2007, HPF has served more than five million distressed homeowners, an average of 5,500 each weekday, who depend upon HPF as a trusted, neutral source of information and assistance. For more information about the Homeownership Preservation Foundation or the Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline, please visit www.995hope.org.

Houseworks Daylighting Solutions Locates In Des Moines Suburb Of Clive FORT MILL, S.C., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Houseworks Daylighting Solutions, a VELUX® Five-Star installer, has opened its first Iowa office in Clive on the outskirts of Des Moines. The company markets and installs ENERGY STAR® qualified skylights and solar water heating systems from VELUX for residential and commercial applications. VELUX is the world leader in its category and one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector, operating in over 40 countries. The manager of the Iowa office and showroom, which is located at 9103 Swanson Boulevard, Suite #3, in Clive, is Joe Parenza. Mr. Parenza graduated from Urbandale High School and comes from a family with over two decades in the building trades in the Des Moines area. Houseworks Daylighting Solutions, the parent company of the Iowa business, was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Illinois with offices in Glenview and Naperville. As a Five-Star installer, the highest VELUX designation for both skylights and solar water heating systems, the company meets the highest levels of quality installation, craftsmanship, competency and ethical business practices. Jeff Brooks, a partner in the firm and an Iowa native, says that initially the Iowa office will concentrate on servicing Des Moines and central Iowa. "As we grow the business and add capacity, we intend to offer our products and services across the state," he says. "Skylights, solar water heating systems, and solar attic fans are perfect fits with the green movement that emphasizes energy efficiency. We expect our products and services to be well received and we look forward to being good corporate citizens in the Des Moines area, central Iowa, and throughout the state."

PHILADELPHIA, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Not too many people wake up and shout, "Concrete! I see concrete in my house design and today's the day to make it happen!" "Concrete has a bad rap. It's so common we barely notice it. It has industrial connotations. It's also the thing you skinned your knee on as a kid when you fell off your bike," says Philadelphia Interior Designer Donna Hoffman, (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.interiorsbydonnahoffman.com). "Speaking in the most 'concrete' terms, concrete may deserve a second look - especially for upscale homeowners who are asking 'how to be green.'" Mixed to a color and artfully applied, concrete can be used to create truly astonishing finished effects, looking nothing like its name and even less like that concrete sidewalk of childhood wound memory. Concrete applications for home design today are so varied that it has become an interesting choice for flooring in a variety of home and commercial spaces, including those that are below grade level, like a basement. "Beautiful custom flooring applications can be applied and fashioned to a smooth, satiny sheen and in designs and patterns you cannot even fathom," she said. "It can also be made to look like stone or tile. Add a perfect area rug over the top and the look and foot feel can be terrific." Concrete can also be engineered to create stunning and spectacular countertops as an alternate to laminate or stone. "The even happier news on how to be eco-friendly is that many landfill-bound materials can be used as filler in the production of concrete," Hoffman said. What is otherwise trash or industrial byproducts - such as blast furnace slag, recycled polystyrene and even something called fly ash, which is a byproduct of coal-burning electric plants - are commonly used in making concrete. As early as 7,000 years ago, both the Egyptians and the Romans were using cement in construction. "They were no dopes. They recognized the easy accessibility of the ingredients needed to produce it, which included readily available water, aggregate (sand and gravel or crushed stone) and cement," Hoffman said. Considering the length of time concrete has been in use, one can frame it as a somewhat inexhaustible resource that we can use in building construction with little fear of depleting our supplies. While the continued and exhaustive consumption of any natural resource is not "good" for the environment, concrete is a nearly inert material. Thus, it can be recycled in order to create more concrete for the future. About Interiors by Donna Hoffman In-demand Philadelphia interior designer and former QVC show host Donna Hoffman has been featured in Family Circle, Real Simple, Country Accents and cnbc.com. She heads up the Bucks County-based interior design group that specializes in home interiors that have 10+ years of staying power. Marrying smart design to your individual design fingerprint - your "interiority" - leads to the rooms clients love to live in, look at - and never want to leave. What's inside matters most.

FRESH MEADOWS, N.Y., July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- US Energy Group and Special Applied Intelligence (Special AI) announce an agreement to deliver wireless 4G service to buildings with US Energy Group's market-leading Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). Last fall US Energy began a five-building trial of Special AI's ManagedGrid.net service, running on the Sprint 4G network. US Energy now relies on ManagedGrid.net for connectivity to over 120 critical locations in New York City with more being installed daily. According to the U.S. Green Buildings Council, residential and commercial buildings account for 39 percent of carbon emissions, with the Department of Energy citing commercial buildings as responsible for 15 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. BEMS are an essential technology in the endeavor to make buildings more energy efficient. The USE Controller BEMS reduces fuel use by 15-35%, with payback in less than two years. In this recent five-building trial, fuel use decreased by 22%. Similar results have been demonstrated across numerous portfolios. Additionally, tenants said they were much more comfortable with the building temperature and no longer had to open windows to vent excess heat. ManagedGrid.net is a turn-key Internet access solution, designed specifically for use in building applications such as US Energy's USE Controller BEMS. Other common uses of ManagedGrid.net include building security systems, video surveillance, key-fob entrances, and virtual doorman systems. Unlike traditional ISPs, Special AI can install ManagedGrid.net at new sites and get them on line in just a couple of days. "US Energy's products perform critical building functions that demand reliable, secure network access, even though their business has nothing to do with network operations. With ManagedGrid.net, we provide fully managed and monitored network service, allowing US Energy to focus on what they do best," shared D. Fritz Kunstler, chief executive officer - Special Applied Intelligence. "The Sprint 4G network powers ManagedGrid.net, and is a perfect example of how we are leveraging the latest technologies to give our customers a competitive edge." "Sprint's collaboration with US Energy Group and Special Applied Intelligence underscores our commitment to developing sustainable, energy-efficient solutions," said Wayne Ward, vice president of the Emerging Solutions Group - Sprint. "There is an unprecedented convergence of new technologies that allows innovative companies to utilize the Sprint 4G network to enable exciting energy saving applications and real-time video surveillance of critical systems." With more than 10 years of experience with machine-to-machine (M2M), Sprint has been at the forefront of this wireless industry revolution, teaming with and supporting a large and diverse portfolio of innovative companies to create smarter wireless solutions that change the way people work and live. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/m2m. "We are proud to introduce US Energy Group customers to ManagedGrid.net and Special AI's excellent management and support," stated Jerry Pindus, CEO - US Energy Group. "Building owners need the latest technology for ultimate control." "As a building owner and manager, I want peace of mind," stated Carl Murray at Buchbinder Warren. "With Sprint, Special Applied Intelligence and US Energy Group teaming up to provide building energy-management solutions, I have peace of mind."

Owens Corning receives two spots on the annual 101 Best New Products list identifying the residential construction industry's most innovative new products TOLEDO, Ohio, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the latest breakthrough products in the residential construction industry, Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines have named Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) EcoTouch™ insulation and Deck Defense® roofing underlayment to its prestigious 101 Best New Products list. The annual ranking was announced on Friday, July 22 and will also be included in upcoming issues of both publications. Formally introduced at the International Builders' Show earlier this year, EcoTouch insulation was ranked by editors among the top five best new products in the industry. EcoTouch fuses the industry-leading thermal and acoustical performance characteristics of Owens Corning PINK ® FIBERGLAS™ insulation with the innovative, new PureFiber ® Technology. The result is a new class of high-performance residential and commercial insulation made with natural(1) materials and a minimum of 50 percent total recycled content – the highest certified percentage in the fiberglass insulation industry(2). EcoTouch insulation also has achieved GREENGUARD Children & Schools(SM) Certification and is verified to be formaldehyde free, meeting stringent certification standards for indoor air quality. The durable synthetic construction of Owens Corning Deck Defense® underlayment provides an immediate line of protection, shielding the home from interior damage during roof installation. Designed to perform under extreme weather, it protects the roof deck for up to six months* of UV exposure and comes with a 30-Year Limited Warranty**. It is an alternative to the standard black organic underlayment, with a light gray color, which reduces the temperature of the roof when exposed.

ClearEdge5 Stationary Continuous Power System Enables Stone Edge Farm to Benefit from Clean, Cost-Effective Energy SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ClearEdge Power, a manufacturer of high-efficiency stationary fuel cells, today announced that Stone Edge Farm, an organic farm and winery located in California’s Sonoma Valley, is leveraging the ClearEdge5 system to advance its energy efficiency and sustainability goals. The ClearEdge5 system enables Stone Edge Farm to significantly reduce the energy costs required to run a successful estate and vineyard. In particular, it reduces the energy required to run the farm’s irrigation system and lights. By using the ClearEdge5 to provide power and heat for some operational functions, Stone Edge Farm expects to save 49 percent on its electricity bill and remove 24,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the environment annually. The financial savings will allow the winery to save more than $250,000 on total energy costs over a 20-year period. In addition to the clear financial benefits, Stone Edge Farm chose the ClearEdge5 system for its efficiency, ease-of-installation and overall aesthetic value. The ClearEdge5 is a 5-kilowatt fuel cell from ClearEdge Power that combines heat and power in a scalable solution that can meet individual business’ specific energy needs. Unlike power sources that use traditional combustion technology, the ClearEdge5 uses an electrochemical process to convert natural gas to electricity and heat. This process dramatically reduces the environmental impact of producing electricity by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 35 to 40 percent compared to traditional combustion technology. Roughly the size of a standard refrigerator and incorporating a system for real-time remote monitoring, the innovative fuel cell system also reduces other typical pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, ash and particulates, to trace levels.

Aluminium cladding that disperses dirt and smog MERXHEIM, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In July, with its Reynobond®|Reynolux® with EcoClean™, Alcoa Architectural Products is launching an aluminium cladding panel that cleans both itself and the surrounding air. This means that for the first time there is aluminium cladding that actively generates sustainability and is both economic and environmentally friendly. With the aid of the sun and moisture, the titanium dioxide-based coating renders particles of dirt and smog harmless, thereby contributing to cleaning the cladding itself as well as the surrounding air. “This self-cleaning capability means that cleaning costs are reduced over a building’s lifetime,” explains Guy Scheidecker, Marketing and Distribution Manager for Alcoa Architectural Products. On the other hand, manufacture is slightly more involved, but this has only a minimal impact on the overall price of the cladding. Depending on the type of cladding system, Alcoa assesses the increase in price as between 1.5 and 5 percent. There is no increase in effort or time for processing and installation specialists, however. Reynobond®|Reynolux® with EcoClean™ is just as easy to process and fit as traditional cladding products. And when the overall costs over a building lifetime are taken into consideration, a façade made up of Reynobond® or Reynolux® cladding coated with EcoClean™ is even more economic. Great interest shown by business and industry alike To the cladding’s powers of self-cleaning must be added that of air-cleaning. 1,000 m2 of Reynobond®|Reynolux® with EcoClean™ disperse as much smog as approximately 80 trees. This is equivalent to the daily emissions of four cars. In terms of the environmental audit, EcoClean™ cladding represents an interesting factor for any investor interested in conveying a positive image. This is why specific enquiries are already being made by businesses wanting to utilise this aspect in their brand communications. This is how the new coating works. Under the incidence of sunlight, the light-sensitive titanium dioxide (EcoClean™) acts as a catalyst, even in conditions of low humidity. On the surface, the electrons released by the UV light form radicals, and these break down organic substances and smog particles. At the same time a superhydrophilic (water-attracting) and extremely smooth surface is formed. Even with just small amounts of rain or dew, the substances that have been broken down simply slide off the building, leaving a clean façade behind. More information can be found at www.excellence-in-innovation.eu. Alcoa Architectural Products in Merxheim / France is a subsidiary of Alcoa, the market leader in aluminium. Alcoa Architectural Products employs 59,000 people in 31 different countries, and produces and sells products ranging from composite panels to household foil.

Power Home Remodeling Group™ Shares Tips for Knowing When Not to DIY CHESTER, Pa., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It's peak home improvement season and many homeowners are itching to roll up their sleeves and tackle a home improvement project. However, before embarking on a home improvement or renovation project this summer, homeowners need to understand just what they're getting themselves into. Cutting costs on big projects by doing-it-yourself — or "DIY" — can actually cause huge problems down the road. Homeowners should educate themselves on what is best to leave to the professionals who are knowledgeable about what to consider when embarking on a home improvement project, including materials, sizing, project pitfalls, code requirements and permitting. Power Home Remodeling Group, the nation's fourth largest home remodeling company, offers homeowners tips and resources to assist them in making the decision when not to DIY. Power offers several key tips for homeowners considering a DIY project: * Do you have the time? This important question can easily aid your decision to complete a home improvement project. Take an honest evaluation of the time you can allot to the project. Diving into a project on a weekend without a realistic timeline can leave your house in shambles for weeks as you complete the project in your spare time. * Do you have the right tools? Window, siding and door installation projects require very specialized, expensive tools to produce a quality result. Cutting corners with improvised tools will produce a less than stellar final product that can negatively affect the home's resale value. Less obvious tools such as permits, licenses and insurance are required to complete several projects. Without these, homeowners could face fines or zoning issues that can affect their taxes. * Do you have the experience? For homeowners, their home is typically their biggest investment. Projects that change a home's structural integrity, energy efficiency and even visual appeal can drastically change its value. Before investing time and money in trial and error, homeowners should consider calling a professional to guarantee a high quality result. Simpler projects such as landscaping, painting and shelving are great do-it-yourself opportunities for homeowners looking to save money. Green projects like 'upcycling' a piece of old furniture or caulking a leaky drain can also satisfy a desire to DIY on a smaller scale. These projects can be completed with less risk of doing any major damage to the home. Botched projects can even jeopardize the homeowner's ability to sell down the road. For homeowners who aren't sure whether a DIY project is right for them, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers a short quiz that can help make the decision easier. Power's exterior home remodeling experts are well equipped to assist homeowners in identifying problem areas and creating effective solutions.

New Release Delivers Top Architect Requests: Better Tools to Increase Flexibility and Speed LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BQE Software Inc., the innovative leader in business management software for architecture firms, announced today the 2011 release of ArchiOffice. Available immediately, this software is designed to simplify the complex management tasks necessary to complete design projects on time and on budget and increase profits. ArchiOffice 2011 key features include: * Fully integrated synchronization between ArchiOffice and QuickBooks® * Ability to output invoices to Microsoft Word® and other word processing applications allowing customers to control the full look and feel of their company’s branded invoices. This sets a new standard for flexibility in invoicing for architectural firms. * Smart invoicing; ArchiOffice knows which reimbursable expenses are subject to markups. * New user interface designed to be simple, intuitive and enhance the customer experience. * Enhanced To-Do list allows users to decide how far into the future ArchiOffice should look. * Easily monitor employee performance and realization rates for any date range. * Powerful Checklists provide valuable quality control; allows project managers to budget, assign and monitor tasks; and informs the billing manager the level of completeness of all project phases. * Robust document management allows for unlimited templates that are automatically filed in appropriate project folders and linked to associated contacts. * Seamless project folder syncing allows ArchiOffice to automatically update itself based on documents added. * Increased security restricts confidential information from certain employee groups. About BQE Software: BQE Software delivers leading business management solutions to over 225,000 professionals helping them manage their business every day. Its flagship products, ArchiOffice®, BillQuick® and EngineerOffice® are used by architects, engineers, attorneys, accountants, IT consultants and other professional services firms for precision time tracking, intelligent invoicing and flexible project management. BQE’s software integrates with popular accounting programs including QuickBooks®.

With No Need to Hire a LEED AP, Herman/Stewart Achieves Real Savings With GreenWizard’s WORKflow Pro Solution CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GreenWizard®, a web-based solution designed to simplify building material selection and the calculation of product-related credits for projects seeking LEED® certification, today announced that Herman/Stewart, a Maryland-based general contractor and developer, has achieved dramatic cost savings through the use of GreenWizard’s WORKflow® Pro solution. By using GreenWizard’s WORKflow Pro, Herman/Stewart accesses an online tool to search for, specify, assess, and even purchase green products. GreenWizard, however, is much more than a product search engine, because it offers a range of tools designed to simplify the LEED process. For instance, through GreenWizard, project-specific records are automatically maintained for LEED certification, and LEED credits are dynamically calculated for the product specifier and project participants as they evaluate and select products. Moreover, in terms of other overall cost-avoidance, and specifically labor-cost-avoidance, Herman/Stewart is able to use GreenWizard as a central repository for all the LEED documentation. About Herman/Stewart Construction Herman/Stewart general contractors specialize in commercial construction services, including retail, restaurant, specialty, hotel and senior living/residential construction. Before beginning their commercial construction or renovation project, many clients have spoken with Herman/Stewart to learn more about how they can benefit from Herman/Stewart’s personal approach and professional expertise. Herman/Stewart builds lasting relationships with their clients by earning trust and building projects for the long run. At Herman/Stewart, delivering construction projects on time, within budget, and of superior quality is not just a goal—it’s a way of life. Since 1990, Herman/Stewart has built an exemplary reputation as a construction company that brings considerably more value to the table, based on commitment to understanding and exceeding clients’ requirements for performance, workmanship, and value. Licensed throughout the United States, Herman/Stewart has access to an extended network of subcontractors and suppliers enabling them to be very competitive in price. More info: www.Herman-Stewart.com. About GreenWizard GreenWizard, Inc. is the premier software provider helping the design and construction community simplify the process of managing green and efficient construction projects. Architects, engineers, contractors, project owners, consultants, and others use GreenWizard’s WORKflow® Pro solution to identify, compare, and model building products based upon their aggregate green attributes. Firms are able to utilize GreenWizard’s interactive and dynamic tools to identify, compare, evaluate, and share product data and documentation, which is supplied and updated directly from manufacturers. For those projects seeking LEED® certification, GreenWizard also offers an end-to-end solution by utilizing its proprietary credit assessment tools to quickly model and optimize LEED credits, manage product-related documentation, and help automate the online submission process. Manufacturers provide product data, supplier information, documentation, and marketing materials through GreenWizard’s MARKET® cloud-based platform, which provides the most-current information for use by all projects and participants. The Charleston, SC-based company was founded in 2008. More info: www.GreenWizard.com. LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CINCINNATI, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hollaender Manufacturing has launched a new website at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/solar.hollaender.com that introduces simple yet versatile solutions for mounting solar panels, and building solar racking systems using the company's Speed-Rail® aluminum pipe fittings. Speed-Rail is used in conjunction with pipe to form pipe rack mounting systems for both roof and ground mount PV arrays. Visitors will find information on how the use of Hollaender's Speed-Rail will simplify the process of designing and installing solar racking systems. Labor hours to install the Hollaender solution are typically less than that required for a proprietary racking system. In addition, the system is very forgiving of changes in ground or roof elevations. A project photo gallery gives visitors an idea of the types and breadth of projects that have been completed using Hollaender aluminum pipe fittings. Technical information including pull out test results, vibration test results, and load capacity data are also available on the site. All Hollaender fittings are made in the U.S. and qualify for the "Made in America Clause" of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition, the fittings have been structurally tested with several types of pipe to ensure they pass the rigorous standards demanded by International Building Codes. Speed-Rail is made of aluminum-magnesium 535 alloy, which is as strong as malleable iron. In addition, it can be used with steel without risk of galvanic corrosion and is supported by the company's 10 year corrosion warranty. About Hollaender Manufacturing Hollaender is a manufacturer and marketer of aluminum structural pipe fittings, aluminum pipe, and infill panels, as well as final assemblies that use these components. These components are used in the design and build of handrail, guardrail and safety rail systems as well as a wide variety of unique modular pipe and fitting based structures for commercial, residential, public works and industrial applications, as well for retail store fixtures and other structural applications. These components and systems are marketed under the trademarked brands Speed-Rail® and Interna-Rail®. Hollaender also offers consultation, design, and project management services.

Thanks To American Vision Solar's New 'Solar as Service' Program SIMI VALLEY, Calif., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the biggest hurdles that keep homeowners from taking the solar power plunge is the large amount of cash needed for the initial solar panel purchase. This is why American Vision Solar™ is now offering its customers a unique opportunity under its new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), to install solar panels onto their home with little to no money down, allowing them to immediately reap the incredible cost savings. Just imagine, what if you didn't have to purchase your power from Southern California Edison (SCE)? What if you could choose to pay less? The new 'Solar as Service' program from American Vision Solar puts this 'power' in the palm of your hands — providing qualifying homeowners with a choice to pay less for clean energy generated through solar panels — too good to be true? Here's how it works. American Vision Solar works with Solar PPA companies who literally purchase the solar panels for you, and in turn act as your 'local energy company' – collecting your monthly utility bill (PPA Payment), as well as any applicable state/local incentives. Benefits to the homeowner are overflowing — no initial investment by simply letting someone else pay for the system, handle all the paperwork involved, plus the PPA Company will pro-actively monitor the system and be responsible for any repairs and maintenance over the 20 year term. Production guarantee, inverter replacement and full-system insurance are also included. And the biggest benefit of all, your PPA payment is guaranteed to be LESS than your local Southern California Edison (SCE) bill without solar. Over a period of 20 years, the solar panels will provide a huge rate of return on investment! So why not 'go green' if it doesn't cost you any 'green' ($)? Utilizing the clean energy brilliantly generated from the sun's rays makes you a friend to the environment. In fact, there's enough free and pure sunlight shining on America every hour of every day to power the world for a year. So the right question is, why not 'go green' if it actually saves you 'green'? The answer: there's no reason not to, it's time to go solar! Husband and wife team Bill and Kathleen Herren began providing homeowners with energy-efficient solutions with their window sales and installation company, American Vision Windows™. Now, more than ten years and 30,000 satisfied customers later, the company has expanded its unmatched service to its other brands that will help revolutionize the home improvement industry: American Vision Solar and American Vision Garages™.

Eagle Is the First Concrete Tile Manufacturer to Update to 2009 International Building Code® and 2009 International Residential Code® Rialto, Calif, June 1, 2011- Eagle Roofing Products has received the concrete tile roofing industry’s first updated ICC-Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) evaluation report (ESR-1900) providing evidence that its Eagle® Standard weight and Eaglelite® lines of concrete roofing tiles comply with the 2009 International Building Code® (IBC) and the 2009 International Residential Code® (IRC). Eagle Roofing Products has been in the roofing industry for more than four decades and is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of quality roofing products. ICC-ES is an industry leader in performing technical evaluations for code compliance, providing regulators and construction professionals with clear evidence that products comply with codes and standards. These ICC-ES Evaluation Reports are used by building officials, architects, contractors, specifiers and designers to ensure the roofing products specified and utilized in construction projects are compliant to current codes and standards. ICC-ES President Mark Johnson adds, “Building departments have a long history of using ICC-ES evaluation reports, and ICC-ES operates as a technical resource for the building departments.” When installed in accordance with the ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-1900 on the 2009 I-Codes, Eagle’s Standard Weight and Eaglelite® tiles are Class A roof coverings in accordance with IBC Section 1505.2 and IRC Section R902.1. This meets the fire classification requirements in Section 3.6 of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Clay and Concrete Roof Tiles (AC 180). ICC-ES Director of Sales Michael Temesvary explains, “Eagle Roofing Products can now provide local jurisdictional authorities with evidence of compliance with the roof classification requirements of the 2009 IBC and IRC, demonstrating their continuous commitment to comply with the latest editions of the I-codes.” ICC-ES thoroughly examined Eagle Roofing’s product information, test reports, calculations, quality control methods and other factors to ensure its concrete tile products are code compliant. “It was a long and rigorous process to achieve approval of our tile products, including having our plants and manufacturing processes thoroughly inspected with quarterly audits as mandated by AC 180 requirements“,” said Kevin Burlingame, president of Eagle Roofing Products. “To be the first concrete tile manufacturer to receive an updated ICC-ES Evaluation Report demonstrating conformance to the 2009 I-codes, confirms Eagle’s commitment to providing our customers with the utmost in product excellence and quality control.” The Eagle Standard Weight and Eaglelite tile products recognized in ICC-ES Evaluation report ESR-1900 are: Capistrano, Malibu, Bel Air, Bel Air Estate, Bel Air Double Eagle, Ponderosa, Ponderosa Estate, Ponderosa Double Eagle and Ponderosa Golden Eagle profiles. To find out more about Eagle’s selection of concrete roof tiles, or to view the updated ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-1900, visit our website at: www.eagleroofing.com

ATLANTA, July 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction is nearing completion on the annual House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year in New York's Rockefeller Center and will be unveiled Monday, July 18, and open for tours, tastings, and presentations through Friday, July 22. Belgard® Hardscapes is currently finalizing construction of the first-ever outdoor component to this annual showcase project. The structure of the custom U-shaped outdoor kitchen was created using a combination of modular components from the Belgard Elements Collection. The Elements Collection includes outdoor living room and kitchen units that are manufactured by Harmony Outdoor Living in a controlled factory setting using Belgard pavers and wall products and shipped in sections to where it can be assembled at the site using a bobcat. The fully functioning outdoor kitchen will include a charcoal grill, brick oven, working bar with Kohler sink, KitchenAid appliances, Rocky Mountain Hardware backsplash, and two Grotthouse butcher blocks. The kitchen will also be outfitted with a paver patio that continues around the entire building, creating a wrap-around dining and living area flanked by a fireplace and matching woodbox, all created with pavers and garden wall products from Belgard Hardscapes. The wrap-around patio is enclosed by a wrought iron fence from Merchants Metals and Belgard pillars, with decorative paver ramps at either end to provide easy access to the raised building. The showcase kitchen will be open daily to the public July 18-22, where fans will have the opportunity to meet Tyler Florence at free events throughout the week. For design and cooking enthusiasts outside of the New York City area, the Kitchen of the Year will be featured online at www.housebeautiful.com/KOTY with videos, podcasts, and other special features. You can also follow the construction and all Kitchen of the Year events on the Outdoor Living by Belgard Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BelgardHardscapes. About Belgard Hardscapes Since 1995, Oldcastle® has set the standard for innovative outdoor hardscapes with the Belgard® collection of paver and wall products. Offering a versatile range of styles – in antiqued, classic, and natural textures – premium Belgard products are found in America's finest homes and dream homes. When quality matters – Choose Belgard. 1-877-Belgard (235-4273). Belgard is a brand owned by Oldcastle Architectural, a U.S. subsidiary of CRH plc. Additional information and product offerings can be viewed online at www.belgard.biz.

Mark-Free Technology™ allows for a secure hold on most wall surfaces for up to two hours TOWSON, Md., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Get a grip on DIY leveling projects with the new SureGrip™ All-In-One Laser Level (BDL100AV) from Black & Decker® (NYSE: SWK). This innovative laser level securely suctions to walls for up to two hours without leaving marks and the bubble vial changes from red to green when level. This innovative laser level securely suctions to non-porous wall surfaces, such as painted drywall*, glass, polished stone or wood, for up to two hours without leaving surface marks thanks to its one-of-a-kind Mark-Free Technology™. Unlike competitive models, the SureGrip laser level will keep users from having to "eyeball" when they think the laser line is level. The laser level offers both visual and audio cues for maximum accuracy and visibility. An exclusive color change vial automatically adjusts from red to green when level, eliminating second-guessing once common with hanging shelves, mirrors, pictures and other household items. For accurate leveling when the unit is out of sight, such as installing a new refrigerator or adding a new curtain rod, the SureGrip laser level can also be set to provide an audio alert that gently beeps until the item is even. Additional innovative features include the SureGrip laser level's ability to project a laser line on either side of the affixed level, which comes in handy when hanging a row of pictures or hanging wallpaper. Using a magnetic strip, users need only to simply detach the level from the wall mount and flip it to change direction. The SureGrip laser level line also conveniently wraps around corners for accuracy when leveling objects on perpendicular walls. The Black & Decker SureGrip All-In-One Laser Level is currently available for $29.99 at Amazon and major retailers nationwide in October. The SureGrip laser level comes with two AAA batteries and a two-year warranty.

The world-leading event dedicated to the natural stone sector has for many years been a platform for cultural development through initiatives that have helped re-interpret the use of stone, thereby involving not only the world of architecture but also the world of design. President Riello: "Design as an innovative element for international competition". Verona: 13 July 2011. Marmomacc, the International Natural Stone, Design and Technology Exhibition, in taking an “ADI Gold Compass Special Mention” joins the collection of the oldest and most authoritative design award in the world. For the first time ever, an exhibition was a candidate for an award - set up in 1954 by Gio Ponti, a renowned Italian architect and designer, in order to highlight the value and quality of products characterised by Italian design, then in its early years. Yesterday evening, the head offices of Pelanda in the Macro Museum, Rome, saw Marmomacc - 46 editions organised by VeronaFiere - receive the “ADI Gold Compass Special Mention” for having promoted stone culture through initiatives such as “Marmomacc Meets Design”, “Best Communicator Award” and “Biennial International Stone Architecture Award”, as well as Education. This recognition was the well-deserved conclusion of a course that began with the selection of Marmomacc by a jury of experts as a pioneering company in training activity and design research involving stone materials for the ADI Design Index 2010, the annual publication bringing together the best Italian design put into production. These cultural and educational initiatives helped Marmomacc reveal new applications for natural stone, thereby confirming its status as the most qualified cultural workshop focusing on trends in the world of architecture and stone design. "Marmomacc has the merit of having encouraged contacts between production systems and the best creativity networks, thereby focusing on design as a catalyser behind several innovation processes whereby our production system achieves an important competitive advantage and ensures significant support for operations on international markets," said Ettore Riello, President of VeronaFiere. A summary of the long-term approach taken in all these years for the “Uniqueness of Italy” exhibition saw the creation of a video http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/youtu.be/OQdzRf5yuRU that will join the Historical Collection of the Gold Compass Award by the ADI Foundation, one of the most significant international documentaries of contemporary design defined in 2004 as being of "exceptional artistic and historic interest" by the Ministry for the Cultural Heritage. Since 1956, ADI has brought together designers, companies, researchers, teachers, critics and journalists with a focus on design themes: design, consumption, recycling and training. It is in the forefront of development in industrial design as a cultural and economic phenomenon.

DRESDEN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Novaled, a leading technology and materials provider specializing in high-efficiency, long-lifetime organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for display and lighting applications, today announced it has developed a highly power-efficient white OLED structure achieving 60 lm/W at a brightness of 1,000 cd/m2 capable of reaching a very long lifetime of 100,000 hours at an initial brightness of 1,000 cd/m2 while using commercially available fluorescent blue emitting material. The high efficiency device also demonstrates a high color rendering index (CRI) of 87. A very broad light emission spectrum and good CIE color coordinates (0.470/0.429) were achieved, which is close to illuminant A and inside the US Department of Energy (DOE) quadrangles meeting the DOE energy star color specifications. For this OLED stack Novaled intentionally used a classical and commercially available fluorescent blue emitter material. The OLED power efficiency with such materials is usually much less than with phosphorescent emitters, but due to the advantages of the Novaled PIN OLED® technology and proprietary materials a remarkably high value could be reached. The use of the fluorescent blue emitter material has several advantages. Beside the fact that it is commercially available, it allows very good device stability and guarantees a higher lifetime of OLED devices. Also, it enables a broad coverage of the complete visible colour range, resulting in the very high colour rendering index value achieved by the OLED device. The OLED sample incorporates Novaled light extraction technology and dedicated material NET 61 thereby enhancing the efficiency and improving the angular dependence of emitted light. By meeting the standards for commercial lighting applications, Novaled’s new power-efficient white PIN OLEDs are already ideal for OLED lamps and luminaires for general and design lighting. Novaled’s manufacturing uses standard processes to produce the white PIN OLED device structures. Standard glass substrates with ITO, ordinary evaporation processes and simple outcoupling methods allow for an easy adoption to existing manufacturing lines and for a cost efficient volume production of such devices.

MOU Also Calls for Passive House Education Efforts PORTLAND, Ore., .July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Earth Advantage Institute (www.earthadvantage.org), a nonprofit green building resource that has certified more than 11,000 homes, and the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) announced their intent to work together on development of an Energy Performance Score (EPS) label that can be issued for any home certified to the Passive House building energy standard. The plan is part of an overall collaborative effort in the residential building sector that will also include education courses for professionals and consumers. The cooperation is expected to boost the adoption rate of Passive House-certified homes. The EPS is a miles-per-gallon-style rating system for homes that allows buyers to compare estimated annual energy costs and energy consumption among different homes. It also provides an incentive for homeowners to undertake energy upgrades. Currently more than 1900 homes have been rated in the Northwest, and pilot programs are underway in Massachusetts, Virginia and Alabama. The EPS offers an energy efficiency metric for appraisers, lenders, insurers and other sectors providing services for the home industry. Under the terms of the agreement, Earth Advantage Institute and PHIUS have agreed to recognize each other as affiliates. The two organizations expect to provide each other with access to project criteria and building data and plan to jointly develop guidelines on accounting for carbon emissions within the program. Following contract finalization, Earth Advantage Institute also plans to host Certified Passive House Consultant training at its facilities in the Northwest.

Makes Constructech Magazine’s Constructech 50 List for 3rd Consecutive Year MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skire, Inc. (www.skire.com), the leading global provider of cloud-based solutions for managing capital projects, facilities and real estate, today announced that it has been named one of top 50 solution providers in the construction industry. Constructech magazine’s 2011 Constructech 50 is a listing of the most influential construction technology providers with a strong and ongoing market presence. Published in the July/August issue of Constructech, the listing is determined by the editors of the magazine. Companies are judged on a variety of criteria, including having a strong product/service aimed at the construction industry, ongoing customer satisfaction and growth, as well as outreach and educational efforts for the construction industry. Skire has made the list every year it has existed.

Industry-leading solution for UV protection, heat reduction now available for exterior applications ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M today announced the U.S. debut of its Exterior Window Film Prestige Series, the latest offerings in the company’s portfolio of energy-conservation solutions. Available in three gradients to meet unique needs for both new buildings and retrofit projects, the films are applied on the outside of windows to reduce the risk of thermal stress, particularly on windows with multiple glass panels. 3M’s Prestige Exterior Series is based on nanotechnology consisting of hundreds of ultra-thin layers – in total, less than the thickness of one Post-it® Note – enabling the films to provide superior heat control and glare reduction while preserving exterior and interior window views. All three film grades – Exterior PR40, Exterior PR70 and Exterior PR90 – are designed to block up to 99.9 percent of damaging UV rays, mitigating the sun’s fading effects on upholsteries, carpets and wallpapers. Exterior PR 90 has the highest visible light transmission (VLT) available for solar window films in the market, reducing the amount of sunlight entering the building by at most 1% while nearly doubling the amount of solar energy rejected on a single pane of 1/4" thick clear glass, significantly improving internal temperatures. These 3M’s window films also contain no metals, eliminating corrosion risk and preventing interference with wireless and cellular signals. The films’ unique characteristics recently contributed to Exterior Prestige Series film being installed on the official residence of Howard W. Gutman, the United States Ambassador to Belgium.

Delivers First myPANTONE Android Application; myPANTONE 2.0 Improves Color Accuracy for iPhone CARLSTADT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As design projects continue to become more digital and designers more mobile, the demand for applications to support an ever-changing work dynamic intensifies. 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 announced two new mobile applications to meet this growing need – myPANTONETM for AndroidTM and myPANTONE 2.0 for the iPhoneTM. myPANTONE for Android brings Pantone’s popular iPhone application for capturing, creating and sharing PANTONE® Color Palettes to the Android platform – giving graphic, digital, multimedia, fashion, interior and industrial designers access to more than 13,000 PANTONE Colors wherever they go, whenever they find inspiration. myPANTONE 2.0 incorporates feedback from more than 80,000 Pantone fans to extend the functionality of the original myPANTONE application and meet the growing needs of designers. myPANTONE 2.0 adds several enhanced features, including color calibration tools to improve the appearance of PANTONE Colors on screen, CMYK support for PANTONE PLUS SERIES Colors, access to ICC color-managed values, and the ability to print color palettes straight from the iPhone. myPANTONE for Android also automatically generates a variety of harmonious color combinations. Additionally, invaluable cross-referencing color capabilities make it simple for users to find similar colors among the various PANTONE Color Libraries. For example, users can identify the PANTONE FASHION + HOME Color that most closely matches any PANTONE PLUS Color.

HIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, today announced a partnership with Cree, Molex, and RECOM to offer an all-in-one, LED lighting solution based on the Cree XLamp platform. The Digi-Key CXA2011 XLamp LED lighting kit combines the performance, ease-of-use, and reliability of the XLamp series of LED arrays into a simple, all-in-one solution that takes the mystery out of building LED light fixtures. Digi-Key encourages LED design by offering all the necessary components, including a heat sink, connectors, power supply, and LED array, in a convenient, flexible kit. Streamlining the process even further, Digi-Key has created a step-by-step video as part of its Another Geek Moment series on YouTube. The video details just how easy this kit is to assemble with only a screwdriver and the provided components. Digi-Key Corporation focuses on providing customers with superior service, which includes product selection and availability, on-time delivery, and responsiveness. Using leading-edge processes and state-of-the-art technologies, Digi-Key serves a global customer base from its 600,000 square foot facility in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA.

HOMEOWNERS CAN NOW SEEK RELIEF FROM HIGH HOME REPAIR COSTS STAMFORD, Conn., July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Home Emergency Insurance Solutions , a leading provider of emergency home repair programs with over a million policies in place, is doing its share to keep homeowners protected. Previously reaching customers through partner utility companies, Home Emergency Insurance Solutions has announced that they will be offering their most popular protection plans directly to select area homeowners. The water service line is the pipe that brings freshwater into a home, and it is typically the homeowner's responsibility to maintain it. On most properties, this line starts from the curb or well casing and goes all the way into the home, connecting to the water heater, sinks, showers and more. Temperature changes, shifting soil or the age of the line can all be causes of damage. Many times this will result in a loss of water pressure or a loss of water altogether. In other instances, the effects will not be noticed until there is a spike in the water bill due to an underground leak. Home Emergency Insurance Solutions offers emergency plans that protect homeowners from the hassle and expense of unexpected home repairs. "Emergencies do happen and unfortunately, there's very little someone can do to prepare for them," says Jonathan King, Chief Executive Officer of Home Emergency Insurance Solutions. "Rather than having to scramble and pay thousands of dollars in the midst of a home emergency, Home Emergency Insurance Solutions takes care of the legwork from start to finish." Home Emergency Insurance Solutions will be offering its Water Service Line Protection Plan to homeowners via a no obligation direct mail offer. This plan provides consumers thousands of dollars in coverage for a low monthly fee. When enrolled in the program, customers have access to a 24-hour emergency hotline that will dispatch a contractor to make any necessary home repairs. Home Emergency Insurance Solutions has established a locally based network of licensed and qualified contractors to serve the area. Contractors are screened and assessed before joining the Home Emergency Insurance Solutions network and making repairs at the customer's home. "We aim to provide every customer with first- class service and make sure that our contractors do the same," says King.

Countertop Transfauxmations Looks Expensive - Perfect For Budget Kitchen Makeovers /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to home improvements, a kitchen makeover is usually at the top of the list. But replacing old, dull and outdated countertops doesn't have to be expensive and time consuming. In fact, with a little imagination, not a lot of money and a weekend to spare, people can change and update the entire look of their kitchen with painted countertops. Michaela Harbert, founder of Countertop Transfauxmations®, created an easy, do-it-yourself countertop refinishing process that emphasizes durability and affordability and has proven safe and long lasting. Harbert's original and specialized faux-finishing technique for kitchen countertops is available in a step-by-step demonstration DVD that shows how to perfectly replicate the look of granite, marble and stone, provides countless color options and can be done in a matter of hours by handy weekend warriors and painting novices alike. The Countertop Transfauxmations DVD is available for $19.95 plus shipping and handling or $14.95 to download. It includes a 30-minute full-kitchen demonstration, a comprehensive written instruction booklet with color photos, current information on sealers and color combinations (Harbert's "recipes" to achieve the perfect granite look), testimonials and before and after pictures. Also included is a detailed shopping list of materials for refinishing an average-size (35 sq. ft.) kitchen counter. Costs for materials run about $80 available at any paint store. With more than fifteen years experience in countertop refinishing, Harbert perfected and simplified the Countertop Transfauxmations process so that anyone can do countertop refinishing. The do-it-yourself DVD provides expert tips Harbert learned through trial and error, which make the difference between counters that look painted and, "Wow, you got new counters!" About Countertops Transfauxmations Countertop Transfauxmations is a do-it-yourself countertop refinishing process DVD. Michaela Harbert, creator and host, demonstrates how to create a faux granite countertop, sharing professional tips she learned in her 15 years of countertop refinishing.

* Evolutionary LEAP*mbr Design Offers Customers More Cost-Effective Solution to Meet or Exceed Increasingly Stringent Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse Standards * New Membrane Bioreactor Technology is Based on Proven High-Performance, Rugged ZeeWeed* Hollow-Fiber Membranes SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE (NYSE: GE) has introduced a next-generation membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment technology called LEAP*mbr, which addresses pressing water quality and operational cost issues faced by owners of municipal, industrial and residential water/wastewater treatment facilities worldwide. The result of a four-year development effort, the new LEAPmbr system offers the lowest lifecycle costs available from any MBR technology, while also being cost-competitive with conventional treatment. These cost savings, along with operational simplicity and a compact footprint, derive from innovations to the popular GE ZeeWeed* 500 MBR product line— the most widely-used, reinforced hollow-fiber ultrafiltration technologies available. The cost and efficiency savings of the GE LEAPmbr system compared to existing GE MBR technologies include: * A minimum 30 percent reduction in energy costs; * A 15 percent improvement in productivity (greater water-treatment capacity); * A 50 percent reduction in membrane aeration equipment and controls, leading to a simpler design with lower construction, installation and maintenance costs; * A 20 percent reduction in physical footprint leading to further reduced construction and installation costs as well as lower ongoing consumption of cleaning chemicals. Development of the LEAPmbr system was driven by GE’s product innovation and development capabilities and more than 25 years of experience with proven, highly reliable MBR technology in diverse applications around the world. One of the key growth markets for MBR technology overall is the global municipal wastewater treatment sector. Until now, this sector has waited for the costs of newer MBR technologies to become more competitive with existing applications. The new LEAPmbr system answers the MBR cost question while offering customers a 21st century solution to comply with more stringent water quality requirements. MBRs replace the solids-separation function of secondary clarifiers and sand filters used in conventional activated sludge systems. GE’s MBR technology consists of a suspended-growth biological reactor integrated with GE’s high-performance, rugged ZeeWeed hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membranes. The ZeeWeed membranes are immersed in a membrane tank, in direct contact with the water to be treated, which is known as mixed liquor. Through the use of a permeate pump, a vacuum is applied to a header connected to the membranes. The vacuum draws the water through the ZeeWeed membranes, which filter out solids, along with bacteria and viruses. The filtered water, or permeate, then can be further treated, reused or discharged as needed. ZeeWeed has been proven in more than two decades of wastewater treatment and water reuse. Nearly 1,000 plants worldwide use this technology to meet or exceed stringent wastewater treatment and water reuse standards.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ITW Gema, the global leader in high-performance powder coating technology, announced the introduction of the OptiFlex2, the industry's most advanced manual powder spray system. ITW Gema's new OptiFlex2 stands apart from other manual powder coating systems. Its ability to spray virtually any powder with outstanding effectiveness. Its precision current and voltage controls ensure maximum transfer efficiency and coating uniformity. Any Powder OptiFlex2 manual powder coating system has a high-performance, integrated, cascade power supply, with 100,000 volts of first-pass power, which efficiently charges all types of powders. For challenging powders, users can call on the OptiFlex2's Precision Charge Control (PCC). The system's new PowerClean feature cleans the entire powder path from the pump to the gun tip using powerful blasts of air. Any Part The OptiFlex2 manual powder spray system takes all types of difficult shapes in stride, applying the powder precisely where needed. An improved powder coating gun nozzle works in concert with the high-performance powder pump, delivering powder with first-pass transfer efficiency. Any Place Whether operating in heat or cold, in dry or humid conditions, the OptiFlex2 manual powder coating system delivers the performance required to operate in any temperature. Even under punishing conditions, the system's industry-leading cascade power supply is robust. Users get flawless performance for years.

Durarail is very pleased to announce the launch of the newest Glass Railing Innovation in the market today – The Panorama Post. This post is designed for a topless glass railing which incorporates a nearly invisible, sleek look with versatility and functionality. The round glass track of the Panorama Post enables the installer to adjust the angle the glass in a 30* degree in both directions thus allowing the use of one post to achieve multiple angles. The Panorama posts are available in both surface mounted and fascia mounted designs. The posts offer an inexpensive, sleek al­ternative to the more traditional topless glass posts, while offering the onsite flexibility and easier instal­lation culminating in a savings in time and cost.

The eMonitorTM c-Series will drive costs out of business operations, increase control and improve profitability BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--What large corporations have had for decades – an ability to manage their energy costs – is finally coming to small commercial users. Powerhouse Dynamics announced today the introduction of the eMonitorTM c-Series, a cost-effective energy management solution for small commercial operations. For businesses ranging from restaurants to health clinics, energy costs have long been the biggest “uncontrollable” expense item. With the eMonitor, a small business can now see where they are using energy and control the waste, with remote HVAC controls, benchmarking capabilities, diagnostics and alerts all contributing to reducing costs. A typical installation is expected to create energy cost savings of 10% to 20%, resulting in a return on investment of less than one year. About Powerhouse Dynamics Powerhouse Dynamics’ eMonitorTM is the first intelligent small commercial energy management solution designed to monitor all uses and sources of energy and deliver cost-effective controls. The eMonitorTM uniquely monitors a building’s electrical power consumption at the circuit level, providing ongoing analysis, diagnostics and alerts to deliver actionable intelligence and control strategies. Thousands of homeowners have saved money and energy with the consumer version of the eMonitor, which was first introduced in 2010.