New Tool Allows Architects, Engineers to Determine Optimal Configurations for Structural Glazing ST. LOUIS, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA) today announced the availability of the new Saflex® glass strength calculator. This proprietary software, developed by Solutia in conjunction with industry glass experts, is based on the methodologies of European (EN) and international (ASTM and ISO) standards for glass characteristics and design. The calculator features glass thicknesses per individual lite ranging from 2.5 mm through 25 mm, and lites can be combined symmetrically or asymmetrically with Saflex interlayers. The software will perform calculations and provide a PDF report via email, detailing glass stress and deflection for the requested configuration and providing the effective thickness for the single unit laminate from which the model was generated. The overall thickness and weight of the glass is also provided in the analysis. The Saflex® glass strength calculation tool is only available to registered users. Access to the program can be requested at www.saflex.com/structural.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) President and CEO Carl Bass joined Fortune Magazine Sr. Writer and Editor Marc Gunther to discuss sustainable design at the company’s recent Sustainability Summit in San Francisco. Also presenting were a panel of customers discussing their use of Autodesk software to design greener buildings, better manufacturing processes, water turbines and an eco-refrigerator. Lynelle Cameron, the company’s director of sustainability, opened the event with details about the company’s recent green datacenter project, a new version of Autodesk Green Building Studio, and other news.

Earth Shield® is proud to be the chosen performance product of Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX, and myriad fuel terminals and loading stations throughout the world. In many cases, Earth Shield® is a key component in the rail company’s Environmental Advocacy Program. Waterstops play a critical role in the integrity of concrete structures. Earth Shield® Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) Waterstop is used as a fluid-tight diaphragm, embedded in concrete, across and along the joint, for primary and secondary containment structures such as tank storage and transloading areas. Earth Shield® Chemical Resistant Waterstops are ideally suited for railroad and fuel terminal applications, as they are resistant to a wide range of fuels, oils, solvents, and aggressive chemicals. Diesel fuel, JP-4 and JP-8 jet fuel, and aromatic hydrocarbons have little effect on Earth Shield® Thermoplastic Vulcanizate Waterstop. Unlike inferior polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waterstop, Earth Shield® waterstop contains no plasticizer, stabilizer, or filler to leech out when exposed to fuels. Also, unlike PVC waterstop, Earth Shield® can withstand prolonged exposure to high and low temperatures (-164°F to 275°F long term) without detrimental effect.

Upper floors of 1.2 million square-foot tower sheathed in SOLARBAN 70XL glass PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) announced that SOLARBAN(R) 70XL glass is part of an advanced, energy-efficient curtain wall system that recently helped RBC Centre in Toronto become the largest building in Canada to earn LEED(R) certification for new construction. The 43-story tower, which earned LEED certification at the Gold level, features more than 420,000 square feet of custom curtain wall fabricated from Solarban 70XL glass on the upper floors and laminated security glass on the lower floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize daylighting, while the building’s north-south orientation and a sophisticated system of sensor-controlled sun shades and automated blinds limit heat gain and promote energy performance. Introduced in 2005 at the GreenBuild International Conference and Expo, Solarban 70XL glass is engineered with a proprietary triple-silver coating that delivers an optimum balance of transparency and solar control. With visible light transmittance (VLT) of 64 percent and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.27, Solarban 70XL glass has a light-to-solar gain ratio (LSG) of 2.37 that remains unmatched by competing products even six years after its introduction. The RBC Centre, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, incorporates a comprehensive array of environmentally advanced systems to reduce energy use and promote water conservation. As a result, the building is projected to realize savings of 40 percent on energy costs and 47 percent on indoor water compared to similar structures of its size and type. For more information on Solarban 70XL glass and PPG’s entire line of environmentally advanced architectural glass products, visit www.ppgideascapes.com or call 1-888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332).

Enjoy The Rich, Beautiful Look of Real Wood…with the low maintenance and durability of aluminum! Durarail is proud to announce that we are now offering a wide variety of authentic looking wood finishes on lineal materials, such as Top Rail, Bottom Rail and Post material. Incorporating a wood finish adds an elegance and sophistication to the interior or exterior of any home. The natural wood grain looks so realistic that it is regularly mistaken for the real thing but has the added advantages of an aluminum railing system. No more concerns about wood rotting, fading or the constant upkeep of re-staining or re-painting. This product is durable, UV Resistant and virtually maintenance free. Available in 22 different wood grains, this product is AAMA 2604/2605 certified. As an added benefit, using this product rather than real wood contributes to the conservation of our forests making this a truly 'GREEN' product. For more information, please see our online brochure or call this number 866.999.7245.

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS, a green building leader in the construction industry for more than 85 years, offers PERMINATOR underslab vapor barrier to reduce the penetration of moisture and water vapor through the slab of a structure. Exhibiting dramatically great puncture resistance and a low perm rating, PERMINATOR is a polyolefin-based resin/chemical technology that is tough enough to withstand normal construction jobsite conditions and traffic. It will not crack, puncture, snag, split, or tear easily. PERMINATOR also helps to reduce fungus, mildew, mold growth, and radon gas from entering the structure. “Our Perminator has one of the lowest perm ratings in the market, but even more importantly, it has an extremely high resistance to puncture,” said Matthew Price, President of W. R. MEADOWS. “Even the smallest puncture can damage the integrity of a vapor barrier, but with our increased puncture resistance technology, you can dramatically lower the odds of such damage happening on the job site after installation." PERMINATOR is primarily designed for underslab construction, where the soil has been tamped and leveled or compacted fill has been applied. PERMINATOR can also be used as a protection course for waterproofing membranes. PERMINATOR is a key component in the green building industry, contributing to LEED credits such as Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality. For more information on PERMINATOR, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

Durarail, the powder-coated aluminum railing specialist, now offers Cable Railing - a contemporary deck railing system that provides minimal view obstruction with maximum style. The stainless steel cables allow airflow through the deck and provide excellent resistance to the elements for an attractive, low maintenance railing solution. Durarail’s powder-coated aluminum top rails and posts provide the ultimate framework for the new Cable Railing System. Cleverly designed cable fasteners are hidden within the posts, allowing you to attractively frame the perimeter of your deck with a sleek, clean and modern look that can stand up to the elements and provide many years of functional and esthetic appeal. With a choice of 5 standard Durarail Top Rail designs, homeowners can choose the look that most appeals to them. Available in 8 standard colors and 180 custom colors, Durarail framework is UV resistant and will not peel, flake or blister as it ages so there is no need for sanding, staining or painting. In addition to it’s esthetic appeal and durability, Durarail’s Cable Railing System has other advantages as well. Its stainless steel cables contain at least 65% for recycled content which helps you to qualify for LEED credits.

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether in New Delhi or New York, Sao Paulo or Abu Dhabi, staying competitive in today's building environment means keeping pace with rapid advancements in building trends and environmental issues. Carrier, the world's leader in high technology heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) solutions and a part of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is making it easy to learn the latest in green building technologies, sustainable design and engineering practices, bringing some of the world's experts together under one roof for its 11th Global Engineering Conference, themed "20/20 the Future in Focus: Rethink. Restore. Regenerate." Scheduled for March 18-20, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the event features more than 20 workshops and presentations by a distinguished slate of international speakers, such as: - George Berbari, CEO and founder of DC Pro Engineering, who will talk about accelerating citywide efficiency improvement based on his expertise from the Middle East. - Markus Dochantschi, founder and principal of New York's studioMDA, who will share his experience from around the globe, through his implementation of new building technologies and design of passive sustainability strategies for buildings in Japan, England, Switzerland and Austria. - Ahmed Abdul Ganhi, chairman, Allied Consultants, from Egypt, who will review practices in the district cooling systems and pumping schemes to manage the impact on energy. - Rohan Parikh from Infosys, one of India's leading software companies, who will highlight what it takes to create a low-energy building. - Rajan Rajendran, vice president, Engineering Services and Sustainability for Emerson Climate Technologies, who will speak on refrigerants of the future and how these choices can impact our industry through examples of his work with alternate refrigerants in the U.S., Europe and Asia. - Vincent Tse, managing director, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Building MEP, China Region, who will discuss sustainable design in mega-large entertainment resorts and venues in Singapore and Macau. In addition, keynote speakers such as Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council, and David Gottfried, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council and World Green Building Council, will help create a vision for the future, focusing on rethinking current practices, restoring natural resources and developing regenerative initiatives. Speakers will also spotlight new technology and engineering topics in the HVAC industry, as well as a variety of technical, multi-disciplinary, case study and sustainability topics. As a result of these workshops, attendees of the Global Engineering Conference will leave with immediate actionable practices and clarity on the future of buildings in our industry.

- Advanced Grout System Prolongs Life of Floors to Avoid Costly Repairs - NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stuart Dean, a renowned provider of architectural restoration services throughout the United States, will present its Marcoat® Epoxy Grout Floor System as an advanced solution for grout degradation March 4-6, 2012 at the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA) 2012 Annual Conference at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Grout degradation is a common and costly back-of-the-house problem for RFMA attendees, which includes restaurant facility directors, managers, project coordinators, owners/operators, construction managers, and operations and purchasing managers. The company will be at Booth #311. Marcoat is a nonporous epoxy that eliminates the pockets where food particles, liquid and grease can accumulate in traditional grout and cause health hazards. The product is impervious to oleic acid and enzyme cleaners that are present in the kitchen environment, and also protects tile from breaking and chipping. Additionally, its special formulation is impervious to mold and mildew.

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.researchandmarkets.com/research/0fb016/2012_u_s_drywall) has announced the addition of the "2012 U.S. Drywall & Insulation Contractors Industry - Industry & Market Report" report to their offering. The U.S Drywall & Insulation Contractors Industry - Industry & Market Report, published annually by Barnes Reports, contains timely and accurate industry statistics, forecasts and demographics. The report features 2012 current and 2013 forecast estimates on the size of the industry (sales, establishments, employment) nationally and for all 50 U.S. States and over 900 metro areas. New to the report this year are: financial ratios, number of firms and payroll estimates. The report also includes industry definition, 5-year historical trends on industry sales, establishments and employment, a breakdown of establishments, sales and employment by employee size of establishment (9 categories), and estimates on up to 10 sub-industries, including plastering, stucco work, acoustical ceilings, and mantel work.

2012 IECC Implementation Increases Importance of Durable Roof Cover Boards Over Insulation ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Higher levels of energy efficiency will be required when states adopt the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) starting this year. The new energy code, which calls for buildings designed to achieve a 30 percent increase in energy efficiencies over the 2006 IECC, requires a well-insulated roof in new or renovated commercial buildings. The IECC, coupled with other codes, standards or programs such as the IgCC, ASHRAE 189.1, LEED®, and Green Globes, reinforces the significance of installing a durable roof cover board such as DensDeck® Roof Board to protect the added insulation needed to meet the energy code. Throughout the 2012 International Roofing Expo®, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum will showcase its line of DensDeck® Roof Boards, which are versatile, durable cover boards and thermal barriers for most commercial roofing application. DensDeck panels are an ideal protection component in roofs that consist of photovoltaic, vegetative or cool roofing materials; or for any roofing system that sees a lot of foot traffic. Information on new and existing roofing codes and standards and their prescriptive R-value ratings will be available at the Georgia-Pacific Gypsum exhibit in Booth 1253 at the show, taking place in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 22 to 24.

Ten innovative products, including eight LED luminaires, represent significant product developments and improvements to the lighting industry. PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, announces that ten of its innovative products have been recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Progress Committee as providing "an advancement in the art and science of lighting." Altogether, Cooper Lighting had nine products accepted - including eight LED luminaires - and Cooper Controls, a business unit of Cooper Lighting, had an additional energy-monitoring product accepted. The products are featured in the 2011 IES Progress Report, which presents significant developments and improvements in the lighting industry over the past year. The accepted products include: - Cooper Lighting's Neo-Ray Straight and Narrow 22 LED Luminaires, available in three color temperatures and offering a 25 percent energy savings over fluorescent sources, create slender lines of continuous, uniform illumination for recessed, suspended, surface- and wall-mounted applications. - Cooper Lighting's Corelite R Mini LED Luminaire is a unique 1' x 1' luminaire that provides a 28 percent reduction in energy with a 10 percent increase in delivered lumens, when compared to a traditional 32W compact fluorescent fixture. - Cooper Lighting's Corelite Loft/Element Micro LED Suspended Luminaire, which features independent dimming of the uplight and downlight components, achieves a high luminaire efficacy of 85 lumens per watt (lm/W). Comparable to a 54W T5HO fixture, this design provides a 17 percent reduction in energy with a 7 percent increase in lumens. - Cooper Lighting's Halo Stasis LED Luminaire, designed for retail, hospitality and commercial spaces, features tight optical control with minimal spill light and multiple patented field-changeable optical distributions including Spot (15 degrees), Narrow Flood (25 degrees) and Flood (40 degrees). - Cooper Lighting's RSA COMBOLIGHT LED Luminaire is the first airtight, IC-rated multiple-head recessed luminaire that offers one to six heads equipped with 18W LEDs and a double-gimbal design that allows the product to tilt 45 degrees in any direction. - Cooper Lighting's IRiS® Linear Spread Lens Trim, designed for use in multiple wall wash luminaires including compact fluorescent, halogen and ceramic metal halide sources, utilizes a unique color neutral glass lens technology eliminating the green tint of light found in standard glass. The result is increased optical efficiency with smooth vertical illumination. - Cooper Lighting's Metalux Accord LED Series, which evenly distributes the perfect amount of "softer" light, is available in two light levels, multiple color temperatures and boasts an efficacy of 88 lumens per watt (lm/W) with a 50,000 hour rated life. A quick disconnect feature allows for simple future LED upgrades. - Cooper Lighting's Halo H4 LED Adjustable Gimbals, the first small aperture (4-inch) adjustable downlights with the appearance and performance similar to a low voltage MR16 gimbal, features interchangeable reflectors with beam distributions of 25, 35 and 50 degrees, four color temperatures and an adjustable 35-degree tilt. - Cooper Lighting's Halo 4-inch and 6-inch LED Wall Wash Downlight Trims deliver uniform illumination and are the first residential and commercial grade LED trims of their kind, allowing these trims to be used for both IC and non-IC applications. - The Cooper Controls advanced Venergy Advanced Metering System is a code compliant energy saving solution, which monitors energy consumption, is easy to use, specify and scalable across any enterprise. The Progress Report submittals, which include new products, applications, research, publications and design tools, are reviewed by the IES Progress Committee. The committee consists of industry experts from all different aspects of the lighting industry with the mission of keeping in touch with developments in the art and science of lighting throughout the world. The committee prepares a yearly review of achievements for the Society. Each submittal goes through a judging process and is evaluated for its uniqueness, innovativeness and significance to the lighting industry. Judging is not based on aesthetics, but focuses on and honors technical advancements.

Larkspur planters are elegantly designed by Larry Kornegay Kalamazoo, MI - Landscape Forms is pleased to announce the introduction of Larkspur, a planter in three variations designed by Larry Kornegay, acknowledged master in the design and production of cast concrete planters for outdoor environments. Larkspur expands Landscape Forms’ offering of planters to include cast concrete, a planter material popular among landscape architects. In three sizes and shapes – a 24” tall by 36” rounded square; a 30” tall by 48” rounded square; and a 48” tall by 32” rounded square – Larkspur planters are elegant in proportion, subtle in contour and commanding in presence. Like their namesake flower, these planters are products of nature and no two are exactly the same. Unlike synthetic materials, the surface of cast concrete responds to qualities inherent in the natural materials of which it is composed, imparting individuality in surface qualities that give each Larkspur planter its own character and visual interest. Larkspur is designed and manufactured to perform in all climates and seasons. When appropriate, additives are incorporated into the concrete mix to enhance durability under cold weather conditions, ensuring reliable performance in Chicago winters as well as Tucson summers. Cast concrete is an inherently strong material and Larkspur planters are tested to measure 5000-6000psi. Weather and age impart a patina that adds to the beauty of the material and attests to its timelessness. Larkspur planters are large and architectural in their mass, making them useful as design elements in outdoor spaces. They have the capacity to hold very large plants or a large variety of smaller plants. Used singly or in groupings, they bring greenery and color to outdoor settings and also serve to physically and visually separate space. In their size and heft they offer a design-friendly security feature that contrasts favorably to the jersey barrier. Landscape Forms offers Larkspur in a variety of color choices and with a gloss exterior sealer. Designer Larry Kornegay, who has provided cast concrete planters to the design community for many years, will oversee manufacturing. ABOUT LANDSCAPE FORMS Since its founding in 1969 Landscape Forms has earned a reputation for excellent design, high quality products and exceptional service. The Landscape Forms U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan with sales offices throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Southern Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. Landscape Forms collaborates with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects, and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place. The company has an installed based of products around the world. Clients include municipalities, transit centers, corporate, college and health care campuses; and familiar brand leaders such as Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike. Landscape Forms was recently named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the US. Visit www.landscapeforms.com.

(Corona, Calif.) DECRA Roofing Systems, Inc., the leading manufacturer of stone coated steel roofing panels, is pleased to announce the introduction of two new accessory products, DECRA Ridge Vent and DECRA Panel Vents. Both Vent options are specially designed for installation with all DECRA profiles, including DECRA Villa Tile, Shingle, and Shake XD®. DECRA Ridge Vent helps to create a pathway of airspace between the roof ridge and the roof. This insures that that the attic space is well-ventilated and moisture-free. Air trapped in an attic space could cause a drain on heating and cooling, and cause moisture damage. DECRA Ridge Vent installed along a roof’s ridgeline is an easy solution for creating air flow. When wind blows over the roof’s ridge with DECRA Ridge Vent, this creates negative pressure that draws out warmer air from the attic. DECRA Ridge Vent is also flexible, designed to work with all DECRA profiles, and is virtually maintenance-free. DECRA Panel Vent provides an attractive alternative to standard box vents. Designed to fully integrate with all DECRA Roofing Systems, DECRA Panel Vent has the added benefit of protection against the elements. Each DECRA Panel Vent is roughly equivalent to two standard box vents. The DECRA Tile Panel Vent provides 55 sq in of NFA (net free area), with all other Panel Vents providing 64 sq in of NFA. The DECRA Panel Vent install easily just like a DECRA Panel, with no flashing required. DECRA Panel Vent prevents insect infiltration and are weather resistant, protecting against snow and wind driven rain. DECRA Panel Vent is available in all six DECRA profiles and a variety of colors.

Green remodeling is growing especially fast due to the economy and decline in new home construction ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- McGraw-Hill Construction, a part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), today released findings from a new Green Home Builders and Remodelers Study at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders' Show in Orlando. Green homes comprised 17% of the overall residential construction market in 2011 and are expected to grow to between 29% and 38% of the market by 2016. By value, this equates to a five-fold increase, growing from $17 billion in 2011 to $87-$114 billion in 2016, based on the five-year forecast for overall residential construction. According to the study, construction industry professionals report an even steeper increase in green home remodeling; 34% of remodelers expect to be doing mostly green work by 2016, a 150% increase over 2011 activity levels. Many home builders have shifted to the remodeling market due to the drastic drop in new home construction. In fact, 62% of the builders who do both new and remodeling work verified that the economy has increased their renovation work. The green home building study, produced by McGraw-Hill Construction in conjunction with the NAHB and Waste Management, is designed to provide key insights into market opportunities, backed by proprietary research surveys and the power of the Dodge database. The study reveals business benefits afforded by green building, such as a competitive marketing advantage: 46% of builders and remodelers find that "building green" makes it easier to market themselves in a down economy, and an overwhelming 71% of firms that are dedicated to green home building report the same. McGraw-Hill Construction will continue analyzing the results of the Green Home Builders and Remodelers Study and release a printed report in April during the NAHB's National Green Building Conference and Expo in Nashville. Further findings, including remodeling details, green technologies, and green product adoption in green homes, will be included in that report.

Trane and Schlage innovations including Nexia™ Home Intelligence Showcased at International Builders’ Show International Builders' Show 2012 ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Builders can truly create the home of the future right now, thanks to the latest innovations from two leading home industry brands – Trane, a leading manufacturer of heating and air conditioning systems, and Schlage, America’s most trusted name in security1 and most used residential door lock brand by builders2. Trane and Schlage , both businesses of Ingersoll Rand, are committed to providing energy-efficient and sustainable products to help home builders satisfy and exceed homeowner’s growing demands to reduce their impact on the planet while increasing their home’s safety, comfort and efficiency. Enter Nexia™ Home Intelligence, a smart home automation system that leverages the advanced technologies of Trane and Schlage, featured at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in the Orlando Convention Center lounge #W1129, Feb 8-11. Nexia Home Intelligence: capturing builders’ and homeowners’ attention Nexia enables consumers to remotely manage features and functions of their home, including door locks, heating and cooling, video surveillance, lights, shades and energy usage via any Web-enabled computer and most smart phones. Leading homebuilders such as Lennar Homes have already noted the edge Nexia gives them in the competitive marketplace, adding the system to its Everything Included program. “Buying a new home has never been more advantageous to the buyer. Not only are new home prices affordable, but the addition of energy and technology features such as Nexia Home Intelligence makes buying new versus old a smart choice,” said Lennar’s David J. Kaiserman, president Lennar Ventures. Nexia Home Intelligence also captured the attention of Green Builder Media, which selected Nexia to be included as one of the green and intelligent products for its VISION House® in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® opening in early spring 2012. The VISION House® exhibit showcases a variety of solutions on how to keep homes secure, comfortable and green through technology and innovation. Visitors touring VISION House® will experience the ability to adjust their high-efficiency heating and cooling system through the Trane® ComfortLink™ II Control, which can help manage their energy costs as well as the ability to use their mobile devices to check on the security of their home. New Schlage alarmed lock also featured at IBS Also featured at IBS is the first and only residential door lock with a built-in alarm, which combines the security of a strong, secure lock with the added safeguard of a sensor alarm that sounds the moment there is activity at the door. This new Schlage offering means homebuilders can provide their customers peace of mind. Specifically engineered to detect vibration and motion at first contact with a door or handle, the alarmed lock enables homeowners to select alert settings and sensitivity levels within three alarm modes. In Forced Entry Alert mode, the alarm sounds if a significant force pushes against a door, such as when someone is attempting to kick it in. In Tamper Alert, it sounds when the doorknob or lever is disturbed, making it perfect for monitoring a main or secondary door. In Activity Alert, the alarm offers greater safety by sounding when a door opens or closes, making it ideal for monitoring whether a small child or elderly parent is trying to open the door. With the introduction of the alarmed lock, Schlage is also launching four different functions specifically for the builder market, giving builders access to a broader range of alarmed products to offer their customers, and to serve various needs in new construction. These include interior passage, keyed entry, hall/closet interior handleset functions, as well as keypad levers that allow consumers to enjoy the convenience of the keypad with the addition of an audible alarm sensor to alert them of activity at the lock. The alarmed lock ultimately gives homebuilders a new cost-effective way to address homeowners’ security and comfort needs in a way that won’t gouge their pocketbooks. Instead of having a security system and monthly fee, homeowners can be alerted with a customized security solution right at the door. Free cameras and more: special IBS promotions During IBS, Schlage is giving away Schlage Home Indoor cameras to the first 125 visitors to lounge #W1129 each morning, so consumers can experience home automation through Nexia Home Intelligence and test drive the new video recording functionality featured at the show. Visitors to the Trane and Schlage lounge are also invited to take part in a Facebook promotion after the show to celebrate the recent launch of Nexia Home Intelligence. Five Schlage® Home Security Kits will be given away each day from February 13-17 on the Nexia Home Intelligence Facebook page. For more information about Nexia and monthly service details, visit www.nexiahome.com. For information on the Trane ComfortLink II Control, visit www.trane.com. For information about the Schlage alarmed locks, visit www.alarm.schlage.com.

— New exhibit helps families experience green, state-of-the-art home — PELLA, Iowa, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It sounds like a futuristic movie scene: a woman at work uses her smart phone to remotely unlock her front door for a repairman. As the sunny winter day turns into evening, her time-activated home automation system lowers the blinds in the family room to help prevent heat loss. Innovative home technology like this — including a new product from Pella Corporation — will soon be a reality in the new green home exhibit at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The VISION House® in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® — an experiential exhibit created by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with Green Builder® Media, highlights the major themes of whole-home automation, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, security, multi-generational design and durability. The home will utilize Pella Designer Series® windows in its design. Throughout the exhibit, opening in early spring in honor of Earth Day 2012, children and adults are encouraged to consider how they can reduce their personal impact on the planet, as well as changes they can implement in their own homes to help make them more sustainable, healthier, safer and more durable.

- Variform by Ply Gem launches its full product portfolio including new vinyl siding products designed specifically for the Canadian market with CCMC approval. - ICC-ES compliant stone and brick veneer products from Ply Gem Stone are now available to the Canadian market. - Product categories - windows, doors, siding, stone veneer, fence and rail - can be combined to create The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem, a complete exterior home solution from a single manufacturer. CARY, N.C., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ply Gem ®, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, has expanded its Canadian product portfolio to include a comprehensive offering of windows, patio doors, entry doors, siding, stone veneer, fence and rail. Ply Gem previously offered windows, patio doors, entry doors, fence and rail in western Canada. The 2012 portfolio expansion includes new CCMC approved vinyl siding products, ICC-ES compliant stone and brick veneer, and additional window lines that will be available to the eastern Canadian market. Products are available under the Ply Gem brand for windows, patio doors and entry doors, Variform® by Ply Gem brand for siding, Ply Gem® Stone brand for manufactured stone and brick veneer, and Kroy® by Ply Gem brand for fence and rail. Each of these product categories – windows, doors, siding, stone veneer, fence and rail – can be combined to create The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem, a complete exterior home solution from a single manufacturer, Ply Gem. For more information on Ply Gem's comprehensive product offering, log onto www.plygem.com or visit Ply Gem in booth W1101 at the International Builders' Show.

CARY, N.C., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ply Gem®, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, has expanded The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem with digital tools to help customers walk through the home renovation process and visually depict how existing home exteriors can be updated. The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem is a complete exterior home solution from a single manufacturer – including windows, siding, stone veneer, fence, rail, accessories and accents – that helps customers realize the possibilities in designing the exterior of their homes. The new, free tools will be available on www.plygem.com. The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem online experience begins with a selection of single-story, split-level, or two-story home styles. Each style of home is then expressed in multiple ways capturing the most prevalent American homes, built between 1955 and 1985, so users can select the home that most closely matches their own and then see how it can be completely transformed and updated. In selecting the most popular home styles, Ply Gem worked with leading architects to make certain that the homes reflected the majority of the housing stock in America so that most people could find a home that's reminiscent of their own. The tool takes each of the homes through two levels of renovation – a simple refresh with new siding or stone and window replacement, and an enhanced renovation with cosmetic, non-structural elevation changes such as adding a porch, columns or basic gables. The tool also outlines how homeowners can work with a remodeler to achieve the transformations they want with recommended Ply Gem products for each home style and includes suggested color combinations from color and design experts.

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS, a green building leader in the construction industry for more than 80 years, protects and enhances the natural appearance of concrete with VOCOMP-20. VOCOMP-20, a water-based acrylic curing and sealing compound, can be quickly and easily applied to simultaneously cure and/or seal new interior or exterior as well as vertical or horizontal concrete surfaces. VOCOMP-20 is formulated using special acrylic polymers in a true water-based carrier. Once properly applied, VOCOMP-20 provides a durable film for efficient moisture retention. VOCOMP-20 appears milky white in the container and, when first applied, leaves a bluish cast on the concrete for easy visual confirmation of coverage. VOCOMP-20 dries clear to provide a transparent sheen finish. The sheen can be controlled by the number of coats applied. VOCOMP-20 resists yellowing from ultraviolet exposure and will minimize hair-checking, premature cracking, dusting, and spalling. VOCOMP-20 is also a part of the W. R. MEADOWS GREEN LINE® of environmentally friendly, VOC-compliant products and complies with all VOC regulations across the United States and Canada. “Vocomp-20 was one of the first products introduced into our Green Line more than 20 years ago,” said Matthew Price, President of W. R. MEADOWS. “In addition to being environmentally friendly, Vocomp-20 provides a durable, long-lasting finish that offers improved resistance to chemicals, petroleum and abrasives.” VOCOMP-20 is ideal for application on commercial and industrial floors, sidewalks, basement and garage floors, multi-level parking decks, patios, driveways, and parking areas. VOCOMP-20 dries very quickly to protect and enhance the natural appearance of concrete. Two other formulations of VOCOMP are available – VOCOMP-25 and VOCOMP-30. Each formulation features increased levels of glossiness, protection, and shine. For more information on VOCOMP-20, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

Three Student Teams from North America Win $35,000 in Prize Money for Top Sustainable Home Designs International Builders' Show 2012 MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its commitment to support education and innovations that will help solve the world’s challenges, today the Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW), announced the three winning teams of the international Dow Solar Design to Zero Competition during the 2012 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, Fla. Three student teams from the United States and Canada received top prizes for developing exceptional design innovations to achieve affordable, high performing and energy-efficient housing solutions on a global scale. Two teams from the U.S. took first and second place with a team from Canada placing third. Winners of the competition were determined by a peer-review process that allowed all contestants to vote. “The students’ designs are perfect examples of the innovative thinking that is needed to create sustainable and energy efficient housing both now and for the future,” said Pat Nugent, Director of New Business Development, Dow Solar. “The Dow Solar Design to Zero Competition challenged students to think outside the box to develop net-zero solutions that will ultimately shape the future of sustainable residential building and design; we wanted to share these innovative solutions with the building industries leaders at IBS.” The first place award, along with a $20,000 prize, was given to the Live/Work team from South Carolina, U.S. The designers Eric Laine and Suzanne Steelman, graduate students from Clemson University School of Architecture designed a home that expands beyond traditional building sustainability and incorporates both commercial and residential functionalities. The structure embraces its urban setting both architecturally and economically, adapting its energy systems to the regional environment and integrating those systems seamlessly into the aesthetic design of the building. Daniel Kim and Caitlin Ranson, also from Clemson University School of Architecture, received second place along with a $10,000 prize for their Project Zero design. The structure’s concrete masonry units create an elegant energy efficient house that pays tribute to great 20th century modernism. The home also incorporates multiple zones that decrease the cost and the energy footprint while always keeping an eye on design. The Silo House design from Canada was awarded third place and a $5,000 prize for its out-side-of-the-box thinking. Team members Leon Lai and Eric Tan created a dwelling that transforms an abandoned oil silo into a residential house. The team used the spherical shape of the oil silo to their advantage; the surface area allows for the optimal collection of solar energy year round. In addition to the final three winners, Dow Solar announced four honorable mention teams. Tongji Team 2 from China created an energy efficient dwelling designed with the Chinese farmer in mind. Team Partial Submersion from the U.S. sunk the building in order to protect it from the heat and cold of the climate. Our third honorable mention team, VegaSol, from the U.S., did a great job of integrating passive and active solar systems into its energy strategy, but it’s the structure’s ability to respond to the Las Vegas environment that set this team apart. And from Spain, it was Liquid Arquitectura’s ability to create a great example of urban architecture that secured them an honorable mention. Leading up to IBS, Dow Solar announced also four ancillary Design to Zero award winners. Team Below Zero, U.S., captured the Built-in Photovoltaic Design Award for taking its design cues from the sun and creating a house with optimal solar angles. The Design Integration Award went to team BreathZERO, U.S., for its integration of space, materials, and technology to achieve a serene and environmentally sound solution. Energy efficiency is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to improve our world’s energy challenges, and with houses like our Energy Efficiency Winner, 33° South, Australia, we are on the right track to help reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint. Finally, from China, it was MIF Studio’s seamless integration of the ornamental with the practical that secured their team the Innovation Award.

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The next generation of wood for outdoor applications, Perennial Wood™, was introduced to the building and construction trade industry today at the International Builders’ Show. Made possible through TruLast™ Technology, a proprietary process from Eastman, Perennial Wood is real wood made to endure, that’s been modified to resist changes from moisture, such as shrinking, swelling and movement, for decades. As the first building product manufactured and marketed by Eastman, Perennial Wood leverages the company’s extensive 80-year history in acetylation. TruLast Technology permanently modifies the wood, providing a physical barrier throughout that’s warranted to protect against rot, decay and movement for 25 years. It is three times more stable than unmodified wood, resulting in less shrinking and swelling that cause cracking, cupping and warping without sacrificing the beauty of real wood. “Perennial Wood is well-suited for outdoor applications where the authenticity of real wood is desired without the damaging effects of the elements,” said Deborah Baum Crain, director of Perennial Wood. “With Perennial Wood, homeowners don’t have to compromise the beauty of real wood for longevity. The potential applications for Perennial Wood are extensive.” TruLast Technology TruLast Technology permanently transforms the wood’s cellular structure throughout by using heat, pressure and an organic compound to replace the water-loving (hydrophilic) groups in the wood’s cells with water-hating (hydrophobic) groups. The resulting Perennial Wood remains straighter, smoother and harder, while maintaining the wood’s natural appearance. Sustainability The ability of Perennial Wood to endure is just one of its sustainable qualities. Because it lasts longer than most unmodified wood, some hardwoods and select composites, it needs to be replaced less often, resulting in less material disposal over the long term. TruLast Technology leaves no toxic substances within the wood, delivering peace of mind about the efficacy of the product. Perennial Wood is harvested, processed and finished in the United States, eliminating the need for shipping wood from offshore sources, lessening the environmental impact.

SAGE also earns local honors from Minnesota’s business community MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SAGE continued its recent string of industry and business accolades when its dynamic SageGlass® took home the 2011 Product of the Year award from USGlass magazine. The USGlass awards are based on what readers consider the most significant new products introduced in 2011. The SageGlass triple-pane glazing product won the “Dynamic Glazing Product of the Year” for being the world’s most energy-efficient window glass. It’s the first glazing product to combine electrochromic glazing technology with highly insulating, triple-pane construction. SageGlass is electronically tintable dynamic glass for windows, skylights and curtain walls that tints or clears at the push of button. It frees architects to use glass in their building designs, allowing building occupants to enjoy natural light and a view to the outdoors. SageGlass modulates light, heat gain and glare. Rather than using conventional sun controls such as mechanized window shades, blinds and louvers that tend to block sunlight and views, SageGlass provides a solution that enhances occupant comfort and enables unobstructed outdoor views. By regulating solar heat gain, it conserves energy and reduces the capacity requirements of HVAC systems. The USGlass and Twin Cities Business honors are the latest in a run of industry recognition and awards that SAGE has received in recent months, including Architectural Products’ Product Innovation Award, the BATIMAT International Innovation Award, and Bloomberg’s New Energy Pioneer award, to name a few.

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- (Orange County Convention Center) -- The Whirlpool Corporation commitment to helping building professionals create homes of distinction can be found throughout the 2012 International Builders' Show® (IBS). During the show, attendees can tour showhomes featuring Whirlpool Corporation product suites, learn about the latest appliances for aging in place and more. Showhomes Featuring appliances from Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Maytag and Gladiator brands, the annual BUILDER Concept Home series includes three distinct homes, each reflecting the lifestyle needs of an important demographic group – Gen X, Gen Y, and Baby Boomers. The homes showcase important shifts in development and design strategies, including product applications that make the project successful. The trio of homes, side-by-side on a cul-de-sac, will be available for free guided tours to IBS 2012 attendees. Additionally, the Baby Boomer house will be rendered as a comprehensive, photo-realistic virtual tour within the project website at BUILDERConceptHome2012.com. The NextGen Companion Homes™ Series will also be unveiled and available for tours during the show. Featuring Whirlpool brand appliances, this home series is designed to meet the growing market demand for small-footprint homes that satisfy the diverse generational needs of the American family. The first three homes in the "Companion Series" are designed to share the same lot as an existing home, making them ideal for use as a guest home or lodging for aging parents or extended family. Homes features in the series will also have the ability to be on a stand-alone lot with the design flexibility to add modules, such as additional rooms or a garage. More information can be found at nextgenhome.com. The New American Home (TNAH) showcases innovative construction technologies and the latest building products. Featuring Jenn-Air, Whirlpool and Gladiator brand appliances, the home honors architecture of the past, while taking advantage of current technologies and design trends. As NAHB's official show home, TNAH gives building industry professionals an opportunity to see design trends, construction techniques and materials that can be used in any new or remodeled home. Registered IBS attendees can pick up tickets and tour the home via free shuttle buses. Visit buildersshow.com for more details. Session with the Experts: Enhancing 'Design for All' by Selecting the Right Products On Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., product experts, including Edward Lindner, contract channel trade relations manager at Whirlpool Corporation, will be part of a highly visual session at the show on "designing for all." Since universal design involves more than putting in certain features in the home, Enhancing 'Design for All' by Selecting the Right Products will focus on selecting products that allow the home to serve the current and future needs of everyone, regardless of age or ability. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) Day Whirlpool Corporation is sponsoring the CAPS Day at IBS on Thursday, Feb. 9. CAPS Day is part of Remodelers Central, a place to focus on the questions, issues, strategies and trends unique to remodeling. Remodelers Central is open every day of the show to all attendees interested in remodeling. The area features a place to network and do business, seminars and roundtables on core remodeling issues, and a guided exhibit hall tour concentrated on new in aging-in-place products. Receptions Whirlpool Corporation is sponsoring the NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB) Leadership Circle Reception as the council honors its present and past local, state and national leadership. The installation of the 2012 PWB Council Trustees is featured during the program. Additionally, Whirlpool Corporation is sponsoring the NAHB 50+ Housing Reception on Wednesday, Feb. 8. During the reception, attendees may network with leading builders, developers and other 50+ housing professionals.

Planar Mosaic offers unprecedented flexibility to position LCD tiles, including a new square video tile, into arrays never before imagined PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced the introduction of Planar® Mosaic™, the only video wall system providing three flat panel tiles, including a new square LCD, and unique features designed specifically for the global architectural wall coverings market, expected to be $26 billion in 2015, according to the Global Industry Analysts. Combining one-of-a-kind video wall expertise with nearly 30 years of display innovation, the Planar Mosaic video wall solution was developed in direct response to a growing trend in the architecture and design industry, and unleashes architectural expression. A large-scale prototype exhibit of the Planar Mosaic video wall system will debut February 16 through March 30 at the Cristin Tierney Gallery in New York, New York, in conjunction with video artist, Yorgo Alexopoulos. Planar Mosaic is the only video wall system that allows designers to integrate three different LCD tile sizes and shapes—including a truly square LCD tile measuring 21.6 inches on the diagonal. The Planar® Salvador™ is a trend-setting 1:1 aspect ratio tile measuring 15.6 inches / 39.5 cm on each side, that allows for creative installation and is akin to the shape of other building materials. The Planar® Vincent™ (48 inches / 122 cm wide) and the Planar® Pablo™ (40 inches / 103 cm wide) are both rectangular LCD tiles. Utilizing proprietary Mosaic Ensemble™ software and hardware, the tiles can be rotated at virtually any angle and mounted in any position, encouraging designers to experiment with negative space while extending project budgets. The Planar Mosaic video wall system features LED backlit displays, consuming less energy than traditional LCD displays. The video tiles boast a slim installation depth of less than 4 inches (10.16 cm), which is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). “The new Planar Mosaic elevates video from the realm of information to one of inspiration, and will allow installations and designs never before possible,” said Jennifer Davis, vice president of marketing at Planar Systems. “Planar is changing the rules, creating a new category of thin architecture video displays.” Simplicity Reimagines Video Walls with Flexible Design Architects and designers realize the impact of video tiles as a dynamic option to traditional wall coverings with Planar Mosaic. This video wall system offers three different ultra-thin LCD tile sizes elevating video to an architectural material. In projects ranging from museums to hotels, from residences to student centers, with the Planar Mosaic video wall system, video displays are no longer relegated to simply rectangles showing information. Stunning Designs Unfold The Mosaic Ensemble includes: - One-of-a-kind mounting system featuring auto-alignment posts allowing the video wall system to be installed error-free with unrestricted angles and positioning, in concave and convex patterns, or with overlapping displays while retaining the ability to front-service the displays. - Off-board power supply, creating a whisper quiet wall where no power outlets are required behind the tiles, reducing installation costs and site preparation. The power, video, and system control of the wall can be daisy-chained to reduce installation complexity and cost. - Planar Mosaic Project Designer™ software, which eliminates significant cost and complexity by empowering the user to design a layout of video tiles and configure the system during installation. This unique combination of software and image processing allows the display of a single image or video over the entire layout with unmatched simplicity. Planar Mosaic will be displayed to the vibrant and growing digital signage market at the Digital Signage Expo 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 6-9.

The "Product Mindset" Explores Impact of Consumer and Manufacturer Perceptions on the Building Materials Ecosystem NORTHBROOK, Ill., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new global study from UL (Underwriters Laboratories), a world leader in advancing safety, reveals that building materials manufacturers believe that product reliability is the key factor in their success, followed by product innovation and product safety. The new study, "Navigating the Product Mindset," explores the connections and contradictions between perceptions of consumers and manufacturers on issues of safety, innovation, performance and sustainability. Global perceptions were collected from consumers and manufacturers in China, India, Germany, and the U.S. across industries in high tech, food, building materials, and household chemicals. In addition to the study, UL has created industry-specific reports for High Tech, Household Chemicals, Food and Building Materials. Other key insights from the study include: - Product reliability and product safety are the top considerations that impact building materials manufacturers' abilities to compete in the marketplace. - Rising costs and price fluctuations are the biggest supply chain challenge building manufacturers face. - Nearly all building materials manufacturers feel their company is ahead of the curve regarding product safety. - Building materials manufacturers believe they have the primary responsibility for providing and communicating safety information to consumers. - Consumers' primary safety concerns about building materials relate to toxic emissions and structural safety. Consumers believe the safety of building materials products has improved slightly over the past two years. Specific findings include: - More than 60 percent of building materials manufacturers believe that the country of origin for raw materials and unassembled components has a substantive impact on product quality. Manufacturers also state they will increase sourcing to new countries over the next five years. - Product safety is a key priority for consumers and is considered the most important type of information when evaluating a building materials product like insulation. Sixty-two percent of consumers find it difficult to locate product safety information on building materials products. - On average, 71 percent of building manufacturers feel that when they create environmentally friendly products, they are profitable or somewhat profitable. - An average of 41 percent of consumers state they are aware of the country of origin for building materials products. This is notably higher among consumers in China and India. - Looking a few years into the future, building materials manufacturers say that product innovation will be the consideration most important in impacting their company's ability to compete (28 percent), followed by product reliability (25 percent) and designing sustainable products (13 percent). Among Chinese manufacturers, innovation is two times more significant than it is for Indian or U.S. manufacturers. - 65 percent of manufacturers see themselves as responsible for ensuring the safety of building materials, while only 8 percent see government agencies as most responsible. - Consumers in both developed and emerging nations feel that developed countries produce higher quality building materials products. Consumers in China and India rate building materials made in developed countries higher than they do their own. On average, consumers say that building materials quality improves by 41 percent in developed countries vs. emerging countries.