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Live From Cleantech Forum: Saint-Gobain and U.S. Green Building Council Announce Partnership to Present NOVA Innovation Competition 2012

March 29, 2012

Saint-Gobain and USGBC-Northern California Chapter invite entrepreneurs to submit proposals by June 30 for chance to win $85,000 in capital SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building materials company, announces a partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council – Northern California Chapter (USGBC-NCC) to co-present the company's NOVA Innovation Competition. Organized by Saint-Gobain's NOVA External Venturing team, the competition rewards start-up businesses around the world offering innovations in sustainable products, advanced materials, high-efficiency building solutions, clean technology and renewable energy sources with cash prizes and access to partnership opportunities with Saint-Gobain. The deadline to submit an entry is June 30; finalists will win the chance to pitch their innovative business to the senior leadership team of Saint-Gobain in a live speed-dating format at the 2012 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in San Francisco on November 15. NOVA External Venturing, an international group of Saint-Gobain representatives that identify and evaluate start-up companies for strategic partnerships with all Saint-Gobain businesses, in partnership with USGBC-NCC, will award a 1st place winner with $50,000 and 2nd and 3rd place winners with $25,000 and $10,000 respectively. Winners will also work with NOVA to explore a variety of working partnerships with Saint-Gobain such as licensing, manufacturing or commercial agreements, equity investment or joint ventures.
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AkzoNobel Launches North America Science Award in Collaboration with the American Chemical Society

March 28, 2012

--Online Nominations Period Open From March 28, 2012 – June 22, 2012-- CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AkzoNobel, in collaboration with the American Chemical Society (ACS), today launched a major new North American science award to recognize the vital role that scientists play in advancing chemistry and material sciences research with proven or potential significant societal or user benefits. The new biennial AkzoNobel North America Science Award recognizes outstanding scientific contributions guided by the principles and practices of sustainable chemistry by a researcher in the United States or Canada. Awarded in April 2013, the AkzoNobel North America Science Award winner will receive a $75,000 cash award from the company. AkzoNobel, the largest global paints and coating company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, and ACS, the world’s largest scientific society, are working together to recognize the people who help to create a more sustainable future through scientific research. While AkzoNobel is providing the scientific scope, nomination guidelines and funding for the award program, the ACS is independently managing the nomination process and recipient selection to establish independent integrity for the award. The award winner will be announced in February 2013, and honored during a special presentation at the ACS’s 245th National Meeting & Exposition, April 7-11, 2013 in New Orleans.
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Autodesk Introduces 2013 Building and Civil Infrastructure Software

March 28, 2012

Enhanced Suites and Expanded Cloud Services Help Tackle Today’s Design, Engineering and Business Challenges SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced its 2013 software and services for building design and construction, civil infrastructure, and plant design professionals. Enhancements for Autodesk Building Design Suite 2013, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2013 and Autodesk Plant Design Suite 2013, together with expanded cloud services and improved collaboration and data management tools, are aimed at helping design, engineering and construction professionals address today’s business challenges with enhanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. Product availability varies by country. Purchasing a design suite with Autodesk Subscription helps customers stay current and connected with access to the latest workflows on desktops, mobile devices and in the cloud. See details and purchasing options at www.autodesk.com/purchaseoptions.
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Eco Building Products, Eco Red Shield Coatings Achieve GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification(SM)

March 27, 2012

Eco Red Shield™ Coatings Significantly Reduce Natural Formaldehyde Off Gassing from Raw Lumber VISTA, Calif., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Eco Building Products, Inc. (OTCBB: ECOB) announced today that Eco Red Shield™ coatings have successfully achieved GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification. The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program(SM) requires that products meet strict criteria for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Selecting products that have achieved this certification helps ensure the creation of healthier indoor environments, in which people will not be exposed to high levels of potentially harmful chemicals through the air they breathe. To maintain this elite certification, Eco Red Shield coatings will undergo quarterly quality monitoring testing and an annual recertification test. This level of certification is another example of Eco Building Products taking a leadership position in the topical wood coatings industry. Low chemical emissions are an extremely important aspect of our product and our recent GREENGUARD Certification proves our ability to offer this attribute to our customers and maintain stewardship to our environment. Furthermore, independent testing data from Air Quality Sciences (AQS) indicates that raw lumber does not meet California 01350 or GREENGUARD Children & Schools formaldehyde emissions limits. When Eco Building Products, Inc. compared emissions data from raw lumber to emissions data from the Eco Red Shield coated lumber, we discovered that Eco Red Shield coatings significantly reduced the natural formaldehyde emissions from raw lumber.
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Finelite Wins Three Product Innovation Awards (PIA) from Architectural SSL Magazine

March 27, 2012

HPR-LED cited as “Most Unique Product” by judges UNION CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Finelite Inc., a leading manufacturer of high performance lighting systems, takes home awards in the general ambient and decorative sconce categories with the High Performance Recessed (HPR-LED) collection receiving a special citation for “Most Unique Product” by Architectural SSL Magazine’s 2012 PIA judges. Winners were announced in this month’s issue of the magazine and featured products that show the greatest promise in the solid-state lighting arena. Companies will also be honored at LightFair International 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada this coming May. Finelite’s HPR-LED collection received an award in the General Ambient category and a special citation for “Most Unique Product” noted for expanding lighting design and applications beyond the conventional.
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New Adjustable Stair Railings

March 23, 2012

Installing stair railings just got easier with the addition of Durarail’s new Adjustable Stair Railing. Collapsible, pre-assembled panels means no need to install individual pickets on site and no need to wait for the stairs to be built for measurement as they adjust to virtually any angle. Easy to ship, stock and store, the adjustable stair railings collapse down to approximately 10” tall while adding only about 32” in length once fully collapsed. Ideal for ramps, stairs, sloped decks and temporary rails that can be reused because of the installation flexibility. Get peace of mind knowing you can easily order, stock and install these adjustable stair railings without the risk of inaccurate measurements - and you can do this in a fraction of the time it would take to install the individual pickets. - Available in 6’, 8’ or 10’ lengths - Standard heights are 36” or 42” (custom heights are available on request) - 5/8” picket - Adjusts from a 0o angle up to an 80o angle in either direction (stairs are typically no more than 41o) - Changes angles smoothly and does not rattle - Available in all 5 top rail profiles - Top and Bottom adjustable wall mounts can be used up and down for stairs OR side to side for custom angles on decks - Adjustable stair mid post available for long runs - Economical and convenient for shipping, storing and installation labor
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Unique Shark-Fin Style Bike Racks Add Bite to Your Landscape

March 22, 2012

The popularity of cycling has continually increased over the past decade. People are bicycling for heath, fitness, and recreation reasons as well as commuting to work, school, and for transportation around town. With this increase has come the need for cities, businesses and multi-family residences to provide secure bicycle parking. Without a place to park a bike safely, riders resort to parking against trees, poles and other city structures. This not only can damage the fixed items, they are not secure enough to prevent bicycle theft. Reliance Foundry has reshaped the look of the standard curved bicycle parking rack to add style and design interest. The “Shark-Fin” styled model R-8246 bike rack, and the model R-8246-SS stainless steel bike rack are original designs that can only be ordered through Reliance Foundry. The model R-8246 bike rack stands just 32 inches tall and has a overall length of 59 inches. It provides secure bike parking while adding unique shape & definition to outdoor spaces. The unique shark-fin style gives a rider a fixed place to secure the bike using a U-lock, D-lock, chain lock, or cable lock. The steel frame of the bike rack has mounting systems available that enable the rack to be installed on new or existing concrete, as well as asphalt, landscaping, or other surfaces as long as new concrete footings can be established. Reliance Foundry will supply what you need to have the racks mounted - providing step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. Landscapers can use the interesting styling of the R-8246 bike rack model to create eye-catching designs in the outdoor space where bike parking is needed. Bike parking in front of businesses can provide an increase in sales, as it attracts cycling customers who may not otherwise stop. Many communities even offer promotions online for companies who are deemed bike-friendly. The powder coated finishes on Reliance’s bike parking racks are strong, durable and weather-resistant. They are available in 6 standard colors, or users can select the stainless steel model R-8246-SS for the ulitmate outdoor durability. These original designs from Reliance Foundry compliment their sister-styled TWISTED-FIN model R-8247 bike racks (or the TWISTED-FIN model R-8247-SS stainless steel bike rack) - which are also original designs.
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Cooper Lighting's Halo Brand Named the Leader by Builders for the Fourteenth Consecutive Year

March 21, 2012

Builder magazine subscribers name Halo the leader in Brand Familiarity, Brand Used in Past Two Years and Brand Used Most. PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, announced that its Halo brand of recessed, track and surface lighting products has once again been named the Brand Leader in lighting by Builder magazine. Awarded for the fourteenth consecutive year, Halo was given top honors in the lighting categories of Brand Familiarity, Brand Used in Past Two Years and Brand Used Most. The company will be featured in Builder's April issue.
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Ecobuild: The Future of Sustainable Design, Construction and the Built Environment Comes to India

March 21, 2012

UBM is delighted to announce the launch of Ecobuild India, taking place from Tuesday 16 - Thursday 18 April 2013 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Mumbai, India. Organised by UBM Built Environment, a specialist media division of UBM plc for the construction, property, architecture and interiors markets and UBM India, the leading exhibition company in the country; the launch event reflects the increasing momentum towards sustainable building in India. Ecobuild India has been launched after significant research and consultation with key stakeholders in this sector and is set to provide an unrivalled gateway into the expanding Indian market for sustainable built environment. Reflecting the core values of Ecobuild in the UK - the world's largest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, Ecobuild India is supported by some of the most important partners from the built environment including the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the UK's Building Research Establishment (BRE), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
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MaxLite Adds LED Parking Garage Canopy Luminaires to Growing List of DesignLights Consortium-Certified Products

March 21, 2012

West Caldwell, New Jersey--- Expanding on its reputation as a leading global manufacturer and marketer of innovative LED luminaires and lamps, MaxLite® announces that its 70-watt LED Surface Mounted Parking Garage Canopy Luminaires joins the 40-watt version on the DesignLights™ Consortium (DLC) Qualified Products List (QPL). The DLC was established to ensure that high quality, energy efficient lighting designs are used in all commercial lighting installations, which includes categories that are not addressed by ENERGY STAR®. Highlighted in the MaxLED® family of products, an award-winning line of innovative LED luminaires and lamps, MaxLite offers the LED Parking Garage Canopy Luminaires as energy efficient replacements for metal halide fixtures. The fixtures are designed to project a better, engineered light with 30 percent more light in a 60- to 80-degree zonal region, and less than 25 percent light lost above the 70- to 80-degree plane. This helps the general public locate or maneuver their cars more safely and securely in parking structures. The 70-watt LED luminaire replaces the 250-watt metal halide fixture while delivering 4200 lumens at a 5000K-color temperature, and the 40-watt LED luminaire replaces the 175-watt metal halide fixture while delivering 2531 lumens at a 5000K-color temperature. Please visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.maxlite.com/PDFs/FocusSheets/ParkingGarageLuminaires.pdf to view the data sheet, or http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.maxlite.com/PDFs/PR/ParkingGarageLuminaires.zip for a hi-res image.
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New ADA Rules Now In Effect for Commercial Renovation and New Construction

March 21, 2012

Owners and operators of retail, hotel and other commercial properties are now required to be in full compliance with new ADA regulations, effective March 15, 2012 CHICAGO, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations originally announced in 2010 officially took effect on March 15. Property owners across the country will now be required to meet these expanded regulations for renovation or construction projects, or risk ADA compliance lawsuits. What's New The ADA is a complex law that has not previously had any major refinements since it was signed into law in 1990. In the past, charges of non-compliance have led to a number of lawsuits, which have led to fines and civil penalties when plaintiffs were successful. Properties for which construction was completed before March 15, 2012 fall under the safe harbor provision and are considered to be in compliance as long as they meet the original standard. Conversely, projects for which renovation or construction is completed after the cut-off date will be required to comply with the new rules immediately. Some of the significant changes to existing regulations include: - The side reach range of equipment in accessible areas has been reduced to be no higher than 48 inches (instead of 54 inches) and no lower than 15 inches (instead of 9 inches). - Construction tolerances for dimensions of equipment (such as grab bars) stated as a range will be eliminated. - In single-user toilet rooms, the water closet now must provide clearance for both a forward and a parallel approach and, in most instances, the lavatory cannot overlap the required clear space around water closets. - Increased requirements for accessible routes within buildings - More stringent slope requirements for clear floor space at accessible elements - Each pool must have its own wheelchair lift -- one moveable lift for multiple pools in a facility is no longer acceptable. (A statement from the Department of Justice has extended this requirement by 60 days.) In commercial buildings, the ADA applies mainly to areas open to the public. In the past, ADA lawsuits have centered mainly on retail, restaurant and hospitality chains, since these are organizations with many locations that often share similar or identical designs. A non-compliance issue at one location is likely to be repeated at many locations, greatly magnifying the potential liability. To help owners and operators avoid the potentially millions of dollars in legal fees and civil penalties, the Jones Lang LaSalle Project and Development Services group, together with LCM Architects, a leading national architecture and design firm specializing in ADA-friendly design, offers an ADA compliance platform. This construction management program assists owners in achieving ADA compliance and is particularly focused on the needs of multi-site property portfolios.
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PAREX USA INTRODUCES MERKRETE PRO GROUT Professional Grade and Premium Performance Grout

March 21, 2012

Anaheim, CA – March 20, 2012 – Parex USA, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey, and Merkrete today announced the launch of Merkrete ProGrout, professional grade and premium performance grout. ProGrout is a fast setting, polymer modified, color consistent and efflorescence free grout. It has been specifically formulated for grouting all types of ceramic and stone tiles on walls and floors with grout joint widths are 1/16'' and up to 1/2'' wide. ProGrout eliminates the need for sanded/non-sanded grouts and is packaged in a new, convenient plastic bag. This product is suitable for both horizontal and vertical surfaces on residential and commercial projects and only requires the addition of water. ProGrout exceeds ANSI A-118.6 for latex modified portland cement grout. “ProGrout is our high end solution for all types of grouting projects, said Luciano Tavares, Brand Manager. “The color consistency all the way through the joints has been a concern for our end users. We designed ProGrout with this in mind. The color consistency is based on low alkalinity cement which brings a non-efflorescence property and improved color durability.” Now, with the addition of ProGrout, Merkrete Grouts family brings to the market a full range of solutions as such as Versatile, Epoxies and Caulking. For more information regarding ProGrout visit www..merkrete.com.
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UTECH Showcases Insulant of Choice for Low Energy Buildings

March 19, 2012

UTECH Europe Exhibition & Conference, 17-19 April 2012, MECC, Maastricht, The Netherlands LONDON & MAASTRICHT, The Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Developments in the use of polyurethane-based products in the building and construction sector will be explored at the UTECH Europe Conference, which takes place at the MECC in Maastricht, the Netherlands, from 17 to 19 April. An Innovation Session on the first day of the event (17 April) will open with details of a novel method for making decorative elements for the construction industry, presented by Cannon of Italy, and a paper on the growth of bridge-deck waterproofing from Mitsubishi Plastics of Japan. An afternoon dedicated to construction insulation (18 April) will include presentations on blowing agents, flame retardants and other key raw materials. New developments in manufacturing techniques for rigid-foam insulated products including metal-faced panels will form a key part of this session, as well as papers discussing more specialised applications such as customised polyurethane systems for oil and gas pipeline products and one-component rigid PU foams dispensed from pressure vessels. Key presentations for visitors interested in the use of rigid foams in construction projects include: - Polyurethane Insulation – the Insulant of Choice for Low-energy Buildings, presented by David Evans of Huntsman Polyurethanes (18 April 2.30pm) - The Octopus Method: A Novel Lay-Down Technology for the Production of PUR and PIR Sandwich Elements for the Construction Industry, presented by a team from Bayer MaterialScience AG (18 April, 3.30pm) - Novel Fire-Rated Solutions for the European Insulated Metal Panels Construction Market, presented by Giuseppe Vairo, Dow Italia Srl (18 April, 4pm) - A New Method for Prediction of Hydrolysis Rates of Glass Syntactic Polyurethane in Deep Sea Applications, presented by Karl Gurt and colleagues Christof Grieser-Schmitz and Ian Lynam of BASF Polyurethanes GmbH (18 April, 4.45pm) Construction-related developments will also feature in the session on Safety, Health and Environmental Issues (17 April, 2pm) organised by ISOPA (the European Isocyanate and Polyol Producers Association), such as the presentation by PU Europe on polyurethane as a sustainable insulation material, featuring the latest report on the 'Passiv Haus' concept using polyurethane materials to create a dwelling with near-zero energy consumption. Running alongside the conference, the UTECH Europe Exhibition features more than 100 companies, many of whom will be presenting new solutions and technologies for this vital and fast-growing business segment.
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U.S. Green Building Council Announces the LEED Green Building Program to Recognize Energy Credits from BREEAM

March 16, 2012

- Announcement is focused on existing buildings and streamlines the building certification process in Europe A pivotal LEED International Roundtable meeting of European roundtable members ended in Paris today. The meeting convened leaders from across Europe to address regional issues in LEED for existing and historic structures in the E.U. At the meeting it was announced that the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED green building program will now recognize credits from BREEAM, the U.K.'s widely used green rating program. "Europe faces unique challenges with its buildings, not only existing buildings, but also the wealth of historic structures that can realize significant resource savings and protection of occupants," said Scot Horst, Senior Vice President, LEED + Global Strategic Innovation, USGBC. "The announcements today show USGBC's dedication in making the LEED program more flexible, starting with the specific challenges faced by project teams in Europe." Many international green building projects pursue dual certification with both LEED and BREEAM. Dual certification provides expanded opportunities to recognize and reward green building practices, but it also imposes additional costs and burdens. At this week's meeting, European members of the LEED Roundtable shared their technical expertise and experience and rolled out this announcement that sets new precedents and brings sophistication and best practice to the global building industry. LEED always has recognized market leadership, and establishing levels of equivalency with BREEAM continues this mission.
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Cooper Industries' Products Chosen as Category Winners in 2012 Electrical Construction & Maintenance Product of the Year Competition

March 14, 2012

DUBLIN, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A total of five products from Cooper B-Line, Cooper Crouse-Hinds, Cooper Interconnect and Cooper Wiring Devices, subsidiaries of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), have been chosen as category winners in this year's Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine Product of the Year competition. The winners include Cooper B-Line's Rapid Ring™ Self-Adjusting Pre-Fab Ring; Cooper Crouse-Hinds' Champ FMV LED Floodlights and ACE Series Explosionproof Variable Frequency Drives; Cooper Interconnect's Sunnector Solar Assemblies and Harnesses; and Cooper Wiring Devices' Combination USB Charger with Tamper Resistant Receptacle. To learn more about Cooper Industries and its comprehensive range of electrical products and solutions, visit www.cooperindustries.com.
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JELD-WEN Reveals Sustainable Windows and Doors at Ecobuild

March 14, 2012

Visitors to Ecobuild (STAND NO: S1020) will be able to view all the exciting new sustainable and energy efficient products from JELD-WEN at this year's Ecobuild show. The leading manufacturer of high quality doors and windows will be demonstrating how its doors and windows provide market leading U values that enable developers to meet the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes and provide an energy efficient upgrade to refurbished properties. One of the most innovative designs to be unveiled by JELD-WEN at Ecobuild will be the company's new conservation window. The window offers a high level of thermal performance, but is almost indistinguishable from the traditional single-glazed window styles found in period properties. It has been designed to assist developers in achieving planning permission in conservation areas, as well as enhancing the appeal of new homes and upgrading thermal performance in replacement situations. In a further exciting new development, JELD-WEN will showcase a new Box sash window, which combines a period look with modern levels of thermal performance. The window replicates the authentic style of classic Box sash windows, which includes being operated by weights and pulleys, making it ideal for sympathetic refurbishments and the conservation market. In addition, the leading window manufacturer will be demonstrating its most popular window styles including its Stormsure range in an attractive oak finish, its DreamVu(TM) aluminium clad window, which offers very low maintenance and its popular Tilt n Turn windows, providing the ultimate in flexibility and ease of cleaning. For more information contact JELD-WEN on +44(0)845-122-2890 or visit the website http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.jeld-wen.co.uk.
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Prevent Air and Moisture Transmission with AIR-SHIELD® LSR from W. R. MEADOWS

March 12, 2012

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS, a green building leader in the construction industry for more than 85 years, recently introduced AIR-SHIELD LSR to form a tough, elastomeric membrane, which prevents air transmission and inhibits moisture and vapor from passing through porous building materials. AIR-SHIELD LSR is an eco-friendly, asphalt-free, single-component, synthetic rubber based liquid air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. It acts as an air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier within the building envelope and can be applied to most common surfaces and integrated into various wall systems of both new construction and restoration. AIR-SHIELD LSR 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. “Not only is Air-Shield eco-friendly, but it is user friendly as well. Its sprayable application allows for simple, safe application, and easy cleanup,” said Matthew Price, President of W. R. MEADOWS. Liquid applied to form a seamless membrane, AIR-SHIELD LSR remains firmly bonded to the substrate, even when applied over damp surfaces. AIR-SHIELD LSR is also highly flexible and compatible with asphalt-based emulsion products. Three other liquid membrane formulations of AIR-SHIELD are available – AIR-SHIELD LM, AIR-SHIELD LM (ALL SEASON), and AIR-SHIELD LMP. For more information on AIR-SHIELD LSR, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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Introducing a stunning new line of premium designer surfaces: Supremo

March 09, 2012

Mirroring nature’s endless diversity, each of the exceptionally designed Caesarstone Supremo premium surfaces has its very own spectacular flow of color and pattern. This patented new technology is unique only to Caesarstone. With its natural look and feel, no two Supremo surfaces are alike. With a range of eight colors with names inspired by aristocracy and fantasy worlds each color carries meaning and beauty. Translucent Supremo surfaces can be backlit creating a soft luxurious ambiance.
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Renewable Technology From Monier Redland at Ecobuild 2012

March 08, 2012

CRAWLEY, England, March 8, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- Redland, a brand of the worldwide Monier Group, is exhibiting its ranges of solar PV systems at this year's Ecobuild event in London, demonstrating the company's commitment to the renewable energy sector. With the ever-increasing need for new homes to be energy efficient, micro generation still represents an excellent mechanism for housebuilders, specifiers and installers looking to comply with regulations and solar PV remains the technology of choice. Redland has more than 90 years experience manufacturing pitched roofing materials for the UK market and has used its extensive know how to develop its solar PV offer. On Redland's Ecobuild stand N3450 will be: - Three new Redland Solar PV Tiles, offering new inline solutions for natural slates, concrete and clay plain tiles as well as for the company's new interlocking Slate 10 range - Redland's On Top PV system, including its unique fixing hook designed to comply with forthcoming standard MCS 012 Since launch in April 2010, Redland Solar PV Tiles have been installed by housebuilders, and contractors alike, proving particularly popular with planning authorities. Being roof-integrated means Redland Solar PV Tile fits flush with the roof line, simply replacing a single course of tiles, providing an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive means of generating clean electricity. Redland also offers an On-top PV system compatible with not only most of Redland's range of roof tiles and slates but also those from other manufacturers. This system is perfect for the retrofit market and has a unique fixing hook designed and tested specifically for the UK market. This is something not all manufacturers possess, with many on-top systems fixing kits designed for use in continental Europe and not for use in the UK. Ecobuild is the world's largest event for sustainable design and construction, being held at London's Excel Centre from 20th - 22nd March 2012, with more than 1,500 exhibitors. Monier Redland is on stand N3450.
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LEED's Artificial Barriers Continue to Fail Responsible Forestry

March 07, 2012

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) continues to put up artificial barriers in its latest draft of its LEED rating tool, shutting out 75 percent of North America's certified forests from the LEED credits that deal with "responsible extraction of raw materials." The third draft of LEED 2012, released on March 1, includes credits for certified wood that is "FSC or better." "This new language raises more issues than it resolves: Who will decide what is 'better than FSC' and on what basis?" said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of Sustainable Forestry Initiative® Inc. (SFI®). "SFI clearly has requirements that are not matched by FSC varying standards around the world. This fact continues to go unrecognized by the USGBC, despite the fact that governors, congressmen, and 6,000 individuals have urged the USGBC not to turn its back on North American forests and recognize all forest certification standards." Currently LEED only recognizes forests certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which account for about one quarter of North America's certified forests. The rest are certified to three independent standards in use across North America – SFI, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and American Tree Farm System (ATFS), all of which are endorsed by the international Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Abusow said there is independent evidence that SFI standards are as effective as FSC standards, and exceed them in many areas – such as research, support for family forest owners, use of best management practices and the training of more than 130,000 loggers since 1995. SFI also accepts fiber from forests certified to CSA and ATFS, which is important to workers and resource communities throughout North America. Ignoring these important distinguishing attributes of the SFI program means that a FSC policy in LEED may result in building professionals seeking LEED certification points to purchase wood and paper products from overseas since the majority of FSC's lands are outside of North America. This is both a concern to SFI and a probability according to FSC's own statistics, as evidenced by FSC's own 2010 Business Value and Growth market survey which found: "Nearly half of respondents have sought out an alternative supplier in another country when FSC certified timber or products were not available in their own country." Builders who want to support North American forests, communities and jobs can choose a green building program which recognizes all forest certification standards. Leading green building rating programs that recognize all credible forest certification programs include the new International Green Construction Code, ANSI/ICC 700-2008: National Green Building Standard, ANSI-GBI 01-2010 Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings, Built Green Canada, BREEAM (United Kingdom) and CASBEE (Japan). Approximately 100 government officials, including 14 governors, have written to the USGBC calling for fair treatment of wood and forest certification standards. With little visible progress from USGBC, Maine Governor Paul LePage signed an executive order, in December 2011, directing that new or expanded state buildings incorporate green building tools that give equal credit to products certified to SFI, FSC, ATFS and PEFC-endorsed standards. This order would exclude LEED as long as it continues to recognize only FSC – which is currently the case in its existing standards and in its proposed draft standards. Abusow urged supporters of forest certification to vote no and send USGBC a message that it is time to accept all forest certification programs if LEED cares about responsible forestry. The LEED Rating System Third Public Comment Period is open until March 20, 2012, and comments can be submitted through www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2360. At the end of the review period, USGBC members will vote on the final draft.
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New: Colour-Block Kitchens From Kütchenhaus

March 07, 2012

MANCHESTER, England, March 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- It may be Paris Fashion Week right now however, its kitchen fashion week at Kuetchenhaus. The clever German kitchen designers embrace the fashion-worlds current on-trend love of colour with full force, by bringing out some new and daring choices as part of a new collection. Norman Parker Managing Director said: "Kuetchenhaus have been eagerly anticipating the launch of this new colour-block selection of kitchens and predict it will be a huge hit. By choosing a neutral or wood kitchen and adding co-ordinating colour accent units, the design options are endless and the final result stunning. "In addition, we now also have coloured glass that can be placed into any number of units to create interest, perfect for adding style without blowing the budget." Many of the new gloss kitchens [http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.kutchenhaus.co.uk/Kitchen/High-Gloss-Kitchens ] look stunning when mixed with white or ivory and there is a range of both neutral colours like gold, silver and mauve and bold colours, like violet and coral in the collection.
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Trex® Captures Top Marks for Brand Familiarity and Usage in Builder Magazine's 2012 Study

March 07, 2012

WINCHESTER, Va., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Trex earned first-place rankings across multiple categories in Builder magazine's 2012 Brand Use Study. Proving the power of the Trex brand, the world's leading manufacturer of wood alternative decking and railing was named number one in "brand familiarity," "brand used the most," and "brand used in the past two years" in the composite/PVC decking category. Trex also captured high marks for "quality" with both its decking and exterior trim products. Trex consistently captures the top spot in the major brand categories of the annual Builder magazine study. During each of the past five years, Trex has secured first place in the "brand familiarity," "brand used the most" and "brand used in the past two years" categories. In addition, Trex's first-place lead in all three of these categories has continued to grow year-over-year. The 2012 Brand Use Study conducted by Hanley Wood Publishing and Readex Research, an independent research company, surveys more than 10,000 readers of Builder magazine on materials across 80 product categories. The full study will be published in the April 2012 issue of Builder. For more information about Trex and its products, visit trex.com.
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Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity Announce House Build Locations For 2012

March 07, 2012

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), the world's largest manufacturer of home appliances, and Habitat for Humanity® International today revealed the locations for their annual Habitat house builds in 2012. Houses will be built in Amana, Iowa; Benton Harbor, Mich.; Clyde, Ohio; and Bloomington, Ind. as part of a campus build at Indiana University. Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity continue to work together to provide affordable, decent housing around the world. For more than 12 years, Whirlpool has contributed more than $78 million in cash and product to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity. The 2012 builds will take place in communities where Whirlpool has manufacturing, customer service and administrative offices, strengthening areas in which the company already operates. Whirlpool Corporation's commitment to Habitat includes donation of a range and ENERGY STAR®-qualified refrigerator to every new Habitat home built in North America, totaling more than 140,000 appliances to date, the support of the Habitat's work in 40 countries, and sponsorship of and participation in Habitat's annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Additionally, the company was the first national partner to provide on-going donations to Habitat for Humanity ReStore resale outlets, which sell donated goods to the general public to help local Habitat affiliates fund the construction of homes within their communities. "The partnership with Whirlpool Corporation is a tremendous support in helping us provide simple, decent and affordable housing around the world," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Habitat for Humanity is grateful for the sincere commitment at Whirlpool Corporation to strengthen families and communities, and we look forward to a great year of builds." For more information, visit www.whirlpoolcorp.com/habitat.
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New Report Points to Window Film as the Most Cost Effective Solution for Energy Savings and Reducing Carbon Footprint

March 06, 2012

Study Focuses on Retrofit Applications for California Homes and Buildings WASHINGTON, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced today that a comprehensive analysis of window film found it to be the most cost-effective energy saving choice for Californians when used in retrofit applications on homes and buildings. California-based ConSol made the independent analysis. Their study compared installing window film on existing structures in the state to other traditional energy saving techniques such as updating HVAC systems, air sealing and caulking, and adding R-38 ceiling insulation, and found that window film came out ahead. The group used many of the same informational processes that the California Energy Commission utilizes in determining energy savings. The report can be found at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/CAEnergySavingsStudy.aspx. In existing commercial structures, window film's energy savings alone can offer a payback of less than two years, or up to a 70 percent return on investment depending on the construction, location and window film used, according to the study. For example, window film offers the opportunity to lower air conditioning costs and save on lighting bills by reducing solar heat gain, while letting in natural light without the negative impact of harsh glare and UV exposure.
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PAREX USA ANNOUNCES BIM DETAILS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PAREX EIFS

March 06, 2012

Anaheim, CA – March 6, 2012 – Parex USA, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey, and Merkrete announce that it now provides Building Information Modeling (BIM) details for its EIF Systems. Having BIM details for Parex EIF Systems will make it easier for Architects & Designers to specify Parex EIF Systems, providing them with numerous tools. Parex BIM details, as well as, DWG, DXF and PDF files, product data sheets, brochures, and links to LEED information can be found on the Parex and Autodesk websites. “The addition of these BIM models will help generate a new way of looking at the Parex details,” said Kevin Schroeder, Technical Services Representative. “It is another way that we have improved our services to our customers.” The BIM details include options for CMU or metal studs, WaterMaster with Weatherseal, and Standard EIF Systems. Each system will allow the user to define the assembly products including the choice of finish coat with all Parex colors and textures. For more information regarding Parex BIM services visit www.parex.com.
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Bluebeam® Software Wins a Constructech Magazine Top Product Award

March 02, 2012

Revu® Recognized in March/April 2012 Issue for Enabling Digital Project Workflows through its Real-Time Collaboration Feature and Compatibility with Tablet PCs PASADENA, Calif., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluebeam Software, leading developer of PDF-based workflow solutions for the design and construction industry, announced today that its platform PDF solution, Bluebeam PDF Revu, has been named a commercial winner in the Constructech Top Products. Held annually, the Constructech Top Products awards honor technology solutions that have demonstrated the greatest innovations geared toward the commercial construction market. As a commercial Top Product, Revu will be featured in the March/April 2012 issue of Constructech. In the issue, the magazine's editorial team praises several of Bluebeam PDF Revu's key features including its ability to redline PDFs in real-time through its online collaboration feature, Bluebeam Studio™. Another innovative functionality that caught the judges' attention is Revu's compatibility with tablet PCs, which allows the technology to be used at jobsites and on the road. Bluebeam PDF Revu gives architects, engineers and construction professionals a powerful, sustainable way to communicate with project teams digitally and in a paperless environment. The software significantly reduces unnecessary paper usage and costs, while also increasing collaboration. For more information about Bluebeam PDF Revu, visit www.bluebeam.com.
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DECRA® Stone Coated Steel Roofing Announces Facility Expansion

March 02, 2012

(Corona, Calif.) - DECRA Roofing Systems, Inc., the leading manufacturer of stone coated steel roofing, is pleased to announce a company expansion along with a move to an upgraded facility in Grand Prairie, TX. This move to a larger facility will help DECRA Roofing Systems serve the stone coated steel market better with extended support, additional pick-up hours, and more available inventory. In preparation for the move, DECRA’s Texas team extended its hours in the fall of 2011, giving customers access to DECRA’s customer support team from 7 AM – 7 PM CST. DECRA’s move to this new facility will increase its domestic reach in 2012. DECRA will now have the ability to fulfill large orders from both their California and Texas locations. DECRA will also extend customer pick- up hours at the new location, giving customers more options to meet their needs. “While having grown as a company, we need to increase our service capabilities” explained CEO Bo Hudson. Hudson continued by stating that “by understanding the needs of our customer base, we keep them at the center of the business”. With additional customer support, this new location will serve as a communication center for DECRA’s Customer Support Group, Regional Sales Managers, Administration Support and Executive Team. To learn more about DECRA’s extended capabilities, visit our website at www.decra.com.
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EPA Recognizes Saint-Gobain With 2012 ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for Continued Leadership in Energy Conservation

March 02, 2012

ENERGY STAR recognition and focus on energy conservation are a competitive business advantage for Saint-Gobain and its family of companies VALLEY FORGE, Pa., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint-Gobain, the world's largest manufacturer of building products and a leading producer of innovative materials, has been awarded the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes Saint-Gobain's outstanding leadership in energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Through its U.S. subsidiaries, the Company continues to be the only manufacturer of glass containers or fiberglass insulation ever to receive the award. This is the fourth consecutive year that Saint-Gobain and its North American subsidiaries have been recognized by the EPA with an ENERGY STAR Award. Saint-Gobain was awarded the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award in 2009 and 2010, and attained the prestigious level of Sustained Excellence in 2011 and 2012. Saint-Gobain's accomplishments will be recognized at an EPA awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 15, where it will be the sole Sustained Excellence Award winner from Pennsylvania.
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Engineers Worldwide Compete in 2012

March 02, 2012

$20,000 Grand Prize for Game Changing Product Idea NEW YORK, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The tenth annual "Create the Future" Design Contest (www.createthefuture2012.com) sponsored by COMSOL, Nordson EFD, and Tech Briefs Media Group opens today and runs through June 30, 2012. The contest is an opportunity to receive global recognition and a cash prize of $20,000 for an innovative new product idea that benefits society and the economy. Past contests have generated nearly 1,000 design ideas annually from engineers, educators, and students in more than 50 countries. Previous grand prize winning entries include an economical, rapid screening device to prevent foodborne illness; a wheelchair propulsion system designed to increase the user's mobility while decreasing upper body, repetitive stress injuries; a mechanism that makes CPR easy and safe for anyone to perform; a fuel-saving motor/pump for cars and trucks; a low-cost in-vehicle emergency warning system; and a new type of energy-efficient lighting. Contest entries can be submitted by an individual or a team. New this year: entrants can submit a video about their product idea. An independent industry panel will judge the entries. Web site visitors are invited to vote for their favorite entry. For more information on how to enter the contest, go to www.createthefuture2012.com.
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Greenblock Insulated Concrete Forms: More Than Energy Efficient and Resistant to Forces of Nature

March 02, 2012

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Habitat for Humanity is well-known for developing affordable housing, but its design and construction volunteers are also finding job sites fun as they learn how to build more sustainably with insulated concrete forms (ICF). “One of the things I like with the product is our people enjoy their time on the job site,” said Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County’s Executive Director Penny Seater. “I just think there are so many plusses for our families and our volunteers,” she said. The reduced weight of the forms during assembly means, there are less fingers smashed compared with other construction materials, and a lot fewer sore muscles, as well as less overall volunteer safety concerns for Habitat Seminole. The two homes were built side by side each with 1,556 sq. ft. of Greenblock ICF wall, one to the Florida Green Building Coalition’s (FGBC) green building rating system and one to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED rating system. The LEED Home is anticipated to achieve Gold certification. Greenblock 2-4-2/4 inch core product was installed. The designer was Baker Barrios Architects, Inc., and the structural engineer was JHR Consultants, Inc. In Florida, termites and hurricanes are also concerns but with Greenblock walls those worries are gone as well, she noted. A Greenblock ICF wall has a solid concrete core providing a hurricane, tornado, and seismic resistant home. Numerous savings were recognized with Greenblock ICF, including time of construction because it can be installed faster than concrete blocks or wood frame construction methods. The ease of fitting blocks together and factory produced pre-engineering means less construction site waste. Furthermore, furring strips are built-in from the inside and outside; the self-contained vapor barrier eliminates the need for a house wrap. You can even downsize the HVAC system for additional savings up front and for the long-term as less cooling cycles are required by the unit and that lowers utilities cost while providing less ongoing worn parts to replace and an overall longer life span for the heating and cooling units.
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Research and Markets: Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials, and Methods, 9th Edition - Get The Updated Industry Standard For A New Age Of Construction

March 01, 2012

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new book "Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials, and Methods, 9th Edition" to their offering. For more than fifty years, Olin's Construction has been the cornerstone reference in the field for architecture and construction professionals and students. This new edition is an invaluable resource that will provide in-depth coverage for decades to come. You'll find the most up-to-date principles, materials, methods, codes, and standards used in the design and construction of contemporary concrete, steel, masonry, and wood buildings for residential, commercial, and institutional use. Organized by the principles of the MasterFormat 2010 Update, this edition: - Covers sitework; concrete, steel, masonry, wood, and plastic materials; sound control; mechanical and electrical systems; doors and windows; finishes; industry standards; codes; barrier-free design; and much more - Offers extensive coverage of the metric system of measurement - Includes more than 1,800 illustrations, 175 new to this edition and more than 200 others, revised to bring them up to date - Provides vital descriptive information on how to design buildings, detail components, specify materials and products, and avoid common pitfalls - Contains new information on sustainability, expanded coverage of the principles of construction management and the place of construction managers in the construction process, and construction of long span structures in concrete, steel, and wood
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TÜV Rheinland Validates Performance of Solar Panel Made with ENLIGHT™ Polyolefin Encapsulant Films

March 01, 2012

Dow’s Polyolefin Encapsulants Can Help Extend Life of Photovoltaic Panels MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) continues to take steps to validate the benefits of using ENLIGHT™ Polyolefin Encapsulant Films technology to help harness the power of the sun and turn it into useful energy for the world’s needs. Crystalline silicon PV (photovoltaic) modules made with ENLIGHT™ Polyolefin Encapsulant Films were performance tested by TÜV Rheinland1 in Germany. Following requirements of IEC 61215, the panels were shown to perform well in all test protocols. Using Dow’s polyolefin encapsulant films can also help lower the total system cost of producing the modules. ENLIGHT can allow panel manufacturers to use faster processing speeds (up to 30% faster) because of an extended window for lamination temperatures and the virtual elimination of bubbles, which leads to fewer rejects, according to Hofius. “Damage to equipment and modules might also be markedly reduced with our material because this process does not produce acetic acid,” he says. Dow is dedicated to finding technologies that help harness the power of the sun and bring energy to use in many different ways – through commercial solar farms, through rigid and flexible photovoltaic solar modules, and through innovative new roof shingles for residential homes. Current products include adhesives, heat transfer fluids, coolant and wafer cutting fluids, and metallization, imaging, texturizing and cleaning technologies for solar cells. Dow also is home to POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles, which integrates solar technology into residential roofing shingles. According to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), the global solar industry is projected to grow at 25% a year over the next five years, as people continue to embrace solar energy as a good source of electricity and as solar energy costs begin to reach parity with other available energy sources.
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