Environmental Design & Construction articles from April 2004

Environmental Design & Construction archives from April 2004

What does it really mean to be a LEED Accredited Professional?(Editor's Note, U.S. Green Building Council)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
April 1, 2004... The current Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System's professional accreditation process has been a part of transforming the sustainable building industry nationwide--but improvements and changes to the...

Coming soon: C2C Home Design and Construction Competition.(Newsline)
April 1, 2004... Roanoke, Va. -- The C2C Home Design and Construction Competition offers the design and construction industries their first opportunity to strive together toward excellence in building the highest quality affordable and market rate housing...

FSC launches new certification procedures for Small and Low Intensity Managed Forests.(Newsline)(FSC International Center)
April 1, 2004... Washington, D.C. -- FSC International Center has launched its new requirements for small and low intensity managed forests seeking FSC forest certification. These requirements enable eligible forests to be evaluated for FSC certification under...

Affordable green built housing certified in Wisconsin.(Newsline)
April 1, 2004... Madison, Wisc. -- Green Built Home, a voluntary program of Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (WEI) in partnership with the Madison Area Builders Association, has recently certified a Madison Area Community Land Trust duplex on Troy Drive that...

Partnership supports cost effective use of green building materials.(Newsline)(Counter Production LLC)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Berkeley, Calif. -- Finding architects and designers who combine the use of environmental and sustainable materials with aesthetics just became easier. Counter Production LLC and Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR)...

High performance learning facility opens.(Newsline)
April 1, 2004... Oakland, Calif. -- GKK/McCarthy, a joint venture between GKK and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. recently announced the completion of the Cesar Chavez Education Center, the California Energy Commission's first high performance school...

New web-based LEED tool under development.(Newsline, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(U.S. Green Building Council)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Green Building Council is currently developing a Web-based Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) project management tool that will integrate the current project registration, credit interpretation and...

York to assist development of underfloor-hvac data for doe.(Newsline)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... York, Pa. -- YORK International has received a contract to assist with development of data for the new version of the U.S. Department of Energy's EnergyPlus energy-analysis program, which will be capable of simulating...

Troy, Mich.(Oneliners)
April 1, 2004... TROY, MICH. -- MICHELLE CLARK HUCAL, EDITOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE, BECAME A LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL ON MARCH 4, 2004.

Madison, Wisc.(Oneliners)
April 1, 2004... MADISON, WISC. -- FOCUS ON ENERGY (WISCONSIN'S ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVE) IS OFFERING LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES CASHBACK REWARDS, IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS AND LOW-INTEREST LOANS TO HELP FINANCE THE INSTALLATION OR...

Weddington, N.C..(Oneliners)
April 1, 2004... WEDDINGTON, N.C. -- ENERGY WISE HEALTHY HOME (WWW.EWHH.COM), A 26-PART TELEVISION SERIES THAT DOCUMENTS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 7,800-SQUARE-FOOT ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND HEALTHY HOME, WILL BEGIN AIRING ON PBS STATIONS NATIONWIDE IN JUNE 2004.

Introducing the inaugural emerald gala.(UNITED STATES GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... IN RECENT YEARS, CHICAGO HAS BECOME A FLAGSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT THAT IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS, PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THE INITIATIVES FROM THE CITY OF CHICAGO HAVE SET THE STANDARD FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ARE NOW RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY. ...

Promoting environmental responsibility: IKEA's environmental mission is encompassed in the furniture giant's product line and store construction.
April 1, 2004... The international furniture giant, The IKEA Group, sells approximately 11,000 different items in each of their stores. With a growing total of 178 stores in 31 countries, each location is filled with a variety of colors. However, the IKEA...

It's about time! announcing ecotone, the green building industry's first book publishing company preparing to transform the market.(Editorial)(Ecotone Publishing Co.)
April 1, 2004... Finally, we won't need to browse through unrelated book titles (such as gardening or financial planning, which turn up in a search online for green design books) to find the sustainable building books to serve our needs as green building...

New carpet offsets greenhouse gas emissions.(New and Notable)
April 1, 2004... 1 Atlanta -- A new climate neutral program is available from Interface called Cool Carpet. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the primary contributor to global warming, is a key effort in this program from Interface Inc....

Energy star partner offers energy-saving management systems.(New and Notable)
April 1, 2004... 2 Las Vegas -- Smart Systems International, an Energy Star partner, is a leading innovator of intelligent energy-saving management systems for hotels, motels, large resorts, commercial/office buildings, military bases, and school districts....

Wood window uses water-based treatment process.(New and Notable)
April 1, 2004... 3 Klamath Falls, Ore. -- JELD-WEN introduces AuraLast wood to extend the natural beauty of wood windows and patio doors with an unmatched prevention of wood decay, water absorption and termite infestation. AuraLast wood products are the only...

Three new products revolutionize solar electric building technology.(New and Notable)
April 1, 2004... 4 Denver, Colo. -- After two years of product research and development, ImaginIt Inc. announced the launch of three new solar electric product lines: eBuilding, Solar Street. Furniture and Sun & Sea PV. The company is concentrating on...

New release includes Environmental Sustainability Assessment applications.(New and Notable)
April 1, 2004... 5 Boston, Mass. -- ARCHIBUS Inc. (www.archibus.com) announces the latest release of its comprehensive suite of integrated products, ARCHIBUS/FM Version 14.2. With two new applications and many enhanced productivity features, Version 14.2 is...

Hot water is delivered instantaneously with tankless water heater.(New and Notable)
April 1, 2004... 6 New York -- Rheem Water Heaters (www.rheem.com) is entering the rapidly emerging instantaneous hot water market with a pair of on-demand, tankless gas water heaters for residential and commercial applications. Marketed under the trade name...

Energy star: a lesson in energy efficiency and environmental initiatives.(Special Section)
April 1, 2004... WHAT IS ENERGY STAR? ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficient products, resources and programs for homes and businesses. Last year alone,...

Appliances: a sustainable development on California's West side specifies Energy Star Appliances.
April 1, 2004... TAKING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TO A NEW LEVEL Manufacturers, builders and designers are partnering in response to the growing trend towards resource-friendly lifestyles. With the growing demand for resource-friendly products surfacing in all...

Heating and cooling: with Energy Star.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can help cut heating and cooling costs and create a more efficient and healthy environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program, if just one in 10 households bought ENERGY...

A case study: Satisfying Sacred Heart with an HVAC makeover.(Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning)
April 1, 2004... When maintenance and energy bills begin to outweigh the cost of a new HVAC system, it is time for an update. Smith Air Conditioning in Ville Platte, La., equipped Sacred Heart Catholic School with a new HVAC system to save the school thousands...

Transforming the lighting market: integrated lighting solutions through ENERGY STAR, daylighting and controls.
April 1, 2004... Many homeowners today are seeking ways to incorporate sustainable design into newly constructed and existing homes and commercial building projects. ENERGY STAR and other energy conservation programs have made significant inroads in...

Turn on the lights: saving energy costs and the environment with energy efficient lighting products.(ENERGY STAR )
April 1, 2004... Go ahead. Tell your clients and building owners to turn on the lights. Living in the dark isn't the only way to save energy and reduce costs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American household can...

Energy star windows: equal efficiency.
April 1, 2004... ENERGY STAR labeled windows make it possible for consumers to identify efficient windows, doors and skylights. By choosing ENERGY STAR window products, heating and cooling costs can be cut and create a more comfortable environment. According to...

ENERGY STAR Awards: businesses and organizations recognized for contributions to cleaner environment.(2004 ENERGY STAR AWARD)
April 1, 2004... Recognizing outstanding contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, the 2004 ENERGY STAR Awards were presented to 57 businesses and organizations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ENERGY STAR was introduced by the...

HVAC renovation: a Pittsburgh rehabilitation project seeks energy efficiency, affordability and environmental responsibility.(Studio)(Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning)
April 1, 2004... Homestead Apartments--Phase II, Building A, is a recently renovated apartment building located on East Eighth Avenue in Homestead, Pa., just outside Pittsburgh. The building has 12 floors and a basement, originally constructed in 1959. A...

The contractor: the value of the general contractor in environmental projects shouldn't be underestimated.(Studio)
April 1, 2004... Though environmental implications loom in every corner of a construction project, not much thought had been spent on these implications prior to the advent of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design...

BASF eco-efficiency analysis report for WALLTITE[R] Insulating Air Barrier System.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... This new study shows the BASF WALLTITE[R] Insulating Air Barrier System outperforms traditional insulation/air barrier combination materials in eco-efficiency. The study scores the life cycle performance, initial cost and ecological footprint...

Energy solutions for a sustainable future[R].(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Save time, effort, and money--engage Celtic Energy for your Energy Star or LEED project. President Chris Halpin, P.E., LEED[R] AP, C.E.P. can benchmark, and PE certify Energy Star projects, and can deliver over 20 LEED Credits, nationwide: ...

ECOsurfaces Commercial Flooring "green. Works anywhere.".(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Green comes in cool colors. Looking for cool sea blues and midnight hues? The foundation for your environment is ECOsurfaces[R] Commercial Flooring. Made from the highest quality 100% recycled SBR tire rubber and colorful EPDM flecks,...

EnviroGLAS Terrazzo.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Seamless... Colorful... Durable... Epoxy Resin 100% Post Consumer Recycled Glass. Variegated designs that accentuate the beauty and elegance of translucent glass. Historically one of the most economical and sustainable applications...

PAVE-EL[R] paver stone pedestals.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... The PAVE-EL pedestal system elevates, levels, and uniformly spaces paver stones and protects the substrate of waterproofed installations such as roof decks, roof gardens and green roof walkways, mechanical system walks, and for promenades,...

Touch-free, waterfree urinal.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Waterfree, touch-free urinal system from Falcon Waterfree Technologies typically saves 40,000 gallons of water per year for each unit installed. The system uses a patented, sealed cartridge containing a biodegradable sealant that eliminates the...

Resilient Flooring.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Forbo Flooring is committed to providing "best value" solutions in resilient flooring--combining high performance, aesthetics, low cost/low chemical usage maintenance, low emissions and strong LCA performance. Forbo was the first flooring...

Window treatment system.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... The sophisticated and versatile Sivoia QED[TM] (quiet electronic drive) window treatment system from Lutron Electronics provides complete control of natural light. It features a near-silent electronic drive, minimal light gaps around the shade,...

Solar electric solutions.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... McConnell Energy Solutions (MES) provides simple, cost-effective, turn-key solar electric solutions for the commercial, industrial, and government sectors utilizing its patent-pending SolarDock[TM] mounting system. The SolarDock[TM], is a...

Reward Wall ICF Systems.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Energy efficiency, superior air quality, fire resistance, and controlled temperatures are easy with iForm[TM] by Reward Wall Systems, the ICF industry's most innovative flat wall form or eForm[TM], Reward's efficient waffle grid form. Reward...

Photovoltaic modules.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Utilized in a wide range of on- and off-grid applications, the ASE-300/DGF-50 photovoltaic module is designed for large systems that require higher voltages. The large surface area requires fewer interconnects and structural members, with all...

Schindler 330A[TM] hydraulic elevator.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Schindler Elevator Corporation offers a complete holeless solution for a wide range of low-rise buildings, including office buildings, retail locations, hotels, hospitals and more. With an advanced design that completely eliminates the...

Composite panels and mouldings.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... SierraPine Ltd., manufacturer of composite panels and mouldings, specializes in environmentally friendly products that contribute to achieving LEED credits for material/resources and indoor air quality. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] *...

Skywall Translucent systems.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... The Advanced Translucent Skylight[TM] (ATS) from Skywall utilizes a panel approach that ensures a clean look with higher static and dynamic water performance. This design makes the ATS system very watertight. Rafter anchors do not penetrate the...

Interior and exterior panels.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... The name Trespa[R] stands for high quality panel material for facade cladding as well as interior construction applications. Trespa has developed Meteon[R] for exteriors, and Athlon[R], Toplab Plus[R] and Virtuon[R] for interiors. Trespa is ISO...

Usgbc and LEED.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's leading coalition for the advancement of environmentally responsive building construction. The LEED Green Building Rating System[TM] is one tool driving this market transformation. Currently, LEED...

New, green & water resistant SEALTECH sets new standards for concrete block.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... The only certified green block meeting LEED[R] guidelines, new SEALTECH Block is also the only architectural concrete masonry unit that is inherently water-resistant. SEALTECH is stronger, yet 10% lighter and comes in 16 universal colors in...

Structural Insulated Panels with urethane or EPS foam cores.(Product + Literature Showcase)
April 1, 2004... Winter Panel is a manufacturer of Structural Insulated Panels (S.I.P.S.). Our panels are available with Urethane or E.P.S. foam cores. Both foam cores are environmentally friendly (zero ozone depletion), with pentane as the blowing agent. Full...

From the earth: roof ridge vent utilizes natural materials.(Product Profile)
April 1, 2004... Originating from the earth, green products are making their way into homes from the ground up. Roofing product manufacturers have especially taken notice of earth-friendly building products, utilizing more recyclable materials that are...

Self-cleaning glass.(Skylights)
April 1, 2004... Toledo, Ohio -- The newest addition to Pilkington North America's self-cleaning glass is Activ SP Glass, a low-E, solar-control, UV-control, sound-absorbing, impact-resistant glass. Pilkington Activ SP Glass is made by laminating (with PVB)...

Prismatic skylights.(Skylights)
April 1, 2004... Sacramento, Calif. -- Sunoptics Prismatic Skylights, the inventor of the prismatic skylight, has been providing lighting solutions for more than 25 years. By utilizing Sunoptics, a building owner can have more diffused natural daylight with...

Daylight dimmer.(Skylights)
April 1, 2004... Vista, Calif. -- Solatube International Inc., has launched the new Solatube Daylight Dimmer that allows the natural lighting level of a room to be turned up or down on demand in both residential and commercial applications. The Solatube...

Integrated roofing system.(Skylights)
April 1, 2004... Wayne, N.J. -- Roofing system manufacturer, GAF Materials Corp., offers the new HeavenScape Premium Skylights. HeavenScape Premium Skylights are a part of the GAF Weather Stopper Integrated Roofing System. Standard features include easy,...

Translucent aerogel.(Skylights)
April 1, 2004... Boston and Manchester, N.H. -- Kalwall + Nanogel translucent aerogel is now commercially available. The companies say it is a revolutionary fenestration system that offers an NFRC certified system U value of 10 (R-10), four times greater than...

Structural skylight.(Skylights)
April 1, 2004... Dallas, TX -- Naturalite Skylight Systems, part of The Vistawall Group and a division of Butler Manufacturing Co., manufactures the BMS-3000 structural skylight system. The system supports conventional cap, two-sided structural silicone and...

High-efficiency equipment.(Elevators and Escalators)
April 1, 2004... Morristown, N.J. -- The Schindler 400A elevator offers a machine-room-less solution for a wide range of mid-rise buildings. The compact machine can be installed within a simple hoistway and mounted directly to the elevator rails. The elevator...

Machine-room-less elevator.(Elevators and Escalators)
April 1, 2004... Moline, Ill. -- KONE elevators based on KONE MonoSpace platform eliminate the need for a separate machine room. Exclusively powered by the KONE EcoDisk hoisting unit, MonoSpace elevators deliver gearless performance and machine-room-less design...

Compact elevator and escalator systems.(Elevators and Escalators)
April 1, 2004... Farmington, Conn. -- The Gen2[TM] machine-room-less Elevator from Otis Elevator Co., is a smart, compact system that offers a flexible, spacesaving configuration; rapid installation; environment-friendliness; smooth, quiet performance; and...

Green edge: metrics get results.(Epilogue)
April 1, 2004... As the saying goes, "If you don't measure it, you can't manage it." Metrics are the language of assessing buildings' functionality with precision, accuracy and high predictability. They allow owners and designers to specify operational...