Environmental Design & Construction articles from August 2007

Environmental Design & Construction archives from August 2007

The best of both worlds.(EDITOR'S NOTE)
August 1, 2007... This month is bitter-sweet because I've just returned to work from a 10-week maternity leave... But, I am fortunate enough to have two jobs that I love: motherhood and this one (editor of ED+C). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My children are...

USGBC developing Indoor Air Quality design.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), along with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Building Owners and Managers...

ARB sets strict limits on formal-dehyde emissions from composite wood products.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Sacramento, Calif. -- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has adopted regulations that require manufacturers of composite woods products, such as hardwood ply-wood, particleboard and fiberboard, to reduce formaldehyde emissions to protect...

H2E honors Cambridge Health Alliance, HDR for environmental sustainability efforts.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Cambridge, Mass./Omaha, Neb. -- Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) announced it has received the 2007 Partner Recognition Award presented by Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E). CHA, including all of its hospital campuses in Cambridge,...

Architecture 2030 urges Mayors: no dirty coal.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Santa Fe, N.M. -- At the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 75th Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles, June 22 to June 26, 2007, Edward Mazria of Architecture 2030 called on the mayors to "protect their efforts" addressing the causes of global...

USGBC announces alignment, harmonization of LEED rating system; LEED energy performance requirements to increase by 14 percent.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Green Building Council has announced the next steps in the LEED Green Building Rating System, which will make the system more flexible and adaptive. Four key initiatives have emerged for this initiative. The first...

FSC announces call for submissions.(NEWSLINE)(Forest Stewardship Council)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Washington, D.C. -- The Forest Stewardship Council-US (FSC-US) has announced a call for submissions for the third annual Designing & Building with FSC Award, which recognizes building projects that have furthered responsible forest management...

Green dry polished concrete certification program announced by VIC International.(NEWSLINE)(VIC International Corp.)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Las Vegas -- The first concrete polishing green certification program in the industry was announced at the World of Concrete 2007 by VIC International. Known as the VIC International Certified Green Applicator program, it consists of a number...

Dwyer cabinetry receives Greenguard certification.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Wood Dale, Ill. -- Dwyer Products Corp. announced that its line of custom steel and thermofoil cabinetry has been designated GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI.) Dwyer cabinetry is the first...

BE&K Building Group receives contract for Burnham research facility.(NEWSLINE)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Orlando, Fla. -- Lake Nona Property Holdings, LLC announced that BE&K Building Group has been awarded a $55 million contract for the preconstruction and construction services for the 175,000-square-foot east coast research facility for the...

Greenguard signs deal to certify $700 million luxury condo development.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Atlanta -- GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has announced an agreement with Turquoise Properties Gulf, Inc. to apply its moisture certification program to two luxury condominium towers under construction in Orange Beach, Ala. This first...

Siemens helps health center win award for excellence in energy.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Buffalo Grove, Ill. -- For the last 13 years, the State of Ohio's Office of Energy Efficiency has honored individuals, individuals, businesses and organizations that implement innovative approaches to promote efficiency and save energy. Most...

USGBC hits 10,000 member mark.(NEWSLINE)(U.S. Green Building Council)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has welcomed its 10,000th member company. "This achievement is a significant milestone in the growth and development of the green building movement because it demonstrates a broad...

Materials matter invites builders, contractors and supply retailers to share goodwill.(NEWSLINE)
August 1, 2007... Corona, Calif. -- Materials Matter, a nonprofit organization, enables builders and supply retailers to: first, donate excess building products to benefit other nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in the community; second,...

Erratum.(Correction notice)
August 1, 2007... In ED+C's 2007 LEED Guide feature, "Where Are All the LEED Projects?," author Jerry Yudelson's words on page s18 should have read: Without close attention to the numbers, any company will tell you, real change is impossible to assess, and...

Rush University Medical Center.(HEATHCARE PROJECTS TARGET LEED)
August 1, 2007... Chicago -- Perkins+Will announced the LEED registration of the new hospital building project at Rush University Medical Center, one of the first medical facilities in Chicago to seek this designation. Currently in the schematic design phase,...

La Maestra Community Health Center.(HEATHCARE PROJECTS TARGET LEED)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... San Diego -- The new 3-story, 34,660-square-foot La Maestra Community Health Center, located in the City Heights area of San Diego, is seeking USGBC LEED-Gold certification and features state-of-theart energy efficient and environmentally...

New + notable.
August 1, 2007... REDESIGNED TEST VENTILATION AND IAQ PRODUCTS 1 Shoreview, Minn. -- TSI Incorporated's redesigned line of anemometers and indoor air quality (IAQ) instruments are lightweight, compact units capable of making quick, accurate, real-time...

Questioning PVC: USGBC's TSAC addresses materials' environmental and health impact within LEED framework.(STUDIO)
August 1, 2007... Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in many applications in buildings and homes, including water pipes, electrical wire and gutters, wall coverings and window blinds: it is ubiquitous in the built environment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Comprehensive cure: the nation's first LEED Gold Hospital brings health and vitality to patients and the community.
August 1, 2007... Full-service hospitals are in a class by themselves. Offering 24/7 inpatient care, emergency facilities and surgical suites, these primary acute care facilities bring distinctly different challenges to sustainable design than outpatient...

Leeding the charge in hospital design: Medical Center of the Rockies strives for LEED Gold hospital of the future.
August 1, 2007... Loveland, Colo., is an outdoorsman's paradise. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as pristine streams where fishermen seek contentment with a rod and reel. Scattered...

You don't have to hold your breath: the future of indoor air quality.(STUDIO)
August 1, 2007... Unless you work as a park ranger or a raft guide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency you probably spend close to 90 percent of your time at home, work, or school--breathing indoor air. This fact has largely driven the...

High-Performance building and human health: a look at the initiatives and practices at Kaiser Permanente healthcare facilities.(STUDIO)
August 1, 2007... Green building, sustainable construction, and operations goals might seem antithetical goals for a major non-profit, integrated healthcare delivery system. But at Kaiser Permanente, we recognize the direct link between environmental health and...

Energy evolution: Green Globes guides the transition from energy to [CO.sub.2]-based modeling.(STUDIO)
August 1, 2007... With the launch of Architecture 2030 and other similar initiatives, the building sector has been tasked with achieving carbon neutral buildings--a tremendous challenge made more difficult by the fact that no proven tools currently exist to...

Contributions to leed: Rudolph and Sletten brings green interiors to its own corporate headquarters.
August 1, 2007... With more than 100 LEED Accredited Professionals in-house, Rudolph and Sletten, Inc. General Contractors has always been an innovator in green building practices, and has built a number of LEED certified or green projects throughout California....

SCS-certified, leed-qualified specialty drywall primer.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Safecoat New Wallboard Primecoat HPV is a premium-quality, fast-curing, flat-finish primer specifically created to provide a superior first coat over new gypsum wallboard and textured sheetrock. It equalizes the absorption rate of topcoat...

Innovation in thermal isolation.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... EFCO Corporation's E-Strut thermal framing solution integrates glass-reinforced polyamide's energy efficiency, structural integrity, condensation resistance, and enhanced acoustics into an aluminum framing product that delivers long-term...

Linoleum floor covering made from all natural, renewable raw materials.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Forbo announces the introduction of the new Marmoleum[R] collection. This collection represents a major advance in Forbo's strategy to lead the market with innovative, natural and durable floor coverings for any possible environment. Marmoleum...

Full service distributor of renewable energy solutions.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... With in-house design & tech support, training, and the best products available, DC Power Systems is your renewable energy partner. If you haven't already, join our international network of qualified dealers and installers. If you're considering...

The new industry standard in hand drying.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... The XLERATOR[R] hand dryer completely dries hands in 10-15 seconds and uses 80% less energy than conventional hand dryers. The XLERATOR is the first hand dryer to achieve GreenSpec[R] approval and helps qualify for LEED[R] credits by the USGBC....

Post-consumer glass tile.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Fritz Industries announces the introduction of a major technological advance in environmentally friendly flooring, FritzGlass Tile consists of 60 percent recycled post-consumer glass aggregates. Flexible 12" x 12" x 3/16-inch FritzGlass Tile...

Energy-efficient structures.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... For over 30 years, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. has incorporated advanced technology with old world crafts-manship. The firm is dedicated to hand-crafting energy-efficient structures that are elegant and distinctive. Hugh was one of a...

Metro[R]brick architectural thin brick.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... METRO[R]BRICK is a brick veneer that can be used for both cast concrete and surfaced applied applications. Benefits include: 80 percent less raw materials used than with traditional full bed brick, no additional or special foundation is...

Greenguard-certified flooring products.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... nora[R] products, like nora-plan[R] environcare[TM], are extremely dirt and stain resistant resulting in lower maintenance costs. In addition to being easy to maintain, nora floor coverings promote good Indoor Air Quality since they emit very...

Lutron quantum[TM] solution.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... The Lutron Quantum[TM] Solution is a whole-building light and energy management system that combines Lutron EcoSystem[TM] digital electric lighting controls with Sivoia QED[TM] digital shading systems. Quantum manages electric light and...

Long lasting natural floor tile.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Metropolitan Ceramics manufactures unglazed ceramic quarry tile for indoors and outdoors. Natural Metropolitan quarry tile has one of the longest lifecycles of any flooring product, making it both attractive and durable. Once installed,...

Building has evolved.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... NUDURA[R] Corporation is an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) manufacturer providing the most extensive line of ICFs available. NUDURA can successfully be used in commercial and residential applications, and provides benefits unlike any other...

Purekor[R] platinum grade MDF 100% FSC certified, UREA formaldehyde free, 100% recycled content.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Purekor[R] Platinum Grade MDF is the world's only composite panel that is 100% FSC Certified and Urea Formaldehyde free. Platinum Grade MDF also contains 100% pre-consumer recycled content. It is highly moisture resistant, and is also available...

Meeting your environmental goals.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Good environmental practices mean good business. At Siemens Building Technologies, our Energy & Environmental Solutions experts help you achieve green energy goals while supporting your overall business objectives. Whether reducing energy...

Duration home[TM].(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Duration Home,[TM] the coating that leads the industry in interior coating technology, is now available in vivid accent colors in satin and semi-gloss sheens. Duration Home provides washability and burnish and stain resistance in bold hues....

High-performance green CMU.(INFORMATION showcase)
August 1, 2007... Exceptional high-performance Green buildings begin with Trenwyth premium architectural concrete masonry units. Whether you prefer classic ground face, the beauty of ceramic tile or the timeless look of terrazzo to complement your design,...

Carpet crafted with high-recycled content nylon.(CARPETING)
August 1, 2007... City of Industry, Calif. -- Bentley Prince Street's Saturnia Collection, to be launched in August 2007, is crafted with a minimum of 50 percent or greater high-recycled content nylon. Offered in 16 tufted tip sheared patterns available in...

Contemporary carpeting collection can be recycled.(CARPETING)
August 1, 2007... Chicago -- CRI Green Label Plus certified, Bigelow Commercial's 24/7 mostly modular collection is manufactured with The Mohawk Group's 100 percent ColorStrand solution-dyed, fully recyclable Type 6 nylon. Modular styles are backed with Mohawk's...

Commercial textures inspired by handmade rope.(CARPETING)
August 1, 2007... Adairsville, Ga. -- Inspired by the twists and textures of handmade rope and suited for commercial applications, Cambridge Commercial Carpets' Cordage is available in broadloom and modular tile. Cord-age is made of 1/10 gauge, 100 percent...

Carpet products receive cradle to cradle certification.(CARPETING)
August 1, 2007... Dalton, Ga. -- Three products pioneered by Shaw Industries have been recognized with Cradle to Cradle Certification: Shaw EcoWorx tile, EcoWorx Performance Broad-loom and Eco Solution Q premium branded nylon have received Cradle to Cradle...

Hybrid airfoil technology redirects airflow.(VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND FANS)
August 1, 2007... Lexington, Ky. -- The Big Ass Fan Company's PowerfoilPlus is the latest addition to its family of expertly designed and crafted High-Volume/Low-Speed (HVLS) ceiling fans. According to the company, the PowerfoilPlus uses hybrid airfoil...

Modules for Vertical and horizontal airflow systems.(VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND FANS)
August 1, 2007... Doraville, Ga. -- Purafil, Inc., a manufacturer of air filtration systems for the removal of odors and gaseous pollutants, has released the 2nd Generation MediaPAK Disposable Plastic Module, which can be utilized in both vertical and horizontal...

Heat Recovery Ventilator provides heating, cooling and fresh air ventilation.(VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND FANS)
August 1, 2007... London, Ontario -- Designed to provide heating, cooling and fresh air ventilation in one package, Nutech Brands Inc.'s Lifebreath Ventmax Integrated Vertical Stack (IVS) with Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) eliminates the need for high rise...

Low-maintenance composite decking is recycled and recyclable.(DECKING, LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS)
August 1, 2007... Biddeford, Maine -- Correct Building Products' full line of CorrectDeck and CorrectDeck CX with Microban decking materials and accessories are PVC-free, recycled and recyclable. According to the company, CorrectDeck composite decking is made...

Outdoor site furnishings incorporate recycled content.(DECKING, LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS)
August 1, 2007... Kalamazoo, Mich. -- Landscape Forms manufactures an array of site furniture including: outdoor park benches, litter receptacles, trash containers, cafe tables, stacking chairs, umbrellas, sun shades, ash urns, recycling receptacles, solar...

Engineered polymer alternative decking, fencing, railing emulates wood.(DECKING, LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS)
August 1, 2007... Mississauga, Ontario -- Eon Outdoor Living is a full line of alternative decking, fencing, and railing, as well as spa cladding and accessories, which capture the look and feel of natural wood. According to the company, Eon is a highly...

Architectural outdoor fixtures.(DECKING, LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS)
August 1, 2007... La Mirada, Calif. -- Architectural Area Lighting (AAL), a provider of architectural outdoor fixtures for the commercial, municipal and institutional building markets, design and manufacture a range of decorative outdoor luminaries in both...

Why challenges of Indoor air in hospitals are different.
August 1, 2007... As children, we are often reminded that we are "unique" either to dissuade us from jealousy or simply to help us develop self-esteem. Similarly, building professionals committed to sustainable design see uniqueness amongst diverse building...

It takes a vision: case study: combined environmental values contribute to first LEED certified healthcare facility.(GREENGUARD - IAQ)(Case study)
August 1, 2007... Administrators and facility managers of most healthcare facilities agree: Going green is the right thing to do. Some facilities see it as a natural extension of their mission. The Boulder Community Hospital system, located in Boulder, Colo.,...

Surfacing in the healthcare environment.
August 1, 2007... The fight to control infections in healthcare facilities is no longer just a facility issue. Today, infection control is a design issue that spans across all industries associated with healthcare--confronted not only by the architects and...

Case study: rubber cures hospital's flooring ills.
August 1, 2007... Healthcare flooring has come a long way. Today, facility owners and managers realize that there are many important factors to consider, when it comes to selecting a floor covering. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Geisinger Health System...

High traffic areas need an abuse-resistant drywall.(GREENGUARD - IAQ)
August 1, 2007... Now, DensArmor Plus[R] Abuse Guard[R] is the ideal drywall for high-traffic areas. That's because, in addition to offering true paperless moisture and mold resistance, its glass-mat facings are engineered to shrug off abuse. And, it can be used...