Environmental Design & Construction articles from July 2001

Environmental Design & Construction archives from July 2001

Calculate Your Way to a Greener Building.(standards for calculating environmental success of a building)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
July 1, 2001... In this issue of EDC, you are going to be introduced to one of the greatest tools ever presented to the green building industry -- the LEED 2.0 calculation methods. (See the special section starting on page S1). On the surface, these...

Howard Joins US Green Building Council.(Nigel Howard)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... WASHINGTON, DC -- Nigel Howard, an internationally known green building expert, has been named the new vice president for programs and operations with the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Howard will be supervising development of the...

DCAT Seeks Participation in Green Building Review.(Development Center for Appropriate Technology)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... TUSCON, AZ-- The Development Center for Appropriate Technology (DCAT) has created a survey to judge the regulatory barriers to more sustainable building and development. DCAT has been working with building code groups such as the International...

DOE Announces 20-Year Efficiency Plan.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... WASHINGTON, DC -- The building envelope industry and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have jointly released a long-term plan to improve the energy efficiency of homes. The "Building Envelope Technology Roadmap" is a 20-year plan to promote...

Solatube International Inc.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Solatube International Inc. has joined with The Watt Stopper Inc. to create a line of energy-saving lighting controls that ensure electric lights will stay off when skylights are operating at optimal output.

Panasonic has released 10 new models of ventilation fans.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Panasonic has released 10 new models of ventilation fans that carry the Energy Star designation for energy-efficiency.

MagneTek Lighting Products Group.(Company Business and Marketing)(Product Information)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... MagneTek Lighting Products Group has expanded its line of low profile Triad [R] electronic linear fluorescent ballasts, including the energy-saving "L" series.

Survey Says Builders Care About Energy Performance.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... SILVER SPRINGS, MD -- Most builders are concerned about the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights, according to a recent survey of 4,100 members of the National Association of Home Builders, conducted by the National Fenestration...

Ross G. Spiegel Appointed CSI President.(Construction Specifications Institute)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... FT. LAUDERDALE, FL -- Ross G. Spiegel, RA, FCSI, CCS, took office on July 1 as the 47th president of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Spiegel's priorities include increasing CSI's involvement with sustainable construction...

ASTM Establishes Standard for Plastic Lumber.(American Society for Testing and Materials)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... WASHINGTON, DC -- The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) recently announced a standard for recycled plastic lumber decking. ASTM Standard 6662-01 (Standard Specification for Polyolefin Plastic Lumber Decking Board) establishes...

Collins Receives Green Cross Certification.(Collins Products L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... KLAMATH FALLS, OR -- Collins Products, LLC has received Green Cross certification From Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) for the company's particleboard, which is made from 100% post-industrial waste. Collins was given the award following...

AIA Announces Energy Resolution at 2001 Convention.(American Institute of Architects)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... DENVER, CO -- At its recent convention, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) announced that it supports a national program of initiatives to promote energy efficiency and capital investment in the US...

Study Finds "Urban Forests" Growth Lags Behind Development.(American Forests report)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2001... DENVER, CO -- While the lush forests of northern Colorado provide the natural equivalent of a $44 million stormwater management system and save residents millions of dollars in air conditioning costs, much of the area is being taken over by...

Historic Boardwalk Preserved Through Lumber Partnership.(Asbury Park, New Jersey)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... ASHBURY PARK, NJ -- The boardwalk in Ashbury Park will be the first project under a new partnership between the nation's largest importer of hardwood lumber and decking and a hardwood reclamation firm. As part of an exclusive supply agreement,...

Trane Co. Awarded Energy Savings Contract from US Government.(Energy Savings Performance Contract)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... ST. PAUL, MN -- The Trane Co. was recently awarded a delivery order for an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) from the US Department of State, The contract calls for Trane to upgrade the mechanical systems that serve 157 homes on the US...

DOE Proposes 20% Hike in Efficiency Standards for AC, Heat Pumps.(United States Department of Energy, new standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... WASHINGTON, DC -- The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced it would seek a 12/12 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps. DOE officials said consumers would recoup the cost of the...

New Homes "Greener" Than in Past.(National Association of Home Builders report)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... WASHINGTON, DC -- Homes built today are 100% more energy efficient than those constructed just 30 years ago, according to "Building Greener, Building Better: The Quiet Revolution," a new publication from the National Association of Home...

Photovoltaic Equipment Supplier Ships Simulators.(Spire Corp., BP Solar)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... BEDFORD, MA -- Spire Corp., a leading supplier of photo-voltaic manufacturing equipment and solar electric systems, recently shipped two SPI-SUN SIMULATOR 350i [TM] units to BP Solar of Fairfield, CA. The simulators will be used in the...

National Energy Plan Includes Tax Credits on Solar Power, Gas-Electric Vehicles.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2001... WASHINGTON, DC -- Americans who invest in solar power can look forward to a 15% tax credit under the National Energy Plan released in May by the Bush administration. The plan also includes credits for the use of solar thermal and photovoltaics...

Chicago Area Sees Construction of Energy Star-Rated Homes.(Cambridge Home Inc. introduces its energy efficient homes, Illinois)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... CHICAGO, IL -- The Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings and Cambridge Homes held an open house June 15 to introduce Cambridge's new line of Energy Star-rated homes. Five single-family homes and seven townhouse floor plans were...

Army Medical Center Exceeds Energy Conservation Goals.(Fort Sam Houston, Texas)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2001... SAN ANTONIO, TX -- With a 24-year, $16 million energy plan, U.S. Army Medical Command installation Fort Sam Houston is expected to exceed federally-mandated goals for 305 energy reductions per square foot of building space by 2005. Installation...

Value Engineering and Sustainable Design: Using Intelligent Design Tools to Create a World-Class Federal Courthouse.(Seattle, Washington)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2001... For a number of years, value engineering (VE) has been a key tool for architects and designers seeking to maximize a project's design within a given budget. However, VE has commonly been criticized within the green building community as running...

"Leedership" in Action.(United States Green Building Council, launch of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... A little more than one year ago, the 350+ members of the US Green Building Council celebrated the long-awaited launch of version 2.0 of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System [TM] (LEED [TM]) for new...

New Tools for LEED[TM] Certification.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The new LEED 2.0 Reference Guide is a companion to the 2.0 version of the LEED Green Building Rating System[TM], which was released last March by the US Green Building Council. To achieve a rating as a LEED building, the building must meet...

Energy & Atmosphere.(calculating energy efficiency in building design)
July 1, 2001... Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance 2-10 Points Requirements Reduce design energy cost by 20-60% in new buildings (10-50% in existing buildings) compared to the energy cost budget for regulated energy components described in the...

Learning from a Library.
July 1, 2001... The daylighting techniques used in the Mt. Angel Abbey Library provide a superb example of how to infuse natural light throughout a space, even in a climate characterized by overcast skies. Existing buildings often serve as models for much...

Maximizing Green Design Through Building Automation.
July 1, 2001... A building automation system can help minimize energy consumption and maximize indoor comfort, making it a valuable tool for any sustainable design. According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a green building incorporates...

Next Generation "Green Teams".(Elements)(Company Profile)
July 1, 2001... Based on the success of one well-known firm, sustainable consulting divisions may well become a model for future "green teams" looking for a competitive edge. The green building market is simultaneously evolving and expanding, and...

Energy-Saving Lighting Controls.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... VISTA, CA -- Solatube International Inc. has joined with The Watt Stopper Inc. to create a line of energy-saving Lighting controls for businesses. The Watt Stopper Lighting control system works with Solatube International's SolaMaster[TM] and...

Ventilation Fans.(Energy Star designation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... SECAUCUS, NJ -- Ten new models of Panasonic's line of ventilation fans carry the Energy Star designation for energy-efficiency. The WhisperCeiling[TM] WhisperLite[TM] and WhisperWall[TM] all have totally enclosed condenser motors and range in...

Efficient Fluorescent Ballasts.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... NASHVILLE, TN -- MagneTek Lighting Products Group has expanded its line of low profile Triad [R] electronic linear fluorescent ballasts for T8 lamps, including the energy-saving Low Power "L" series. The L models use new component technology to...

Environmentally Friendly Film.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... TOYKO, JAPAN -- Riken Vinyl Industry Co. Ltd. has introduced Rivestar Fino, an environmentally preferred, high gloss film laminate for architectural, graphic and decorative applications for use in housing and building walls, separation panels...

Linoleum Flooring.(Decorette)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
July 1, 2001... LANCASTER, PA -- Decorette, a new linoleum floor from Armstrong, features a chip look on a neutral background pattern. Available in sheet and tile Form, company officials say Decorette was designed to meet the performance and color trends...

Home Venting Products.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Ado Products has introduced ProVent [TM] ventilation channels made from recycled plastic. Improving ventilation in home attics can help prevent ice dams by keeping air flowing above the attic insulation. When paired with the...

High Performance Wall Panel System.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... TERRELL, TX -- Skywall Translucent Systems now offers the SW-400 Wall Panel System. Designed for high performance applications up to 8 ft. in height, the SW-400 allows integration of curtain wall and window technology with a translucent infill...

[CO.sub.2] Detector.(carbon dioxide detector)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... NEWARK, CA -- The Model IAQ [CO.sub.2] monitor from Thermo GasTech uses a non-dispersive infrared sensing system for quick, reliable carbon dioxide response. A .4-in. high LCD display gives real-time readout of [CO.sub.2] concentrations, and...

Wood Alternative.(TimberTech Ltd. decking material)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... COLUMBUS, OH-- TimberTech Ltd. has added a 5/4 plank to its line of Engineered Deck Systems [TM]. TimberTech is a wood alternative manufactured through a process that converts recycled wood and virgin polymers into a strong, moisture-resistant...

Energy-Efficient Windows.(from Vetter Windows & Doors)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... NORCROSS, GA--Vetter Windows & Doors offers a line of low maintenance, energy-efficient wood and vinyl windows ideal for replacing drafty old windows. Many models meet the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Star criteria. Selections include...