Environmental Design & Construction articles from July 2005

Environmental Design & Construction archives from July 2005

Designing a sustainable future.(PUBLISHER'S NOTE)(North Carolina Sustainable Building Design Competition)
July 1, 2005... Education is the key to building a comfort zone for people when it comes to green building. People don't like change, but if they learn about a better way to do a project, they will embrace it. ED+C had the privilege of being involved with this...

Naiop announces new Green Development Award.(NEWSLINE)
July 1, 2005... Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), recently announced that it is sponsoring a new Green Development Award to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. The new NAIOP award,...

Sbic signs exclusive worldwide distribution agreement.(NEWSLINE)(Sustainable Buildings Industry Council)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Washington, D.C. -- The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with the Midwest Research Institute (MRI) to distribute Energy-10 Version 1.7, the software package for designing energy-saving,...

Major freight railroads to save fuel and cut emissions.(NEWSLINE)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Ann Arbor, Mich. -- To increase energy efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, all seven major freight railroads have joined EPA's voluntary SmartWay Transport Partnership. These Class 1 freight railroads transport...

Didamala Game Lodge opens in South Africa.(NEWSLINE)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Johannesburg, South Africa -- A new conference venue lodge located 60 km North of Johannesburg, and situated on a Big Five Game Reserve, recently opened for business. The new facility was constructed using 10,000 wheat straw bales and is...

Title 24, part 6, of the California code of regulations.(NEWSLINE)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Sacramento, Calif. -- California's building efficiency standards have saved more than $36 billion in electricity and natural gas costs since 1978. It is estimated the new 2005 standards will save an additional $43 billion by 2013. The...

Joist and deck forming system.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 1 Surrey, British Colombia, Canada -- Quad-Lock Building Systems Ltd. introduces Quad-Deck, a new joist and deck forming system for floors and roofs that can be used for both commercial and residential construction. According to the company,...

Pourable sealer.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 2 Kalamazoo, Mich. -- Chem Link, Inc. has expanded the use of its ChemCurb System 10-year material warranty to include the use of 1-PART pourable sealer in SPRI- and NRCA-type pitch pans. Chem Link will now warrant 1-PART against shrinking,...

Environmentally friendly fireplace.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 3 Mona Vale, Australia -- The Fire Co. reveals the EcoSmart fire, a flueless, open fireplace. Fuelled by a renewable green energy (Methylated Spirits/Denatured Alcohol), EcoSmart fires burn clean and are virtually maintenance free. According to...

Energy efficient elevator.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 4 Memphis, Tenn. -- ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corp. presents the ISIS, a space saving, technologically advanced elevator. The ISIS is a small, energy efficient machine that uses the K-Core rope suspension system. It features the latest in digital...

Electronically tintable windows.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 5 Wausau, Wis. -- Wausau Window and Wall Systems has teamed with SAGE Electrochromics, Inc. to offer SageGlass electronically tintable windows. According to the company, these windows help control glare, reduce heat gain, and block ultraviolet...

Environmental fabric.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 6 Saint-Georges, Quebec, Canada, -- Victor Innovatex, Inc. introduces Mardi Gras, a new multicolored Eco Intelligent Polyester seating fabric offered by Teknion. According to the company, Mardi Gras is an environmentally friendly product...

New Web site.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 7 Denver, Colo. -- Johns Manville reveals the launch of its new Web site created especially for architects. The Web site enables visitors to learn about environmentally smart, formaldehyde-free products; achieve continuing education goals with...

Cost benefit software.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 8 Atlanta, Ga. -- Greenlight Strategies announces the release of ecologic3, the Web-based software tool that performs cost benefit analysis of the USGBC's LEED Rating System. This patent-pending project analysis tool allows project team members...

Concrete Shield insulation.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 9 Auburndale, Fla. -- Fi-Foil Company introduces new Concrete Shield insulation. The multipurpose insulation provides a durable thermal barrier and acts as an effective vapor retarder for residential, commercial and agricultural applications....

New Web resource.(NEW + NOTABLE)
July 1, 2005... 10 San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- Green Building Pages presents their new Web database at http://www.greenbuildingpages.com. The database is a free and easily accessible design tool providing current product information for the environmentally and...

The next generation of design software.
July 1, 2005... Modular office interiors are loaded with benefits and irritations. Manufactured, standardized units mean better use of space, faster move-in, and downstream flexibility. But each manufacturer has hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of parts...

Green Design Solutions review.(United States Green Building Council)
July 1, 2005... The first annual Green Design Solutions, (GDS) for hospitals and schools was a complete success! As with any first event we learned a lot and received great feedback from our attendees and speakers to make next year even better. We kicked...

Studying sustainability for the common designer.
July 1, 2005... A recent news article contained these statements: "A new national survey report of design professionals finds that LEED-related services earn a premium in fees" and "LEED Accredited Professionals are recognized as experts..." ("LEED Consulting...

The clean, quiet comfort of radiant in-floor heating.(STUDIO)
July 1, 2005... Costs to heat homes and businesses have soared in recent years. In North America, we have seen dramatic price increases in fossil fuels like natural gas, propane gas, and fuel oil, and there doesn't seem to be any recovery or slow-down. Today,...

Taking LEED to the next level.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(United States Green Building Council)
July 1, 2005... Twelve years ago, we had a wild dream about forming an organization that could lead the building industry to a national consensus on green building. Today, the U.S. Green Building Council is well into its second decade, Leadership in Energy and...

LEED professional accreditation.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... In May 2005, the number of LEED Accredited Professionals (AP) recognized by the U.S. Green Building reached 20,000. LEED Accreditation has enabled these building industry professionals not only to demonstrate their ability to apply the LEED...

LEED-EB: effective building management.(THE LEED GUIDE)
July 1, 2005... LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB), launched by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in October 2004, is a road map for maximizing building performance while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED-EB sets a leadership standard for the...

LEED-CI: environmental change from the inside.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... Green design isn't just for new construction anymore. LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) brings a new standard and a long-awaited green benchmark to the tenant fit-out market. LEED-CI gives the power to make sustainable choices to tenants,...

To platinum ... and beyond! The Northern Arizona University Applied Research and Development Building is up to the challenge of achieving LEED platinum.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... A greener horizon is on the way for a unique university nestled amongst the pine forests of Flagstaff, Ariz.... literally. An Applied Research and Development (ARD) building at the main gateway to the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus...

The paradox of green retail.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... Since LEED certification can only be earned on a single building basis today, a significant sector of building in the U.S. has been all but absent in the green movement: retail roll-out. Each year approximately 21,300 new stores, or 23 percent...

Making history again: the Security Building in downtown St. Louis undergoes a green revitalization and historic preservation to achieve LEED-EB certification.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... Built in 1892 and designed by the renowned Peabody, Stearns and Furber architecture firm of Boston, the 11-story Security Building was one of the most prestigious buildings of its time. The Romanesque-style, masonry structure was once a part of...

Dockside Green: leading the way in sustainable community development in British Colombia.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... "Dockside Green will be a socially vibrant, ecologically restorative, economically sound and just community. It will be a distinct collection of beautifully designed live, work, play and rest spaces designed to enhance the health and well being...

Making a positive impact: using sustainable design to renovate an existing building for the U.S. General Services Administration.(THE LEED GUIDE)
July 1, 2005... The 1911 historic building designed by the venerable Holabird & Roche fills the entire block at 536 South Clark Street in Chicago's South Loop area known as Printer's Row. Originally the headquarters and printing plant of the map and atlas...

Leadership in sustainable design: the future of designing buildings has taken an entirely new dimension that has changed the business of building buildings--irrevocably.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... Imagine an "intelligent" building that can turn on your office lights and warm or cool the space to your pre-selected temperature when you enter the building. Imagine the cost savings of conserving energy or the increase in employee...

LEED-ND: paving the way for America's residential future.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... Since its beginning five years ago, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System has made great strides bringing environmental and sustainable development issues into the mainstream. Until recently, I...

USGBC local chapters.(THE LEED GUIDE)(United States Green Building Council)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... USGBC Chapters, organizing groups and affiliates provide local green building resources, education and leadership opportunities in areas across the country. Below is a map that demonstrates some of the local chapters. Find one near you to meet...

Sustainable renaissance: preservation meets revival.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(Hangzhou Xihu Tiandi Development, China)
July 1, 2005... As LEED efforts gain momentum in the building and architecture arenas, new standards are created to answer the calls for specific sustain-ability projects. The LEED Green Building Rating System for Core and Shell Development (LEED-CS) of the...

Is LEED broken?(THE LEED GUIDE)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2005... Earlier this spring, two enterprising folks based in Aspen, Colo., published an 18-page screed entitled, "LEED is Broken... Let's Fix It." While researched quite a bit, the article is a Nietzschean-style polemic in keeping with the deprived...

Green edge; Heroes before LEED: green Patron Saints.(THE LEED GUIDE)(Bob Berkebile)(Pliny Fisk III)(Amory Lovins)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(Column)
July 1, 2005... In the mid-nineties Sym Van Der Ryn published an article that he called "Patron Saints of Ecological Design." In it, he described the individuals who helped shape his own ideas--people whom had inspired him and taught him to become the green...

GE's ecomagination aids development of new solar energy products.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Atlanta, Ga. -- GE's ecomagination is creating a new awareness of energy-efficient homes and solar electric products for the new home construction industry. The company's commitment to ecomagination is already evident in its development of...

New energy efficient condos to be built in Toronto.(Toronto Atmospheric Fund)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Toronto, Canada -- Last month, the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) joined Tridel at the launch of a new concept in energy efficient and environmentally friendly condominium development in the City of Toronto. Called Verve, this new Tridel...

Opportunity to learn more about the latest in green building.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... With a growing interest in green building, comes a growing need to answer questions builders and builder associations might have about the practices, products, and techniques involved. The NAHB Research Center has created a moderated email list...

Energy department announces second Solar Decathlon competition to be held October 7-16, 2005 in Washington, D.C.
July 1, 2005... Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced that 18 teams from the United States, Canada and Spain will be traveling to Washington, D.C. on October 7-16, 2005 to participate in the second Solar Decathlon competition to...

Touch-screen thermostat.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2005... Indianapolis, Ind. -- Jackson Systems, LLC reveals Climatouch C3, the new thermostat from Climatouch. Climatouch C3 is a touch-screen operated thermostat with an intuitive graphic user interface. Its revolutionary features and environmental...

Tubular Skylight.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2005... Zeeland, Mich. -- ODL, Inc.'s new Tubular Skylight meets nationwide ENERGY STAR criteria, according to the company. The new skylight features the patented Solar Lens Dome, which increases light through the tube. The dome is designed to optimize...

Air purifier.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2005... Chicago, Ill. -- Blueair, Inc. has introduced a compact, sleek and silent in-room air purifier for smaller rooms such as bedrooms and studios based on the company's HEPASilent Air Purification System. According to the company, the new Blueair...

New kitchen line.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2005... Berkeley, Calif. -- Berkeley Mills announces the Sereno kitchen, the first in its new kitchen line up. It blends sustainable materials, fine craftsmanship, and unique artisanal elements with European technology. Most versions are handcrafted...

Solar garden light.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2005... San Francisco, Calif. -- Green Home, Inc. presents a solar powered garden light, which combines unique style with function, efficiency, and easy installation. The light charges by day and automatically turns on at night. The LED bulb never...

Translucent roofing system.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2005... Knoxville, Tenn. -- Centerpoint Translucent Systems introduces a translucent insulated roofing system that illuminates the home with natural light. According to the company, the translucent roof allows natural, filtered daylight to penetrate...

Easy installation.(RADIANT HEATING)
July 1, 2005... Leesburg, Va. -- REHAU announces the introduction of its new RAUPANEL system for radiant heating. Featuring an aluminum-intensive construction, the RAUPANEL system provides excellent heat transfer characteristics allowing for reduced water...

Radiant heating system.(RADIANT HEATING)
July 1, 2005... Lake Zurich, Ill. -- Warmly Yours presents Environ II, an innovative, micro thin heating system designed for use under carpeting and floating wood floors. According to the company, Environ II fills an entire room with even, comfortable heat...

Superior control in compact format.(RADIANT HEATING)
July 1, 2005... Apple Valley, Minn. -- Uponor Wirsbo reveals the proMIX 701 Injection Mixing Station. The station achieves proper supply water temperatures by using a variable speed injection pump between the primary boiler loop and the secondary radiant loop....

Durable Radiant Heating.(RADIANT HEATING)
July 1, 2005... Aptos, Calif. -- Warmboard Inc. Radiant Heating System is highly durable providing high conductivity and low thermal mass. Warmboard has been optimized for maximum conductivity using a pure aluminum surface. For more information, please visit...

Tankless Electric Space Heaters.(RADIANT HEATING)
July 1, 2005... Houston, Texas -- Microtherm/SEISCO Tankless Electric Space Heaters are efficient and designed specifically for hydronic radiant floor heating systems. According to the company. SEISCO heaters are affordable, environmentally friendly, and safe...

Colored asphalt shingle.(ROOFING)
July 1, 2005... Dallas, Texas -- Elk Premium Building Products, Inc., in a joint effort with 3M Industrial Mineral Products Division, introduces the innovative Elk Cool Color Series shingle. According to the company, Elk's colored asphalt shingle, featuring 3M...

Protective coating.(ROOFING)
July 1, 2005... Spokane Valley, Wash. -- United Coatings presents Diathon, an acrylic elastomer coating, providing durability, weatherproofing, ultraviolet resistance and fire resistance. For more information, please visit www.unitedcoatings.com. ...

Green roof drainage system.(ROOFING)
July 1, 2005... Enka, N.C. -- Colbond, Inc. introduces the Enkadrain 3000R Series. According to the company, Enkadrain provides excellent durability, predictable flow rates, and continuous flow even under high loads. Visit www.colbond-usa.com for more...

White reflective roofing.(ROOFING)
July 1, 2005... Canton, Mass. -- Sarnafil, Inc. reveals the EnergySmart Roof system. This system includes a white, highly reflective, lacquer coated surface that reduces the amount of energy required to maintain comfort in an air-conditioned building by...

New brochure.(ROOFING)
July 1, 2005... Saginaw, Mich. -- Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. reveals a new brochure providing building owners, facility managers and roofing contractors with a checklist for calculating roofing life-cycle cost factors and a comprehensive review of five long-term...