Environmental Design & Construction articles from March 2007

Environmental Design & Construction archives from March 2007

News flash: big news from the USGBC.(EDITOR'S NOTE)
March 1, 2007... The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has already been very busy this year! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LCA in LEED: The USGBC Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) working group has released initial recommendations for incorporating the LCA of...

GBI completes software for Lifecycle Assessment.(NEWSLINE)
March 1, 2007... Portland, Ore. -- A Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) tool developed by the Green Building Initiative (GBI) to compare alternate design scenarios will facilitate designing a sustainable structure that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and other...

Accor North America recognized by EPA for commitment to energy efficiency.(NEWSLINE)
March 1, 2007... Carrollton, Texas -- Hotel chain owners and operators Accor North America were recognized as an ENERGY STAR Leader by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for improving energy efficiency across its Red Roof Inn, Studio 6 and Motel 6...

Self-contained fireplace runs on denatured alcohol.(NEW + NOTABLE)
March 1, 2007... Phoenix -- Innovations m2 llc are the distributors of the Starline Fire from France; a completely self-contained, baffled stainless steel fireplace that runs on denatured alcohol--a readily available fuel made from renewable resources such as...

Environmental upholstery engineered for high-durability.(NEW + NOTABLE)
March 1, 2007... New York -- KnollTextiles' Renew Collection of three upholstery fabrics made of recycled and recyclable polyester, with no added backings or finishes, has been engineered for high durability (between 80K and 100K Wyznbeek double rubs)....

Carpet collection for hospitality interiors.(NEW + NOTABLE)
March 1, 2007... LaGrange, Ga. -- Divided into five color "moods," Milliken Hospitality's Funkygraphic collection of carpet designs for hospitality interiors are tufted, patterned, cut-pile broadloom carpets constructed with Milliken WearOn Type 6,6 nylon...

Window covering fabric receives Greenguard certification.(NEW + NOTABLE)
March 1, 2007... Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- Phifer Incorporated's SheerWeave Styles 2000, 2100, 2360, 2390 and 2410 window covering fabrics have been certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) for indoor air quality performance, the company reports....

Digital fabrics allow for pattern printing.(NEW + NOTABLE)
March 1, 2007... Atlanta -- Dickson Coatings USA's Evergreen fabrics are suitable for digital wall coverings or window shades, the company reports, and any kind of pattern can printed on the fabrics, which are mainly used for commercial purposes as decoration...

Hotel California: green construction practices put to the test in San Francisco.(Swinerton Builders)
March 1, 2007... While a building can be designed with sustainability and LEED-certification in mind, the actual construction process provides real-world challenges in maintaining ethical stewardship of sustainability. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of...

Green Roots: Roots Rosedale and others demonstrate what's in store for earth-friendly retailers.
March 1, 2007... A controversial film about Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world, circulated throughout most of North America in 2005. However accurate or inaccurate the film, it is certainly inconsistent with the identity that Wal-Mart is currently...

Muddy Waters cleared--3 IEQ resources.(STUDIO)
March 1, 2007... McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913-April 30, 1983), better known as Muddy Waters, was an American blues musician, and is generally considered the father of Chicago blues. What an apropos nickname for "Daddy Blues"--"Muddy Waters;" it's murky,...

Indoor environmental quality: green standards and systems help create healthy spaces without VOCs.(STUDIO)
March 1, 2007... Sustainable building practices recognize the impact buildings have on our natural resources and economy while addressing interior spaces with indoor environmental quality (IEQ). When natural light, sound absorption, views to the outside, air...

The new era of personal lighting control from Lutron.(product profile)
March 1, 2007... The sustainable building boom has made a big difference in how we think about lighting: As building owners look for ways to be responsible environmental stewards and reduce energy costs, they're adopting intelligent lighting systems with...

Ceiling tiles receive Greenguard Certification.(CEILING SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Graton, Calif. -- Empire West Inc.'s Ceilume Smart Ceiling Tiles have earned GREENGUARD Certification. According to the company, Ceilume's light vinyl construction and nesting design uses 75 percent less raw material than conventional tiles,...

Formaldehyde-free, low-VOC ceiling panels provide antimicrobial protection.(CEILING SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Chicago -- USG Corporation's reformulated ceiling panels are formaldehyde-free and provide anti-microbial protection, the company reports; enhancements that reduce VOC emissions, and increase mold and mildew protection. USG's ClimaPlus Superior...

Commercial ceiling systems.(CEILING SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Lancaster, Pa. -- Armstrong offers a variety of ceiling systems including acoustical, anti-microbial, wood and metal. Armstrong's website offers information on each of the sustainable ceiling products, including recycled content and other...

Post-consumer recycling program diverts waste from landfills, creates new wallcoverings.(WALL COVERINGS / SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Louisville, Ky. -- Versa Wallcoverings' Second-Look Retrieval Program is a comprehensive post-consumer recycling program that accepts vinyl wallcovering made by any manufacturer, the company reports, and makes it possible to further extend the...

Hard-use textile line extends with Embossed style.(WALL COVERINGS / SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... New York -- Carnegie's Xorel Embossed addition to its line of Xorel textiles is a hard-use textile suitable for a wide range of applications including wallcoverings and upholsteries, the company reports. Woven from 100 percent polyethylene...

Trowelled-on wall finish is odor free, mold resistant.(WALL COVERINGS
March 1, 2007... Santa Rosa, Calif. -- Tobias Stucco, a non-toxic, odor free, mold resistant cementitious mixture with a VOC of 1, is an alternative to paint or plaster and can be applied with various techniques to achieve a variety of textures, the company...

Contract Wallcovering contains recycled and rapidly renewable content.(WALL COVERINGS / SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Deerfield Beach, Fla. -- Roos International's PVC-free EnVision Contract Wallcovering Collection from NaturDecor & Supply is made from durable, textural, natural fibrous polyester cellulose substrate for applications including government,...

Earth plasters resist mold growth.(WALL COVERINGS / SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Albuquerque, N.M. -- American Clay Earth Plaster, an all-natural finish for interior walls and ceilings, announced that independent lab tests utilizing ASTM standards for mold growth prove that the clay plaster does not allow for mold growth on...

Pressure-sensitive adhesive commercial wall coverings are PVC-free.(WALL COVERINGS / SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Spartanburg, S.C. -- Milliken's 180 Walls is a collection of PVC-free textile wall coverings for commercial environments that are made from 100 percent recycled polyester fiber, the company reports, and is Cradle to Cradle Silver as well as...

Greenguard-certified architectural walls.(WALL COVERINGS / SYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... Green Bay, Wis. -- KI manufactures furniture and wall system solutions for college and university, K-12, healthcare, government and corporate markets. KI's Genius architectural walls (see ED+C Product Focus, September 2006), which received...

Manufacturer shapes custom 3-D parts with seamless profiles.(WALL COVERINGS
March 1, 2007... Central Point, Ore. -- Bierson Corporation, a manufacturer of 3-D laminated components, shapes custom 3-D parts with seamless profiles offering no-added formaldehyde MDF made from 100 percent recovered and recycled wood fiber substrates, such...

Metal framing products.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Aegis markets a complete line of metal framing products through a worldwide network of fabricators. Products include the Ultra-Span[R] truss system, TradeReady[R] products (floor joists, headers, Spazzer bars) and WallSolutions[TM]...

Color collection creates indoor environmental balance.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... AFM Safecoat is proud to introduce our new Ayurveda Essence Color Collection. With Ayurveda (literally, "the science of life"), bring the benefits of an ancient healing system into your environment with meaningful color choices. We've created a...

Comprehensive line of environmentally friendly wall forms.(INFORMATION showcase)
March 1, 2007... Established in 1978, American Poly-Steel is the most recognized brand of Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) in the industry and offers a comprehensive line of environmentally friendly products including the PS x 4000 Flat Wall, PS x 3000 Waffle...

Floating floor underlayment technology reduces mold, mildew.(INFORMATION showcase)
March 1, 2007... AcoustiCORK[TM] Quiet Comfort offers the latest in floating floor underlayment technology. Its unique wave texture allows the subfloor to "breathe;" greatly reducing the possibility of mold or mildew occurring between the underlayment and the...

Modular stay-in-place form for concrete floors/roofs.(INFORMATION showcase)
March 1, 2007... The AmDeck Floor & Roof System is a modular, lightweight stay-in-place form for the construction of concrete floors/roofs. The system utilizes 10" lightweight steel framing studs to carry temporary construction loads and act as furring strips....

New bamboo ceilings from Armstrong.(INFORMATION showcase)
March 1, 2007... The natural, exotic look of bamboo is now available in the Wood-Works[R] family of ceilings from Armstrong. The vertically grained 2'x 2' Bamboo ceiling panels feature all the inherent characteristics of natural bamboo to help warm a space. The...

Coating reduces moisture vapor transmission from substrates.(INFORMATION showcase)
March 1, 2007... D-250[TM] Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating is a two-component, water-based, penetrating epoxy formulated to incorporate antimicrobial protection and dramatically reduce moisture vapor transmission from substrates including; "freshly poured green...

Bradley Lenox lockers--easy to install and maintain, tough to damage.(INFORMATION showcase)
March 1, 2007... Bradley's solid plastic Lenox[R] Lockers are durable, easy to install and maintain. Lockers are made from 30 percent postindustrial recycled content, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic--a black option is available made of 100 percent...

Chicago faucets brochure features Hytronic line of electronic faucets.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Chicago Faucets has announced the availability of a new brochure that features the recently introduced HyTronic line of sensor-operated faucets. HyTronic's longevity, watertight protection, simplistic design and remote technology are covered in...

Full service distributor of renewable energy solutions.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 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...

Create outdoor people spaces with Dinoflex.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... The new Interlocking Cushion Walk Paver for exterior applications. Perfect for patios, decks, or walkways, this simple to install tile can easily be moved and reinstalled. Provide your customers with a comfortable, slip and crack resistant and...

Cool zone delivers the five Es of high-performance roofing.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... The highly-reflective Duro-Last[R] Cool Zone[R] roofing system can significantly reduce building energy costs. But for a roofing system to be considered sustainable, it must deliver on the 5 Es of high-performance roofing: Energy, Environment,...

ECOsurfaces introduces new colors.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... ECOsurfaces Commercial Flooring has elevated its entire color line to a total of 70 rich, exciting colors. Never before has recycled rubber flooring been designed specifically to coordinate with other interior finishes, from wood, carpet and...

Innovation in thermal isolation.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 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)
March 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...

Tile contains recycled and natural materials.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... With the increased consciousness of our valuable natural resources, Fritz Industries has created FritzGREENtile. Consisting of approximately 70 percent post industrial recycled raw materials, marble and granite rubble, FritzGREENtile makes a...

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

Reusable boardwalk system made from 100 percent recycled plastic.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Beachrings2 is a portable and reusable boardwalk system providing temporary access for wheelchairs and pedestrians. Make your site compatible with ADA laws without the costly installation of permanent materials. Beachrings2 is made from 100...

Kawneer's LEED planning tool.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Committing to a better tomorrow is just one way Kawneer is putting its mark on the future. Our strong support of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System inspired the creation of Kawneer's LEED...

Hear the SoundStop difference.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Made of 97 percent recycled or recovered wood or sugarcane fibers, SoundStop[R] from Knight-Celotex provides an affordable, earth-friendly solution where sound deadening is a priority. SoundStop[R] panels are installed in walls and ceilings...

Lighting system cuts energy usage, increases comfort and productivity.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Lutron's EcoSystem[TM] solution provides daylighting, automated energy management, and personal control in a cost-effective system that makes fluorescent lighting control easy to design, install, and maintain for any size project. Its devices...

Energy-saving solar shading system maximizes view, daylighting.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... MechoShade[R]'s AAC SolarTrac[TM] Window Management System featured in the New York Times Building is one of the most powerful automated solar shading systems. Shade positions are adjusted incrementally in accordance with the angle of the rays...

Long lasting natural floor tile.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 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,...

Roppe launches new eco Effects[TM] microsite.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Roppe Corporation, a leading supplier of commercial rubber and vinyl flooring products and accessories, recently launched a microsite devoted specifically to Eco Effects[TM], its brand of environmentally friendly products. The microsite,...

Skywall conventional skylight.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... Skywall Translucent Systems has redesigned its conventional skylight framing system, which features the new Skywall/Acrylit weather erosion barrier system. The Skywall Conventional Skylight[TM] (SCS) is a standard product that offers ease of...

Second-look retrieval program provides recycled, post-consumer substrate.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
March 1, 2007... With its distinctive quill pattern and unique blend of earth tones and high fashion colors, Versa's Ostrich Block will transform any interior into an exotic and luxurious space. Versa[TM] Wallcovering launches the Second-Look[TM] Retrieval...

Commercial roofing brochure provides technical data and product information.(COOL ROOFING)
March 1, 2007... Corona, Calif. -- DECRA Roofing Systems, Inc's. commercial roofing brochure features information about the company's full product line of stone-coated steel roofing products and accessories, including DECRA Tile, Shake, Shingle and Shingle...

Smaller EPDM membranes offer easier material handling, rooftop delivery.(COOL ROOFING)
March 1, 2007... Carlisle, Pa. -- ENERGY STAR-approved and CRRC-certified, Carlisle SynTec's five-foot wide FleeceBACK EPDM membranes weigh less than 100 pounds and facilitate material handling and rooftop delivery, the company reports. The FleeceBACK membranes...

Cool roof technologies reduce energy consumption, increase reflectivity.(COOL ROOFING)
March 1, 2007... Chino, Calif. -- Field tests demonstrate that metal shakes coated with Custom-Bilt Metals' ULTRA-Cool coating were found to reduce the amount of heat penetrating the roof's surface by as much as 36 percent, offering significant savings in the...

Lightweight roof board optimizes roof system performance.(COOL ROOFING)
March 1, 2007... Denver -- Johns Manville Roofing Systems' Invinsa, a resilient, lightweight roof board designed as a cover board component of the roof system, features low water absorption characteristics, the company reports, and provides a protective layer...