Environmental Design & Construction articles from May 2006

Environmental Design & Construction archives from May 2006

Heading west, spreading green.(EDITOR'S NOTE)(hotbed of environmental activity in California)(Editorial)
May 1, 2006... There's a GREENRUSH in California! Our cover this month is all about the hotbed of environmental activity that is synonymous with the great Golden State--visibly quite different than our usual approach. Designed by ED+C's art director Kathy...

2006 Excellence in Design Awards: a high-rise office building in Chicago and a state office building in Missouri, a Residence in Oregon, and a YMCA and a senior Residence in Grand Rapids, Mich., demonstrate superior sustainable design.(Green Building Council)(Awards list)
May 1, 2006... Environmental Design + Construction magazine's Fourth Annual Excellence in Design Awards recognize commercial spaces and offices, institutional facilities, government buildings, multi-use residential buildings and single-family residential...

First building envelope product earns Cradle to Cradle certification.(cradle-to-cradle cycles)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Moon Township, Pa. -- CENTRIA's Formawall Dimension Series insulated metal composite panels--thermally-efficient, high-performance exterior walls that that allow for quick installation--is the first building envelope product to receive Cradle...

LEED NC-certified hotel to open in July.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... San Francisco -- The 86-room boutique Orchard Garden Hotel at 466 Bush Street in San Francisco is the Golden State's first new construction hotel built to the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design...

Top global companies join with WBCSD to make energy self-sufficient buildings a reality.(NEWSLINE)
May 1, 2006... Geneva -- Led by United Technologies Corp. (Hartford, Conn.) and Lafarge Group (Paris), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) announced that it is forming an alliance of leading global companies to determine how...

World Trade Center.(Green Building Council)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Shown from left to right are World Trade Center Developer Larry A. Silverstein; Tishman Construction Corporation Chairman & CEO Daniel R. Tishman; Chief of Staff for Governor Pataki, John Cahill; Lower Manhattan Development Corporation Chairman...

Release of ENERGY-10 Version 1.8 integrates PV and solar DHW modeling.(Sustainable Buildings Industry Council)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Washington, D.C. -- The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) has released Version 1.8 of the award-winning ENERGY-10 software, which for the first time provides building designers with a user-friendly tool to help integrate...

NYC's first official green office tower earns LEED Gold, ready for tenants.(New York City)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... New York -- Skyscraper building 7 World Trade Center (WTC) has been designated New York City's first official "green" office tower, and has exceeded expectations by garnering a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and...

GMIC hospitality conference successful.(Green Meeting Industry Council )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Portland, Ore. -- The Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) announced their "Greening the Hospitality Industry Conference," October 5-7, 2005 in metro Washington D.C., was a success, with over 80 hospitality professionals convening to discover...

GRA endorses use of water-free urinals.(Green Restaurant Association)(Waterless No-Flush urinal designs )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Sharon, Mass. -- The Green Restaurant Association (GRA) has endorsed five Waterless No-Flush urinal designs manufactured by Waterless Co LLC (Vista, Calif.), including the company's Sierra, Kalahari, Sonora, and Yukon models, as well as the Del...

Office furniture industry issues first corporate sustainability report using GRI guidelines.(Global Reporting Initiative)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Holland, Mich. -- Haworth Inc.'s 2005 corporate sustainability report sets forth both short- and long-term environmental objectives and performance goals, and is the first report in the office furniture industry to use guidelines of the Global...

McDonough joins SCIP company advisory board, joint agreement with BASF.(structural concrete insulating panels)(Green Sandwich Technologies)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Florham Park, N.J. -- Green Sandwich Technologies (North Hollywood, Calif.) announced that William McDonough, a three-time presidential award winner for sustainable design, has joined the company's advisory board. Additionally, Green Sandwich...

IFMA partners with alliance to advance sustainability practices.(International Facility Management Association)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Houston -- The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced a collaborative agreement with the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments, which includes the international companies Johnson Controls, Milliken & Company,...

Official 'Green Week' proclaimed in Georgia in conjunction with conference.(Southface Energy Institute)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Atlanta -- In recognition of the Southface Energy Institute's Greenprints conference held March 20-24, 2006 in Atlanta, Governor Sonny Purdue declared those dates as "Green Week" in the state of Georgia. The proclamation reinforces the...

2006 ENERGY STAR award winners announced.(Department of Energy)(Awards list)
May 1, 2006... Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have recognized 67 organizations as winners of the 2006 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards for their contributions to reducing...

Gov. Schwarzenegger joins the CCEF and UC Davis to launch Energy Efficiency Center.(California Clean Energy Fund)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Davis, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently joined officials of California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) and UC Davis, plus other government, industry and environmental leaders, to celebrate a $1 million grant from the CalCEF to establish...

FSC receives grant from The Home Depot Foundation.(Forest Stewardship Council)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Washington, D.C. -- The Forest Stewardship Council-US (FSC-US) announced that the new FSC Controlled Wood Global Risk Registry program will be funded by a two-year $380,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation. FSC (www.fscus.org) will develop...

Correction.(Correction notice)
May 1, 2006... In the March 2006 issue of ED+C, we incorrectly identified DMJM with the architectural design of LACCD's Van de Kamp Bakery Northeast Campus. While DMJM was responsible for overseeing all efforts and was key in assuring that the final product...

2006 AIA Expo incorporates environmentally sustainable principles into convention.(American Institute of Architects Exposition planning)
May 1, 2006... Los Angeles -- The American Institute of Architects'(AIA) 2006 National Convention and Design Exposition will take place June 8-10, 2006 in Los Angeles, and will feature more than 150 seminars, 25 workshops and 100 professional tours, as well...

Single pipe hydronic system designed for commercial use.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2006... 1 Cranston, R.I. -- Taco Inc.'s (www.taco-hvac.com) LoadMatch single pipe hydronic system replaces the typical two-pipe hydronic system with a one-pipe system that eliminates most balancing valves and energy-consuming control valves by...

Sculpted rubber wall base line adds design options.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2006... 2 Fostoria, Ohio -- Roppe Corporation's (www.roppe.com) Pinnacle Plus sculpted profile wall base line is made of a PVC-free, 1/8-inch thick Type TS rubber compound that allows the installer to easily wrap or miter corners on-site, according to...

Eco-friendly furniture line, custom furniture services salvage city trees.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2006... 3 Scarborough, Ontario -- Toronto-based Urban Tree Salvage's (UTS / www.urbantreesalvage.com) eco-friendly contemporary furniture line of coffee and end tables, with a console and cantilever shelving unit pending, incorporates metal with elm in...

Hybrid solar chiller maximizes energy savings.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2006... 4 Redlands, Calif. -- SolCool One, LLC. (www.solcool.net) has developed a hybrid air conditioning unit, the 2-ton SolCool hybrid solar chiller, which uses a combination of 12-volt solar/back-up battery and 110-volt power to provide extreme...

Environmental textiles line targets hospitality industry.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2006... 5 Guilford, Maine -- Manufactured with a continuing focus on reducing waste, emissions, energy and water usage, Interface Fabrics' (www.interfacefabricsgroup.com) Terratex (www.terratex.com) family of environmental textiles are made from 100...

New highly-reflective roof coatings enhance performance.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2006... 6 Rockford, Minn. -- ERSystems, Inc. (www.ersystems.com) has launched three new products in the roof coating line: ER KynaKote, a coating that adheres to existing fluoro-polymer based paints used on metal roofs and exhibits color retention as...

Sun controls for glass facades reduce building heat loads, glare.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2006... 7 Poessneck, Germany -- elero GmbH's (www.elero-linear.com) Limaline 60 louver actuator system efficiently moves glass, aluminum, photovoltaic and stainless steel louvers of varying sizes, and consists of a specially-adapted Venetian blind...

San Fran eco chic: Hotel Triton provides posh accommodations while keeping sustainable elements at the forefront.(environmentally-friendly business practices and programs )
May 1, 2006... IF YOU'RE GOING TO SAN FRANCISCO... Envision a retreat that not only emblemizes the eclecticism of San Francisco but also embraces the principals of environmental responsibility; capturing the bohemian vibe of this multi-cultural...

Green product buzz guide presented by proud sponsors of the AIA Green Pavilion.
May 1, 2006... PLAYGUARD Abacus Sports Installations introduces Playguard & Playguard Ultra Tiles. These resilient playground-surfacing systems combine strength, durability, and eye appeal. Abacus finds importance in providing slip resistance and safety...

Green meets beautiful: the sustainable Hilton Vancouver makes a statement.(green hotel)
May 1, 2006... Most hotel guests at the Hilton in Vancouver, Wash. probably don't know they are staying in a green hotel. What they are likely to notice is the hotel's pedestrian-friendly, central location in downtown Vancouver, near local restaurants, cafes,...

Adding green to an existing hotel; The University of Maryland University College Inn and Conference Center: the first LEED-certified hotel, and a showplace for educational and environmental awareness.(leadership in energy and environmental design )
May 1, 2006... The hotel addition to the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Inn and Conference Center provides 127 new guest rooms and suites as well as approximately 8,500 square feet of new meeting rooms for an existing facility that serves...

High-performance building envelopes.
May 1, 2006... Welcome to High-Performance Building Envelopes, a special collaboration between Environmental Design + Construction (ED+C) and Walls & Ceilings (WC) magazines. This special section focuses on optimizing building envelopes for greener buildings,...

First home certified under LEED-H pilot.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Washington, D.C. -- Launched in August 2005, the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes pilot (LEED-H), a one-year test to ensure that the rating system is practical and effective for the...

FHBA & FGBC partnership announced to promote affordable green building.(Florida Home Builders Association)(Florida Green Building Coalition)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Tallahassee -- The Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), a Tallahassee, Fla.-based trade association representing more than 19,700 corporate members involved in Florida's home building and remodeling industry and known collectively as "the...

Columbia River gorge touts largest residential LEED/solar development in nation.(residential development along the Columbia River)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Mosier, Ore. -- Northwest developer Peter Erickson's Mosier Creek Homes, a 34-unit residential development along the Columbia River, is being billed as the largest residential and solar community project in the nation following the Leadership...

Educational partnership to focus on benefits of direct vent gas and electric fireplaces, promote clean indoor air.(NEWSLINE at home)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Minneapolis -- Fireplace manufacturer Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. (www.hearthnhome.com), has partnered with the American Lung Association Health House program--a national program developed to improve indoor air quality through its...

Call for entries for 2006 World Habitat Awards.(Building and Social Housing Foundation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Coalville, Leicestershire U.K. -- Applications are now being accepted for the 2006 World Habitat Awards. Established by the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) in 1985, the World Habitat Awards seek to identify practical and...

Cherokee Investment Partners breaks ground on Mainstream GreenHome of the future.(construction and demolition waste)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Raleigh, N.C. -- Making strides in demonstrating that environmentally-focused construction is compatible with conventional building and better living, sustainable brownfield redevelopers Cherokee Investment Partners (www.cherokeefund.com) held...

Educational effort launched to provide accurate information on mold and moisture control.(Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Orlando -- The Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), an industry-wide coalition launched at the 2006 National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) International Builder's Show in Orlando to communicate accurate information to the...

Storm doors now eligible for Federal tax credits.(NEW + NOTABLE at home)
May 1, 2006... Brookings, S.D. -- Larson Manufacturing (www.larsondoors.com) storm doors are eligible for tax credits under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allowing homeowners a tax credit of 10 percent of the amount paid for qualified energy efficiency...

Glass technology protects from excessive solar heat gain.(NEW + NOTABLE at home)
May 1, 2006... Detroit -- Designed specifically for use in residential windows, ClimaGuard SPF glass technology from Guardian Industries Corp. (www.guardian.com / www.climaguardspf.com) blocks 99.9 percent of both UV-A and UV-B ultraviolet (UV) radiation...

Countertop uses low-emitting particleboard.(NEW + NOTABLE at home)
May 1, 2006... Holstein, Iowa -- VT Industries' (www.vtindustries.com) new EQcountertop uses no added urea-formaldehyde particleboard core, water-based adhesives and Greenguard indoor air quality certified laminates, the company reports, and contributes...

Repurposing post-production waste creates brick options for residential, commercial uses.(NEW + NOTABLE at home)
May 1, 2006... Cheraw, S.C. -- Palmetto Brick Company's (www.palmettobrick.com) Ship Ballast residential brick series results from a manufacturing process that repurposes a variety of waste products, and merges them into new and environmentally friendly brick...

Resource-efficient wood-wrapped moulding products.(NEW + NOTABLE at home)
May 1, 2006... Portland, Ore. -- Contact Lumber Company (www.contactlumber.com) specializes in the manufacture of natural wood-wrapped mouldings that can be created using virtually any substrate, including metal, vinyl, fiberglass, and wood composite...

Translucent roofing system technology allows natural light into living spaces.(NEW + NOTABLE at home)
May 1, 2006... Orlando -- Centerpoint Translucent Systems, LLC's (www.cptsystems.com) new translucent roofing system uses GE-Plastics' (www.geplastics.com) Lexan Thermoclear multiwall polycarbonate (PC) sheet in combination with Nanogel translucent aerogel...

Definitive data: choosing a performance monitoring and display system to maximize the value of your green building.(building control technology)
May 1, 2006... You have demonstrated your commitment to ecological stewardship by investing in an environmentally responsible building, yet the presence of solar panels, energy-efficient heating, water-conserving appliances and other green features does not...

Building design and indoor air quality: Responsibility extended to architects to design wisely and control potential sources of indoor air pollution.(STUDIO)
May 1, 2006... Concern over indoor air quality has often been left up to the mechanical engineer to provide enough ventilation air and proper filtration to overcome any sources of indoor air pollution that may creep into a building project. With tighter...

An engineer's role in the LEED process.(STUDIO)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
May 1, 2006... By now, every engineer who is involved with commercial buildings should know about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program--LEED--established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Response to the issues surrounding...

Low odor/VOC finishes reduce chemical exposure.
May 1, 2006... San Diego -- Frazee Paint and Wallcovering's (www.frazeepaint.com) Envirokote line of interior low-odor/low-VOC primer, eggshell, flat and semigloss finishes are suitable for interior walls, ceilings and trim, and are ideal for use in occupied...

Durable environmental coating exceeds GS-11 standards.(PRODUCT FOCUS: INTERIOR PAINTS AND SEALANTS)
May 1, 2006... Cleveland -- The new ProGreen 200 from Sherwin-Williams (www.sherwin-williams.com) is a durable low-odor/low-VOC interior vinyl acrylic finish for use on walls, ceilings, and trim of primed plaster, wallboard, wood, masonry, and primed metal...

Zero-VOC paint for interiors.(PRODUCT FOCUS: INTERIOR PAINTS AND SEALANTS)
May 1, 2006... Los Angeles -- Formulated with no added solvents, EcoShield from Dunn-Edwards Paints (www.dunnedwards.com) is a low-odor/zero-VOC interior paint, and is designed for projects where indoor air quality (IAQ) is a concern. Dunn Edwards recommends...

Interior Latex has no VOCs.(PRODUCT FOCUS: INTERIOR PAINTS AND SEALANTS)
May 1, 2006... Pittsburgh, Pa. -- Pittsburgh Paints (www.pittsburghpaints.com) offers Pure Performance Interior Latex that combines durability with zero VOCs, minimal odor, and mildew resistance on the paint film, the company says. Available in Primer/Sealer,...

Paint line is Green Seal certified.(PRODUCT FOCUS: INTERIOR PAINTS AND SEALANTS)
May 1, 2006... Montvale, NJ -- EcoSpec latex paint by Benjamin Moore (www.benjaminmoore.com) is a 100 percent acrylic system designed for both residential and commercial interior spaces where environmental concerns about air quality during application are a...

Sealer and paint line are natural.(PRODUCT FOCUS: INTERIOR PAINTS AND SEALANTS)
May 1, 2006... San Diego, Calif. -- AFM Safecoat's (www.safe-coatpaint.com) Naturals Oil Wax Finish is an organic plant-based premium hardener and sealer for unfinished woods, including ready-to-finish wood, bamboo and cork floors, and other interior wooden...

HID electronic ballast yields energy savings.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... Knoxville, Tenn. -- Aurora Lighting's (www.auroraballast.com) WattControl ballast for 400W-HID lamps and fixtures, which operates at input voltage from 08-277 V, 50/60 Hz, offers facility managers energy savings and lighting flexibility....

Ballast for metal halide lamps extends lamp life.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... Rosemont, Ill. -- The new e-Vision Mini 39-watt electronic HID ballast for ceramic metal halide lamps from Advance (www.advance-transformer.com) measures up to 30 percent smaller than comparable 20-watt products, the company reports, and lasts...

LED uses less energy.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... New York -- Light emitting diode (LED) manufacturer Light Waves Concept, Inc.'s (www.lightwavesconcept.com) LED 3 Watt MR16 prototype bulb (MR = multi faceted reflectors), which is intended as a replacement for the standard dichroic MR16, is...

Dimmable pulse start e-Lamp provides energy savings.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... Cleveland -- Venture Lighting's (www.venturelighting.com) new 320 watt e-Lamp product for dimming applications and daylight harvesting has an average rated lamp life of more than 20,000 hours, features a color temperature of 4000K and provides...

ENERGY STAR collection pairs fashion with function.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... Riverside, N.J. -- Nexus is an ENERGY STAR collection from Sea Gull Lighting (www.SeaGullLighting.com/energystar) that's designed for function and style as well as ongoing energy savings, the company reports. As a two-time ENERGY STAR Partner...

Energy star-rated CFL down-lights are Title 24 compliant.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... Des Plaines, Ill. -- Juno Lighting Group's (www.junolightinggroup.com) ENERGY STAR-rated compact fluorescent down-lights (CFL) incorporate integral electronic ballasts that provide flicker-free instant starts without the hum of older-generation...

LED tap light offered in 6 colors.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... Danvers, Mass. -- Osram Sylvania (www.sylvania.com) introduces DOT-it lighting, a bright white LED lighting product that sticks practically anywhere. Available in six colors, Sylvania reports that DOT-it's bright white LED light outperforms...

Plug-and-play lighting control system saves energy.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LIGHTING)
May 1, 2006... Somerset, N.J. -- Royal Philips Electronics has introduced ActiLume, an easy-to-install fluorescent lighting dimming system for offices that offers maximum comfort and automatic energy/CO2 savings of up to 75 percent, Philips Lighting...

Efficient glass technology deflects radiant heat.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WINDOWS, GLAZINGS AND FILMS)
May 1, 2006... Bayport, Minn. -- Reported to be 41 percent more energy efficient in summer and 35 percent more energy efficient in winter than standard dual-pane glass, Andersen Windows Inc.'s (www.andersenwindows.com) High Performance Low-E4 glass features...

Solar control Low-E class offers clear light transmittance.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WINDOWS, GLAZINGS AND FILMS)
May 1, 2006... Pittsburgh -- PPG Industries' (www.ppgideascapes.com) Solarban 70XL glass is Low-E glass that combines solar control and visible light transmittance with a transparent, color-neutral appearance. In a standard one-inch insulating glass unit,...

Window film transmits light, blocks heat.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WINDOWS, GLAZINGS AND FILMS)
May 1, 2006... Houston -- V-Kool's (www.v-kool.com) V-Kool 75, V-Kool 65 and V-Kool 40, which complement the company's V-Kool 70 and V-Kool Secure security film, are clear, colorless and non-reflective applied films that combine light transmission and heat...

Glazing products diffuse direct sunlight, reduce glare.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WINDOWS, GLAZINGS AND FILMS)
May 1, 2006... Sydney, Nova Scotia -- Recently awarded the 2006 Industry Award for Export Performance by the GLOBE Foundation, Advanced Glazings Ltd.'s (www.advancedglazings.com) Solera glazing units work with any standard glass framing system, the company...

Energy-efficient window technology is glare-free.(PRODUCT FOCUS: WINDOWS, GLAZINGS AND FILMS)
May 1, 2006... Manchester, N.H. -- Kalwall's (www.kalwall.com) highly insulating, diffused-light transmitting fenestrations provide U-values as low as .05 (R-20) for significant savings in heating/cooling and lighting costs, the company reports, and contain...