Environmental Design & Construction articles from May 2007

Environmental Design & Construction archives from May 2007

Commercial buildings continue to raise the bar.(EDITOR'S NOTE)
May 1, 2007... It came as no surprise when ED+C was flooded with entries for our fifth annual Excellence in Design Awards contest earlier this year, and we are excited to announce the winners in this issue (see pages 18-19): A large bank building, two...

2007 ENERGY STAR award winners announced.(NEWSLINE)
May 1, 2007... Washington, D.C. -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized more than 80 businesses and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy...

Cement plants commended for benefiting local communities, global environment.(NEWSLINE)
May 1, 2007... Skokie, Ill. -- Six cement plants received special recognition for their commitment to improving the environment and their communities at the Sixth Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards. The awards honor individual cement...

Foram announces high-profile green landmark for Miami's Brickell avenue.(NEWLINES)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design )
May 1, 2007... Miami -- Foram Group has announced plans to develop the Brickell Financial Centre, a two-tower office and hotel structure of 1.5 million square feet. As the first LEED-precertified building in the state of Florida, Brickell Financial Centre...

Poll says Americans prefer to work in environmentally friendly buildings.(NEWSLINE)
May 1, 2007... Middletown, Conn. -- When it comes to workplace benefits, an overwhelming percentage of U.S. employees are looking for environmentally friendly environments to work in. According to a recent poll by Mortgage Lenders Network USA (MLN), 94...

Oak ridge national research laboratories get sustainable facelift.(NEWSLINE)
May 1, 2007... Time and change go hand in hand, especially at Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tenn. UT-Battelle, a public/private joint venture created to manage and operate ORNL for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), helped ORNL to...

2007 excellence in design awards: a bank building in Boise and a near zero energy home in Paterson, N.J., an institutional environmental center in California and an environmental heritage center in Georgia, and a multi-family residence in Calgary demonstrate superior sustainable design.
May 1, 2007... Environmental Design + Construction magazine's Fifth Annual Excellence in Design Awards recognize government buildings, institutional facilities, single- and multi-family residences that demonstrate a clear commitment to green building and...

Color palettes for mind, body and spirit.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 1 San Diego -- AFM Safecoat's Ayurveda Essence Colors is a holistic color system designed to heal the mind, body and spirit through the ancient Indian art of Ayurdevic therapy, the company reports. Developed by New York color theorist Michael...

Textile company improves environmental performance.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 2 Saint-Georges, Quebec -- According to the company, through their operations, Victor Innovatex reduced greenhouse emissions by 80 percent, energy use by 24 percent and water consumption by 74 percent, while increasing the use of renewable...

Green products highlighted at green building resource center.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 3 Middleton, Mass. -- Bostik's Construction & Distribution (C & D) Division has partnered with the Green Roundtable's Nexus Green Building Resource Center in Boston: A full-immersion green-building kiosk open to the public, which comprises...

Architectural panels for claddings and facades.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 4 Holland, Mich. -- Dri-Design Wall Panel System architectural panels can be made from a variety of materials including painted aluminum, zinc, copper and stainless steel, the company reports, and are available in any Kynar color in both...

Particulate and chemical filter removes contaminants.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 5 Doraville, Ga. -- Purafil, Inc.'s Purafilter--OA (Outside Air) is a combination particulate and chemical filter designed for use in high-occupancy environments. The Purafilter--OA contains Purafil's Triple-Blend Makeup Air Media to remove...

Demystifying and simplifying the green cleaning process.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 6 Lincolnwood, Ill. -- International trade association for the cleaning industry ISSA's industry-specific edition of "Green Cleaning for Dummies," written by industry experts Steve Ashkin and David Holly, demystifies and simplifies the green...

Electronic faucet designed exclusively for the powder room.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 7 North Olmsted, Ohio -- The luxury brand ShowHouse by Moen's Destiny is a hands-free electronic faucet designed exclusively for the powder room. Infrared sensors detect motion to start and stop the flow of water, ensuring it runs only when...

Melamine laminated composite panels available.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 8 St. Albert, Alberta, (Can.) -- Panel Source International Inc. has launched a program focused on supplying a comprehensive package of melamine laminated composite panels. According to the company, five separate cores: FSC-certified...

Spray polyurethane foam products provide energy-efficient solutions.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 9 Midland, Mich. -- Dow Building Solutions' Styrofoam brand Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation (SPF) for wall applications is a two-component spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation that creates a seamless, monolithic barrier for protection...

Wrapped soffits allow for the look of wood with properties of aluminum.(NEW + NOTABLE)
May 1, 2007... 10 Portland, Ore -- Contact Industries Western Red Cedar-wrapped custom aluminum metal veneer soffits provide the look of wood, but the higher fire rating of aluminum, the company reports. Contact supplied veneer wrapped soffits for University...

2007 excellence in design awards: commercial, office, industrial, multi-use or corporate facility category.(Banner Bank recieves Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Awards)(Company overview)
May 1, 2007... The Banner Bank Building design team loves telling the story of how collective wisdoms reigned when creating this elegant, efficient and beautiful building in Boise, Idaho (HDR designed the Banner Bank Building for the Christensen Corp.). Now...

Roofing system on Carver-Hawkeye arena wins big--twice: Sika Sarnafil recycles aging membrane as it installs replacement.
May 1, 2007... The Carver-Hawkeye Arena at the University of Iowa's Iowa City campus has been the site of many winning performances, including that of its roof. The 48-mil, mechanically attached Sarnafil roof had done its job admirably for 25 years, until an...

Collaborating on commissioning.
May 1, 2007... The practices of commissioning new buildings and retrocommissioning existing facilities offer the potential to significantly reduce energy use and improve the building environment. However, commissioning is not widely practiced because building...

Color Collection creates indoor environmental balance.(green product buzz guide)
May 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...

Garden Roof Assembly.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Hydrotech's Garden Roof[R] Assembly has helped to focus the building industry on the potential of sustainable design with respect to the rooftop. Additional usable space, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, stormwater management, as...

Polysteel Insulating Concrete Forms.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Established in 1978, American PolySteel is the industry leader in high-performance exterior systems for sustainable construction. PolySteel Insulating Concrete Forms provide energy efficiency, safety, security, durability and comfort in one...

Amdeck[TM] Floor & Roof System.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The new AmDeck[TM] Floor & Roof System is a modular, lightweight stay-in-place form made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) used to construct concrete floors and roofs. When installed properly, the system provides structural strength through...

Amvic Design Software (ADS)[TM].(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Amvic has recently developed Amvic Design Software (ADS)[TM], a leading engineering software for checking the structural adequacy of Amvic walls, lintels and AmDeck[TM]. Users input variables and the system calculates if they satisfy the...

Metal-free wood treatment.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... An historic breakthrough in wood preservation, Wolmanized[R] [L.sup.3] Outdoor[R] wood is protected against termite damage and fungal decay by a solution that contains no metals. It is the first such wood created for residential use....

Frameguard[R] mold-resistant wood.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... An effective mold inhibitor is factory-applied to lumber, plywood, OSB, trusses, SIPs, and other wood products to protect against mold, termites and fungal decay. Frame-Guard[R] wood is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified[R] for its low...

ADSearchGreen.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Architectural Data Systems[TM], the leader in online document production, introduces ADSearchGreen[TM], a search engine dedicated to finding building products that are eligible for LEED credits. These can be scheduled, specified, and integrated...

Specifying LEED Requirements Reference Book/CD.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... ARCOM introduces Specifying LEED Requirements Reference Book/CD--Second Edition. This all-in-one reference tool includes: an overview of LEED Requirements, a checklist of relevant specification sections, 600+ pages of valuable LEED information,...

New bamboo ceilings from Armstrong.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The natural, exotic look of bamboo is now available in the WoodWorks[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...

Ultra touch insulation.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Bonded Logic Inc's addition of R30 batts to its popular UltraTouch insulation line allow for easy installation in ceiling applications where higher R values are required. As always, the new R30 UltraTouch insulation will offer superior acoustic...

Cambria.(green product buzz guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Cambria is the premier brand of natural quartz countertops and surfaces. As the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of quartz surfacing, Cambria understands and emphasizes the importance of environmental responsibility in its products and practices....

Rehau construction products.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... REHAU products enhance comfort and convenience, reduce energy costs, and conserve finite resources. Our window and door designs improve thermal efficiency. Our RAUGEO[TM] geothermal system harnesses heat from the ground to deliver an economical...

Greengrid Roof Garden System.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... For more than 40 years, Carlisle SynTec has been a leader in the single-ply roofing industry. In addition to manufacturing the most innovative single-ply roof systems, Carlisle is also proud to lead in the development and manufacturing of...

Facadescape.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Carl Stahl-DecorCable specializes in stainless steel cable, rod and mesh systems for building facades, tensile structures, canopies, safety applications and custom visual displays. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our FACADESCAPE vertical...

SolarWall = building integrated power + LEED points.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... SolarWall[R] systems are a great choice for architects, engineers and building owners who are looking for an ultra high-efficiency building-integrated renewable energy technology, or a source of LEED points (up to 6). SolarWall has been used on...

Full service distributor of renewable energy solutions.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... With in-house design and 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...

Cushionwalk Pavers.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Looking for a sound absorbing and slip resistant exterior surface that is also good for the environment? Choose Dinoflex CushionWalk Pavers made from recycled rubber! Provide outstanding noise reduction, shock absorbency and slip resistance...

DuPont[TM] Corian[R] solid surfaces and DuPont[TM] Zodiaq[R] quartz surfaces.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... DuPont[TM] Corian[R], DuPont[TM] Zodiaq[R] and the sealants and adhesives from DuPont Surfaces are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified[R] and GREENGUARD for Children & Schools(SM) certified. These premium, low-maintenance materials provide...

DuPont[TM] Tyvek[R] Weatherization Systems.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Used in commercial and residential construction with all cladding types, DuPont[TM] Tyvek[R] Weatherization Systems are engineered to help provide air and moisture management for a more durable, energy efficient building envelope. Our...

Seneca Plus Tiles.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... EcoStar introduces Seneca Plus Tiles, the company's most recent addition to its line of premium roofing products. Produced using some of today's strongest, most flexible recycled materials--rubber (EPDM) and plastic (TPO)--Seneca Plus Tiles are...

Innovation in thermal isolation.(green product buzz guide)
May 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...

What really makes a roof cool?(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... It begins with energy savings, and the highly-reflective Duro-Last[R] Cool Zone[R] roofing system is saving energy costs for commercial buildings all over North America. Sustainability decisions should also include the impact of roofing systems...

Eggers Industries.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Eggers Industries now offers architectural wood doors with agrifiber cores in non-rated, 20-minute and 45-minute ratings. Fire ratings available are Category A only. Options include crossbanding with no added urea formaldehyde, viewers and...

Elero: Econom 0 actuator for North America.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The UL-certified Econom 0 linear actuator is the bar for exterior facade motorization. Despite a diameter of 2 1/2 inches, the actuators have load-bearing capacities of 675 foot pounds and are maintenance free. The weather-resistant stainless...

Xlerator[R] hand dryer.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The XLERATOR[R] hand dryer dries hands 3 times faster (10 to 15 seconds) and uses 80 percent less energy than conventional hand dryers. XLERATOR represents a 95 percent cost savings versus paper towels and eliminates their maintenance while...

Post-consumer glass tile.(green product buzz guide)(Fritz Industries introduces a major technological advance)(Brief article)
May 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 Fritz-Glass Tile...

Paperless drywall from Georgia-Pacific Gypsum.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... DensArmor Plus[R] is a paperless drywall designed as a replacement for paper-faced drywall in building interiors. The combination of paperless surfaces and a moisture-resistant core provides superior moisture and mold resistance when compared...

METRO[R]BRICK architectural thin brick.(green product buzz guide)
May 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...

Greengrid[R] modular Green Roof Systems.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The GreenGrid[R] Green Roof System, like all Green Roofs, has the ability to reduce a building's energy costs and reduce stormwater run-off. But unlike traditional layered systems, its simple-modular design makes it cost-effective and easy to...

H & B products for sustainable masonry structures.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Hohmann and Barnard, Inc. offers a line of products for the construction of sustainable masonry structures, including numerous anchor, reinforcement and flashing products that enable masonry walls to endure and perform as intended by the...

Design and energy efficient Framing.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Focused in the mid-Atlantic, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. provides design, manufacturing and raising services for residential and commercial clients throughout the United States, and has been dedicated to energy and design efficiency since...

Kawneer's LEED planning tool.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Kawneer's strong support of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System inspired the creation of Kawneer's LEED planning tool. The free booklet, designed as a guide for architects and building owners,...

Kirei Board.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Kirei: A Japanese word signifying "beautiful" and "clean." Our first product, Kirei Board, embodies these principles, using the hidden beauty found within simple reclaimed agricultural fiber to create a sustainable modern interior design...

Knight Premium Flooring.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Knight Premium Flooring remains dedicated to quality, durability and innovation. As the only United States manufacturer of quartz flooring, we pride ourselves on producing resilient tile that offers long life, low-maintenance and aesthetic...

Knight-Celotex fiberboard.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Knight-Celotex is the world's largest manufacturer of high-performing, affordable fiberboard building products. Our SoundStop[R] family of sound deadening materials includes sheathing, underlayment and tackable wall panels. Structodek[R]...

Logison Acoustic Network.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Large open areas, short workstation partitions, and alternative HVAC typify green design. They also have a negative impact on noise and speech privacy levels, yet LEED doesn't address acoustics or reward those who do. Consequently, many green...

Lonseal.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... A leading designer and manufacturer of resilient flooring and vertical-surfacing products, Lonseal's commitment to sustainable innovation is clear. Through its GreenVinyl[TM] initiative, the majority of Lonseal products have been reformulated...

EcoSystem[TM].(green product buzz guide)
May 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...

Guardian 275 panels.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Guardian 275[R] Translucent Daylighting panels offer beautiful natural light without glare or hot-spots. Studies show that utilizing natural light not only helps the environment, but also offers health benefits in the form of increased focus...

AAC SolarTrac[TM] 3.0.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... MechoShades'[R] AAC SolarTrac[R] 3.0 Window-Management[TM] & Daylighting System integrates new digital, addressable motorized shades with automated shade and daylighting software that tracks the sun according to the solar profile angle....

Metecno USA wall and roof panels.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... MeTecno USA, a single-source manufacturer of premium factory engineered insulated composite and architectural single element metal wall and roof panels, delivers nationwide by way of four divisions and five plants servicing the architectural,...

Lees' Unibond U2: backing the new generation of sustainable carpet.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Lees Carpets introduces Unibond U2[TM], a revolutionary, thermoplastic and fully-recyclable broadloom backing system. Unibond U2 couples world-class performance with industry-leading sustainability--offering all of the qualities that the...

Naturalite.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Naturalite Skylight Systems has added the Versalean-To-Glass (VL2G) skylight to its line of preassembled, preglazed products. The VL2G is a lean-to product that can be installed from a vertical wall to a curb. Standard glazing options for all...

Ecoset.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Polyfoam Products, Inc. introduces Ecoset, an environmentally friendly and energy efficient tile attachment system for steep slope roofing. The five-part Ecoset system consists of a waterproofing underlayment, a layer of expanded polystyrene...

Polykool.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Polyglass[R] USA, a worldwide leader in modified-bitumen and waterproofing products utilizing ADESO[R] technology, offers Polykool. A revolutionary, self-adhesive cool roof modified-bitumen roofing membrane, Polykool features a premium, white...

ICF provides energy savings.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Quad-Lock's R-32 Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) combines 2.25" Regular Panel used on the interior and 4.25" Plus Panel on the exterior. The R-32 wall system represents advancement because of its ability to assist the delaying mechanism of...

Re-New Wood Inc. wood shake alternative.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Eco-shake is a 100 percent recycled sustainable material with the look of wood shake and a solid 50-year warranty, with only a minimum of maintenance required. The product is fire retardant (Class A) and meets or exceeds some of the nation's...

Ruskin chromium-free paint system.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Ruskin continues to be on the forefront of technology by eliminating the use of chromium in the pre-paint coating process, eliminating the release of chromium to the environment, therefore reducing wastewater treatment and disposal processes....

Harmony Low Odor and Duration Home.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Sherwin-Williams Harmony[R] Low Odor Coatings and Duration Home[R] qualify for our Green-Sure designation indicating environmental compliance and maximum performance. You can count on Sherwin-Williams to continue developing green coating...

Verdecor[TM].(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Introducing a new sustainable product from SierraPine, the leader in environmentally-friendly composite panels and mouldings. Verdecor[TM], Sustainable Design Particleboard (SDP) contains 100% recycled wood from sustainable forestry operations...

Smith & Fong Plyboo[R].(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Since 1989, Smith & Fong has been an innovator in the development of bamboo as an alternative building resource. Today, Smith & Fong offers over a hundred products, ranging from bamboo paneling and veneer to coconut palm flooring and plywood,...

Astra-Glaze-SW+ concrete masonry units.(green product buzz guide)
May 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, Trenwyth offers a full line of...

Entrance products ideal for green construction.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Not only are Special-Lite entrance products the first with GREENGUARD[TM] Certification, their durable finishes never need to be painted or refinished reducing maintenance costs and eliminating associated health risks. When compared to hollow...

Stevens GardenTop[TM] vegetated Roofing System.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The Stevens GardenTop[TM] Roof System creates an environmentally friendly habitat that alleviates the urban heat island effect, controls storm water runoff and maximizes the waterproofing membrane's life. This complete system includes Stevens...

Biocel laminate backings.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Universal Textile Technologies supplies the carpet and synthetic turf industry with multiple backing systems, including BioCel[TM] polyurethane high-performance backings for hospitality and commercial carpet. BioCel contains recycled, recovered...

Second-look wallcoverings.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Be the first to use wallcovering a second time. Second-Look wallcoverings are the first vinyl wallcoverings to include recycled content. New from Versa, Cirqa and Plexus, Second-Look designs have the same great look, and quality you expect of...

CGS Green-Spec process.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The Certified Green System (CGS) by VIC International is a Green-Spec process for grinding, densifying and polishing concrete floors. VIC and W.R. Meadows offer an eco-friendly concrete polishing system that is designed to outlast and...

Waterless No-Flush[TM] urinals.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... The Yukon[TM] ceramic Waterless urinal is the newest fixture to join the company's No-Flush urinal line up. As the originator of non-water using urinals, Waterless Co. still offers the most simple and most cost effective system on the market....

Wausau Paper announces Green Seal certification for OptiSource[TM] Foam Lotion Soap.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Wausau Paper has achieved Green Seal certification for its 91300 OptiSource[TM] Pink Lotion Foam Soap. The soap is certified under Green Seal's Standard for Hand Cleaners and Hand Soaps (GS-41). The 91300 OptiSource[TM] foam soap is ideal for...

AIR-SHIELD[TM] LM.(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... AIR-SHIELD[TM] LM from W. R. MEADOWS[R] is a single-component, liquid-applied, water-based, polymer-modified air barrier. It cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane, which exhibits excellent resistance to air and moisture...

INDUROSHINE[TM].(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... INDUROSHINES[TM] is an environmentally friendly, jobsite friendly flooring system that combines the green concrete grinding and polishing system from VIC International with LIQUI-HARD[R] 0.0 g/L VOC-compliant concrete densifier and sealer from...

Naturalock[TM].(green product buzz guide)
May 1, 2007... Naturalock[TM] is a USDA Certified biobased low rise foam adhesive designed to replace and outperform competitive petroleum based polyurethane foam adhesives used in the construction market. Naturalock[TM] has obtained multiple FM approvals for...

Growing Beyond Green.(AIA 2007)
May 1, 2007... San Antonio -- The American Institute of Architects' (AIA) 2007 National Convention and Design Exposition will be held in San Antonio May 3-5, 2007, and will feature more than 250 continuing education programs, 60 tours, 40 events, and 800...