Environmental Design & Construction articles from September 2004

Environmental Design & Construction archives from September 2004

Don't miss Greenbuild 2004!(Editor's Note)
September 1, 2004... I remember it like it was yesterday--my first day as editor of ED+C--at Greenbuild 2002 in Austin. What a fascinating way to start! A year later, the entire ED+C staff and I again conquered Greenbuild at Pittsburgh's LEED-certified David L....

Thanks for covering "The Vinyl Debate" in ED+C (June 2004).(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... TO THE EDITOR, Thanks for covering "The Vinyl Debate" in ED+C (June 2004)--it is a vitally important environmental issue for the design and construction communities. I appreciate your selection of a (lengthy) quote from vinyl flooring...

In response to your March 2004 editorial "Michigan Looks Green, Even in the Winter" in Environmental Design + Construction, I am providing you some information on green building in my local area just north of Cincinati.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... DEAR EDITOR, In response to your March 2004 editorial "Michigan Looks Green, Even in the Winter" in Environmental Design + Construction, I am providing you some information on green building in my local area just north of Cincinati. Last...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2004... A column by Chris Salp and Robin Bectel of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association in the July/August issue of ED+C stated: "Using data from an ASTM E-119-98 test done on wet-spray cellulose by Omega Point Laboratories in 1999,...

Vancouver announces new public buildings to certify as LEED Gold.(Newsline)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Vancouver, B.C, Canada -- The City of Vancouver has officially announced the adoption of green building standards--LEED for British Columbia (LEED-BC) for all new civic buildings greater than 500 square meters. New public buildings must achieve...

Draft of Federal Guide for Green Construction Specs available.(Newsline)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Washington, D.C. -- Under Executive Order 13101, EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances is responsible for providing information to Federal agencies to assist them in practicing environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP)....

Carpet industry sets new IAQ standard.(Newsline)(Indoor Air Quality )
September 1, 2004... Dalton, Ga. -- The Carpet and Rug Institute has unveiled a new Green Label Plus independent testing program for carpet that meets, and even exceeds, California's indoor environmental quality standards for low-emitting products used in...

Green Built Home receives $50,000 in grants from The Home Depot Foundation.(Newsline)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Madison, Wisc. -- Green Built Home, a voluntary program of Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (WEI) in partnership with the Madison Area Builders Association, has recently been awarded two $25,000 grants by The Home Depot Foundation to develop...

EPA and DEP announce winners of New York City's first Green Buildings competition.(Newsline)(Environmental Protection Agency)(Department of Environmental Protection )
September 1, 2004... New York -- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Jane M. Kenny and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Christopher O. Ward, announced the selection of winners in the City of New York's...

Formaldehyde designated as carcinogen, insulation manufacturer responds.(Newsline)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Denver, Colo. -- On June 15, 2004, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) designated formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen following a comprehensive review and evaluation of new scientific studies. The reclassification could...

Whitaker building helps prepare future designers.(Newsline)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Savannah, Ga. -- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) professor Monica Letourneau recently took 18 students out of the lecture hall and into the world of successful design with a visit to Savannah's historic Whitaker Building, a Leadership...

Vice President Cheney visits Duro-Last Roofing.(Newsline)(Dick Cheney)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Saginaw, Mich. -- Vice President Dick Cheney paid a visit to Duro-Last Roofing Inc.'s Saginaw location on June 25, 2004. The Bush-Cheney '04 campaign chose this site to recognize Duro-Last's consistent and strong sales and employment growth,...

METALCON offers environmental sessions.(Newsline)
September 1, 2004... Las Vegas -- METALCON 2004, the 14th Annual Conference and Exhibition for the Metal Construction Industry, brings together professionals from all areas of the metal industry, in Las Vegas, Oct. 20-22, 2004. The event offers countless...

Senators Jeffords and Lautenberg introduce bill to encourage Green Building.(Newsline)(James Jeffords)(Frank Lautenberg)
September 1, 2004... Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sens. Jim Jeffords, I--Vt., and Frank Lautenberg, D--NJ, on July 8, 2004, introduced legislation to promote the development and construction of environmentally friendly federal buildings and schools. The...

Get linked with ED+C! Coming fall 2004.(Newsline)
September 1, 2004... PRACTICAL BUSINESS INFORMATION IS A PRECIOUS COMMODITY -- CONCISE + CURRENT INFORMATION IS EVEN MORE INVALUABLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE GREEN BUILDING INDUSTRY. THE PRINT ISSUES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION THAT YOU RECEIVE EACH MONTH ARE...

Faucet offers advanced solar technology.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 1 Franklin Park, Ill. -- Sloan Valve Company adds to its family of water conservation solutions with the new Solis, an electronic, solar-powered faucet that operates via ambient lighting. The Solis faucet incorporates the latest advancements in...

Precast concrete technology reduces weight, improves insulation.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 2 Anderson, S.C. -- CarbonCast, an innovative precast concrete technology that replaces conventional reinforcement with a non-corrosive, high-strength carbon fiber grid that allows thinner precast sections, can reduce the weight of...

Self-luminous exit signs are maintenance free.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 3 Providence, RI -- The Ever-Green Series of self-luminous exit signs, now available from Mule Lighting, Inc., is a maintenance-free and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional exit lighting, the company says. Ever-Green's...

Portable, self-contained Green Roof Blocks.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 4 Florissant, Mo. -- Saint Louis Metalworks Co. announces construction of the Green Roof Pavilion at the Earth Ways Home for the Missouri Botanical Garden, which will showcase the company's new Green Roof Blocks used to ballast the EPDM single...

New refrigerators fund tree planting.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 5 Findlay, Ohio -- Danby Products, Inc. introduces a new line of refrigerators utilizing art on the front doors of their mid-size refrigerators, compact refrigerators, keg coolers and wine coolers. As a project inspired by a partnership between...

Engineered structural insulating panels.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 6 Sherman Oaks, Calif. -- Green Sandwich Technologies' custom engineered structural concrete insulating panels can be used for floors and rooftops, in addition to interior and exterior walls. The patented panels, constructed with a 45-degree...

Recycled rubber for realistic landscaping.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 7 Brooklyn Heights, Ohio -- GroundScape Technologies' products are formulated and engineered for durable, long-lasting, safe materials for landscaping and playground safety surfaces. GroundScape Premium Groundcover is made of recycled tire...

Energy-efficient hand dryer.(New and Notable)
September 1, 2004... 8 East Longmeadow, Ma. -- Excel Dryer, Inc.'s new Xlerator hand dryer works in 10 to 15 seconds. Plus, it uses 80 percent less energy than conventional dryers, and saves money and landfill space versus paper towels, the company reports. The...

Web exclusive! Green by the sea.(Online at www.edcmag.com)(Book Review)
September 1, 2004... FROM ENGINEERED SYSTEMS MAGAZINE, GREEN BY THE SEA BY JOANNA R. TURPIN EXPLORES THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ROBERT REDFORD BUILDING. RROM A MIX OF NATURAL AND MECHANICAL COOLING TO RAINWATER-SUPPLIED BATHROOMS, THE NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL'S...

Web exclusive! Marketplace master.(Online at www.edcmag.com)(Book Review)
September 1, 2004... SUZANNE LOWE, AUTHOR OF "MARKETPLACE MASTERS: HOW PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FIRMS COMPETE TO WIN," LOOKS AT TODAY'S ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FIRMS' MARKETING EFFORTS. IN THIS BOOK EXCERPT, LOWE SUGGESTS THAT THEY TOO RARELY ALLOT THE...

A showcase for sustainable design: the U.S. Green Building Council's own renovated office space targets LEED CI.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors)
September 1, 2004... It only made sense that the U.S. Green Building Council resides in a green office. As a leading green building organization, the USGBC has continued to take over the marketplace. In merely three years, the number of USGBC employees has grown...

Warm floors: affordable, efficient comfort for cold feet.
September 1, 2004... Winter came in that year with a cold, icy blast. On one side of the window, a frozen wonderland. On the other, we stood in awe at the first snowstorm of the season, content in shorts and bare feet while experiencing a giddy comfort that's hard...

Building green facades: exterior wall systems and claddings are available in a variety of attractive, versatile and environmental options.
September 1, 2004... When specifying exterior claddings and facades, a variety of attractive and cost-effective solutions are available that also offer environmental attributes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Although often selected on...

AIA's Committee on the environment 2004 Top Ten Green Projects.(Applause)(American Institute of Architects)
September 1, 2004... The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected 10 examples of architectural and "green" design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The 2004 Top Ten Green Projects address...

The environment at ISH North America.
September 1, 2004... Messe Frankfurt, Inc., partners with the America Supply Association (ASA), the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC) and the Radiant Panel Association (RPA) to...

Concrete: on the foundation for a solid, sustainable future.(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... Welcome to Environmental Design + Construction magazine's special section on Concrete. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The design world today is faced with myriad choices when it comes to sustainable design and construction. "Green" materials...

Sustainability at the source: cement plants take steps to go green, industry makes strides to ensure concrete is sustainable from the start.
September 1, 2004... At the heart of concrete is cement, the gray powder that combines with water to bind aggregates, sand and other cementitious materials to create one of the world's strongest building materials. While concrete's value in sustainable construction...

Optimal mix: new concretes are designed to deliver; A tailored approach maximizes the benefits, not the materials.(Supplementary cementitious materials)
September 1, 2004... Some of the greatest concrete innovations today are focused on creating new mixes. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are part of the picture, redirecting industrial byproducts from landfills and supplying concrete with greater...

Commercial buildings take on a new form: ICF wall systems offer energy efficiency, durability, safety--and sustainability.(Insulating concrete forms)
September 1, 2004... Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) have been gaining steam in the residential market during the last 10 years: concrete homes currently account for about 16 percent of single-family construction. Lately, more architects and builders are also...

Green is gorgeous: decorative concrete offers beauty and benefits; Architects and designers enjoy unlimited choices for aesthetic enhancement.
September 1, 2004... Concrete doesn't just create sustainable structures--it makes buildings beautiful, memorable, and award winning. Decorative concrete applications bring all the benefits of regular concrete while adding to a structure's aesthetic appeal. For...

ICF system.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... A universal noncombustible code approval plus all major national and regional building code approvals means it's easier to build multi-story commercial projects with Reward Wall Systems[R]. And other commercial building products can't compare...

Conflex XL.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Sherwin-Williams ConFlex XL elastomeric waterproofing coating protects masonry and concrete surfaces from water penetration with a thick, elastic film that creates a pinhole-free, long-lasting finish. Available in smooth and texture finishes,...

Innovative storm water design enhances water quality.(Studio)
September 1, 2004... With the debate centering on Iraq and the economy, you might not hear or read much about water protection during this year's presidential campaign. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But make no mistake about it: water continues to be at the...

EcoSpec[R] paints.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... EcoSpec[R] paints were created by Benjamin Moore in response to the growing demand for "green" products. Consisting of a primer and three finish coats, the products emit virtually zero VOCs, are low in odor, and have received both GREENGUARD[R]...

Cool roofing system.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The Duro-Last[R] Cool Zone[R] roofing system reflects up to 87% of the sun's energy--delivering real cost savings. Easily installed without disruption to school operations, the Cool Zone roofing system is also leak-proof, resistant to...

"Green. works anywhere.".(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... ECOsurfaces Commercial Flooring is made from the highest quality 100% recycled SBR tire rubber and colorful EPDM flecks. With 54 standard colors and 29 custom granules, there's a hue for every environment. ECOsurfaces is designed to meet...

PAVE-EL[R] paver stone pedestals.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The PAVE-EL pedestal system elevates, levels, and uniformly spaces paver stones and protects the substrate of waterproofed installations such as roof decks, roof gardens and green roof walkways, mechanical system walks, and for promenades,...

Touch-free, waterfree urinal.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Waterfree, touch-free urinal system from Falcon Waterfree Technologies typically saves 40,000 gallons of water per year for each unit installed. The system uses a patented, sealed cartridge containing a biodegradable sealant that eliminates the...

New linoleum collection.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Today's architects and interior designers increasingly select materials and colours to emphasize a spatial experience--using light and reflections suggestively. Forbo Flooring developed the new linoleum collection 'Marmoleum colourful greys',...

Gravelpave[.sup.2].(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Gravelpave[.sup.2], from Invisible Structures, Inc., is a low maintenance, reliable surface with excellent drainage, easy accessibility, and no rutting. Gravelpave[.sup.2] is excellent for parking lots, trails, and access roads....

Window treatment system.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The sophisticated and versatile Sivoia QED[TM] (quiet electronic drive) window treatment system from Lutron Electronics provides complete control of natural light. It features a near-silent electronic drive, minimal light gaps around the shade,...

Custom BMS-3000 skylights.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The BMS-3000 skylight system from Naturalite Skylights Systems meets the aesthetic and performance requirements of discriminating architects, featuring a patented glazing clip to provide a thermal break and positive stop to prevent glass...

Solar SunRoof[TM] FS.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... RWE SCHOTT Solar's innovative SunRoof[TM] FS freestanding rooftop solar electric system is specially designed for flat-roof commercial and public buildings. It includes a simple, effective mounting system that requires no roof penetrations and...

Composite panels and mouldings.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... SierraPine Ltd., manufacturer of composite panels and mouldings, specializes in environmentally friendly products that contribute to achieving LEED credits for material/resources and indoor air quality. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] *...

Structural Insulated Panels with Urethane or EPS foam cores.(Product + Literature Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Winter Panel is a manufacturer of Structural Insulated Panels (S.I.P.S.). Our panels are available with Urethane or E.P.S. foam cores. Both foam cores are environmentally friendly (zero ozone depletion), with pentane as the blowing agent. Full...

Transpired solar collector: stylish solar walls work.(Product Profile)
September 1, 2004... The United States Department of Energy calls the transpired solar collector "the most reliable, best performing, and lowest cost solar heating system for commercial and industrial buildings available on the market today." [ILLUSTRATION...

New flexible, solar panels.(Solar and PV Systems)
September 1, 2004... Redmond, Wash. -- IQ Marine's Sunovation GmbH has created solar cell panels that are semitransparent and flexible, allowing for unlimited creativity and adaptability in architectural design--they are even flexible enough to accommodate a 180cm...

Integrated solar wall system.(Solar and PV Systems)
September 1, 2004... Albuquerque, N.M. -- Shown is a Welsh technology center that integrates UniRac's Solar-Mount Mounting System into an 11,000-square-foot "Solar Wall" (photo courtesy of Energy Equipment Testing Service, who engineered the system). At peak hours,...

All-back photovoltaic modules.(Solar and PV Systems)
September 1, 2004... Sunnyvale, Calif. -- SunPower Corp., a Cypress subsidiary, has announced its new solar power product line, the first mass-produced photovoltaic (PV) modules utilizing SunPower's breakthrough all-back-contact solar cells. With conversion...

PV panels for windows.(Solar and PV Systems)
September 1, 2004... Elmsford, N.Y. -- The RWE Group and the SCHOTT Group have joined together to produce economical and efficient thin-film silicon solar panels which are semi-transparent for use in skylights and windows as well as facades. The company says the...

30kW power converter.(Solar and PV Systems)
September 1, 2004... Vancouver, Canada -- Ballard Power Systems introduced its 30kW Ecostar power converter specifically designed for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The 30kW grid-tie utility interactive power converter combines superior inverter and transformer...

PV inverter.(Solar and PV Systems)
September 1, 2004... Menomonee Falls, Wisc. -- Magnetek, Inc. has announced Aurora photovoltaic inverters that change direct currents (DC) produced by solar panels into utility-grade alternating currents (AC). Connectivity to the utility grid enables the inverter...

Thin-film solar technology.(Solar and PV Systems)
September 1, 2004... Auburn Hills, Mich. -- United Solar Ovonic's thin-film technology is available in a variety of building-integrated roofing laminates and standing seam panels. UL-Listed photovoltaic roofing products feature many advantages including:...

Quiet, efficient bath fans.(Air Movement and Control)
September 1, 2004... Hartford, Wis., August 10, 2004 -- The new QT Series of ventilation solutions from Broan-NuTone includes some of the quietest fans in the industry, the company says. With sone levels that are up to 40 percent lower than industry standards, the...

Low-profile fan.(Air Movement and Control)
September 1, 2004... Secaucus, N.J. -- Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company offers low profile ventilation fans that are more efficient and quieter than the minimum ENERGY STAR requirements, the company reports. The Whisper-Fit-Lite Low Profile Ventilation Fan...

In-ceiling air cleaner.(Air Movement and Control)
September 1, 2004... Minneapolis -- Honeywell has introduced the F111U series media commercial air cleaner with UV, an upgraded version of its popular F111 model designed for drop ceilings. F111U's combination of a media filter and UV protection work together for...

Indoor air purifier.(Air Movement and Control)
September 1, 2004... Poquoson, Va. -- Zentox's Photox 500 is an advanced air purification system for the reduction of indoor airborne microbiological and volatile organic compound (VOC) contaminants. Based on photocatalytic oxidation technology (PCO), Photox is...

Really "big" fans.(Air Movement and Control)
September 1, 2004... Lexington, Ky. -- Big Ass Fans are reported to improve air circulation and worker comfort year round, particularly in high-ceiling industrial and commercial buildings. Fans range from 8 feet to 24 feet and can each move up to 246,000 cfm of air...

Recycled plastic/wood decking and railing systems.(Deckings and Railings)
September 1, 2004... Springdale, Ark. -- Weyerhaeuser's ChoiceDek manufactured by Advanced Environment Recycling Technologies, Inc., is a blend of recycled polyethylene plastics and recycled wood fibers. Though the decking and railing is made from 100 percent...

Reclaimed wood and plastic.(Deckings and Railings)
September 1, 2004... Winchester, Va. -- Trex decking and railing products are made from reclaimed wood and plastic--the company says the plastic (made primarily of recycled grocery bags and reclaimed pallet wrap) shields the (waste) wood product from moisture and...

Composite decking of recycled natural fibers.(Deckings and Railings)
September 1, 2004... Valley Forge, Pa. -- CertainTeed Corporation introduces the new Woodgrain surface finish on double-sided planks of its Boardwalk Composite Decking. The Woodgrain finish retains the low-maintenance characteristics and is manufactured using...

Recycled plastic lumber.(Deckings and Railings)
September 1, 2004... Luxemburg, Wisc. -- A deck made from Evolve Recycled High Density Polyethylene (ReHDPE) lumber from RENEW PLASTICS is split-, rot-, and fade-resistant, the company says. Evolve is a plastic "lumber" made from recycled HDPE plastic milk and...

PVC-free solar control.(Window Shades and Films)
September 1, 2004... Upper Saddle River, N.J. -- GreenScreen fabrics are PVC-free solar shading fabrics designed for internal and external contract roller shades and solar control systems, according to Nysan Shading Systems (a Hunter Douglas company). GreenScreen...

Glazing system with Nanogel.(Window Shades and Films)
September 1, 2004... Boston -- Nanogel translucent aerogel, a light-weight highly insulative material made exclusively by Cabot Corp., fills the new Pilkington Profilit translucent linear structural glazing system developed by Westcrowns, Inc. Pilkington Profilit...

Sustainable solar shade cloth.(Window Shades and Films)
September 1, 2004... Long Island City, N.Y. -- MechoShade Systems, Inc. has launched EcoVeil, an "eco-effective" solar shade cloth, the company says. It is PVC-free and meets the Cradle to Cradle initiative with its ability to go back into the industrial cycle and...

Transparent window shade.(Window Shades and Films)
September 1, 2004... Martinsville, Va. -- CPFilms Inc., manufactures solar control and safety window film. Halcyon Shades, for example, are a transparent window shade that allows a view of the outside while rejecting 99 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays, 80...

Window shading system.(Window Shades and Films)
September 1, 2004... Coopersburg, Pa. -- The Sivoia QED (Quiet Electronic Drive) window shading system from Lutron Electronics provides complete control of natural light. Recent additions to the product line include the Roller 225 System, which offers smooth,...

Green edge: envisioning a world without toxics.
September 1, 2004... It seems obvious that toxic materials should not be part of the built environment in order to maintain healthy indoor spaces. Less obvious are the challenges posed elsewhere by toxic components and by-products of manufacturing. Even if...