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October 30, 2007 Hampshire High School Expects to Save More Than $1 Million in Energy Costs With Ice Storage System HAMPSHIRE, Ill., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When building a new facility for Hampshire High School's 2,500 students, administrators chose an innovative ice storage system in order to: -- Create high performance classrooms that optimize students' learning environment, increase faculty retention and actually improve student test scores -- Reduce energy consumption, benefiting the school, community and environment Trane's ice storage system offered the best option to achieve these goals. The engineering firm for the project, Metro Design Associates, performed a system life-cycle cost analysis that showed the district will save more than $1 million over the life of the system. That number is based on current energy rates. If energy rates rise, so will the savings. At the current rate, the district will receive a full return on its investment in the ice storage system in less than three years. The heart of the ice storage system is a dual-temperature Trane chiller. The chiller operates in standard cooling mode during the day and in ice-making mode at night. The ice is stored in tanks and used to provide cooling to the building the next day during peak hours. This solution actually improves the reliability of the power grid by shifting peak cooling loads to off-peak hours. Off-peak electricity is less expensive and, because the most efficient power plants run during off-peak hours, there are substantial environmental benefits as well. In addition to energy conservation, indoor air quality was a high priority when choosing the school's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Energy recovery modules (part of Trane's M-series climate changers) will keep energy consumption low, while allowing better indoor air quality with high ventilation rates, improving the school's environment for students, faculty and staff. More
October 29, 2007 Green Building Alliance Secures $750,000 to Develop Green Building Products in Pennsylvania Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Awards 2nd Year Funding PITTSBURGH, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Green Building Alliance (GBA) received a $750,000 grant from the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) for Year Two of its Green Building Product Initiative and its role with the Pennsylvania Green Growth Partnership. The announcement came at the BFTDA October meeting yesterday. "The green market represents a significant economic stimulus for Pennsylvania, which ranks 2nd in the country in the number of LEED certified buildings. Through the work of GBA's Green Building Products Initiative and the Pennsylvania Green Growth Partnership, substantial progress is being made as the commonwealth moves towards improved conservation and energy independence measures. It is because of this pro-active effort in a growing industry that we are making this second year allocation," said Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development and chair of the BFTDA board. The Green Building Products Initiative is a program that engages, educates, and energizes manufacturers, product representatives, and service providers in western Pennsylvania to increase their share of the green building marketing. During the past year dozens of Pennsylvania based product manufacturers have begun to work with the Green Building Alliance to explore and develop green building products. Their motivations for joining in these efforts vary but one of the highlights is that the green building product market is expected to be a $30-$40 billion market by 2010. More
October 29, 2007 Kurawood Launches Hardwood Alternative Flooring, Stairs, Furniture And Mouldings Crafted Exclusively From Organically Modified Softwood To Match Hardwood For Beauty And Performance BIRMINGHAM, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kurawood plc, is launching a range of wood products crafted from VECOwood®, the world's only softwood that has been organically modified to match the beauty and performance of hardwood. The announcement was made today on Stand G105, NEC Hall 5, at Interbuild 2007, the UK's building trade show. VECOwood® is created by impregnating timber with a simple organic, proprietary non-toxic formulation that, once cured inside the timber, adds colour and strength all the way through to deliver performance usually associated only with hardwood timber. “Builders have always favoured hardwoods such as oak and mahogany because of their durability and natural beauty. But this demand has had a devastating effect on tropical forests,” said Roy Tilleard, chairman of Kurawood, plc. “Now we are offering a real alternative that gives all the benefits of hardwood without plundering the environment.” Only sustainable fast-growing plantation timber is used to make VECOwood® meaning that there is an almost endless supply of premium timber to craft Kurawood products. VECOwood® can be created from a number of timber species and only sawn and graded timber is used. The formulation used to create VECOwood® is based on simple organic compounds which have none of the harsh side effects of many timber treatments. In addition, VECOwood®'s manufacturing methodology means that Kurawood products have: 1. a distinctive knot-free finish 2. unparalleled consistency in weight and colour 3. superior performance to many traditional species, so you get cherry with the strength of oak 4. improved dimensional stability due to moisture resistance, and 5. superior finish due to improved ability to glue, machine and coat the wood. The VECOwood® process consists of a non-toxic water-based and water thin formulation which is impregnated into the timber. The VECOwood® formulation, consisting of a natural vegetable oil and resin together with other modifiers and polymerising agents, forms a rigid, insoluble polymer within the wood cells which mimic and enhance the properties of the source timber. More
October 29, 2007 DES Architects+Engineers Team Wins California Architecture Foundation Competition for the Best "Beyond Green'' Design REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The California Architectural Foundation awarded the team of DES Architects+Engineers their top recognition in the 2007 Competition of the William Turnbull Prize “Off Grid Ideas for Building a Carbon Neutral Future.” The challenge was to develop 60 acres in the Visitacion Valley neighborhood of San Francisco into a sustainable community. Competitors were asked to foster concepts that were “off grid” and showed a zero ecological footprint. Submissions were encouraged to develop a community that embraces a physical and social fabric that not only avoids harm but generates an environment in which it flourishes. Steve Mincey, CEO of DES: “What a great reward for a team that worked tirelessly nights and weekends to showcase their vision of an environmentally healthy community. We are all extremely proud of their performance.” “We employed the concept of Cascading Energy which is about creating, conserving, and sustaining energy in all its forms in a work-life setting. Wind becomes electricity. Electricity converts to social vigor when light illuminates evening events. And social vigor sustains the economy as night life nurtures local businesses," said Byron Wong speaking for the team. Team members include Candice Lui, Rico del Moral, Howard Kwok, Waibun Lee, Enoc Lira, Amy Strazzarino, Byron Wong, Chi-Wing Wong, Tracy Wong, and Ginny Yi. DES embraces sustainability not only in designs for our clients but we take it to heart ourselves by incorporating LEED in-house training and locating our office near a transit hub, providing hybrid corporate cars or using sustainable office products. More
October 25, 2007 Brasada Ranch Named Community of the Year in Builder Magazine Central Oregon Development Cited for Sustainable Building, Preserving Open Space POWELL BUTTE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brasada Ranch, a luxurious golf and outdoor recreation community nestled in the scenic high desert of Central Oregon, is proving that green building can be simply gorgeous. For the ingenuity of salvaging wood from an old lumber mill and the foresight to set aside half of its land as open space, Brasada Ranch has won major national recognition. The development was named Community of the Year by Builder, the magazine of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in the October issue. Brasada Ranch is no stranger to national honors. It is the first destination resort in Oregon and the fourth nationally to receive a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This prestigious LEED certification was given to Brasada Ranch’s centerpiece structure, the 8,300-square-foot Discovery Center, as well as four other core community buildings also designed to LEED silver and gold standards. “The Discovery Center is just one example of sustainable development at Brasada Ranch,” said Ken Cates, vice president of sales and marketing for JELD-WEN Communities. “Our core value of treading lightly on the land guided all our decisions, from diverting 75 percent of our construction site waste away from landfills to selecting 100-percent recycled roof shingles.” Brasada Ranch’s Discovery Center was built from 300,000 board feet of reclaimed wood from the nearby Ochoco lumber mill, which was purchased and carefully cataloged by the ranch’s parent company, JELD-WEN Communities. Artifacts from the 75-year-old mill are integrated into the center’s decor, along with lava rock and native material featured in the stonework. In addition, the entrance to Brasada Ranch is framed by a refurbished trestle bridge that once served as an irrigation flume. “From a design standpoint, these materials provided an instant patina that contrasts nicely with contemporary features such as skylights and board form concrete,” project architect Richard Carr told Builder. Carr is the principal of Cottle Carr Yaw (CCY) Architects of Boulder, Colo. More
October 25, 2007 Active Power Helps Support Metro Hospital in Achieving LEED Certification “Green” UPS System Reduces CO2 Emissions; Provides Power Protection to Hospital Data Center AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As energy prices continue to rapidly increase and momentum builds for tougher environmental legislation, data center operators are continually exploring ways to minimize overhead power consumption and improve energy efficiency. More and more operators are designing and building facilities to earn the U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification or earn an ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and Department of Energy. Grand Rapids, Mich. based Metro Health Hospital is currently seeking its LEED certification and is already earning points toward recognition with the installation of two Active Power CleanSource® 300E uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Active Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACPW), inventor and manufacturer of the most energy-efficient critical power systems in the world, provides power conditioning and backup power for the hospital’s data center. The data center will support Metro Health Village, which will include Metro Hospital’s 480,000 square foot facility, physician offices, specialty centers, medical suppliers and retailers. Metro Health Village is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007. “We’re striving to become one of the few LEED certified hospitals in the United States and Active Power is helping us earn this accreditation,” said Robert Van Rees, director, Facility and Support Services at Metro Hospital. “Active Power’s flywheel based UPS systems provide exceptional levels of energy efficiency, which reduce CO2 emissions and impact our bottom line. We were also looking for a UPS system that could provide reliable back up power in the instance of a power sag, fluctuation or outage and Active Power delivers that.” CleanSource UPS is a highly reliable source of energy, delivering consistent, predictable performance over its 20-year life span with absolutely no degradation in service. With more than 35 million hours of runtime in the field, CleanSource performs at efficiency levels of up to 98 percent, which reduces energy consumption as compared to 90 percent energy efficiency with a conventional, battery based UPS system. In addition to its operational efficiency, CleanSource is easier and less costly to retrofit and install due to its smaller footprint requirements and wide operating ambient temperature range. More
October 25, 2007 Architects Respond to California Wild Fires Architecture for Humanity designers band together to help rebuild for people who have lost homes and businesses to the fires of Southern California. SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Architecture for Humanity represents the world's largest number of architectural professionals willing to volunteer their time and their talents to communities in need. Already voluntary architects and designers in Southern California are banding together to prepare to help families and businesses rebuild. Rebuild San Diego, a chapter of Architecture for Humanity, has posted a project on the Open Architecture Network (http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/) with information on their efforts. Architecture for Humanity Los Angeles is also partnering with Rebuild San Diego to mount a regional-wide response including sharing information regarding local municipalities' relief efforts. Architecture for Humanity efforts will focus on rebuilding and reconstruction. We welcome all support and donations (please do not send donations of materials at this time). More
October 24, 2007 Homeowner Preparation Can Help Save Houses in California Wildfires, States Tile Roofing Institute Use of Non-Combustible Roofs and Other Fireproofing Measures Minimizes Damage CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With thousands of California residents already besieged by the recent onslaught of forest and brush fires, thousands more still have the opportunity to help minimize the potential devastation to their homes. Advance planning and preparation can help protect your home and minimize the damage caused by fires. “Most people don’t realize that there are many things they can do to safeguard their home from serious damage due to wildfires, storms and even earthquakes,” says Jeanne Sheehy, managing director for TRI. “Taking just a few precautionary measures can go a long way to helping homeowners minimize the damage that can occur from these kinds of natural disasters.” The Tile Roofing Institute (TRI), the leading resource and proponent of concrete and clay tile roof systems, offers this check-list for homeowners. Short-term tactics Defensible Space: Defensible space is the area around a home, which is planted and maintained to provide a buffer zone against wildfire, and to provide firefighters access and room to protect the home. The width of acceptable defensible area depends on the steepness of the slope and the type of vegetation adjacent to the home. The steeper the slope and the heavier the vegetation the wider the defensible space needed. Under optimum conditions the minimum width should not be less than 30 feet. In some extreme instances this width could be as much as 300 feet. Fire departments and local nurseries can provide more detailed information and a list of fire-resistant plants for landscaping needs. Home Maintenance: Maintaining the exterior of your home can greatly reduce the risk of fire. Roofs and gutters should be cleaned regularly. Trees and shrubs should be kept pruned, and dried vegetation and debris should be cleared away from foundations and underneath decks. Smoke Alarms: Interior smoke alarms are one of the most inexpensive ways to protect family and home from fire. Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of the home, next to bedrooms and tested monthly. More
October 23, 2007 Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services Acquires Industrial Specialists, L.L.C. and Protherm Services Group KENNESAW, Ga., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Industrial Specialists, L.L.C. ("ISI") and Protherm Services Group, LLC ("Protherm"). Both ISI and Protherm are leading providers of specialty craft services in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The companies serve major oil refiners, chemical manufacturers and large engineering and construction firms. The acquisitions further strengthen Brand's position as the leading integrated specialty services provider on the Gulf Coast. Subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, Brand expects to complete these acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2007. "The Gulf Coast region is a rapidly expanding industrial market with a growing need for a specialty services provider that can deliver an integrated, single-source solution. We are delighted to be purchasing best-in-class businesses that provide Brand with the opportunity to significantly expand our presence in the robust Gulf Coast refining and petrochemicals markets. These acquisitions will allow Brand to better meet our customers' needs with more locations, an expanded portfolio of service offerings and a larger labor pool," said Paul Wood, President and CEO Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services. "We are excited to welcome the ISI and Protherm employees to Brand and are committed to combining the best of the three companies to continue to build upon our heritage of providing world-class solutions to our customers." About Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services is a diversified provider of specialty services to North America's energy markets. Its extensive portfolio of service offerings includes scaffolding, industrial coatings, insulation, refractory, forming and shoring solutions, and other related soft crafts. Brand operates in five key energy sectors: refinery, petrochemical, oil sands, power generation and offshore oil and gas. The company also serves the commercial and infrastructure construction markets throughout North America and in strategic international regions. More
October 18, 2007 Halvorson and Partners Celebrate Ground Breaking on Russia Tower in Moscow, Expected to Be Europe’s Tallest Building CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Halvorson and Partners, structural engineer, in collaboration with London-based Foster and Partners and the STT Group of Moscow, celebrated the ground breaking for the Russia Tower in Moscow on September 18, 2007. Expected to be Europe’s tallest building when completed in 2012, this Supertall Structure will redefine the Moscow skyline. "It was a pleasure working with such a talented design team and dedicated developer on this amazing structure. Being part of the design so early in the process enabled us to really push the envelope with this structural system. We're proud to have been included in the groundbreaking celebration as it signifies this tower is one step closer to reality,” said Robert Halvorson, principal of Halvorson and Partners. Located in the Moska City development area, the 129-story (1,970 ft. tall) building will be 516 feet taller than the roof of the Sears Tower. Halvorson and Partners worked closely with Foster and Partners to create a structural concept that would make the building owner’s design request a reality. The 3,700,000 square-foot mixed-use tower will rise from a triangular site as three tapered wings radiating from a central core and will house apartments, a hotel, offices and retail space. The innovative structural system for this distinct form has been coined a 'braced spine' system. It is an extremely efficient concept for super-tall structures and was developed in a collaborative process between Halvorson and Partners and Foster and Partners as a direct response to the design challenges and opportunities presented by this project. Similar to a cable stayed mast, this system utilizes sloping members to brace a central spine. However, instead of tension cables, the brace members are concrete columns arranged in a fan shape. They are visually expressed on the exterior and prop the central concrete core against wind loads as well as carry gravity loads. Demonstrating its dedication to sustainable growth, the tower will use photovoltaic cells in the upper structure to produce electricity that can be fed back into the city’s power grid. The tower will also feature systems to collect rainwater and snow to help reduce the freshwater required and to harness the heat created by offices in the winter and the cooling properties of the ground in summer to reduce energy demand. More
October 18, 2007 Arclin Decorative Overlays Earns GREENGUARD Certifications Offers First Decorative Melamine Overlays Certified for Children & Schools MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Arclin, a leading provider of bonding and surfacing solutions, is pleased to announce that its line of Decorative Melamine Overlays has been GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified(R) by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), which establishes performance-based standards for low-emitting building materials, furnishing and finishes used indoors. In addition, Arclin received the GREENGUARD for Children & Schools Certification. This certification presents the most stringent emissions criteria, and is a referenced standard for products used in K-12 schools, daycare facilities and healthcare environments. Products certified under GREENGUARD Children & Schools are specified in the USGBC's LEED for Schools Rating System and CHPS Best Practices Manual as criteria for low-emitting materials. Builders, architects, designers, contractors and specifiers can use Arclin Decorative Melamine Overlays as low-emitting decorative surface solutions for cabinetry, office furniture, closet organizers, store fixtures, or other decorative surface applications. "Being the first to offer certified, low-emitting engineered decorative melamine overlays demonstrates our position as an innovative and environmentally-friendly partner," says Arclin Sr. V.P. Bjorn Wahl. "We'll continue developing sustainable and environmentally sound product solutions that create new market opportunities for our customers." More
October 18, 2007 Design-Build Firm Wins Gold in National Design Competition Finished Basement Company Captures Three National Awards DENVER, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Finished Basement Company, with offices in Denver, Colorado, and Eagan, Minnesota, was recently recognized by two national remodeling publications for excellence in basement design. The company won two gold awards in basement design from the "Best of the Best" design awards sponsored by Professional Remodeler Magazine. Now in its sixth year, the Best of the Best competition recognizes outstanding design, craftsmanship and functionality in the projects of remodelers across the United States. Finish Basement Company's winning projects will be featured in the November issue of Professional Remodeler. Finished Basement Company also received a Bronze award for basement design in the highly competitive National Master Design Awards. Winning projects can be seen in the October issue of Qualified Remodeler and on the QR website at http://www.qualifiedremodeler.com/. Earlier this year, Finished Basement Company captured six local awards from the Colorado Association for Remodeling Excellence (CARE) for their outstanding achievement in basement design and build. More
October 16, 2007 German University Wins Architecture Contest in the Department of Energy's Third Solar Decathlon University of Maryland and Universidad Politecnica de Madrid teams take second and third place WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The German Technische Universitat Darmstadt today took an early lead in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar Decathlon by winning the architecture contest -- the first of ten contests -- receiving 193.25 points out of a possible 200 points. The Solar Decathlon is a competition where 20 university-led teams from across the United States, and from Canada, Germany, and Spain, are competing to design, build and operate the most attractive, functional, and energy efficient solar-powered home. Following close behind the winning team from Germany, the University of Maryland finished in second place with 189.5 points, and the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid finished in third place, with 187.5 points. "Winning one of the most challenging contests in the Solar Decathlon is a major feat," Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Andy Karsner said. "Perfecting structural stability with the creative use of space is crucial to quality architecture for solar-powered homes, and I congratulate the three winning teams for bringing out a competitive spirit that challenges our next generation to think in new ways about how we use and produce energy." A jury of esteemed architects from industry and academia, including the American Institute of Architects, toured and judged homes for the Architecture contest. The jury evaluated the following three factors: * Commodity - Ease of entry into the house and circulation among the public and private areas; architectural strategy used to accommodate the technologies required to run the house; and generosity and sufficiency of space in the house * Delight - Surprises, unusual use of ordinary materials, or use of extraordinary materials * Firmness - The house's strength, suitability and appropriateness of materials in the building The ten contests that make up the Solar Decathlon measure many aspects of a home's performance and appearance. A perfect total score for all ten contests in the Solar Decathlon is 1,200 points. And of the 10 contests, architecture is worth up to 200 points, followed by Engineering and Market Viability, which are each worth up to 150 points and are scored subjectively. The other seven contests, each worth up to 100 points, measure performance and award points daily through the competition on: Lighting, Communications, Comfort Zone, Appliances, Hot Water, Energy Balance, and Getting Around. The Communications contest, worth 100 points, will be announced tomorrow, October 16, at 10:00AM on the National Mall in the solar village. The Solar Decathlon's overall winner will be announced at 2:00PM on Friday, October 19, 2007. More
October 11, 2007 Booming Construction Business in the Czech Republic Builds a Case for the Environmental and Building Technologies Industry LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Encouraged by increasing Government support, establishment of energy standards, proposed tax incentives, commitment to EU environmental standards, the Czech Republic environmental and building technologies (EBT) industry is growing fast and it is offering huge and interesting growth opportunities. Particularly, the building technologies industry is riding high with numerous low-cost and low-energy buildings springing up in the major cities. New Country Industry Forecasts from the Frost & Sullivan Economic Research and Analytics (ERA) team addressing the Czech Republic Environmental and Building Technologies Industry reveal that for the building technologies industry there are huge opportunities in retrofitting of building management control systems (BMCS) and integration of various functions with energy-efficient technologies for HVAC and lighting equipment. Domestic laws governing environmental protection are molding the emerging EBT industry. The country’s accession to the EU has caused it to redefine its priorities and accelerate the process of environmental management. The Government has stressed on participation in the EU’s policymaking process, especially for the environmental industry. Domestically, it has been actively promoting environmental impact assessment, water and wastewater treatment, and solid waste management. “The Government encourages new construction in infrastructural projects and adoption of the latest building technologies in such projects,” says Archana Amarnath, Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst for the ERA group. “It has been primarily focusing on the lighting equipment segment and the national policy for combating light pollution has successfully influenced industry participants to adhere to quality standards.” The Government has been looking to channel EU funds mainly toward projects aimed at environmental protection. These projects include setting up of water and wastewater treatment systems and upgrades of water supply network. It has also pushed for eco-friendly products and cleaner development mechanisms. The Czech Republic has one of the most stable economies among Central and Eastern European countries. The gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow between 3.0 and 4.5 percent in 2007. After the transition to a market economy, private companies gradually bought many EBT companies that were previously owned by the Government. The industry is now facing a huge wave of privatization and this trend is expected to stimulate demand and improve the quality of environmental equipment and services. There is also a gradual shift in Government policies from ‘end-of-pipe technologies’ to waste minimization and pollution prevention at source. More
October 11, 2007 Green Building Initiative(TM) Recognizes NewPage Corporate Headquarters for Sustainable Design and Construction Non-Profit Credits Facility as Ohio's First Green Globes(TM) Verified Building MIAMISBURG, Ohio, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The NewPage Corporation celebrated a sustainable construction milestone today, when its new corporate headquarters became the first building in the state of Ohio to achieve a Green Globes verification from the Green Building Initiative's (GBI) environmental assessment and rating system for commercial structures. GBI President Ward Hubbell presented NewPage company leaders and its design team with a plaque recognizing the building's rating of three Green Globes at a special dedication ceremony. The NewPage building was recognized for, among other things, the minimization of harmful air emissions, its use of energy and water conservation strategies, the integration of recycled materials and its project management practices. "The NewPage Corporate Headquarters is a perfect example of a project that combines the innovation of environmental design with the functionality of an office space." said Hubbell. "This building represents an ideal balance of the benefits of an energy-efficient structure and a healthier and more inviting workplace for employees while being environmentally sound. It also reinforces the fact that green building is appropriate and attainable for all types of structures." Green Globes for new construction was adapted from a system that is widely used in Canada, where it is one of only two green building rating systems recognized by the Canadian federal government. Under the trade name Go Green Comprehensive, it is also the basis of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada's national energy and environmental program for existing buildings. More
October 11, 2007 Alternative Construction Technologies Receives Important California Environmentally Friendly and Recycled-Content Product Directory (RCPD) Listing Alternative Construction Technologies proves ability to gain entry into billion dollar alternative materials spending market by Federal, State, and Local governments MELBOURNE, Fla., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alternative Construction Technologies, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ACCY) today announced that its ACTech(R) Panel has recently achieved inclusion in the California Integrated Waste Management Board's (CIWMB) Recycled-Content Product Directory (RCPD), including compliance with the State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC). This listing assists state agencies and other public entities to comply with laws requiring them to purchase recycled, repairable, and durable goods. The ACTech(R) panel system earned its compliance by demonstrating that the steel used in its manufacture is composed of sixty-eight percent (68%) post-consumer (PC) recycled content (seventy-three percent [73%] total recycled content), easily exceeding the ten percent (10%) minimum PC content required to attain SABRC compliance. In addition, the formula for the rigid polyurethane foam, the other major panel component used in the panels, contains approximately nine percent (9%) recycled material. The ACTech(R) panel system can play the leading role in the construction of "Green" buildings, EnergyStar-qualified homes, and LEED-certified buildings. The ease with which the materials may be recycled, in addition to its energy efficiency, recycled content, resistance to moisture, mildew and mold, resistance to insect infestation, and indoor air quality, all play an indispensable role in establishing ACTech's panel system as a best of class industry leader. "They are CFC- and HCFC-free", stated A.J. Francel, the company's COO. Mr. Francel went on to say, "Our aim is to become recognized by all the major endorsing and certifying organizations and agencies of the "e"-friendly revolution, as well as, gain entry to the billions of dollars now being spent by Federal, State, and Local governments on alternative materials." More
October 10, 2007 DuPont Launches DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R) New Roofing Underlayment Adds Durability, Protection to Roofing System WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As a leader in building material manufacturing, DuPont (NYSE:DD) has launched DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R), the next roofing innovation for residential and commercial construction. With the introduction of DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R), DuPont has taken another step in providing innovative building solutions for the roofing industry. Introduced in 2006, DuPont(TM) Tyvek(R) AtticWrap(TM), the first breathable roofing membrane to completely seal a home's building envelope, is specifically designed for a home's attic to create a continuously airtight space that prevents air and water intrusion and helps conserve energy. "As an industry leader, we are dedicated to staying ahead of building trends by offering products that increase the ease of installation, reduce customer call backs and meet building codes," Thomas F. Schuler, vice president and general manager -- DuPont Building Innovations, said. "DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R) gives builders and contractors an innovative solution for new roof installation as well as re-roofing applications." DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R) is a lightweight, high-performance roofing underlayment scientifically engineered to help provide superior durability and protection against leaks compared to roofing felt. The product offers superior tear resistance, excellent water hold-out and six-month UV- resistance, also compared to roofing felt. In addition, the product is engineered for use with all types of roofing materials identified by ICC-ES AC188, such as asphalt shingles, clay, concrete, fiber cement or metal tiles, slates, wood shakes, standing seam metal sheets and corrugated metal roofing. A major benefit of using a versatile and compatible product such as DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R) is its ability to allow for easier, more efficient installation. One roll of DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R) replaces five rolls of 30-lb. roofing felt and is five times lighter. DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R), when installed properly, is backed by a 20-Year Product Replacement Residential Limited Warranty. "Sealing the entire building is 'what's next' in energy-efficient construction," Schuler said. "By developing products like DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R), our building scientists are helping to pave the way for a stronger, more durable and energy-efficient building envelope and attic system." DuPont(TM) RoofLiner with Elvaloy(R) has been engineered and developed by DuPont. Elvaloy(R) is part of the family of DuPont polymers used as the basis for commercial roofing membranes that have decades of proven performance in billions of square feet of roofing worldwide. More
October 9, 2007 Builders Websource and PrioSoft Team to Provide Integrated Construction Management Software to Residential and Commercial Contractors REDWOOD CITY, Calif. & BALTIMORE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Builders Websource®(www.BuildersWebsource.com), a global online supplier of structural design and construction management software, today announced a reseller agreement with PrioSoft, a leading developer of construction estimating and management software. Under the agreement, Builders Websource now offers the complete suite of PrioSoft construction management software online, including PrioSoft’s flagship application—Priority One Plus Contractor’s Office. Optimized for the small to medium business, Priority One Plus Contractor’s Office suite is one of the only products in its price category that seamlessly integrates multiple contracting business processes into a single application. “Professional contractors seeking construction management software now have a winning solution that includes CRM, estimating, accounting, job costing, and project management in one integrated application,” says Greg Lowitz, president of Builders Websource. “Many residential builders, contractors, and remodelers already recognize the PrioSoft brand for its value-priced construction management software—but it’s gaining traction in light commercial construction, too. Teaming with PrioSoft is a natural fit for our growing clientele of residential and commercial contractors seeking easy-to-use construction software to manage their business.” With a choice of construction cost estimating databases such as RSMeans and RemodelMax, as well as integration with existing accounting systems, Contractor’s Office sets a new benchmark in capability previously unavailable to small and medium contractors. “We are pleased to work with a leader in sales of construction software on the net,” says Byron Zaner, president of PrioSoft. “By working with Builders Websource, their loyal customer base now has access to powerful construction management software containing contact management, estimating, accounting, and project management, which also includes document management, bid management, and job scheduling.” More
October 9, 2007 Green Building Moves Outdoors: New Rating System to Encourage Sustainable Landscape Design SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), The University of Texas at Austin's Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the United States Botanic Garden announced the development of a new rating system for sustainable landscape design, called the Sustainable Sites Initiative. The announcement took place at the 2007 ASLA EXPO in San Francisco, California. Just as the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED(R) rating system measures a building's environmental impact, the Sites Initiative will measure the sustainability of designed landscapes of all types, including public, commercial, and residential projects. The U.S. Green Building Council is lending its support to this project and plans to adopt the Sustainable Sites metrics into its LEED(R) system once they are finished. "This will provide the missing link for green building standards," said Nancy Somerville, Executive Vice President and CEO of ASLA. "Developers, designers, owners, and public officials will now have the tools at hand to significantly increase sustainability in the built environment, from interiors to landscapes." "We are acutely aware that the best guidelines and standards in the world will not be adopted if they are not cost-effective for builders and landowners," said Frederick R. Steiner, FASLA, Dean of The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture and a member of the Wildflower Center Advisory Council. "Sustainable landscapes have enormous environmental benefits, and any additional costs should be easily recovered over the life of the project in energy, water, and other savings." "The U.S. Botanic Garden is extremely excited to be a part of the Sustainable Sites Initiative," said Holly Shimizu, Executive Director of the Garden. "We recognize that through partnerships and collaborations we can make a much greater impact on promoting and guiding sustainable design, implementation, and management of gardens, landscapes, and all outdoor spaces. This initiative will help balance the built and natural environments for the long-term health of communities nationwide." More
October 4, 2007 ARCADIS Wins Major Highway Project in Poland RNHEM, The Netherlands, October 4/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ARCADIS (NASDAQ: ARCAF; EURONEXT: ARCAD), the international consulting and engineering company, today announced the award of a EUR 11 million contract to design a 65 km long section of the A-1 motorway in Poland. The contract was awarded to an ARCADIS-led consortium with partners Mosty Katowice, Transprojekt Warsaw and DHV Polska. Client is the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways. The project is co-financed by the European Union. The design work will take 18 months and includes the preparation of building and construction designs, environmental impact and permitting support and construction contract documents. The section will be part of the motorway Gdansk - Torun - Czestochowa - Katowice and further to the southern Polish/Czech border. It will be a dual carriageway motorway with two lanes in each direction, a median and emergency lanes. The width of the median will allow for the later addition of a third traffic lane in both directions. Traveller comfort and safety and environmental protection are essential in the project. It will therefore include the design of architecturally appealing engineering structures and service areas for passenger and freight vehicles. Also, a drainage system and environmental protection features (sound barriers, retention ponds and separators) will be installed. The project will also include motorway maintenance areas for administrative personnel and facilities for the road service staff and materials. More
October 4, 2007 GTM Architects Recognized for Excellence With Five ASID Awards Firm Takes Home Multiple Awards from both the Maryland and Washington, DC Chapters BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- GTM Architects, a full service award-winning architectural and design firm, today announced that it has won five separate awards from the Maryland and Washington, DC chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for outstanding interior design in a variety of areas, including Healthcare, Restaurant, Historic Preservation and Commercial. The awarded projects, led by Barbara Slater Magistro, principal; Diane Taitt Chandleur, partner; and Melissa Cohen, partner; include the firm's work with Scienna Med Spa, Potomac Overlook YMCA, Matchbox Restaurant and Cowgirl Creamery. Chesapeake Home and the Maryland Chapter ASID Awards Committee co-sponsored the Maryland design competition to promote and publicize excellence in interior design in the Chapter's geographic region. Winners will be featured in the September/October 2007 issue of Chesapeake Home. "Receiving recognition from the local ASID chapters is an incredible honor," said George Myers, founder of GTM Architects. "These awards are a testament to the high level of commitment to design and excellence of each of the principal architects on the projects." More
October 3, 2007 Brookfield Properties’ Bay Adelaide Centre Development to Be Built to LEED Gold Standard Green Features, Sustainability Top Priorities at 2.6 Million Square Foot Project in Toronto CBD TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brookfield Properties Corporation (BPO: NYSE, TSX) and its Canadian-based subsidiary, BPO Properties Ltd. (BPP: TSX), today announced that the 2.6 million square foot Bay Adelaide Centre development in Toronto’s financial core will be built to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard, as specified by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). The LEED Green Building Rating System is the internationally accepted scorecard for sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. In achieving a LEED Gold standard, the entire Bay Adelaide Centre complex will produce an estimated 40% energy savings relative to other buildings built to the Canadian Model National Energy Code, and will feature state-of-the-art operating and life safety systems, including: * Lighting occupancy sensors; * Enhanced indoor air quality; * Low emitting materials; * Optimization of energy performance; * Indoor water use reduction features; * Rain water collection system; * Bicycle storage and changing rooms. More
October 3, 2007 Eagle Roofing Products Introduces Certified Energy-Efficient Cool Roof Tile RIALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A pioneering manufacturer in the growing movement to produce energy-efficient, “green” materials, Eagle Roofing Products, a division of Burlingame Industries, today introduced its Cool Roof Tile line. This selection of products incorporates multiple profiles and represents reflective roof tile choices in 21 colors that have officially earned an energy-efficient, “cool roof” rating by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) accredited independent testing laboratory. The certified reflective colors in Eagle’s Cool Roof Tile line are a major component of the company’s new Green Program initiative, a series of products and environmentally responsible systems and practices designed to provide greater energy efficiency, reduce waste and pollution as well as preserve needed resources. With 21 color options available in standard weight and lightweight tile, flat and curved profiles, customers can select from among 42 individual Cool Roof Tile choices. Certified cool colors range from the expected white on white, to true terracottas and traditional tan and grey blends. More
October 3, 2007 This Book Discusses the Ways That Architects Go about Redeveloping Old Buildings Dublin, Ireland--(Business Wire)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Architectural Voices: Listening to Old Buildings” to their offering. This book discusses the ways that architects go about redeveloping old buildings. In particular, it examines how architects respond to the voices, spirit or character within the buildings. Some buildings have such charm and overpowering sense of history that architects minimize modern interventions by preserving what they can and using traditional materials; others deliberately juxtapose contemporary designs against the original fabric of the old building; others almost ignore the properties of the original building and treat it as a canvass on which to apply new forms. This book does not take a position on whether or not any particular approach is right or wrong, instead it looks at how different architects have responded to the historic buildings they have worked on. Through case studies and interviews, the book looks at how a wide range of buildings and spaces have been re-imagined, including industrial structures, barrack blocks, churches, mines and ruins. Interviews with architects, academics and artists, as well as a close analysis of the buildings themselves, uncover a wide variety of ways (both poetic and technical) in which careful listening can enhance our understanding of a place. This collection of more than 25 case studies includes: the rescue of the worlds oldest iron-framed building in Shropshire; the redevelopment of a Soho brothel into a boutique hotel; the reinvention of an abandoned cathedral in Bristol; the conversion of an army HQ into the new Saatchi Gallery in London; observations on grain silos in Buffalo, New York state, and ruins in Mexico. More
October 3, 2007 Architectural Record Presents Fifth Annual Innovation Conference: Architecture in an Age of Transformation Sir Nicholas Grimshaw and MIT'S William J. Mitchell to Present Keynote Addresses, October 10-11 in New York NEW YORK, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's leading architects, engineers, researchers and consultants will gather to discuss "Architecture in an Age of Transformation" during Architectural Record's 2007 Innovation Conference, to be held October 10-11, 2007 in New York. Architectural Record, part of McGraw-Hill Construction (a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, NYSE: MHP), serves more than one million customers within the $4.6 trillion global construction community. The 2007 Innovation Conference will be held at The McGraw-Hill Companies' headquarters, 1221 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. The event is expected to draw nearly 200 executive-level industry professionals. Now in its fifth year, the Innovation Conference will also host an exhibition hall with architectural and engineering product and services suppliers showcasing their latest technologies. The Innovation Conference will feature keynote presentations from William J. Mitchell, Director, MIT Design Laboratory, who will discuss "Technologies of Smart Sustainability" on October 10; and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, RIBA, Chairman, Grimshaw Architects, who will speak on the theme of "Embedded Intelligence". During the two-day event, industry leaders will participate in a series of interactive discussions on topics including Performative Architecture, Building Facades & Skins, Transformative Structures, The Power of Design to Affect Transformation, Taming Light, and Advanced Facade Design. More
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