March 28, 2008

Gain Insight In To The Ceiling Contractors Market In The United Kingdom

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c86952) has announced the addition of “Ceiling Contractors (UK) - Portfolio Analysis” to their offering.

The Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis - Ceiling Contractors is a comprehensive evaluation of the UK market. The revised and updated 2007 edition analyses the financial performance of the companies important to the success of your business. Using the most up to date information available, the analysis is ideal both as a tool to benchmark your own company's results and to study the market in more depth. Aimed at the busy manager, the Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis is both quick and easy to use thanks to the unique visual layout. The Analysis lays bare the performance of each company highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Do you know which companies are best to do business with? Do you know which companies are selling at a loss and whose profit margins are plummeting? Find out the answers to all these questions and more with the newly published Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis.

Over the past 12 months in your industry:

-11% of companies are now in financial danger.

-16 companies are blatantly selling at a loss to capture market share.

-Average pre-tax profit was 5.9%

-Average sales growth was 14.9%

The report is divided into two colour-coded sections for your ease of use, Sector Analysis and Individual Company Analysis.

Sector Analysis: Sales growth, market share and profitability are all analysed over a 10 year period giving you the fullest picture possible of the health of the market. Companies are ranked on these categories so you can see which companies are outshining the rest. Use the industry average tables to benchmark your own company's performance - how do you compare to the rest of the industry?

Industry Analysis: Each company receives a full page of analysis, evaluating their financial performance over the last five years so you get a full picture of the long term prospects of each company. Each company page of analysis is also packed with the following information: Full business name and address, Names and ages of directors, contact details and website address, seven unique Plimsoll charts showing at a glance the performance of each company, averages for the industry are also shown indicating the bare minimum each company should be looking to achieve, and five years of the latest accounts available, New! Written summary on each company highlighting their key strengths and weaknesses.
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March 27, 2008

Building Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Performance Data Brought to You by Siemens Building Technologies

GreenTouchscreen reveals sustainability concepts and their relation to energy use in buildings

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In its raw form building energy consumption data is not likely to reveal much to building owners, occupants or others about its impact on the environment. Connecting the dots from energy use in buildings to more sophisticated ideas like sustainability require analytical skills that not everyone possesses. To help more people understand and apply these concepts, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. now offers a powerful interactive tool that analyzes building energy consumption data in real time.

Through sophisticated integration to Siemens APOGEE(R) building automation system, the GreenTouchscreen(R) from Quality Attributes Software, Inc., (QAS) translates numerical building operational data into visual information that helps even the casual observer understand a variety of energy and sustainability related concepts.

By presenting building energy consumption data on an interactive touchscreen housed in a kiosk in a building's foyer or mounted on an accessible wall in a public space, Siemens can reveal the impact of energy efficiency measures and behavioral changes to anyone encountering the interface. Similarly, the interface can be transmitted via the web making it available in classrooms or other learning environments. The immediacy and accessibility of this information can help people understand the role they can play in saving energy in the spaces where they work, live, play or learn. With this kind of information people are better equipped to understand the relevance of their choices and change their behavior.

"Most organizations, whether they are public or private, want to provide stakeholders with better information on their sustainability and green efforts," said Siemens Building Technologies' Richard Walker, senior national manager - Environmental Solutions. "GreenTouchscreen offers us the ability to not only provide information on energy use and climate implications, but also on a broad variety of internal initiatives," he added.

GreenTouchscreen(R) technology, developed by QAS illustrates sustainability concepts by showing how much energy a building is currently using, how much it has saved over time and what that savings means in greenhouse gasses kept from the atmosphere, pounds of coal left unburned or even hours of playing X-Box.
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March 26, 2008

Crystal Windows Honored By National Business Group

- Manufacturer Named 2007 Outstanding Minority Business -

FLUSHING, NY, March 17, 2008 – Crystal Window & Door Systems has been named 2007 Outstanding Minority Business by the National Minority Business Council. Thomas Chen, president and founder of Crystal, accepted the award at the organization’s annual recognition luncheon held on February 20, 2008 in New York City. The National Minority Business Council recognized Crystal for its demonstration of strong revenue growth and profitability as a manufacturer, as well as its customer service and relations.

In his acceptance remarks, Thomas Chen noted, “As an Asian-American immigrant business owner, I believe I have a responsibility to set an example for other minority business owners. I tell people who come to me for advice that they can achieve great things in America with hard work and determination, and most of all, a dream.” Mr. Chen also acknowledged the dedication and talents of Crystal’s staff in achieving its success. “We are honored that our efforts are worthy of this prestigious national recognition.”

Crystal has experienced remarkable growth from start-up in 1990 to major manufacturer with annual revenues over $60 million. The company expanded its manufacturing facilities several times and now employs over 350 people through its primary and subsidiary businesses. Besides its own business, Crystal has supported and encouraged the establishment of more than 20 “spin-off” window related businesses by other minority entrepreneurs since its inception.

The National Minority Business Council brings the minority- and women-owned business community together with large corporations to foster effective business relationships for all. The organization offers information, programs and advocacy for its members, serving as a clearinghouse for successful networking.
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March 26, 2008

BuildCleanTM Studies Radon Levels in Natural Stone Countertops

Organization conducting free in-home radon tests in the Greater Houston area

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BuildCleanTM, a not-for-profit organization seeking to educate consumers and the building industry about the health, safety and environmental risks and benefits of indoor building products, announced today it is offering free in-home radon tests in the Greater Houston area to determine whether using natural stone products, such as granite, in indoor applications may emit harmful levels of radon over time. A licensed, bonded technician who specializes in radon measurement is conducting the home tests.

Radon (Rn) is an inert gas that results from the decay of uranium in natural stone. Both the Surgeon General of the United States and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have identified radon as the chief cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

“It has long been known that granite, an igneous rock, emits radon,” says Sara Speer Selber, president of BuildClean™. “And as a consequence of that, it is widely accepted practice in many parts of the country to test basements and other indoors areas if a home has been constructed on a rock formation known to contain radon.”

“What we don’t have adequate data on is whether the popular consumer colors of commercial/residential granite being used for indoor applications, such as countertops, wall covering and floors, may emit levels of radon that can be harmful to health,” she added. “With the cost of natural stone products such as granite coming down and their popularity increasing among builders, designers and consumers, it is critical that we ascertain whether these products are safe and healthy.”

Speer Selber added that obtaining this knowledge will require investment in both scientific-based testing of natural stone products by independent, respected laboratories and in-home testing of natural stone surfaces to see how factors such as room size and air circulation effect radon levels.

“Bottom line - every home is different, and the only way for homeowners to ensure their house is safe and healthy is to conduct a radon test,” said Speer Selber. “They are inexpensive and easy to administer, so there is no reason that each and every homeowner shouldn’t test.”
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March 25, 2008

This Federal Government Construction Contracts Book Is a Practical Guide for the Industry Professional

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c86537) has announced the addition of Smith, Currie & Hancock's Federal Government Construction Contracts: A Practical Guide for the Industry Professional to their offering.

Smith, Currie & Hancock's Federal Government Construction Contracts is the Federal law companion to the bestselling guide to construction law for non-lawyers. This book serves as an easy-to-understand guide to the practical reality of federal laws, regulations and practices, and how AEC firms can use them to their advantage by avoiding pitfalls and bidding successfully on projects.

-Includes sample provisions from modern Federal Government construction contracts. Clauses and regulations unique to various Federal agencies are highlighted throughout.

-Helpful points to remember; summarize important concepts at the end of each chapter, and useful checklists help in making use of the concepts in practice.

-Same plain-English coverage of construction law that made Common Sense Construction Law a bestseller in three editions.
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March 25, 2008

CertainTeed Introduces New ProRoc(R) Moisture and Mold Resistant Gypsum Board With M2Tech Technology for Interior Walls and Ceilings

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- CertainTeed Corporation, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain of Paris, the world's leading producer of gypsum products, announces the introduction of ProRoc(R) Moisture and Mold Resistant Gypsum Board with M2Tech(TM) technology.

ProRoc Gypsum Board is a high-strength, uniformly flat wallboard, designed for use on interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial and institutional applications. It is lightweight, easy to cut and install over steel or wood framing and may be finished and painted using conventional gypsum board techniques. CertainTeed's new M2Tech platform gives ProRoc moisture resistance and enhanced protection against mold growth utilizing a water-resistant core and a moisture- and mold-resistant paper facing.

For fire-rated assemblies, ProRoc Moisture and Mold Resistant Gypsum Board with M2Tech is available in Type X, which is designed for applications requiring extended fire ratings where enhanced moisture and mold resistance is preferred. The M2Tech offering achieves a score of 10 for mold resistance per ASTM D 3273, the highest possible score for this test. In addition, all of CertainTeed's ProRoc Gypsum Wallboard meets ASTM C 1396 criteria.

"ProRoc Moisture and Mold Resistant Gypsum Board with M2Tech provides low water absorption properties, enhanced zone of protection against mold, and numerous fire-rated designs for safety and performance," says Jeff Dushack, Vice President of Marketing for CertainTeed Gypsum. "The combination of moisture and mold resistance provides added protection during and after construction. This new product further enhances our product portfolio, in alignment with our goal of being the preferred choice for innovative building products and systems."

CertainTeed continues to focus on environmentally friendly products to enhance building sustainability and contribute to LEED(R) credits in green building design projects. All of ProRoc's face and back paper contain both pre- and post-consumer waste, with a recycled content of nearly 100 percent.
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March 24, 2008

Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation Announce National Green Building Effort

New Five-Year, $30 Million Program will help Habitat Affiliates Build More Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Housing

ATLANTA, March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation today announced a national green building initiative, Partners in Sustainable Building. The program will provide funding and resources to assist in making at least 5,000 homes built by Habitat affiliates more energy efficient and sustainable according to nationally recognized green building standards. Sustainable homes cost less to operate and maintain and have less of an impact on the environment. The Home Depot Foundation is providing $30 million in financial and in-kind support, technical resources and training to establish a foundation of green building expertise that will impact Habitat builds for years to come.

The Home Depot Foundation's Partners in Sustainable Building program will provide energy-efficient and sustainable building resources for approximately 17 percent of all single- and multi-family homes built by Habitat for Humanity over the next five years. Building a home to these standards can create significant savings in annual energy bills for Habitat partner families.

"This partnership will provide our affiliates with the additional resources and training they need to create homes that are more durable and energy efficient, which will make them even more affordable to our homeowners," said Jonathan T.M. Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International. "We are truly grateful to The Home Depot Foundation for making this partnership possible, because it will improve the lives of thousands of low-income families while promoting good stewardship of our natural resources."

The five-year partnership begins with a one-year pilot program with approximately 30 Habitat affiliates in a variety of climates and in rural and urban areas to best gauge the impact of the program. Future components of the program will include educational and scholarship programs. Partners in Sustainable Building is an opt-in program, which will be available across the United States early next year. Funds and resources provided by the Foundation will help Habitat affiliates expand their use of energy-efficient equipment, install more water-conserving fixtures and ensure good indoor air quality. The funding will also help Habitat affiliates secure third-party verification of nationally recognized green building standards.
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March 19, 2008

“Ultimate Green Office” Unveiled at DevelopGREEN Commercial Real Estate Conference 2

Developers say future Class A buildings will be all “Green”

GLENDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NAIOP (National Association for Industrial and Office Properties) unveiled the “Ultimate Green Office” exhibit last week at its first annual DevelopGREEN: Sustainable Solutions for Commercial Real Estate conference held at the all-green Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa in Glendale, Ariz. Nearly 400 commercial real estate (CRE) development leaders from across the U.S. attended the conference and visited the exhibit, which was built for the NAIOP conference by San Francisco, Ca.-based Swinerton Builders Inc., one of the nation’s top general contractors.

The DevelopGREEN conference was created by NAIOP in response to a growing demand on the part of commercial developers for education on green building practices and sustainable resources. The event offered the most up-to-date information regarding sustainable development and best practices.

“Developers play a critical role in building a strong future for sustainable development,” said Thomas J. Bisacquino, NAIOP president. “Investing now in green buildings, technologies and products is ultimately a win-win for developers and the communities they serve. Green is the class A of the future.”

Ultimately what makes an office Green is its indoor environmental quality, which is influenced by daylighting, views of the outdoors, indoor air quality and thermal comfort. A Green office is also modular and flexible, accommodating changes within the working environment without requiring significant reconstruction. Also, it may be fabricated from recycled and recyclable materials or renewable resources.

The “Ultimate Green Office” exhibit showcased each of these Green office elements in a 10 by 20 foot model office configuration, featuring Tate’s Building Technology Platform for the access floor system, a high-recycle- and post-consumer-content carpet tile system from InterfaceFLOR RePrise™ Collection, and a demountable architectural wall system called Altos® from Teknion. InterfaceFLOR is based in LaGrange, Ga., Tate is based in Jessup, Md. and Teknion is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

During the conference attendees had the opportunity to tour two exceptional LEED®-certified projects in the Phoenix, Ariz. area for a first-hand look at how to successfully incorporate high-performance design and energy-efficient features that result in successful green developments. The project sites included Papago Gateway Center in Tempe and Northsight in Scottsdale.

According to Green Building Incentives That Work: A Look at How Local Governments Are Incentivizing Green Development, a study released by The NAIOP Research Foundation, the green building movement is growing at a fast pace. The report states: “In 2006, the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED green building rating system recorded a 50 percent increase in cumulative LEED-registered projects (those intending future certification) and nearly a 70 percent increase in LEED-certified projects.”
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March 18, 2008

Owens Corning Advances on FORTUNE's 2008 List of 'America's Most Admired Companies'

Company Ranks First Among Industry Peers in Innovation

TOLEDO, Ohio, March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) ranked third in the Building Materials, Glass Industry of FORTUNE's 2008 list of "America's Most Admired Companies" compared with a ranking of fourth in 2007.

"We are proud that Owens Corning ranks among America's most admired companies," said Mike Thaman, chairman and chief executive officer. "We will continue to build the company's reputation as an enterprise that delivers increasing value to its customers and shareholders by focusing on our growth initiatives."

The Most Admired list is the definitive report card on corporate reputations. FORTUNE's survey partners at Hay Group started with the FORTUNE 1,000 -- the 1,000 largest U.S. companies ranked by revenue -- and the top foreign ones operating in the U.S. Hay sorted them by industry and selected the ten largest in each. To create the 63 industry lists, Hay asked executives, directors and analysts to rate companies in their own industry on eight criteria: quality of management; quality of products and services; innovation; long-term investment value; financial soundness; ability to attract, develop and keep talented people; social responsibility; and use of corporate assets.
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March 14, 2008

Country's Top Trade Show for Architects and Designers Offers Homeowners an Insider's Look at What's Hot for the Home

BOSTON, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- While home shows abound throughout New England in the spring, there is one opportunity for homeowners unlike any other. Consumers interested in learning the hot trends and products for home renovation and design are invited to join more than 9,000 architects, interior designs and construction professionals, where they will enjoy an insider's view of the 4th annual tradeshow, Residential Design and Construction. During exclusive evening hours at this two-day event, homeowners will be granted access to key workshops and exhibits designed primarily for the professionals.

Now in its fourth year, the Residential Design & Construction is the only event in the country devoted to professionals in both the design and construction industries. This two-day trade show and convention, to be held on April 2 and 3 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, offers special events, workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to give the public access to the latest information in design, remodeling and construction for homes.
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March 14, 2008

BAR Architects Wins Design Competition for International Senior Housing Project

BAR Architects Sets a New Standard for Senior Housing Design

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – March 13, 2008 – Selected from a group of international architects, San Francisco-based BAR Architects was awarded the commission to design the Sun City Palace Tachikawa –known locally as Sun City Palace Showa Kinen Koen for its adjacency to a famous regional park—for HealthCare Japan, the premier developer of Japanese luxury senior residential facilities.

The BAR team, led by Principals Richard Beard, AIA and Mark Koester, AIA, in collaboration with SWA Group, landscape architects and planners, and BAMO interior designers, presented a conceptual design that blends the natural beauty of the Showa Kinen Park with the clean and elegant lines of what will be HealthCare Japan’s newest senior living facility. Sited to embrace the park and the southern light, the team fused the 500-unit complex with a heightened awareness of nature. From the entry approach down a wooded estate drive along the park’s edge to the incorporation of expansive dining and library gardens, BAR’s design unites the park’s edge to the project boundaries. The client was drawn to BAR’s creation of a unique community in which architecture is integrated with the natural beauty of the landscape and nature is given a primary place in the daily lives of residents. "The design approach we use is highly collaborative and influenced by our firm’s residential practice,” notes Principal Mark Koester. “Through the seamless integration of landscape, interior design and architecture the project design demonstrate that large-scale communities can be both functional and livable."

The Tachikawa represents BAR Architects’ 10th senior housing project in Japan over the past 15 years. BAR’s approach to senior housing has established a new direction in design for aging that recognizes vitality and social activity as critical to the wellness and health of seniors. Their most recently constructed senior housing project, Takarazuka, noted for its timeless, yet innovative integration of indoor/outdoor and Eastern/Western design elements, was the recipient of eight design awards in 2007 including special recognition by the Design for Aging Awards sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA).

With roots in San Francisco since 1966, BAR continues to build a distinguished portfolio at home and abroad. In addition to Japan, the firm’s international work includes projects in the United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, Bahrain, Syria, and Italy.
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March 13, 2008

Ohio is Once Again Getting National Attention

Controversy over new Code is forcing national organizations to respond

ARLINGTON, Va., March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- What started as a routine year for the electrical industry has turned into a full debate involving the Governor, home builders, manufacturers and safety organizations. Since January's adoption of the new National Electrical Code, which is updated every three years, home builders in Ohio have been actively working to get it overturned. They complain that the additional costs to comply with the new code would make new homes unaffordable, and they have even presented the Governor with a petition to annul Ohio's adoption of the 2008 Code reverting the state back to an older version. This controversy has caused fire, safety and electrical industry officials to descend on Columbus. Among them is the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) who is working to help Ohio residents understand that the new code will save lives and homes. The foundation and many others are also quick to point out that arguments against the new code are based on inaccurate information.

Each year, home electrical problems account for nearly 70,000 home fires. These fires cause close to 500 deaths, injure more than 2,000 people, and account for $868 million in property damage. "Everyday almost 200 homes catch fire because of electrical issues," says Brett Brenner, President of ESFI. "While we put a figure to the damage these fires cause to property, the damage to lives is incalculable. The new Code will prevent thousands of these fires and protect homes for decades to come."

In their petition to Governor Strickland, the Ohio Home Builder's Association alleges that complying with the new Code would add $600 - $1,200 to the average new home. However, an analysis by Ohio's electrical inspectors points out that the additional cost is really less than $200 a home. This lower cost is also endorsed by the Electrical Code Coalition as being more accurate. The coalition is a group of industry organizations consisting of safety experts, inspectors, contractors, and utilities, who have partnered together to promote electrical safety in Ohio.

"This whole debate should be centered on what this all means to Ohio's families," points out Brenner. "Everyone agrees that the new code provides fire protection that is unequaled. But, if the new Code is not enforced, Ohio will be taking a step backwards in fire prevention."

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is the leading authority and advocate of electrical safety. Established in 1994, ESFI proudly sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May and focuses on reducing electrically related deaths, injuries and property loss.
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March 13, 2008

Construction Equipment Theft Continues to Plague Equipment Owners in 2007, Lojack's Annual Theft Study Reveals

Challenging Economy Demands Need to Protect Hefty Investment in Heavy Equipment

WESTWOOD, Mass., March 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LoJack Corporation (NASDAQ:LOJN) today announced the results of its seventh annual Construction Equipment Theft Study in a report that provides valuable information on the growing problem of equipment theft-a problem that costs construction companies up to $1 billion per year in lost assets.* According to the study, which analyzed LoJack stolen vehicle recovery reports for the calendar year 2007, construction theft continued at a steady clip with professional theft rings fueling the issue and skid steers being the number one theft target. For the calendar year 2007, LoJack recovered more than $18 million in stolen construction equipment assets. Since LoJack entered the construction market in 2000, the company has recovered more than $86 million in stolen construction equipment.

"In today's challenging economy, which is underscored by a decline in building starts, it is more important than ever that construction business owners protect the major investment they make in their equipment from today's professionals thieves," said Ronald V. Waters, LoJack's President and Chief Operating Officer. "Construction equipment theft is a high reward, low risk form of theft and equipment is unfortunately an 'easy mark' for thieves due to poor on-site security, ineffective record keeping and a lack of standardized product identification information. Owners need to take all of the necessary precautions -- including arming their equipment with a recovery system -- to ensure their expensive skid steers, backhoes and generators remain protected."

Professional Theft Rings Continue to Plague Industry

This year's study showed that professional theft rings continue to drive the ongoing problem of construction equipment theft, with law enforcement discovering eight theft rings and chop shops through tracking and recovering stolen equipment with the LoJack System. Through these discoveries, police recovered more than $2.5 million in additional stolen assets that were not LoJack-equipped. In one theft ring bust alone, the LoJack System helped Chicago-area police find a major construction theft ring and recover more than 30 pieces of construction equipment/commercial vehicles valued at nearly $900,000.

Overall, LoJack has discovered more than 40 theft rings and chop shops since entering the construction market.
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March 13, 2008

ITW Acquires hsbCAD

ITW Acquires hsbCAD Glenview, Illinois – (March 11, 2008) - Illinois Tool Works, Inc (NYSE: ITW) acquires Belgium-based hsbCAD. hsbCAD is a leading developer of software for computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) in the prefabricated building component manufacturing industry. hsbCAD software offers modules for timber-frame, stick-frame, light gauge steel frame, structural insulated paneling (SIP), roof and floor elements as well as log home design.

“ITW’s impressive strength and global reach presents several exciting opportunities”, said Karel Vinckier, CEO and founder of hsbCAD. “ITW’s vision of one building information model will help integrate architects and engineers, along with manufacturing and construction professionals, streamlining all labor and materials in the process.”

“The hsbCAD acquisition strengthens our offering to the European timber fabrication market. It complements ITW Alpine UK’s structure analysis software for roofs and floors and the Paslode Duofast line of nails, staples and modular tools for automated panel production” commented Paul Finnie, ITW Alpine UK, General Manager. “ITW Alpine UK and hsbCAD have been working together for several years to improve the design and production of timber frame buildings. The acquisition will accelerate the pace of the work we are doing to integrate every step of the building process for the benefit our customers”, Mr. Finnie stated.

“hsbCAD is a proven AutoCAD based product and we welcome hsbCAD to the ITW family. They provide years of experience incorporating software for manufacturing equipment” said Antonio Justice, ITW Building Component Group Vice President. “By bringing together Ameri-CAD’s VisionREZ software to anchor the architectural front end in combination with hsbCAD’s strength in structural modeling, detailing and manufacturing, ITW has created a solid platform that will unite the fragmented residential design market.”

About Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
A leading international business corporation with nearly 100 years of history, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a diversified manufacturer of advanced industrial technology. ITW designs and manufactures fasteners and components, equipment and consumable systems and a variety of specialty products for customers around the world. ITW has over $16 billion in revenues from 825 business units in 52 countries and employs some 60,000 people. On the internet at www.ITW.com

About hsbCAD
Headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, hsbCAD designs and sells Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to the construction industry, specializing in wood construction. Powered by Autodesk technology, their software translates all data from architectural drawings into fabrication drawings, and then creates the required CNC-files for automated equipment. hsbCAD was the first “Preferred Industrial Partner” for Autodesk worldwide. hsbCAD has 5 offices located in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, and Ecuador.
On the internet at www.hsbCAD.com and itwbcg.com
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March 12, 2008

McGraw-Hill Construction Launches Network Express to Empower CRM Users

Provides industry-leading content that easily integrates with CRM and Sales Force Automation (SFA) systems for smoother workflow, more leads, and increased sales

NEW YORK, March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McGraw-Hill Construction, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) and the leading provider of information and intelligence to the construction industry, today announced the launch of Network Express. Network Express provides comprehensive project information from the industry-leading McGraw-Hill Construction Network(R), built on the Dodge database, for easy and flexible integration with CRM systems. The service also offers company data that has been cleansed of duplication, as well as leads generated from the McGraw-Hill Construction Sweets Network, media sites, and Target Leads/Spec Alerts.

"Many leading companies in the design and construction industry are increasingly investing in CRM systems to help their sales and marketing teams focus their efforts and identify and pursue the best opportunities. A CRM system is a great starting point, but to be successful you have to fill it with prospects and promising sales leads. That's what Network Express will do," said Potoula Chresomales, vice president of marketing and product development for McGraw-Hill Construction. "Network Express provides a daily feed of our construction leads from the McGraw-Hill Construction Network(R) directly and seamlessly into any CRM system. Network Express will turbo-charge a company's CRM investment," she added.

McGraw-Hill Construction has led the industry in content for more than a century. The Dodge database contains over 90% of all construction projects in the U.S. and Canada with construction values of $500,000 or more, plus:

-- 56% of the projects are private
-- 1.4 million companies
-- Coverage in the planning, bid, and post-bid stages of construction

McGraw-Hill also uses the Dodge database to pre-qualify users of the Sweets Network (www.Sweets.com), building product information, www.ArchitecturalRecord.com,and www.ENR.com to provide a broader range of leads that support the full spectrum of its clients' sales and marketing activities.

Network Express now provides easy integration of this content directly into any CRM system. It enables front-line sales personnel to quickly identify and prioritize people, companies, and projects of interest. Users can also follow up on hot sales leads from McGraw-Hill Construction Media and the Sweets Network, access plans and specifications, track project status through the sales cycle, and maximize their personal productivity -- resulting in better business decisions that yield more profitable results.
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March 12, 2008

2008 Building Biology(R) Conference, April 19th & 20th, Hotel Radisson at Opryland, Nashville, Tennessee

Natural Building, Healthy Building is the theme of this year's conference; learn about the latest science driving the Building Biology(R) principles in the field of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and building science and meet people who are creating healthy buildings every day

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The EPA has over 35,000 articles on healthy buildings but as a wellness professional have you ever asked yourself, "Can my patient's home be making them sick?" As a builder do you think about the health of a home before driving that first nail? Green homes are popping up around the country. They are energy-efficient so they save us money and to some extent they reduce toxic levels in the home. But does Green go far enough? Does Green promote health and well-being in a home? Getting answers to these questions is the reason to attend the Natural Building, Healthy Building Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, April 19th & 20th, 2008. The conference is presented by the Institute for Bau-biologie(R) and Ecology, an internationally known pioneer for over 20 years in the area of healthy building. Platinum sponsors who have demonstrated strong support for the conference and the Institute are Dr. Mercola, Natural Home magazine, Green Nest, EcoNest, Bio-Solar, Conscious Design magazine and WEHL. In addition, Clean Earth Recycling from Nashville is assisting the Institute to make this a more ecological conference.
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March 11, 2008

BusinessWeek and Architectural Record Announce 'Good Design Is Good Business' China Award Winners

NEW YORK, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- BusinessWeek and Architectural Record will honor building and planning projects that are reshaping modern China at the second biannual "Good Design Is Good Business" China Awards in Shanghai on May 23, 2008. A jury of editors has selected 13 projects, as well as this year's "Best Client," innovative real-estate developer China Vanke Co., Ltd., from more than 100 entries from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, based on their use of design to achieve strategic business and civic objectives.

"This year's winning projects reflect the growing sophistication of architecture and construction in China," said Robert Ivy, FAIA, vice president and editorial director for McGraw-Hill Construction and editor in chief of Architectural Record, "and this year's business winners demonstrate that good design is changing the face of China in complex larger projects and individual buildings."

"The degree to which design projects make sense from both a functional and aesthetic perspective dictates their success," said David Rocks, international senior editor of BusinessWeek. "These architects and clients have developed innovative venues with measurable results, spaces that yield benefits beyond being useful, but that positively affect the businesses, organizations and visitors on a daily basis."
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March 10, 2008

Key Industry Leaders Adopt McGraw-Hill Construction / Dodge Project Document Manager, Enabling Print to Digital Transformation of Construction Industry

NEW YORK, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- McGraw-Hill Construction (MHC), part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) , today announced the recently launched Project Document Manager (PDM), co-developed with its partner ReproMAX, has been adopted by several key industry leaders, such as Skanska USA Building, Austin Commercial, and Hill International. PDM is the first service to provide full document control over the entire lifecycle of a project that is integrated with MHC's Project Network and Dodge project news, plans, and specs; interoperable with leading project management software; and seamlessly connected to ReproMAX and its national network of local on-demand printing and digital providers.

PDM will be highlighted at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) annual national convention and ConExpo (MHC booth # N1200), on March 10-15, 2008, in Las Vegas, NV.

As a powerful software application, PDM provides the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) community with the ability to control all project intelligence, construction documents and project management functions on a single, secure platform. Users can manage the complete workflow process -- design, bidding, project management, project closing, and even operations -- from PDM's intuitive interface. With PDM, construction documents are available online and easily shared or routed to ReproMAX local printing outlets for printing and shipping. Whether a firm still relies on paper or has adopted a paperless process, PDM makes critical daily tasks easier to manage and control.
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March 7, 2008

Oce Announces Call for Applications for Its First Annual 'Green Reprographer of the Year' Award

Award Will Recognize Environmentally Responsible Business Practices and Efforts to Help Customers Meet Sustainability Goals

TRUMBULL, Conn., March 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Oce, a global leader in digital document management and delivery solutions, today announced its Wide Format Printing Systems division will begin accepting applications for its first annual "Green Reprographer of the Year" award. Applicants will be asked to submit, in writing, their achievements in the area of green business practices and explain how these efforts have assisted their customers to meet their own sustainability goals. The winning reprographer will be announced on May 14, 2008.

Creation of this award was driven by Oce's longstanding commitment to provide large format printing solutions that are designed to support ecosystem preservation without sacrificing print quality.

"While the movement to go green has never been stronger, Oce has long been dedicated to providing products that help our reprographic customers, and in turn their AEC and other clients, operate in a sustainable way," said Patrick Chapuis, President, Wide Format Printing Systems division of Oce North America. "We see this award as an opportunity to highlight those reprographers that have embraced a forward-looking approach to incorporating sustainability into their business model."
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March 6, 2008

Construction Writers Association to Celebrate 50th Anniversary at Annual Meeting

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Construction Writers Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary during its Annual Meeting, April 30-May 2, 2008, in Alexandria, VA. Scheduled events include a welcoming reception, education session on crisis communications, construction tour, awards dinner, and annual meeting featuring construction-related topics.

Attendees will focus on crisis communications during an education session on Thursday morning, May 1. The session will include presentations from a variety of viewpoints -- media, contractors, people affected by a past crisis, planners, and so forth.

The construction tour will be to the new Gaylord Resort and Convention Center at the National Harbor on the Maryland side of the Potomac. The tour will take place on Thursday afternoon.

CWA Journalism and Photography Awards will be presented Thursday evening. In addition, it is expected that CWA's highest honor, the Silver Hard Hat, will be awarded. In honor of the association's 50th anniversary, members of the new CWA Hall of Fame will be announced.

Construction-related topics -- green building, a forecast for the construction economy, and discussion of the potential impact of the election on the construction industry -- will be featured at CWA's annual meeting on Friday morning. 2008-9 officers and directors will be elected at brief business meeting, and long-time members will be asked to reminisce about the association's history.
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March 6, 2008

LISC Launches Green Development Center

Madeline Fraser Cook heads up unit that connects green development movement to full range of neighborhood projects as well as next generation of low-income community workers

NEW YORK, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In its role as the national force behind comprehensive community revitalization, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) today announced the launch of its Green Development Center to support green design, construction, and management principles in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. LISC thinks that greener buildings are key components in achieving sustainable communities of choice and opportunity -- good places to work, do business and raise children.

Madeline Fraser Cook, a national expert in providing technical assistance to community-based organization on green and sustainable design techniques, has been hired to head up the new unit.

While the official unveiling of LISC's Green Development Center is new, the company's emphasis on sustainable building and management principles is not. Since 2004, LISC, through grants and technical assistance, has been encouraging its community development partners to design and build energy-efficient and resource-efficient buildings with healthier indoor air. The benefits include 1) preserving family income and wealth by lowering utility bills and increasing home values, 2) connecting neighborhoods to green-related job opportunities in the design and building trades, 3) providing schools with better learning environments, and stronger operating margins, and 4) supporting healthier lifestyles by exposing residents to fewer toxic substances, lessening respiratory problems.

With support from The Home Depot Foundation, LISC in the San Francisco Bay area launched "Green Connection," a program to educate new affordable housing developers about green building principles, and to make greener capital improvements and maintenance practices into existing properties.

In Boston, LISC created a "green screen" assessment tool with partner New Ecology, Inc. that helps developers take maximum advantage of greening opportunities in their projects.

In Duluth, LISC is involved in a number of green building projects, including a solar demonstration model home and a 70-unit supportive affordable housing building serving homeless people.

LISC is supporting similar efforts in Hartford, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, Virginia, Washington, DC and a number of rural areas. Regional partners include Earthpledge, Global Green, New Ecology, Inc., and Southface Energy Institute.
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March 5, 2008

'Instant Cities' and the Importance of Sustainability Featured at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Conference in Dubai

Former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Christine Todd Whitman to Speak Today about Largest Private RE Venture in History

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The topic of "Instant Cities" will be addressed by Former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christine Todd Whitman today at the influential Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 2008 World Congress in Dubai. Mrs. Whitman will be speaking before more than 750 delegates from 37 countries about "Instant Cities: Korea," a reference to the largest private real estate venture in history, the $30 billion, 1,500 acre Songdo International Business District in Incheon, South Korea.

The conference, "Tall and Green: Typology for a Sustainable Urban Future," features many of the world's thought leaders on sustainability and urban planning. Songdo International Business District will be home to the tallest building in Korea, the Northeast Asia Trade Tower (NEATT). NEATT is being constructed on sustainability principles and is seeking LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Songdo IBD will be 40 percent green space and the city's long-term sustainability and minimization of its carbon footprint have been considered in every design and engineering decision. Indeed, Songdo IBD was recently named a "green urbanism" pilot project by the USGBC, the first in Asia.

Also addressing the conference on Songdo IBD is James von Klemperer, a principal of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the master plan architect of this new city.
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March 5, 2008

Empire Today(TM) Launches Empire Flooring Stories and Empire Carpet Stories Web Blogs

Further demonstrating its dedication to customer satisfaction and world-class customer care, home improvement and home furnishings provider Empire Today announces the launch of two customer testimonial blogs: Empire Carpet Stories and Empire Flooring Stories

NORTHLAKE, Ill., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire Today, LLC (Empire Today), a leading provider of home improvements and home furnishings, announces the launch of two customer testimonial blogs: Empire Carpet Stories (http://carpetstories.empiretoday.com/) and Empire Flooring Stories (http://flooringstories.empiretoday.com/).

The Empire Carpet Stories and Empire Flooring Stories blogs allow customers an interactive experience to provide testimonials on their Empire Today home improvement experiences. Visitors can read firsthand accounts of the Empire Today process. Useful links provide direct access to information on Empire Carpet, Empire Flooring, Empire Window Treatments, and Empire Bath and Shower Liners; the history of Empire Today; and Empire Today's Customer Satisfaction Center.

In business for over 45 years, Empire Today is a leading provider of home improvements and home furnishings, with over one million satisfied customers and operations in over 50 major metropolitan markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Empire's line of quality home products available for next day installation includes: carpet, hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, ceramic flooring, window treatments, bath and shower liners, and area rugs.
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March 4, 2008

New Products Are Showing a Good Performance in the Market, Some of Them Are: Multi Foil Thermal Insulation Products, Natural Thermal Insulation Products - Market Tracking: Thermal Insulation In Western Europe 2007

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of Market Tracking: Thermal Insulation in Western Europe 2007 to their offering.

In 2006, the total Thermal Insulation market recorded another solid growth. These figures reflect a continuous concern in Europe about energy save issues. The growth continues to be fuelled by increasing consumer demand, confidence in the construction sector and new laws and Official programs launched from the European Commission and the national Governments. The market has seen how the regulations have taken place and final consumers are looking for products with higher technical properties like Wools, XPS or PIR – PUR. Moreover new products are showing a good performance in the market, some of them are: Multi foil thermal insulation products, natural thermal insulation products (Wood, cellulose, wool, cork and natural fibres).

One of the major changes in the forthcoming years will be a higher increase in terms of value compared to quantity, which mirrors on one hand the constant increase in prices and on the other, the consumer’s choice for higher cost thermal insulation products. At this point mergers and acquisitions still take place in the market as it has happened in recent years. In addition the big corporations will increase their production facilities in order to handle the vigorous demand in the Western European Countries.
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March 3, 2008

McGraw-Hill Construction and WorldGBC to Collect Global Green Trends Data to Advance the Sharing of Green Information and Intelligence

McGraw-Hill Construction is the Latest Partner of the World Green Building Council and its Official Media Partner

NEW YORK, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- McGraw-Hill Construction (MHC), part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) and the leading provider of information and intelligence to the construction industry, today announced it is proud to be the official media partner of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), giving each organization the ability to extend market reach with green intelligence.

"McGraw-Hill Construction is committed to increasing knowledge and awareness of sustainable design and construction," said Harvey Bernstein, vice president, Industry Analytics, Alliances and Strategic Initiatives. "McGraw-Hill Construction, as the industry's leading provider of green information and intelligence in the U.S., and WorldGBC, whose members include national green building councils throughout the globe, will now have a greater ability to convey critical intelligence and market-sizing data internationally and domestically."

The partnership will facilitate greater global sharing of information about green building and encourage increased dialogue and learning.

"We are so pleased that McGraw-Hill Construction has agreed to partner with us in its continuing support of our organization," said Andrew Bowerbank, executive director of WorldGBC. "MHC provides resources and information aligned with our mission to accelerate the construction industry's use of environmentally and socially responsible building practices through our members -- national green building councils."

As a union of national councils, WorldGBC (www.worldgbc.org) represents over 50 percent of all global construction activity and reaches over 10,000 companies and organizations worldwide.
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