HARTSVILLE, S.C., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonoco (NYSE:SON) , the market and technology leader in the design and manufacture of concrete construction forms, and Oakland, California-based Pacific Paper Tube Inc. (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.pacificpapertube.com), today announced that they have formed an alliance in which each organization will provide Sonotube(R) brand concrete construction forms to West Coast distributors, builders and contractors. The new alliance has been established to combine Sonoco's industry leading technology, the strength of the Sonotube brand and Pacific Paper Tube's recognized service to the West Coast construction industry. Patrick Wallace, president of Pacific Paper Tube, says the alliance is an exciting opportunity for the construction industry on the West Coast, particularly in fast-growing construction markets in northern California, Seattle and Las Vegas. "In geographic areas experiencing expansion, there's a great need for innovative building products," Wallace said. "Sonoco has an incredible line of technologically advanced products, specifically designed to save contractors time and money. We are pleased that we can now make these products available locally." Earlier this year, Sonoco completed the North American roll-out of its new Sonotube(R) concrete construction form with RainGuard(TM) technology, a proprietary fiber form with improved strength, toughness and durability in wet conditions that allows contractors to set the forms even in wet weather, and still pour concrete the next day. The new forms give contractors added scheduling flexibility to complete construction projects on time.

DC Council Chair Participates in Ceremony WASHINGTON, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) dedicated the new green roof on its Washington, D.C., headquarters today. The Honorable Linda Cropp, Chair of the District of Columbia City Council, participated in the ceremony. Also on hand were Steven Peck, president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, an organization that promotes the green roof industry throughout North America, and Michael Van Valkenburgh, FASLA, the landscape architect who led the design process. Nancy Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA, and Dennis Carmichael, FASLA, president of ASLA also offered remarks. "Landscape architects are leading many green roof projects across the U.S. and abroad, so it's only fitting that ASLA provide a demonstration project on this sustainable technology that can cure so many urban ills," said Somerville. "We hope to provide a catalyst for more green roof development in Washington and beyond." "This project will be a highly visible demonstration of the many practical benefits of green roofs for communities, for building owners, and for tenants," said Carmichael. "For the city of Washington, ASLA's green roof will help clean the air and bring us closer to compliance with the federal Clean Air Act, which in turn will release more transportation funds to the city. It will reduce and clean stormwater runoff, which sometimes overwhelms our infrastructure and eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay. It will reduce the urban heat island effect, which can be a serious problem in the summer and will even restore a tiny part of the biohabitat for birds, insects, and plants. On a practical level for ASLA, it will increase our property value, lower our building's energy costs, and provide an amenity for our staff and a nice view for our neighbors in taller buildings around us. Can you imagine the cumulative effect if other, larger downtown Washington building owners join us in this effort?" To help track these environmental effects, ASLA has installed monitoring equipment on the 3,300-square-foot roof and will track stormwater runoff, water quality, and air temperature to compare with data from the conventional roof on the building next door.

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2006--Gone are the days of replacing rotary tool mandrel screws and searching for a screwdriver. Here are the days for quick, effortless accessory changes. From crafts and hobbies to woodworking and DIY projects, the new Dremel EZ Lock(TM) Mandrel System allows rotary tool users to focus on the project at hand with time to spare. The Dremel EZ Lock makes accessory changes as easy as pull, twist and release. The one-piece mandrel design eliminates the need for the screw and a screwdriver, simplifying the process of changing cutting wheels and making it easy to quickly cut through a range of materials from metal to plastic. With effortless locking and loading of reinforced fiberglass cut-off wheels, users are no longer faced with losing the tiny mandrel screw. The EZ Lock offers a convenient, more robust accessory system, enabling users to get the job at hand done faster. "We want the Dremel tool system to be convenient not tricky -- for our users," said Andrea Ash, Dremel director of marketing communications. "With the Dremel EZ Lock, changing cut-off wheels is quick and efficient, making it a dream to work with Dremel rotary tools." Compatible with all Dremel rotary tools, including the recently released Dremel Stylus(TM), the EZ Lock Mandrel System is designed for reinforced cut-off wheels -- Dremel's most popular accessory. The EZ Lock cut-off wheels last twice as long as Dremel's current fiberglass-reinforced cut-off wheels. EZ Lock accessories will be available at most hardware and home improvement centers nationwide beginning in June 2006. About Dremel Since inventing the high-speed rotary tool more than 70 years ago, Dremel has become the trusted name in high-speed rotary tool technology, providing creative solutions for hands-on professionals, homeowners, craftspeople and artists alike. Dremel's leadership in design and manufacturing has made it the top selling rotary tool in the world, a reflection of the company's commitment to innovation and quality.

- Prestigious award honors Pella as leader in customer satisfaction - PELLA, Iowa, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Pella Corporation, recognized as a leader in the window and door industry, has earned a J.D. Power and Associates award. Pella earned the distinction as "An Outstanding Product and Service Experience for Home Builders."* J.D. Power and Associates, working with Pella, surveyed builders who used Pella to assess customer satisfaction. The results of the study are based on independent responses from more than 1,500 building industry professionals who rated Pella(R) products and services. The customer satisfaction measurement is based on performance in: price, delivery, product, warranty and repair service, credit/billing, sales and marketing support and placing orders. Pella notably exceeded the benchmark score for all factors contributing to overall customer satisfaction. "We are honored that builders recognize Pella's commitment to providing them with quality products and outstanding service built around consistent processes," said Elaine Sagers, Pella vice president of marketing. "The J.D. Power and Associates award is yet another example of the Pella team's focus on meeting the needs of builders to ultimately help them better serve their customers."

Function, Comfort and Style Define Today's Kitchens and Baths MOORESVILLE, N.C., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it's the serenity of softer contemporary lines or the familiarity of traditional with a new twist, the latest trends from this weekend's Kitchen and Bath Industry Show bring comfort and a relaxed feel to the home. (Logo: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031205/LOWLOGO) "A focus on design -- from new directions in space planning and functionality to a heightened attention to detail in surface materials and technology -- is at the heart of new developments for kitchen and bath," said Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend forecasting and design for Lowe's. "Key style themes included both ends of the spectrum, from very clean, minimal contemporary to fresher interpretations of traditional. Both style expressions used an abundance of natural materials and textures which added a softer, more handcrafted quality. Color, Finish and Style While informal, traditional styles are still very popular, newer looks in kitchen cabinetry continue to move toward pared down contemporary, with door styles ranging from pillowed effects in high-gloss finishes to sleek, flat surfaces enhanced with strong grain patterns. Bath cabinetry is leaning heavily toward furniture-style pieces in rich wood tones that convey a sense of high fashion. Wood tones in cabinetry are becoming darker, especially in contemporary design, but there is still an affinity for combinations of finishes in the kitchen. New colors in major appliances and bath fixtures offer homeowners more opportunities for personal expression. Unexpected combinations of colors, finishes and patterns continue to be an indication that a more eclectic, casual style remains in high demand. Stainless steel, which migrated from the professional kitchen to the home a few years ago, maintains its presence as a mainstay and is now a classic go- with-anything finish. Faucets in brushed nickel, polished chrome and several versions of bronze continue in a range of styles and forms, including as sculptural accents. Textures and Materials Natural materials -- and those that mimic them -- are important in both kitchen and bath decor. From grass cloth accents to wood and stone countertops to hammered metal hardware and sinks, the love affair with all things natural continues. Technology and Luxury More integrated technology in kitchen, bath and laundry products is helping to make life simpler. New ovens feature smart technologies which can sense the type of food to provide optimal cooking performance. Refrigerators with integrated technology will allow homeowners to maintain food inventories and create grocery lists transmittable to cell phones or grocery stores.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Planit Fusion Live, a new version of Planit's industry-leading design and visualization software for the Kitchen & Bath and home improvement sectors, was debuted by the company at booth 7550 at K/BIS 2006, held at McCormick Place, Chicago, from April 21-23. Building on the proven capabilities of earlier versions, Planit Fusion Live incorporates comprehensive customer management tools, superior graphics and unrivalled presentational quality to provide retailers with total support for their business. The system's innovative "Live" technology enables users to receive instant updates to both their manufacturers' catalogs and Fusion software via the internet. As a result, they can always be sure of using the most up-to-date information in their designs without the need to worry about -- or manage -- the installation of latest CD updates. The software also includes a number of new productivity features. These include enhanced "drag and drop" tools from the application's Graphical Add palette, which are now available in both plan and elevation views. In addition, customized tiling capabilities have been introduced, along with the automated calculation of quantities and improved pricing routines. In parallel, the scope of the company's Planit Design On-Line service has been extended to provide retailers with powerful lead generation and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functionality. By linking directly to the Planit Design On-Line website, end users can create their own room layouts using the system's online design and visualization tools. Copies of the finished files are also emailed back to the retailer, complete with the prospect's name and address, ready for immediate follow-up. Planit Solutions, Inc. is the developer of AlphaCAM(TM), Cabinet Vision(TM), CabnetWare(TM), Fusion(TM), Planit Enterprise(TM), and Radan(TM) software products, serving the needs of the metalworking, woodworking and sheet metal fabrication industries around the world. Planit Solutions, Inc. has software development, sales and support offices located throughout the U.S. and around the world.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 2006--Home Solutions of America, Inc. (Amex: HOM); (the "Company" or "Home Solutions"), a provider of recovery, restoration and rebuilding/remodeling services, announced today that Cornerstone Granite and Marble, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, has been awarded contracts by The Home Depot(R), the world's largest home improvement retailer, to provide, fabricate and install Corian(R) and Granite countertops for 25 additional stores in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The new locations increase the number of stores to 150 that Home Solutions provides services to for the leading retailer. Home Solutions is a provider of recovery, restoration and rebuilding/remodeling services to commercial and residential areas that are (i) prone to flooding, hurricanes, tornados, fires or other naturally occurring and repetitive weather related emergencies; and/or (ii) experiencing robust housing development. The Company has operations in California, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina through its five subsidiaries, Cornerstone Building and Remodeling, Southern Exposure, P.W. Stephens, Home Solutions Restoration of Louisiana and Fiber Seal Systems. Cornerstone is a leading supplier and installer of granite materials for kitchens and baths to national home centers, as well as national builders and remodeling companies, in the southeastern United States. Southern Exposure and related companies is a manufacturer and installer of cabinet and countertop services in the Florida marketplace. P.W. Stephens provides mold and asbestos remediation services, and fire and water restoration services in California, Florida and Louisiana. Home Solutions Restoration of Louisiana provides Recovery Restoration Services in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas and Fiber Seal Systems is a national licensor of cleaning and fabric protection businesses.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2006--ACE USA and ACE Westchester Specialty Group, both part of the ACE Group of Companies, today announced that the ACE Online(SM) division has introduced an online application that provides selected producers with the ability to obtain rates, quotes and binders for qualified Architects & Engineers Professional Liability coverage through a new website: www.aceonline.com. The ACE USA and ACE Westchester Specialty Group Professional Risk Architects & Engineers Liability Policy offers coverage to help protect design professionals from possible financial loss and unexpected claims that could damage the reputation they have worked so hard to build. This new website offers brokers valuable benefits, including the ability to: Quickly obtain multiple quotes based on selected coverage options; deliver system-produced application; quote and binder documents; provide fast turnaround for referred submissions; manage submission activity from the online work list. The ACE USA and ACE Westchester Specialty Group's--Architect's and Engineers Professional Liability policy offers the following benefits: Admitted policies available in most states; retention mediation provision; worldwide territory; CPL available for design professions; Supplemental coverage provided for pre-claims experience; Supplemental coverage provided for ADA, FFHA and OSHA fines, sanctions or penalties; Supplemental coverage provided for claims-related expense of the insureds; coverage provided for claims-related expense of the insureds; coverage provided for punitive and exemplary damages, where insurable under law.

LONDON, April 20/PRNewswire/ -- Hi-Tech home design and installation company, Touch of a Button, has launched an affordable range of pre-packaged, Smart Home technology solutions. Last year nearly 50% of all new homes built in the US were pre-wired for the addition of Smart Home technologies. This trend is now spreading to the UK with some national house builders specifying high-tech infrastructures as standard in all their apartments. To remain competitive, all hi-end property must incorporate these technologies as the norm. Working closely with leading architects, interior designers and developers, Touch of a Button has put the most commonly requested home technology requirements into simple and affordable packages for their customers. Security and entertainment are two of the most popular systems and packages start from as little as GBP225 for a surveillance system that lets your keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world. For as little as GBP299 you can have central locking, like you have on your car, but this time for your home or business, and for GBP949 you can listen to digital music as you walk through your home, controlled simply from the palm of your hand. The beauty of many of the packages is that they can be added as needed.

Nation's Largest Door Wholesaler to Expand Distribution of Country's Most Preferred Brand of Fiberglass and Steel Exterior Door Systems ST. LOUIS, April 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Huttig Building Products, Inc. (NYSE:HBP) and Therma-Tru Doors, an operating unit of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO) , announced today an agreement under which Huttig will distribute Therma-Tru(R) brand exterior doors, door systems and patio doors at all Huttig millwork distribution locations nationwide. Therma-Tru is the nation's leading manufacturer and most preferred brand of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems. Huttig is the largest wholesaler of pre-hung interior and exterior doors in the U.S. Huttig will distribute Therma-Tru exterior fiberglass and steel doors through all of its 40 millwork locations, expanding from the 31 Huttig locations that currently offer Therma-Tru doors. The joint agreement will allow Therma-Tru and Huttig to offer exterior door systems on a nationwide basis to the rapidly growing national and regional pro dealer chains, which in turn sell to homebuilders and repair and remodeling contractors. "Both Huttig and Therma-Tru are committed to growing this business," said Michael A. Lupo, President and CEO of Huttig. "Therma-Tru is the leading maker of fiberglass and steel exterior doors, and this agreement is in line with our objective to provide a comprehensive, national product portfolio featuring key brands in all of our markets. By offering Therma-Tru products on a nationwide basis, we will be able to better serve our national, regional, independent and specialty accounts."

EXTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 2006--Bentley Systems, Incorporated, provider of software for the world's infrastructure, today announced its innovative software subscription for municipalities. Called the Municipal License Subscription (MLS) program, it offers municipalities all the software they need for the mapping and engineering of all their infrastructure for a fixed annual fee, based on population. Often, because of budget constraints, municipalities have an incomplete or unintegrated set of software tools to map and engineer their infrastructure - an essential function for these governments. With the MLS, they can slash their software and administrative costs, outfit their entire mapping and engineering organizations with fully integrated software, and realize a more efficient government. The comprehensive MLS portfolio includes integrated geospatial and engineering solutions for: Surveying, site and terrain modeling, Land management, Mapping, imaging and document conversion, Road and highway design, rail and transit system design, Water and wastewater management, Architecture and facilities management, Communications network design, Plant design and operation, Urban visualization, Web publishing, and much more.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 2006--Engineered Glass Products (EGP) has earned UL approval for its new line of heated windows with Thermique(TM) technology for residential and commercial buildings. Architectural windows are among the first commercialized products designed with Thermique(TM) heated glass, which was pioneered exclusively by EGP engineers. As the first company to achieve UL approval for heating windows, EGP is the only company approved to provide heated glass technology for architectural use in the United States. Thermique(TM) windows radiate warmth and comfort into a room, no matter how low the temperature drops outside the building. Outdoors it may be well below freezing, but the interior surface of the glass will remain above room temperature--up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on user settings. This is accomplished with a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coating and copper buss bars that are applied to the glass during fabrication. The TCO coating can be electrically heated with precise temperature control through the use of a Thermique(TM) Hot Glass controller designed by EGP specifically for the safe heating of Thermique Hot Glass. The glass is always uniformly heated across the entire pane. It is never too hot to touch so it is never a hazard, even with small children. The controller is even able to sense a fault or a crack in the glass, at which point it safely cuts off power. "With UL approval, architects, builders and owners can be confident that Thermique(TM) heated windows are a safe, responsible choice," says Pete Gerhardinger, vice president of technology at EGP. "Every new technology has to prove itself in independent testing, and we're proud to have accomplished this important process so quickly. The UL Listing is a testament to EGP's thorough development and testing process, which ensures a safe and robust product for our customers."

WASHINGTON, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has selected Ohio Gratings Inc. to provide the grating for the walking surface on the new green roof in downtown Washington, DC. The aluminum grating will allow plants to grow beneath it, maximizing the planting area of the roof. "The grating system provided by Ohio Gratings Inc. will allow us to utilize the space on our green roof most efficiently. With the unique grating, the roof area can be fully planted and still allow visitors to walk on the space without damaging the sedum," said Nancy Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. The ASLA green roof will demonstrate the environmental and esthetic value of green roofs; encourage more widespread use of green roofs locally and nationally; and showcase the value landscape architects bring to this type of project. The project is scheduled for official dedication on April 26, 2006. "Ohio Gratings Inc. is proud to partner with the ASLA on their green roof," said Karl Neifeldt, Account Manager. "This innovative project breaks the boundaries of typical architecture and delivers not only a beautiful greenscape but a functional means of reducing water runoff, moderating building temperature, and being environmentally friendly. This is a true testament of their vision. Working side by side with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, we were able to help incorporate a typically industrial material into a non-typical application to allow an expansion of the green roof to maximize the benefits of the project. Ohio Gratings Inc. is looking forward to working with other ASLA members for similar upcoming projects." http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.asla.org

Company Submits Product to Certification Process in Response to Requests from Homebuilding Industry SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Sylvan Source, the provider of breakthrough ultra-clean water systems, today announced that its flagship product, the Sylvan Source M-600, became the first distillation-based, ultra-clean water treatment system to earn certification from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). Unlike traditional IAPMO certification, which is awarded to components of plumbing and mechanical systems, IAPMO Research and Testing certified the entire M-600 appliance as compliant with its stringent quality standards for the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) for both the United States and Canada. IAPMO certification enables homebuilders to confidently recommend and include the maintenance-free Sylvan Source M-600 as a standard appliance in new home construction and a value-added feature in prestigious developments. "It is rare for a home appliance manufacturer to submit a system to IAPMO for certification," said Laura Demmons, chief executive officer of Sylvan Source. "We submitted the M-600 to IAPMO's rigorous test and review processes at the request of homebuilders who face the growing challenge of ensuring water quality in new home developments. IAPMO's UPC certification demonstrates our mutual commitment to ensuring that people receive ultra-clean drinking water in their homes from a high-quality, maintenance-free appliance."

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2006--It may have a funny name but homeowners aren't being frivolous when they choose Ipe for their new decks. A combination of beauty and practicality have turned Ipe (pronounced e-pay) into the hottest deck wood around. "When people see it they just fall in love with it," said Ed Repak, director of construction and drafting for Archadeck. "But by choosing Ipe they are thinking with both their heads and their hearts." Ipe is a very dense, hard wood from South America that resists cupping, splintering and twisting. Also called ironwood, Ipe will not shrink like pressure treated lumber and should last over 25 years. "Many homeowners we talk to are initially interested in composite materials and don't know much about Ipe," Repak said. "But when we start talking about it, they become very interested in it." In many markets across the U.S., Ipe has started outselling composites and other woods, particularly in more expensive neighborhoods. The installed cost for Ipe can run about the same as high-end composites. The material in some cases costs less, but the density of the wood requires some additional labor, such as pre-drilling for fasteners. While Ipe requires sealant on the end cuts, most homeowners also choose to seal the entire wood to maintain its rich natural color. If left unsealed, Ipe weathers to a silver-gray, Repak said. "One of the advantages of Ipe is that even if the homeowner has not maintained the wood for some time, they can go back do some sanding and apply a coat of oil and the wood responds beautifully," Repak said.

Technology Prevents Shingle 'Humps' for Instant, 'Flatter' Look - Reducing Call Backs TOLEDO, Ohio, April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Owens Corning (OWENQ.OB), the manufacturer of American's No. 1 brand of shingles, has announced a new technology for its Oakridge PRO(R) Series Shingle that offers faster installation, higher wind performance and a better appearance immediately after installation. The higher wind ratings offer contractors an attractive solution that complies with new, more stringent building codes in high-wind areas. Initially available in the Northeast, SureNail(R) Technology is currently planned to be rolled out to the rest of the U.S. market over the course of the next several years. The unique color blends and curb appeal of Oakridge PRO Series shingles are compatible with a wide variety of architectural styles and personal tastes, allowing professionals the ability to create distinctive look for their customers. The range of shadow depth and color options offer degrees of visual appeal from a soft, muted look on Oakridge PRO 30 shingles, added shadow definition on Oakridge PRO 40, to a thick, dramatic look on Oakridge PRO 50 shingles. Each delivers ultimate peace of mind for the homeowner because all Oakridge PRO Series shingles come with class A UL fire rating -- the highest in the industry. Owens Corning is a world leader in building materials systems and composite solutions. A Fortune 500 company for more than 50 years, Owens Corning people redefine what is possible each day to deliver high-quality products and services ranging from insulation, roofing, siding and stone, to glass composite materials used in transportation, electronic, telecommunications and other high-performance applications. Since the company's founding in 1938, Owens Corning has become a market-leading innovator of glass fiber technology with sales of $6.3 billion in 2005 and 20,000 employees in 25 countries.

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today announced that it has acquired privately-held Quantm International, Inc. and its subsidiary Quantm Ltd. of Australia in an all-cash transaction. Quantm is a leader in transportation route optimization software used for planning highways, railways, pipelines and canals. The innovative software system enables infrastructure planners to examine and select route corridors and alignments that simultaneously optimize construction costs, environmental restrictions, existing feature avoidance and legislative obligations. The improved solution for the proposed route results in significant reductions in project planning time and cost. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Trimble's Connected Construction Site strategy seeks to improve efficiency through a tighter integration of construction process information. Transportation route alignments generated by Quantm's software add another piece to the strategy by forming a closer link between the planning and design phases of a transportation project. Infrastructure owners, such as Departments or Ministries of Transportation, and the construction companies that support them can all benefit from Quantm's capabilities. "Quantm is an industry leader for optimizing transportation route planning. The Quantm acquisition positions us to provide our customers with productivity enhancing products that cover more phases of a construction project than any other supplier," said Bryn Fosburgh, vice president responsible for Trimble's Engineering and Construction segment. "Quantm has successfully built a strong worldwide market position and has demonstrated profitable revenue growth." A goal of Trimble's Connected Construction Site strategy is to improve construction project management by providing easy integration of project data and customized status information to the construction professional in real time. Trimble has a range of solutions for the construction market including: design and data preparation, earthmoving grade control, site positioning, general and interior building and asset management. Through all phases of the construction process, Trimble provides tools to streamline work processes, minimize downtime and re-work. The Quantm system brings similar productivity enhancements to the planning, or pre-design, phase of a project and provides a seamless link to the design phase. http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.quantm.net

- Superior Physical and Aesthetic Qualities Deliver on Form and Function - SANTA ANA, Calif., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping homeowners preserve the beauty and functionality of their homes, BEHR Paints introduces new Premium Plus Interior Sateen Kitchen and Bath Enamel, the first paint of its kind to utilize Nanotechnology making for superior physical and aesthetic qualities. The paint doubles as an impenetrable safeguard against mildew and stains in those high-traffic areas of the home that are most susceptible -- kitchens and bathrooms."Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most difficult environments to maintain in a home," said Mary Rice, Vice President Marketing, BEHR Paints. "Using Nanotechnology to create our new Kitchen and Bath Enamel has enabled us to provide a product with excellent application properties and color matching with a remarkably resilient finish to protect against the elements." BEHR's new Kitchen and Bath Enamel is the product of an innovative formula created with Nanotechnology in which key ingredients are reduced to nano-sized particles that enhance the performance of the paint, resulting in an extremely hard, durable finish. The product offers outstanding water resistance, provides excellent scrubbability, easy stain removal, superior stain blocking resistance and improved application properties. BEHR Kitchen and Bath Enamel resists the effects of excess moisture which can lead to mildew growth. The protective finish guards against stains left behind by grease, food and beverages in the kitchen and the residue resulting from soap, cosmetics and grooming products in the bathroom. Function aside, BEHR's Kitchen and Bath Enamel delivers on design with the radiant silky finish of Sateen Lustre and the full range of Premium Plus Colors. The resilient finish helps the paint to retain its luminous sheen for longer periods of time. The more than 2,000 shades can be viewed, coordinated and applied to a virtual room using ColorSmart by BEHR at BEHR.com. The line is available for purchase at The Home Depot stores nationwide.

WASHINGTON, April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report shows balanced design using concrete masonry construction to save lives and protect property from building fires is also a wise economic choice. The report has been released by the Fire Safety Construction Advisory Councils representing New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. Haas Architects and Engineers of State College, Pennsylvania were commissioned by the councils to conduct the study seeking to compare costs between light construction and noncombustible fire containment construction such as concrete masonry. Walter Schneider, PhD, PE, Principal and Chief Engineer at Haas Architects and Engineers explains, "Existing U.S. building codes, standards and construction favor the use of light construction over noncombustible fire containment construction even though fire kills more Americans annually than all other natural disasters combined. The United States has one of the worst fire safety records among industrialized nations around the world. This situation exists despite a prevalent use of detection systems, tough code requirements for sprinklers, and some of the best trained and equipped fire service and emergency response teams." David Dimmick, Executive director of the New England concrete Masonry Association added, "Too many legislators, code-officials, and design professionals think that noncombustible concrete and concrete products construction solutions are more costly than lightweight alternatives. The new cost study refutes that notion by presenting actual costs for a variety of construction types in three cities involving the use of conventional wood framing, light gauge steel framing, and several types of noncombustible concrete products. The cities involved in the study were Framingham, Massachusetts, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Towson, Maryland." "In all three cities," said Dimmick, "the cost of load bearing concrete masonry compared very favorably with both conventional wood frame and light gauge steel framing systems. There was no evidence supporting existing misperceptions about the costs of noncombustible concrete masonry products versus wood or steel. We know, intuitively, that more lives and property can be saved in building fires, when noncombustible concrete products are used," commented Dimmick. He added, "But before this study was conducted, there was no reliable published documentation available to refute the misperception of increased building costs typically associated with using a balanced design approach. That's why this report is so important." According to Robert D. Thomas, Vice President of Engineering at the National Concrete Masonry Association, "Balanced design includes three key elements; fire detection, fire suppression, and fire containment. Complete fire containment includes fire barriers, fire-rated wall assemblies and exterior walls built of substantial, noncombustible materials such as concrete masonry along with precast concrete plank floors and ceilings. Noncombustible concrete masonry construction can reduce or eliminate the spread of fire and provide additional protection and time for occupants to exit and for fire and emergency personnel to safely conduct rescue operations."

ST. LOUIS, April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of last year's hurricanes and flooding, more than 70 percent of Southern U.S. homeowners say they are as or more concerned with termite and fire ant infestation today than they were a year ago, according to a new survey of 1,500 homeowners. That spells a lot of angst among the 40 million U.S. residents living in areas infested by the imported red fire ant, not to mention the 80 percent of American homeowners who do nothing to protect their homes from termites. "While it is early in the season, retail orders for fire ant and termite control products are up over last year at this time," said Jim Guard, marketing director, who manages Spectracide(R) termite and fire ant control products, which are offered by Spectrum Brands. Consumers this spring have more options than ever in the battle against these pests that cause damage to both property and person. In fact, termite damage is estimated to cost U.S. homeowners more than $1.5 billion a year and fire ants threaten public health -- their fiery bites inflict mild to severe pain on humans, pets, and livestock. Hiring a pest control company will be a popular option, but similar products are also available for do-it-yourselfers at home improvement and lawn and garden retailers. Termite bait systems, which help monitor for the presence of termites, were washed out by flooding in many neighborhoods. Homeowners now can purchase Spectracide's Terminate(R) Termite Detection & Killing Stakes and place them around their homes to battle against termite infestation. An indicator pops up when the stake, filled with termite bait, is attacked by foraging subterranean termites, warning the homeowner of termite activity and alerting them to take additional action. The stakes utilize active ingredient TransFlur(R), an insecticide that kills the attacking "worker" termite. http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.spectracide.com

SANTA ROSA, Calif., April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Building Studio, Inc. today announced that it had been selected to participate in a collaboration agreement with the United Technologies Research Center ("UTRC"), a division of United Technologies Corporation, to jointly develop advanced simulation software for commercial building energy analysis. The collaboration is part of an ongoing $11.1 million cost-sharing award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Advanced Technology Program (see jazz.nist.gov/atpcf/prjbriefs/prjbrief.cfm?ProjectNumber=00-00-5641) awarded to UTRC and Oculus Technologies The project objective is to develop simulation-based design methodologies that improve integration and operation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and combined heat and power systems in commercial buildings, targeting energy efficiency gains of 30-40%. Green Building Studio's contributions will include a web-accessible energy simulator that will allow architects and engineers to evaluate design alternatives and optimize system performance in the early stages of building design. "In December 2005, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) called for a 50% reduction by 2010 of fossil fuel used to construct and operate buildings. Across the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction industry (AEC), the Green Building Studio web service is seen as the key design tool that will enable design teams to create tomorrow's efficient buildings today," said John Kennedy, President & CTO of Green Building Studio, Inc. http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.Oculustech.com

WATKINS, Minn. & VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2006--International Barrier Technology Inc. ("Barrier") (OTCBB:IBTGF) (TSXV:IBH), a manufacturer of proprietary fire resistant building materials, is pleased to report that the initial production run of commercial grade Blazeguard(R) fire-rated sheathing from the new manufacturing line in Watkins, MN took place on March 28, 2006. As the upcoming quarter progresses and final equipment installation is completed, labour will become more fully experienced in the operation of the new line, and efficiencies will improve dramatically. Barrier anticipates the production rate from the new line will easily reach its designed capacity of 40 million sq.ft. (2 @ 8hr. shift basis) in time to meet the growing demand for Blazeguard sales. Coupled with the capacity remaining on the existing production line, the eventual total capacity for the Watkins facility will be in excess of 50 million sq.ft. With this gained volume available, Barrier is well positioned to further expand sales in priority territories (Midwest, California, Texas, etc.), and to continue the focus on new product development. "We are already encouraged by the quality of the boards produced by the new line. The uniform, smooth surface texture from the new production process will give us the ability to tap into new market applications previously difficult for us to penetrate, including: interior wall panels and structural insulative panel systems (SIP's)," states Dr. Michael Huddy, President and CEO. "In addition, once we finish tweaking the system and labour gets used to running the line, improved efficiencies will translate directly into larger bottom line earnings".

SOLON, Ohio, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fiberstars, Inc. (NASDAQ:FBST) announced today the signing of an exclusive agreement regarding the use of Fiberstars EFO energy saving down lighting in the elevator cab retrofit market with National Elevator Cab and Door Corp. National Elevator Cab and Door is a manufacturer of architectural products for the specific purpose of beautifying cabs, doors and frames of elevators. Notable clients are the Empire State Building, MetLife Building, The Trump Organization, and the famed glass elevators at the Marriott Marquis. Harold Friedman, President of National Elevator Cab, liked the story of Fiberstars EFO, and built a prototype to experience its benefits. The results, according to Friedman, were "No heat, minimal electrical wiring, simple installation and efficient light spread and color that is as good as halogens or better." Moreover, the maintenance benefits are significant -- with Fiberstars EFO one light bulb will need changing once a year versus putting the elevator out of service up to 32 times a year to change traditional light bulbs. Mr. Friedman views his company as a problem solver, and lighting elevators has been one of the most problematic issues in designing an elevator cab. He noted that the choices, until he was introduced to Fiberstars EFO, were, "Halogens which produce good color but bring too much heat, fluorescents which were economical but had terrible color, and incandescent bulbs that provide adequate light but do not distribute light evenly enough to enhance the beauty of the cab."

Simple Steps to Save Homeowners Money and Make Homes Environmentally Friendly WASHINGTON, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners should consider alternative ways to help lower their bills -- and help the environment -- by making their homes more "green." The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is raising awareness of the need for sustainable, environmentally sensitive design and how homeowners can help achieve this goal. ASLA is doing its part to become more "green" by installing a green roof covered with vegetation on its downtown Washington, D.C., headquarters. Green roofs last up to twice as long as conventional roofs, save significantly on heating and cooling costs, improve community air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect in the summertime. While it's not feasible for most homeowners to retrofit their homes with green roofs, there are other steps you can take to minimize your home's impact on the environment.