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Autodesk Inventor Powers Development of Small Wind Turbines for Home Market

April 30, 2010

Vindby’s Rooftop Wind Turbines Put Renewable Energy in the Hands of Homeowners SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has named Vindby, a Danish supplier of renewable energy solutions, as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for April. Vindby used Autodesk Inventor software to develop the Vindby 1A, the first wind turbine approved for home use in Denmark. Easily assembled and installed, the Vindby 1A makes it simple for homeowners to generate clean, renewable energy and lessen their environmental impact.
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DWYER PRODUCTS CORPORATION ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE

April 30, 2010

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP WITH MELLEMA, LLC WOOD DALE, IL. (January 2010) –Dwyer Products Corporation, a national manufacturer of modular kitchens and metal casework, announced today a new business partnership with healthcare casework designer Mellema, LLC, the licensor of the Goelst® brand of modular medical casework. Under the new initiative, Dwyer will be the exclusive licensee of Goelst® casework and will offer the entire Goelst® line as part of the Dwyer Products family in the United States and Canada. “We have always had a great deal of respect and admiration for the Goelst® brand especially the company’s technological advancements,” said Clay Jacobs, president of Dwyer Products. “Now that Goelst® product lines are available through Dwyer, we are able to offer our hospital clients specialized expertise in space and storage solutions for the acute care market. The product is particularly well suited for highly technical spaces, such as pharmacies and laboratories, where ever changing conditions make modularity a necessity.” With more than 15 years experience in modular medical casework, the Goelst® product is the leader in offering specialized, highly technical expertise and solutions for acute care facilities. “I am excited to solidify our agreement with Dwyer Products, it is a great fit. Our business partnership makes sense for both companies,” commented Mac Goelst, president and CEO of Mellema, LLC. “I am planning on great success with this union moving forward.” In addition to the Goelst® brand, Dwyer Products will continue its company’s almost 100-year tradition of offering affordable, modular metal casework and modular kitchens that maximize efficiency in small spaces. The Dwyer Product family will continue serving the military, government, student, and public housing, as well as the hospitality and healthcare markets. To learn more about the business partnership and/or to interview Clay Jacobs, president of Dwyer Products, call 630-741-7900. About Dwyer Products: For more than 90 years, Dwyer has provided flexible, high-quality kitchen solutions that make the most of small spaces. Dwyer supplies a wide array of casework, nourishment stations and full-service kitchens that are KCMA and GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®. The company offers configurations designed to meet the needs of the healthcare, student housing, assisted living, military and public housing markets. Visit www.dwyerproducts.com for more information.
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Data Loggers to Assess Air Conditioning System Efficiency Gains in California Homes

April 30, 2010

BOURNE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Onset (http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.onsetcomp.com), the world’s leading supplier of data loggers, today announced that its HOBO® U-Series temperature and motor on/off data loggers have been selected for an air conditioning system monitoring pilot program in San Joaquin Valley, California. The nine-week study, funded by the California Energy Commission, will look at energy savings realized through the use of an Enhanced Fan Delay – a retrofit device HVAC contractors can apply to residential air conditioners to improve cooling performance in hot-dry climates. “After a system’s compressor shuts down in hot-dry environments such as the Western U.S., water that has condensed on the evaporator coil can be re-evaporated into the conditioned space to boost the sensible efficiency of the unit,” said Adrian Hairrell, an engineer with Proctor Engineering Group (PEG), the San Rafael, CA-based engineering consulting firm developing the devices. “The purpose of this study is to compare the energy use of a standard system to that of the same system with the Enhanced Fan Delay control added. Our goal for the project is to realize at least 7% energy use savings in each California climate zone we monitor.
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Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Continues Its Support of the Sustainable Building Movement with New Online LEED(R) Calculator

April 30, 2010

ToughRock(R) and Dens(TM) Brand Products plus Plant Information Online for 24/7 LEED Documentation Access ATLANTA, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its commitment to sustainable construction, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum announces the availability of its new online LEED® Calculator that significantly simplifies the process for determining its products' potential contribution to a LEED credit. Designed for use by architects, specifiers, contractors and suppliers, the LEED Calculator is available 24/7 at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.gp.com/build/leedcalc.aspx. Georgia-Pacific Gypsum's online LEED Calculator provides easy and immediate access to information about a product's potential LEED credit contribution. This includes specific data regarding recycled content and regional materials. Georgia-Pacific Gypsum's LEED calculator provides instant access to LEED credit contribution information with the input of just a few pieces of information. Construction professionals need to only type in the project name, zip code and their Georgia-Pacific Gypsum product choice(s), and the calculator provides a readymade report and printable letter outlining the products' relevant LEED credit documentation. Categories of information include recycled content and regional material availability. The availability of this calculating tool is the latest news showcasing the ongoing commitment and range of Georgia-Pacific Gypsum's environmentally sustainable building products. Its DensArmor Plus® Interior Panels were first to be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and GREENGUARD Children & Schools(SM) Certified as low-emitting gypsum panels, and were among the first gypsum panels to be listed by The Collaborative for High Performing Schools® (CHPS(TM)) as low-emitting materials. Additionally, DensArmor Panels are listed with GREENGUARD as microbial resistant. For more information on all Georgia-Pacific Gypsum products please visit www.gpgypsum.com. To see online related case studies and videos, please visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.youtube.com/gpdens.
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Million Member Spiritual Practice's NYC Green Building Receives Special Recognition From the State of NY

April 30, 2010

Sukyo Mahikari Centers for Spiritual Development: The City's 10th Commercial Green Building NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will present a High Performance Building Plaque to the Sukyo Mahikari Centers for Spiritual Development at a special event in recognition of energy-efficient measures incorporated into its new center that will help cut its energy costs by $8,400 per year and reduce its carbon footprint in New York City. The building showcases innovative green design strategies that are new to both New York City and the State of New York. The center is slated to receive LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council becoming one of a handful of buildings in New York City to have achieved this status. There are currently only nine LEED-certified New Construction Buildings in New York City. Loans for the construction of the green building were provided by Bank of America.
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Aerojet and CDM's Innovative Perchlorate Remediation Project Recognized With Superior Achievement Award for Environmental Engineering Excellence

April 29, 2010

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aerojet, a GenCorp (NYSE:GY) company, and CDM announced today that their joint project, which demonstrated effective, in-place removal of perchlorate from contaminated soil, has won the American Academy of Environmental Engineers' (AAEE) 2010 Superior Achievement Award for Environmental Engineering Excellence. The award was presented today at a luncheon conference held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The winning project used CDM's innovative, patented Gaseous Electron Donor Injection Technology (GEDIT) and demonstrated that indigenous bacteria in soil will consume perchlorate and nitrate in the presence of injected hydrogen gas. The overall destruction of perchlorate and nitrate was greater than 90 percent within the 20-foot-diameter target area to a depth of 50 feet. While previous remediation technologies have been effective in treating perchlorate contamination in groundwater, the GEDIT process is able to treat contamination in deep soil where contaminants persist. According to Dr. Pat Evans, the CDM vice president who developed and researched the process, "Using a gaseous electron donor capitalizes on the diffusivity of gas and its ability to travel through tight soil formations, such as silt and clay, to boost the capacity of the bacteria to breakdown the contamination."
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Cement Industry Honors Leaders in Environmental Improvement

April 29, 2010

Plants Commended for Benefiting Local Communities, Global Environment SKOKIE, Ill., April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Six cement plants received special recognition for their commitment to improving the environment and their communities at the Ninth Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards, presented by Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine at PCA's Spring Meeting in Chicago, April 27, 2010. The awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants went beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes and policies contributed to making their communities better places to live and work. Six categories recognized plants throughout the United States (listed by category, company and plant location): - Overall Environmental Excellence: Lafarge North America Inc., Bath, Ontario - Outreach: Holcim (US) Inc., Theodore, Ala. - Environmental Performance: Lafarge North America Inc., Sugar Creek, Mo. - Land Stewardship: CEMEX, Xenia, Ohio - Innovation: Lafarge North America Inc., Tulsa, Okla. - Energy Efficiency: CalPortland, Colton, Calif.
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Renaissance Lighting to Reveal Proprietary Technology Destined to Change the Course of LED-Based Luminaire Manufacturing

April 29, 2010

Phosphor-centric light generation overtakes role of LEDs in boosting efficacy, color quality, lumen output LIGHTFAIR International 2010 HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Renaissance Lighting, a leading innovator in the development and manufacture of energy-efficient, ultra long-life solid-state luminaires, is coming to LIGHTFAIR International 2010 to introduce its most significant technological breakthrough in solid-state LED lighting: the adoption of a clear liquid phosphor as the primary light source in LED luminaires – a move that initiates a radical departure from the present-day use of high-brightness LEDs that have dominated the solid-state LED lighting industry.
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Landscape Architects Announce 2010 Professional Awards

April 28, 2010

Prestigious jury of leading designers and editors selects 49 projects for recognition WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced the winners of the 2010 Professional Awards, representing the best in landscape architecture around the world in the categories of general design, residential design, analysis and planning, research and communication. The jury considered 618 entries – the largest number in ASLA history – from 20 countries around the world, selecting 49 projects for distinction. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, September 13, at 12 noon during the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO in Washington, D.C. The upcoming ceremony and awards video are sponsored by Firestone Specialty Products. To view the full list of award winning projects, along with high-quality images, project descriptions and the professional jury, visit www.asla.org/2010awards.
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Optimum Energy’s OptimumMVM™ Service Advances Commercial HVAC Management; Enables Persistent Energy Reductions

April 28, 2010

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Optimum Energy, LLC, provider of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) software solutions that set a new standard in energy efficiency, today introduced OptimumMVM™, a Web-based measurement, verification and management service that is advancing the processes for day-to-day management of commercial HVAC systems and enabling persistent energy reductions in systems optimized with OptimumHVAC. Additional features include alarms that provide an early alert system for declining energy performance, and the ability to analyze point-specific trend data and correlate the performance of multiple pieces of equipment. OptimumMVM also tracks energy and carbon emissions savings, helping to satisfy reporting requirements for incentives such as utility rebates, or green building certification programs such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®).
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Sears in Glen Burnie, Maryland Selected as Contestant in EPA National Building Competition

April 28, 2010

Will Compete to 'Work Off the Waste' with Help from ENERGY STAR Program HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:SHLD) today announced that a Sears store in Glen Burnie, Maryland, has been selected to participate in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) first national competition among commercial buildings to save energy and fight climate change. In the spirit of popular weight-loss competitions, the Glenn Burnie Sears store will compete against 13 other buildings across the country to "work off the waste" through improvements in energy efficiency with help from the EPA's ENERGY STAR program. The building that sheds the most energy waste on a percentage basis will be recognized as the winner of the EPA's National Building Competition in late October 2010.
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SunEdison to Develop Solar PV Program for Remington in Ontario

April 27, 2010

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunEdison, a division of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE: WFR), announced today that it will be developing and constructing up to fourteen (14) roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with capacity totaling up to 3 Megawatts (MW) for The Remington Group, one of the leading real estate developers in Ontario. Under the agreement, SunEdison will finance, build, own, operate, monitor and maintain photovoltaic solar energy systems hosted at Remington facilities, and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will purchase the energy produced under the terms of Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff Program (FIT)*. The fourteen roof-top PV systems will all be located in the Greater Toronto Area, and will be launched using a phased rollout plan starting in the Summer of 2010. Over 20 years, the systems will generate sufficient energy to avoid the emission of over 42,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere--the equivalent of removing over 9,000 cars from the road for one year.
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UC Irvine Extension Approved as a U.S. Green Building Council Education Provider

April 27, 2010

Designation Validates University’s Dedication to High-Quality Education; Enhances Professional Development Opportunities for Students IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The University of California, Irvine Extension today announced it has been approved as a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Education Provider. The USGBC has reviewed and approved the technical and instructional quality of 10 UC Irvine Extension Sustainability courses. As an Education Provider, UC Irvine Extension’s high-quality education programs will help to enhance the ongoing professional development of the building industry and LEED Professionals. UC Irvine’s courses are approved by USGBC for GBCI CE Hours towards the LEED Credential Maintenance Program. To receive the USGBC Education Provider designation, UC Irvine Extension submitted coursework, detailed information about its sustainability certificate programs and an overview of its instructional guidelines to the USGBC. Upon completion of the rigorous review process, UC Irvine Extension has received approval for a total of 10 sustainability courses, including: * Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability & Green Business * Legal Developments Concerning the Environment & Climate Change * Framework for Strategic Vision * Climate Protection & Environmental Sustainability: The Business of Mitigating Change * Green Supply Chain * Sustainability Reporting: Drivers, Protocols & Quantitative Methods * Energy Retrofits: Saving Energy in Existing Buildings * The Future of Energy: Cleantech * Transforming the Built Environment: EBOM Principles * Sustainable Practices in Senior Housing: The Boom of Our Aging
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W. R. MEADOWS Introduces Its First Building Information Model (BIM) for Air Barrier Systems

April 26, 2010

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS is proud to announce the creation of its first building information model (BIM) for the AIR-SHIELD™ line of air and liquid moisture barriers. This BIM file can be found on the AIR-SHIELD applications details page at www.wrmeadows.com. The BIM file is the first of its kind for W. R. MEADOWS, as the company works hard to stay on the cusp of upcoming technology. Using BIM technology is a rapidly growing development in the construction industry, and W. R. MEADOWS intends to lead at the forefront of this emerging technology. The BIM file includes information on the AIR-SHIELD line of products and the wall types the product can be used with. The W. R. MEADOWS products covered in the BIM file include AIR-SHIELD self-adhering air barrier, AIR-SHIELD LM liquid-applied air barrier, AIR-SHIELD LM (ALL SEASON) winter-grade air barrier, and AIR-SHIELD LMP vapor permeable wall barrier. W. R. MEADOWS is proud to offer this BIM file to all design teams who readily use this type of technology. The company looks forward to creating more models to help architects and engineers design and specify the wide array of W. R. MEADOWS building envelope products. For more information on W. R. MEADOWS, BIM, and/or the AIR-SHIELD line of products, call (847) 214-2100, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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Alan B. Miller Hall Awarded LEED Gold Certification

April 23, 2010

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The home of the business school of one of the country's "public ivies," Alan B. Miller Hall, has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. In building Miller Hall, the Mason School of Business: - Reduces potable water usage by 32.9 percent as compared to a typical similar sized building. - Uses 23.5 percent less energy as compared to a similar sized building. - Captures rainwater runoff in an underground cistern and uses that for irrigation. - Restored nearly 71 percent of the site with planted native or adaptive species. Previously, the site of Miller Hall was a parking lot.
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Johnson Space Center Goes Green With New and Revamped Buildings

April 23, 2010

HOUSTON, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA's Johnson Space Center has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the expansion of one of its procurement offices, bringing the total number of recognized buildings at the center to three. Building 265 at JSC has 5,400 square feet of office space and was recently refreshed. It scored 41 points from the U.S.G.B.C. due to reduced air leakage, more efficient lighting systems, low-emitting materials and a large amount of recycled materials. A large portion of the new material that went into the building was created and sourced from within 500 miles of JSC, which also reduced the pollution and energy use of transporting it to the site.
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Madison Hy-Vee Earns LEED(R) Gold Certification

April 23, 2010

Wisconsin store receives national recognition for green building practices WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Hy-Vee supermarket in Madison, WI has been awarded the prestigious LEED® Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the first Hy-Vee store to achieve recognition under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Among the other green features of the project that helped it earn LEED Gold certification: - Recycled or locally-sourced materials were used in the construction of the building and parking lot, with more than 90 percent of construction waste diverted from landfills. - Water quality equipment installed onsite removes pollutants from rainwater before it enters the public sewer system. - Native grasses and perennial plantings used in landscaping eliminate the need for irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. - Energy cost savings in excess of 30 percent have been achieved through the use of high-energy heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, low-E windows, a highly reflective roof, large windows and skylights providing natural light, and motion sensors activating LED lights in refrigerated cases. - Low-flow, motion-activated toilets and hand sinks reduce potable water use by 40 percent. - No ozone-depleting chemicals are used in refrigeration. - Paint and wall coverings, adhesives, carpeting and decor elements with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been used throughout the building to reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances. Carbon dioxide monitors automatically adjust building ventilation to assure indoor air quality. - A recycling center for store-generated materials, shower facilities and changing rooms for employees and an information center for customers help promote Hy-Vee's commitment to sustainability.
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Sony Electronics Headquarters Awarded New Construction LEED(R) Certification

April 23, 2010

SAN DIEGO, April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today the U.S. Green Building Council Institute announced the newest U.S. facility to earn the prestigious LEED® Gold certification - the Sony Electronics (SEL) headquarters building in San Diego. The LEED certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The building's design integrated a number of green elements in accordance with the Green Building Council's LEED requirements, including 80 bicycle racks, 140 spaces reserved for vehicles opting to carpool, and 76 set aside for fuel-efficient vehicles, to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. SEL maneuvered more than 92 percent of the building's construction debris away from local landfills. In addition, open space accounts for 29 percent of the lot, with vegetation making up 52 percent - more than double the requirement.
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Darden Headquarters Earns LEED Gold Certification

April 22, 2010

Company's new home is largest LEED Gold new construction building in Florida ORLANDO, Fla., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Darden Restaurants today announced that its new corporate headquarters building in Orlando has been officially awarded Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for New Construction (NC) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The 469,000-square-foot facility, which opened in September, is the largest LEED Gold NC building in Florida. Darden has undertaken a number of initiatives as part of its sustainability efforts, including: - Setting goals to reduce per-restaurant energy and water use by 15 percent by 2015 and, long term, to send zero waste to landfills; - Creating Green Teams in each of its 1,800 restaurants that focus on implementing programs aimed at reducing waste and energy and water usage; and - Using LEED standards in its restaurant design process for all new restaurants and, where feasible, restaurant remodels.
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Penn National Gaming a Recipient of Pennsylvania’s 2010 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

April 22, 2010

Company Recognized for Efforts to Reduce Impact on Local Environment at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course WYOMISSING, Penn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Penn National Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that the Company was a recipient of the 2010 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The award highlights the Company’s commitment to the local environment surrounding Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course through the recent replacement of its onsite wastewater treatment plant. This state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant helps mitigate the impact of wastewater coming from the facility and treats certain wastewater for reuse in both track operations and in restroom facilities throughout the property. Frank Quigley, General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, said, “We are proud of our commitment to the local community and this award from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is yet another example of Penn National’s ongoing efforts to be a responsible citizen in the communities where we operate. We are honored to receive this prestigious award from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for our efforts to manage our impact on the local community and improve the area surrounding Hollywood Casino. Since the opening of Hollywood Casino in 2008, we have provided employment to approximately 1,000 Pennsylvania residents and have generated over $27 million in tax revenue for Dauphin County. In addition, as a result of the water reuse system we save on average 25,000 gallons of fresh water a day, or over 9 million gallons a year. This is a good example of how initiatives like this system can have a big impact on our environment – something important to all of us. As a result we continue to look for ways to reduce our impact on the local environment in all of our communities. “Importantly, this project was created and built by other Pennsylvania-based businesses in conjunction with Penn National. We are very appreciative of the vision and technical expertise Jim McCarthy (McCarthy Engineering), Scott Gould (McNeese, Wallace and Nurick) and Tom Jones (Gannett Fleming) all brought to the project to fulfill our goal of reducing our environmental impact on the local community.”
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Poblocki Sign Company Earns LEED Certification for Manufacturing Facility

April 22, 2010

Company pioneers green building certification in sign manufacturing WEST ALLIS, Wis. April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded LEED® for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance certification to Poblocki Sign Company for its 120,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee. Poblocki is believed to be the first company in the U.S. dedicated solely to the design, fabrication and installation of signage to obtain a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance. Through the company's LEED Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance certification process, Poblocki discovered ways to lower utility and water consumption costs; improve the health, comfort and productivity of employees; reduce pollution and landfill waste; and identify additional recycling and other efforts that will reduce cost associated with building operations and reduce environmental impacts. Numerous aspects of Poblocki Sign Company's business have always reflected green building philosophy, such as a robust in-house recyclable program and a Green Team, a committee of Poblocki employees that meet once a month to discuss eco-friendly options for the facility and customers. To obtain the LEED certification, Poblocki Sign Company worked with Sustainable Building Solutions, www.sbs-usa.biz Brookfield, Wis. Sustainable Building Solutions helped Poblocki navigate the LEED certification process and provided valuable consultation services.
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American Institute of Architects (AIA) Announces Contract Document Software Compatibility with Microsoft Windows 7

April 21, 2010

AIA is the Only Standard Contract Documents Publisher Accepted by Microsoft as Fully Compatible with Windows WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced that AIA Contract Document software is now compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 7, the successor of the Windows Vista operating system. AIA Contract Documents software is the only standard contract documents publisher in the U.S. for the design and construction industry that is accepted by the Microsoft Corporation as fully compatible with Windows, including Windows 7. AIA Contract Documents is also compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Vista, as well as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel® versions 2003 and 2007 and Adobe Acrobat 5.1 or higher.
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Harbor Redevelopment Project Takes MASLA Award

April 21, 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (MASLA) awarded a 2010 Merit Award for Planning and Research to professional services firm Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH®) for their work on the Harbor Redevelopment Master Plan in Tower, Minn. The Plan seeks to re-create the City’s historic harbor and reestablish the community’s nautical connection to Lake Vermilion while strengthening the connections between East Two River, Lake Vermilion and the central business district. A 1960s highway project effectively severed the navigable water connection between the city’s historic harbor and nearby Lake Vermilion. SEH’s landscape architects recreated the historic harbor and re-established the nautical link with Lake Vermilion.
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New Life for Your Old Jeans: Bonded Logic Announces Post-Consumer Sourcing, More Eco-Friendly Packaging & Nationwide Availability for UltraTouch Insulation, its 'Recycled Blue Jean Insulation'

April 21, 2010

CHANDLER, Ariz., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the building industry's most environmentally friendly products just got a whole lot greener. UltraTouch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation, commonly referred to as "recycled blue jean insulation," is now sourced entirely of post-consumer blue jeans, instead of the post-industrial denim scraps it was previously made from. The sustainability of UltraTouch continues with the manufacturing process, which uses minimal amounts of energy in comparison to traditional insulating products. Additionally, all scrap and manufacturing trim are reintroduced into the raw material supply creating a virtually zero waste process. It's not surprising that UltraTouch can contribute to earning up to 12 LEED(TM) credits.
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The KONE EcoStart® with Power Efficiency’s E-Save Technology® Installed at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center to Save Energy

April 21, 2010

Power Efficiency to Demonstrate E-Save Technology in U.S. Capitol Earth Day Showcase LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Power Efficiency Corporation (OTCBB: PEFF), a clean tech company focused on energy efficiency technologies for electric motors, and KONE Inc. (OMX: KNEBV), one of the world’s leading elevator and escalator companies, today announced that KONE has installed its EcoStart®, which incorporates Power Efficiency’s E-Save Technology®, on escalators at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Power Efficiency will also be displaying E-Save Technology at the U.S. Capitol Earth Day energy and environmental showcase sponsored by the Architect of the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Senate Superintendent's office. It will take place on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd, from 9 AM - 3 PM in the Hart Senate Office Building room 216 in the Capitol complex. The KONE EcoStart® is a unique motor efficiency controller for escalators that improves the efficiency of the escalator’s electric motor, typically by 20-35%. The EcoStart® incorporates Power Efficiency Corporation’s E-Save Technology and is manufactured by Power Efficiency exclusively for KONE. “I am proud to continue my strong support for Nevadans that are creating jobs and building our clean energy economy,” Nevada Senator Harry Reid said. “Nevada’s Power Efficiency Corp. is helping save taxpayers money by making the historic Capitol Building more energy efficient and advancing technologies that will improve our energy and environmental security.” Vance Tang, KONE EVP and Area Director for the Americas, said, “We have been partners with Power Efficiency for many months now and have installed the EcoStart® in several airports, including Washington Dulles International Airport and McCarran International Airport, as well as numerous other facilities. We are very proud of this installation at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, which is another marquee project that demonstrates our commitment to be Environmentally Excellent.” Steve Strasser, Chairman and CEO of Power Efficiency Corporation, commented, “The installation of the EcoStart® with Power Efficiency’s E-Save Technology at our nation’s Capitol demonstrates the growing acceptance of our technology for enhancing energy efficiency as well as the mutual benefits of our partnership with KONE.”
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Trimble TCA1 and SCS700 Site Controller Software Empower More of the Construction Workforce with GNSS Tools for Site Measurement

April 20, 2010

New Solution Gives Site Inspectors, Project Managers, Geotechnical Engineers and Small Site Contractors Tools Designed Specifically to Meet Their Needs MUNICH, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) introduced today a new field controller and software solution specifically designed for site inspectors and project managers on the construction jobsite. Incorporating both the new Trimble® TCA1 Controller with SCS700 Site Controller Software, the Site Inspection System provides an easy-to-use solution that addresses daily measurement and positioning needs. For construction organizations, the more workers are empowered with positioning and measuring tools, the more money and time they can save due to increased efficiencies. The Trimble TCA1 is a key component of the Trimble Connected Site™ portfolio of productivity-enhancing construction solutions that streamline the workflows between the head office, field crews, site supervisors, site inspectors and machine operators. The Trimble TCA1 and SCS700 allows construction professionals to easily conduct accurate measurements such as site reconnaissance, progress measurements, as-built measurements and site inspection. Using the TCA1 connectivity features, site inspectors and projects managers can immediately connect to the office for on-the-spot approvals and for communicating changes to field crews. From the field to the truck cab and the office, users can stay connected and work faster, increasing their efficiency and productivity. With instant Internet access capability from the construction site, there is no more delay associated with driving data to and from the office and field. And there is no need to take multiple devices into the field or pay for multiple separate cell phones and data subscriptions.
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Whirlpool Corporation Teams Up with EQA Landmark Communities to Develop Newbury Market

April 20, 2010

Mixed-Use Brownfield Development Creates New Heart for the South Fayette, Pa. Area BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (April 20, 2010) - Whirlpool Corporation has joined forces with Pittsburgh-based national real estate development firm EQA Landmark Communities in support of its Newbury Market development. A $250 million, 350-acre new sustainable mixed-use development scheduled to begin construction this spring in South Fayette, Pa., Newbury Market is one of the largest brownfield mixed-use projects currently underway in Pennsylvania. Offering new residential neighborhoods, retail shops, entertainment, dining and a true town center, the project will create a new heart for an area long noted for high-ranked schools and a sense of community. "We worked with federal, state and local governments and accomplished the near-impossible - a beautifully restored area that will make it possible for thousands of Pittsburgh-area residents to achieve their American dream of being part of a healthy, picturesque and active community," said Brett Malky, president of EQA Landmark Communities. "Residents will be able to live, work, eat, shop and play - all within Newbury Market." The project involves the creation of a mixed-use town center, with 1.2 million square feet of commercial space for big-box and small-shop retail, restaurants, banks, offices and a hotel. The residential portion will feature 225 single-family homes, including the first zero-energy homes available on a community-wide scale in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as an apartment community with 225 rental units. Other amenities for residents include a park with a sledding hill, a pool and a clubhouse. The development's plans also call for Whirlpool Gold(R) appliances in its single-family homes and KitchenAid(R) appliances in its multi-family homes. All homes in the development will be required to be built to the "Newbury Standard," which ensures that each will be: - Forty percent more efficient than the EPA's ENERGY STAR(R) national Standard, saving the buyer thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the home and reducing greenhouse gases. - Designed around Traditional Neighborhood Development, a response to suburban sprawl and "cookie cutter" developments, in which a complete neighborhood or town is developed around a network of paths, streets and lanes suitable for pedestrians as well as vehicles. This provides residents the option of walking, biking or driving within their neighborhood, fostering more community interaction. "Newbury Market is one of the best examples available of what hard work and extraordinary vision can create within a community," said Tom Halford, general manager, contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. "To say that this project aligns with Whirlpool Corporation's commitment to sustainable values, high performance and quality is an understatement. We're happy to be part of this project and feel connected to the community." Construction for the first phase of Newbury Market is slated to begin in May, with model homes opening this summer. The retail and commercial portion of the development is expected to begin opening during the fall of 2011. During the first three weeks of pre-sales in early 2010, 15 homes were already sold. Single-family homes will range from 1,700 to 5,000 square feet and are priced from $200,000 to more than $800,000. These will include "cottages" (smaller lot, single-family homes), "parks" (move-up homes), "manors" (bigger lots, larger-sized homes), "carriages" (duplexes) and townhomes. Apartments will range from $900 to $2,000 per month. All residences are designed to an architectural standard that emerged from homes built in the region over the last 75 years. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The Inside Advantage(TM) is designed to meet the needs of Whirlpool Corporation's building community customers. More than a program, The Inside Advantage(TM) provides trade customers with the strength of Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Market Insight and Targeted Services, all from one company. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit www.insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-952-2537.
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2010 POWDER COATING WORKSHOP

April 19, 2010

"OLD SCHOOL MEETS HIGH TECH" - Old School know-how with proven Best Practices and the Latest Technology Solutions Class locations: May 4-5, 2010 – Houston, TX June 21-22, 2010 – Chicago, IL August 10-11, 2010 – Pittsburgh, PA October 7-8, 2010 – Orlando, FL THIS WORKSHOP is designed for powder coating attendees with varying levels of experience – whether you have beginner, intermediate, or advanced powder coating knowledge – this workshop will improve your skills and understanding of all aspects of powder coating. Instructed by experts in the powder coating industry, this intensive two-day course uses “Old School” know-how with proven “Best Practices” and the “Latest Technology Solutions.” This workshop will cover topics such as: • Powder manufacturing, chemistry and selection • Pretreatment • Equipment selection, application issues, and maintenance • Oven and cure issues • Troubleshooting & tricks of the trade FEATURED SPEAKERS: • Diane Patterson • A.J. Smotherman, ITW Gema • Travis Stirewalt, TIGER Drylac If you want to gain a better understanding of the entire powder coating process, register online at www.itwgema.us/powdercoatingworkshop. Classroom space is limited, so sign up today! For class agenda or additional questions, please visit our website or contact Karen Walters at kwalters@itwgema.com or (317) 298-5072. Sponsored by TIGER Drylac Powder Coatings and ITWGema TIGER Drylac and ITWGema have negotiated special room rates at hotels in each city. Please register through our web site to access preferred rates.
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Avondale Verizon Wireless Store Earns LEED(R) Gold Certification for Green Design and Construction

April 19, 2010

Store is the first LEED certified project for Verizon Wireless in Arizona CHANDLER, Ariz., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Verizon Wireless Communications Store in Avondale is the first in Arizona and among the first Verizon Wireless retail locations in the nation to secure LEED Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The Avondale store's design optimizes water and energy use, enhances indoor environmental quality and reduces waste through responsible procurement and construction practices. Among the environmental benefits the store offers: - Energy Savings: 51% percent less energy consumption thanks to high efficiency lighting. Energy savings and carbon reductions from energy management system and Energy Star equipment including sales terminals and HVAC system. Estimated 26,000 gallons per year in water-saving through installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. - Material Reuse: recycled-content materials used in the store, including in ceiling tiles, flooring and display fixtures. - Phone Recycling: the store is a collection point for the company's HopeLine® phone recycling program. Collected phones are disposed of in an environmentally sound way under a zero landfill policy or refurbished for resale and reuse. Proceeds from HopeLine support local victims of domestic violence and local non-profit advocacy agencies. Employees can also recycle paper, glass, plastics and aluminum on-site.
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Coca-Cola Enterprises and City of Coachella to Celebrate Grand Opening of First LEED(R) Certified Facility

April 19, 2010

The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Southern California will celebrate the Grand Opening of its Coachella Sales Center on April 21 at 10 a.m. PT. The Coachella Sales Center will be Coca-Cola Enterprises' first LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified facility in North America. The newly constructed 60,000 square-foot facility, located on Industrial Parkway in Coachella, obtained LEED Gold certification, the second-highest level of LEED® certification. Constructed with recycled materials, it will be the only LEED® certified building in Coachella. Among its environmentally sustainable features are solar panels, native plant landscaping, water conservation devices, cool roofing, comprehensive recycling and a 100 percent storm water retention system.
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Real Wood Floors: National Wood Flooring Association Presents Green Floor Award

April 19, 2010

ST. LOUIS, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Wood Flooring Association has presented its first Environmental Craftsmanship Award. The award was presented to Precision Floorcrafters in Summerfield, Florida during the NWFA's Annual convention held in Washington, DC, March 22 - 25, 2010. Wood floors entered into the contest were evaluated based on a number of environmental criteria. Precision Floorcrafters used reclaimed and recycled wood from post industrial materials. The floor also met a variety of United States Green Building Council Leaderships in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria including using materials originating within 500 miles of the job site, using a GREENGUARD certified adhesive, and using Forest Stewardship Council Pure, 100% and Reclaimed wood. In addition, the company extended the yield of the product by creating a filler using the waste from the sanding process.
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Jenn-Air Brand Introduces Industry’s First Free-Standing Range Collection with Advanced Touchpad Technology

April 16, 2010

CHICAGO (McCormick Place, Booth #N7107) (April 16, 2010) – Jenn-Air brand is once again raising standards in the premium appliance market with the introduction of the industry’s first gas and electric free-standing ranges equipped with a 7-inch full-color LCD display. The full-color, touch-anywhere LCD display featured on each of the new Jenn-Air(R) ProStyle(R) Stainless free-standing ranges makes it easy for cooks of all ages to get the most out of the range’s offerings. The advanced technology allows the user to touch anywhere on the display to find information relative to the dish being prepared. The intelligent display presents only information relative to previous choices and allows the user to move effortlessly between screens. “Homeowners who have already experienced the super-premium quality of the Jenn-Air(R) line will notice the new ranges have the same high standards, sleek design and innovative technology the brand is known for,” said Tracy Frye, senior contract marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation. “New features, such as the full-color LCD display, will pique the interest of those unfamiliar with all Jenn-Air(R) products have to offer.” Other advanced features on select free-standing ranges include: • Dual-Fan MultiMode(R) True Convection – Features an oval heating element and two round fans that generate an even airflow throughout the oven cavity. In addition, it provides users with six convection modes, including bake, roast, broil, pastry, frozen pizza and slow roast. • 20,000 BTU Stacked PowerBurner – Provides the power needed for high-temperature recipes and cooking techniques, such as wok cooking and flash frying. • Electric Griddle - Features a high-performance 1,320-watt element that provides even heat distribution for precise results. Made from premium materials, the griddle has a chrome finish similar to those used in the restaurant industry. • Flame-Sensing(TM) Re-ignition - Provides automatic re-ignition of burners if they are blown out by a sudden draft.
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Jenn-Air(R) Booth Showcases Ellen Cheever Kitchen Designed for the “New Consumer”

April 15, 2010

Contemporary Design Values and Functionality are Top-of-Mind CHICAGO (McCormick Place, Booth #N7107) (April 15, 2010) – National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Hall of Fame Designer and trends specialist, Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, has designed a “forward trends” kitchen to inspire functionality at this year’s Kitchen/Bath Industry Show. On display at the Jenn-Air brand booth, the contemporary kitchen demonstrates flexibility, accessibility and individual style — must haves for the “new consumer.” “Homeowners interested in contemporary design are no longer identified by their age or where they live,” said Cheever. “Because of the multitasking nature of the kitchen, these new consumers highly value organization and flexibility within the design of the space. And, because everyone cooks, cleans and lives in the kitchen, they desire space that accommodates more than one cook, with clearly differentiated centers of activity and plenty of storage capabilities.” The complete kitchen features the industry-exclusive Jenn-Air(R) Floating Glass appliance suite in black. Its sleek glass front presents the contemporary look today’s consumers are trending towards, while the high-gloss surface can be made to blend in with kitchen décor or stand out in stark contrast. Designed with space functionality in mind, the kitchen features undercounter refrigerator drawers, two single ovens and a warming drawer for added storage and easy access. Ellen Cheever, designer, author and international speaker, manages both a private residential design practice and a consulting firm, which develops innovative products, designs memorable showrooms and creates highly effective training programs for all segments of the industry. A former director of educational services for the NKBA, she recently completed four authoritative new volumes for the organization’s Professional Research Library. Cheever continues to shape the face of the industry with her in-depth analysis of emerging design trends and winning business strategies. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The Inside Advantage(TM) is designed to meet the needs of Whirlpool Corporation’s building community customers. More than a program, The Inside Advantage(TM) provides trade customers with the strength of Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Market Insight and Targeted Services, all from one company. Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-952-2537.
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KraftMaid Cabinetry Launches Education Series on YouTube

April 15, 2010

Video Tutorials for Designers and Architects Featured on YouTube MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO – April 15, 2010 – KraftMaid Cabinetry today launched an Education Channel on YouTube to help architects and designers stay current with the latest design technology. The company’s first video offerings are a series of Google SketchUp(TM) screencasts, digital videos explaining how to use Google SketchUp and the collection of more than 1,000 3-D KraftMaid cabinet models in the Google 3D Warehouse. The series consists of several 90-second videos with tips for a variety of digital design-related topics, such as how to download and install the free version of Google SketchUp, how to access KraftMaid's catalog of 3-D cabinet models and how advanced users can create stunning client presentations that help sell their kitchen, home or multi-family designs. Igloo Studios, producers of the popular “SketchUp Show” series, created the new screencasts for KraftMaid Cabinetry. “These video screencasts make it easy for designers to learn and use free and affordable design software from Google, along with KraftMaid’s new 3-D cabinet models,” said Mark Johnson, FAIA, director of sales & marketing education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. “We're committed to helping the design community leverage our 3-D cabinet collections for design, presentations and the specification process.” The KraftMaid Education Channel makes the video series easy to access on YouTube and share from a computer, smart phone or even the new Apple(R) iPad(TM). According to Johnson, “Our entire series has been created in high definition, the default setting for videos on the iPad and other popular media devices. This makes the SketchUp demonstrations of the KraftMaid screencasts look stunning, no matter where designers view them. We envision that designers will soon be using tablets like the iPad for their SketchUp projects for client presentations.” To access the screencasts, visit www.youtube.com/MascoCabinetry and view the KraftMaid Education playlist. The video series will debut in the KraftMaid booth, #S1210, during the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago, April 16-18. About KraftMaid Cabinetry For more than 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection, featuring more than 100 trend-in door styles and more than 45 furniture-quality finish options. In 1990, KraftMaid Cabinetry was purchased by Masco Corporation of Taylor, Mich., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. KraftMaid(R) is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group. All KraftMaid Cabinetry is Environmental Stewardship Program-certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. KraftMaid is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and has earned the ISO 14001:2004 Certification for its sustainable manufacturing processes. KraftMaid cabinetry is available through an extensive distributor and dealer network. For more information, visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.kraftmaid.com or call 440-632-5333. “Google” “3D Warehouse”, “Google Earth” and “SketchUp™” are trademarks of Google Inc. “iPad” is a trademark of Apple, Inc.
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Letting the Sun Shine In: Solarmer Energy, Inc. and Joel Berman Glass Studios Jointly Develop a Solar Panel Featuring Textured Glass for Attractive, Decorative Building-Integrated Photovoltaics

April 15, 2010

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Generating solar energy from modular glass panels that are attractive from a design standpoint was the inspiration behind a joint development project involving Solarmer Energy and Joel Berman Glass Studios. Solarmer Energy develops transparent, flexible solar panels for applications not addressable by conventional solar energy technology. Joel Berman Glass Studios designs and manufactures decorative glass for architecture and design. Together, Solarmer and Joel Berman Glass Studios have jointly developed an attractive decorative glass panel that is capable of generating clean renewable electricity. The decorative and photovoltaic glass panels feature Joel Berman Glass Studios’ signature textured kiln-cast glass laminated to Solarmer Energy’s transparent plastic solar cells. The resulting composite panels are suitable for use in applications where decorative glass is desired and generation of solar energy is feasible. The materials and manufacturing technologies employed by Solarmer Energy result in a lower cost alternative to traditional silicon-based solar technologies. Solarmer’s thin, flexible photovoltaic panels are capable of converting solar energy into electricity in a particularly cost-effective manner. Paired with Joel Berman Glass Studios’ designer textured glass, the ensuing panels offer architects and designers an attractive and affordable means of integrating photovoltaics into building applications.
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Riverside Mews Receives Designation for Pittsburgh's First Net-Zero Energy Home

April 15, 2010

PITTSBURGH, April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh can now proudly claim the region's first net-zero energy home, 1820 Merriman Way, a for-sale townhouse in Riverside Mews, a 48-unit green townhome community in the city's South Side neighborhood. To achieve net-zero energy, the townhome generates as much power as it uses on an annual basis through a variety of green building technologies, including an 8,000 watt photovoltaic array mounted on its roof. Pittsburgh has long been a leader in green buildings, but this newest addition to the city's green building portfolio is a testament that both public and private interests continue to challenge the boundaries of what's possible and achievable locally in terms of energy and resource efficiency, as well as in healthy homes and buildings. The 1,850-square-foot townhome's energy use is minimized through a geothermal heat pump, LED lighting, Energy Star-labeled products and super-insulation methods. The net-zero energy home adds to the overall sustainability of the Riverside Mews development, which is located on a former brownfield site. Each townhome showcases environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient systems and unique architectural designs that create sustainable and healthy living environments. The location contributes to sustainable lifestyles as shopping and entertainment options are within close proximity, and Downtown Pittsburgh is within walking distance.
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Jenn-Air Provides Design Community with CEU Credit Opportunities During K/BIS

April 14, 2010

CEU Courses Offer Attendees Lessons in Refrigeration, Ventilation and Appliance Placement Trends CHICAGO (McCormick Place, Booth #N7107) (April 14, 2010) – During the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (K/BIS), Jenn-Air is providing designers with educational opportunities at its booth. Two of Whirlpool Corporation’s National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses will be taught by certified master kitchen and bath designers Morton Block and Judith A. Neary. In addition, Jenn-Air is sponsoring and co-authoring the K/BIS center stage presentation from designer Stephen Fuller on the growing trend of placing kitchen appliances in convenient locations throughout the home. The courses include: Built-In Refrigeration – Morton Block With more than 30 years of industry experience, author, designer and training consultant Morton Block will offer expert information on built-in refrigeration to attendees on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Downdraft Ventilation – Judith A. Neary Judith Neary, a 25-year industry veteran and NKBA instructor, will discuss proper downdraft ventilation with attendees on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 from 3 to 4 p.m. Appliances in Unexpected Places – Stephen Fuller Stephen Fuller, founder of one of the most sought-after residential design firm, Stephen Fuller, Inc., will discuss the strategic placement of kitchen appliances – from warming drawers in home theaters to beverage centers in bedrooms, on April 17 from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., located at N5701. Fuller’s renderings throughout the presentation will include the new Jenn-Air(R) 3-D appliance models available for Google SketchUp(TM). After the show, the courses will be available on AECDaily.com and InsideAdvantage.com. In addition to the CEU courses, Jenn-Air will feature its new super-premium line, including award-winning wall ovens, downdraft cooktops with the industry’s best-performing ventilation system* and fully integrated flush and built-in refrigerators. *among hoods and downdraft cooktops About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The Inside Advantage(TM) is designed to meet the needs of Whirlpool Corporation’s building community customers. More than a program, The Inside Advantage(TM) provides trade customers with the strength of Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Market Insight and Targeted Services, all from one company. Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-952-2537.
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Laclede Gas Earns 2010 Home Builder Award for Its Green-Building Expertise

April 14, 2010

The Original Green Energy provider received the prestigious award from the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the USGBC ST. LOUIS, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. Louis Regional Chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) recently awarded Laclede Gas the 2010 Growing Green Award in the Home Builder category. The Home Builder Award honors those that have embraced sustainable and/or high-performance building. Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to the evolution of green building, promote awareness of the movement and embody the attributes and innovative spirit of a green-building leader. Laclede, which was recognized for its work in the residential home-building market, helped establish a groundbreaking residential green-building verification program to encourage home builders to implement energy-efficient, environmentally friendly building practices in new-home construction.
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MGA Cast Stone Receives Certification for Producing Self-Cleaning Concrete

April 14, 2010

NEW GLOUCESTER, Maine, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- MGA Cast Stone Inc., a leading manufacture of architectural precast and cast stone, has recently been certified to manufacture photocatalysis cement induced concrete. Produced by Essroc Italcementi Group under the name TX Active, this cement imparts, into concrete, properties enabling it to abate noxious substances produced by human activities such as industry, transport and residential heating systems. Using light energy, photocatalysis can induce the formation of strong oxidizing reagents which decompose some organic and inorganic substances in the atmosphere by oxidation. The use of TX Active cement in the construction of "green" buildings can earn 9 to 15 LEED credits.
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Testing for Lead in Paint Gets Easier, Faster and Cheaper with ANDalyze Technology - Powered by DNA

April 14, 2010

ANDalyze offers a new EPA tested technology for detecting and measuring lead levels in paint. The combined sensor/fluorimeter platform solution requires no special knowledge of chemistry, and produces no hazardous chemical waste and shows test results in less than ten minutes, greatly reducing operational testing time and cost. CHAMPAIGN, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ANDalyze has developed an innovative lead (Pb) sensor technology for on-site detection of lead levels in dried paint surfaces. The technology can measure lead levels to parts per billion, greatly increasing the accuracy of lead in paint measurement and reducing the complexity of previous chemical testing methods. Lead in household paint and dust is a serious health hazard as low-level lead exposure can result in a number of adverse health effects, especially in children. The technology replaces more complex and time consuming chemical testing methods and also gives more accurate readings than hand held XRF analyzers, particularly when there are multiple layers of paint on the walls. The company’s product, the AND1000 Fluorimeter and Lead100 Sensor, meets US EPA requirements for accuracy and specificity of lead-in-paint testing. This solution is ideal for testing agencies, home inspectors, lead removal specialists and environmental services firms looking to reduce lead paint testing efforts while maintaining accuracy of inspections. No special skill or knowledge of chemistry is required to operate the device and no hazardous chemicals are used.
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GREENGUARD Environmental Institute Applauds Green Building Initiative's American National Standard for Commercial Green Building

April 13, 2010

New standard provides sustainable building community with multiple options to fulfill green building credits ATLANTA, April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) congratulates the Green Building Initiative (GBI) on the successful completion of the first American National Standard for Commercial Green Building. The standard, officially named ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ensures that building project leaders seeking green building certification can choose from a wide array of products and materials that qualify for sustainable credits. Moreover, it helps simplify the task of finding these qualified products by providing a user-friendly list of credible third-party certification programs where appropriate. Section 12.2 of the new standard ("Source Control of Indoor Pollutants") specifically references the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program and the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute's Standard Method for Measuring and Evaluating Chemical Emissions From Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings Using Dynamic Environmental Chambers. Derived from the Green Globes® environmental design and assessment rating system for New Construction, the standard was developed using ANSI's consensus-based guidelines, which ensure a balanced, transparent, and inclusive process. The standard received formal approval on March 24, 2010 and will now go through a pilot program.
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Panolam Industries' High Pressure Laminates Receive Third-Party Certification From the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

April 13, 2010

SHELTON, Conn., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Panolam Industries' Nevamar® and Pionite® High Pressure Laminates (HPL) have received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification through the SmartWood program of the Rainforest Alliance, the world's premier certifier of non-timber forest products. FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. The FSC certification validates Panolam Industries' commitment to producing environmentally friendly products. What's more, the Rainforest Alliance's global presence is consistent with Panolam Industries' expansion strategy. The company launched its "Nevamar® by Panolam" line in Europe in February and the Pionite® Motion line of HPL products in March. All Nevamar® and Pionite® High Pressure Laminate products also meet the low-emission standards certified by GREENGUARD. Because Panolam Industries formulates its own resins, the company can be sure its manufacturing processes are environmentally friendly. Its uses recycled or renewable resources to help preserve forests and promote a healthier environment.
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PepsiCo's Frito-Lay Topeka Facility Celebrates Distinction as Kansas' First Existing Manufacturing Site to Achieve LEED EB Gold Certification

April 13, 2010

PLANO, Texas, April 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PepsiCo's Frito-Lay Topeka, Kan., facility today became the state's first manufacturing site, and the nation's second food manufacturing site, to be awarded LEED® Existing Building (EB) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), as verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. To achieve LEED EB Certification, the company's Topeka sustainability strategy included implementing a number of green design and construction features, water reduction technologies and practices, as well as improved waste management. Energy reduction: The Topeka facility has reduced its natural gas consumption by 39% per pound of product and its electricity use by 27% per pound of product since 1999 by installing new technologies such as high-efficiency oven burners and new lighting systems with sensors to turn off lights when rooms are not in use. Water reduction: The facility has reduced its water consumption by nearly 52% per pound of product since 1999 by implementing new operations and sanitation practices, and piloting a company-wide initiative to reduce water used in its corn cooking and transfer process. Recycling: As of September 2009, less than 1% of the facility's solid waste goes to landfill. The site achieved this milestone through many initiatives including an employee-led recycling program, reusing cardboard shipping boxes multiple times, and allocating waste product for use in animal feed.
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GE and Konica Minolta to Show the World’s First General-Lighting Quality Flexible OLEDs

April 12, 2010

BUDAPEST, Hungary--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Imagine the impact on the lighting design industry—and life as a consumer of lighting—if there was a flexible, energy-efficient, paper-thin light source that could be produced economically. GE Lighting (NYSE:GE) will preview potential organic light-emitting diode (OLED) lighting application ideas during two industry trade shows this year, Light + Building 2010 in Frankfurt, Germany and LightFair 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The company will show OLEDs in a number of configurations at both shows, including fixture prototypes that help to demonstrate the expected competitive advantages of GE’s approach to OLEDs: flexibility and an ultra-thin form factor. According to Sheila Kennedy, AIA, principal of Kennedy & Violich Architecture, Ltd., “OLED technology presents a new material for lighting that appeals to our senses, our creativity and our environment. Imagine an energy efficient, flexible white light that can be produced with a very low-carbon manufacturing footprint and can be designed to bend into lightweight, luminous forms or be integrated into the surfaces of architecture. With flexible OLED materials, GE has the potential to re-invent the fundamental form and industrial ecology of the light bulb.”
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KraftMaid Cabinetry Provides Digital Education Opportunities During 2010 K/BIS

April 12, 2010

Five Speakers, Nine Topics, 38 Chances to Receive NKBA CEUs MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO – April 12, 2010 – To support the design community’s quest for digital technology, KraftMaid Cabinetry is expanding its offering of CEU opportunities during the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (K/BIS). At the company’s booth, designers have the opportunity to earn CEU credit while learning about the latest digital technology from five different experts. With presentations running every half hour and nine different topics, attendees may select from 38 presentation times. Presentations will focus on how Google SketchUp(TM) and the Google 3D Warehouse are becoming the go-to destinations for designers seeking easy-to-learn design tools and pre-drawn KraftMaid(R) cabinet models to create stunning client presentations. Additionally, presentations will feature enhancements from KraftMaid Cabinetry that seamlessly integrate with the new 20-20 Version 9 software. Expert speakers include: Paul Anater, editor, Kitchen and Residential Design; Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD and Google SketchUp trainer; Alex Oliver, CEO, Igloo Studios; Bart Frost, manager of sales training, Masco Retail Cabinet Group; and Mark Johnson, director of sales & marketing education, Masco Retail Cabinet Group. The schedule for the show includes: Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 · 20-20: Change Finish / Change Style – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. · Google SketchUp for Universal Design: Aging-in-Place – 10:30 a.m. · American Gothic to Modern in Google SketchUp – 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. · Google SketchUp Layout for Kitchen Plans – 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. · 20-20: High Caliber Visuals for 2010 – 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. · Free Google Apps for Kitchen Designers – 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. · New Traditionalism modeled in Google SketchUp – 1:00 p.m. · K/BIS Design Idea Center: Case Study – 1:30 p.m. · Going Green with Google SketchUp – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18 · 20-20: Change Finish / Change Style – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. · Google SketchUp for Universal Design: Aging-in-Place – 10:30 a.m. · American Gothic to Modern in Google SketchUp – 11:00 a.m. · Google SketchUp Layout for Kitchen Plans – 11:30 a.m. · 20-20: High Caliber Visuals for 2010 – 12:00 p.m. · Free Google Apps for Kitchen Designers – 12:30 p.m. · New Traditionalism modeled in Google SketchUp – 1:00 p.m. · K/BIS Design Idea Center: Case Study – 1:30 p.m. · Going Green with Google SketchUp – 2:30 p.m. Every attendee who completes a CEU course at the booth will receive a free copy of “Google SketchUp for Everyone,”a SketchUp Training DVD from Igloo Studios, a $29 value. Every two hours there also will be a drawing for an autographed copy of “Real World Google SketchUp 7” by Mike Todros, which features a KraftMaid kitchen from the television show, “Extreme Makeover: Home Addition.” Additionally, there will be three drawings for a copy of 20-20 Design Software with a one-year subscription for maintenance and support. Visit the booth for more details. About KraftMaid Cabinetry For more than 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection, featuring more than 100 trend-in door styles and more than 45 furniture-quality finish options. In 1990, KraftMaid Cabinetry was purchased by Masco Corporation of Taylor, Mich., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. KraftMaid® is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group. All KraftMaid Cabinetry is Environmental Stewardship Program-certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. KraftMaid is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and has earned the ISO 14001:2004 Certification for its sustainable manufacturing processes. KraftMaid cabinetry is available through an extensive distributor and dealer network. For more information, visit www.kraftmaid.com or call 440-632-5333.
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Whirlpool Corporation Becomes Appliance Partner for Nationally Renowned Luxury Homebuilder, Toll Brothers, Inc.

April 12, 2010

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (April 12, 2010) – Whirlpool Corporation announces a new partnership with Toll Brothers, Inc., the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes. Under the agreement, Whirlpool Corporation will be the appliance partner for Toll Brothers, Inc. homes. “We have offered Whirlpool Corporation’s KitchenAid and Maytag brand appliances for some time in select communities, and we’re very excited to now offer their entire family of brands in all Toll Brothers communities,” said Mike Smith, vice president of purchasing at Toll Brothers, Inc. “As the market rebounds, the strength and breadth of our two companies combined will offer tremendous benefits to our homebuyers.” Toll Brothers’ homebuyers will now have access to Whirlpool Corporation’s extensive portfolio of brands, including the new collection of luxury appliances from Jenn-Air brand, as well as KitchenAid, Maytag, Whirlpool and Amana brands, and Gladiator brand, which offers superior garage organization systems and coordinated appliances designed for the harsh garage environment. Recently ranked as the #1 home builder in FORTUNE Magazine’s 2010 World’s Most Admired Companies Survey, Toll Brothers, Inc., is known for selecting only the highest quality, most desirable products to offer its discerning clients. The builder offers a distinctive array of home designs and communities – including luxury single-family detached and attached home communities; master planned luxury residential, resort-style golf communities; and urban low-, mid-, and high-rise communities, principally on land it develops and improves. “Toll Brothers offers unprecedented quality, service and attention to detail to their homebuyers, and we’re proud to uphold these high standards though our own high-level service, support and thoughtful premium appliances,” said Tom Halford, general manager, contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. “We’re excited to be part of the Toll Brothers family and are confident that their homebuyers will be, too. Our new Jenn-Air brand collection is a perfect fit for the super-premium Toll Brothers kitchen. And, whether it’s making the kitchen, laundry and garage areas beautiful and functional, or designing the ideal outdoor kitchen, Whirlpool Corporation will have the perfect choices for Toll Brothers homebuyers.” About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The Inside Advantage(TM) is designed to meet the needs of Whirlpool Corporation’s building community customers. More than a program, The Inside Advantage(TM) provides trade customers with the strength of Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Market Insight and Targeted Services, all from one company. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-952-2537.
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CEMEX First to Launch Responsibly Sourced, Carbon Labelled Cement

April 08, 2010

MONTERREY, Mexico & THORPE, United Kingdom--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX), announced today that its United Kingdom operation (CEMEX UK) is the first cement company in the world to provide certified carbon labels for its cement using the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Reduction Label, demonstrating the company’s commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its cement. The carbon label will show the amount of CO2 generated by CEMEX cements in the UK, which is determined, among other factors, by product composition. The carbon footprint is measured by the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (CO2e) generated by its cement from cradle to grave, including the extraction of the raw materials, to manufacturing, distribution, use by customers and disposal at the end of life. The carbon footprint is certified to the PAS2050 which is the first international standard for companies to measure their carbon footprint of products and services. Its development was overseen by an independent steering group, made up of NGOs, academics, business and government representatives. The carbon labelling comes on the back of the announcement this week that CEMEX UK's cement division has also been certified to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products - BES6001 with a score of ‘Very Good’. CEMEX is among the first in the industry to meet the standard, which covers all of the company’s three UK cement plants, in Rugby (Warwickshire), South Ferriby (North Lincolnshire) and Tilbury (Essex).
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Marriott Headquarters Wins the Gold Medal for Green Buildings

April 08, 2010

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL (USGBC) RECOGNIZES MARRIOTT FOR LEED(R) EXISTING BUILDING STATUS Marriott International's 30-year old Headquarters building achieved LEED Existing Building Gold status by earning points for maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts, an investment that saves the company $700,000 annually and up to $1.3 million in expected tax credits over three years. It is the culmination of extensive changes implemented over the last three years. Headquarters' achievements include: - Ranking in the top 25th percentile for energy efficiency when compared to buildings of similar age, size and use and an accumulated reduction of 9.04 percent in electricity consumption; - Receiving an Energy Star rating of 77 (out of 100; a score of 75 or better indicates top performance) for the last three years; - Increasing the recycling rate to 69 percent in 2009 and diverting all waste from the landfill to a waste-to-energy plant; - Installing motion sensors in all restrooms, telecom and electrical closets; - Replaced office supplies for cost-neutral, greener alternatives or highly recyclable options; - Eliminating disposable products and converting to china and flatware in the cafeteria; - Purchasing higher efficiency lighting options with reduced mercury content; - Participating in Demand Response energy reduction programs earning more than $100K in electricity rebates; - Switching from evening to daytime office cleaning; and - Engaging and educating more than 3,000 employees to help solidify the company's status.
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Phantom Screens Introduces New Retractable Door Screens That Are Truly Do-It-Yourself

April 08, 2010

North America's leading retractable screen provider’s new DIY door screens are affordable, easy to install and backed by Phantom’s superior customer service ABBOTSFORD, B.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phantom Screens®, North America’s leading provider of retractable screen solutions, introduces three new do-it-yourself (DIY) retractable door screens to its line of retractable screen solutions. In 1992, Phantom Screens revolutionized the installed retractable screen market by not just selling products, but rather, selling a complete solution including design consultation, installation and superior on-going customer service. Now, Phantom Screens has partnered with Seiki Screen Systems™ of Japan, one of the world`s largest manufacturers of retractable screens, to offer DIY customers a selection of high quality and easy to install retractable screens. Phantom has gone through research and product updates to ensure the company impacts the DIY market to the same degree as they have the installed market. A key component of Phantom’s DIY program is a dedicated customer toll-free helpline to handle any questions, provide replacement parts when necessary and offer assistance seven days a week. The screens, manufactured by Seiki, are a perfect fit for price-conscious consumers who are planning to undertake their own renovation and home improvement projects. Boasting features such as left and right hand models, one-touch-latch technology and low threshold sills, these retractable screen solutions are true add-on, do-it-yourself products — in other words, nothing needs to be removed from existing doors to install any of the three products. These retractable screen doors can be adapted to single in-swing, single out-swing and double French doors. “The door screen kits will include everything necessary for the installation of single and/or double door screens, and are backed by a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty,” says Ron Somers, Phantom Screens vice president of sales and marketing. He adds: “Our goal is to do everything we can to make it easy for homeowners to install our DIY retractable screens in their homes. Phantom`s toll-free technical help-line and the ease of ordering replacement parts will all be part of assisting consumers make the process as simple as possible.” Somers states that for Phantom, DIY retractable door screens are a logical addition to their existing line of fully installed & customizable product lines. “We are pleased to offer DIY products that meet Phantom’s high standards of quality at a competitive price for the do-it-yourself consumer,” added Somers. The relationship between Seiki and Phantom affords both companies the infrastructure to support the demands and needs of the entire retractable screen market category; which both companies state no other retractable screen provider can offer today. Phantom’s DIY retractable door screens are available at Lowe’s locations across the US. Somers states: “We’ve been fortunate to work with partners like Lowe’s to provide Phantom`s installed door screens to consumers across the US for several years. Our new expanded product line will provide homeowners more choices for screening their doors. By offering both DIY and installed door screen solutions, we can help consumers find the right screen solutions that meet their specific screening needs and budget levels.” More info on these new screen solutions can be found on the Phantom Screens website at www.phantomscreens.com. About Phantom Screens: Phantom Screens® is North America’s leading provider of retractable screen solutions. Phantom’s screens offer insect protection, solar shading and enhanced privacy for doorways, windows, and large applications such as outdoor living spaces, curtain walls and lift & slide door systems. Phantom retractable screen solutions are designed to pull or lower into place when required and retract out-of-sight when not in use. Every Phantom screen is backed with a Limited Lifetime Warranty for added peace of mind. Since its beginning 18 years ago, the Phantom brand has been synonymous with quality, innovative product development, and superior customer service. According to independent market research, 97% of Phantom customers rate their overall Phantom experience from good to outstanding. Phantom Screens is a Registered Provider with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES), and a member of NCHI, NAHB, and NARI. For more information about Phantom Screens retractable screen products, or to find an Authorized Distributor or Dealer near you, please go to www.phantomscreens.com or call 1-888-PHANTOM.
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American Institute of Architects (AIA) Adds Six New AIA Contract Documents to Documents-on-Demand™ Service

April 07, 2010

Web-Based solution adds popular Contract Documents to AIA Documents-on-Demand including three sub-contractor forms WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced that it has added six new documents, including three sub-contractor forms, to AIA Documents-on-Demand™, bringing the total documents available through this service to 22. AIA Documents-on-Demand is a Web-based service for both PC and MAC users that grants easy online access to download, electronically fill out and print 22 of the most popular AIA Contract Documents anytime, anywhere with access to the Internet and a printer. AIA Contract Documents added the following documents to AIA Documents-on-Demand: 1. A305™–1986, Contractor’s Qualification Statement 2. B108™–2009, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for a Federally Funded or Federally Insured Project 3. B305™–1993, Architect’s Qualification Statement 4. G701S™–2001, Change Order, Subcontractor Version 5. G702S™–1992, Application and Certificate for Payment, Subcontractor Version 6. G703S™–1992, Continuation Sheet, Subcontractor Version AIA Documents-on-Demand allow users who do not need or cannot afford the convenience, extensive selection and ease-of-use of AIA Contract Document software to purchase and download only the AIA Contract Document forms and agreements necessary for a certain project. Access to the service is free. The price per document varies from $4.95 to $19.95.
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CENTRIA Product, Eco Sound Barrier receives ASCE Charles Pankow Award for Innovation

April 07, 2010

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CENTRIA is pleased to announce that Eco Sound Barrier, a sound barrier system with the industry's most innovative combination of affordability, sustainability and architectural flexibility, has received the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Charles Pankow Award for Innovation. Eco Sound Barrier is the industry’s first Cradle-to-CradleCM-certified road product and is a cost-effective, green alternative to traditional sound barriers. This innovative sound barrier is made from 23 percent recycled material and is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its useful life. And, at only 4.25 pounds per square foot, Eco Sound Barrier requires far fewer trucks to transport it to the jobsite, which dramatically cuts down on emissions and lowers a project’s carbon footprint. Additionally, total installed costs for Eco Sound Barrier are less than those of traditional precast barriers.
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Making “Green” History, W San Francisco Becomes First Hotel Belonging to Major Brand to Earn Silver LEED Certification for an Existing Building

April 07, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Crowning an industry-leading, employee-driven green program, the four-diamond W San Francisco made history this week by earning the first LEED certification of an existing building belonging to a major hotel brand. Among the energy efficiency steps taken at W San Francisco without negatively impacting the sensory experience and atmosphere of the hotel: More than 70 percent of guestroom lighting and 90 percent of back-of-house lighting is energy efficient, using CFLs, LEDs, motion sensors, and other technologies; the hotel’s HVAC cooling towers were replaced with energy-efficient models, saving 300 kWh/year; motion sensors power off HVAC in unoccupied guestrooms; and ENERGY STAR power management features are activated on all PCs. Management continues to track energy usage and savings with a third-party vendor through the hotel's utility company, PG&E. Lastly, to further improve energy efficiency and encourage the use of renewable energy, management is considering installing wind turbines on the hotel's roof--a first for a commercial building in the city.
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Kohler Co. Steps Up as ‘Green Exhibitor’ at 2010 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show

April 06, 2010

Company President and COO David Kohler to deliver State of the Industry address KOHLER, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kohler Co., the EPA’s 2008 and 2009 WaterSense Partner of the Year, will be featured as a ‘green exhibitor’ at the 2010 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show (KBIS), during which the company will be showcasing some of its latest fixtures and faucets that save water without sacrificing performance or design. Owned and operated by National Kitchen and Bath Association, KBIS is the world’s largest international trade show event dedicated to the industry, and it is slated for April 16 – 18 at the McCormick Place in Chicago. “As a global design and technology leader, Kohler offers the largest portfolio of plumbing products that are engineered to save water while remaining true to a singular level of quality,” said Jim Lewis, vice president of brand and channel marketing for Kohler Co. “We look forward to meeting with designers, decision-makers and product specifiers on how best to create beautiful kitchen and bath spaces.” At this year’s KBIS, Kohler will demonstrate how its WaterSense labeled toilets, bathroom faucets and showerheads help homeowners save thousands of gallons of water each year, without altering their lifestyle. In addition to products, Kohler will be educating show-goers on some of the company’s latest environmental stewardship initiatives. President and COO David Kohler will present the State of the Industry keynote address on April 17, and among the topics he’ll discuss is the recently launched plan for Kohler to be Net Zero with carbon offsets by 2035. This is a global sustainability platform for the company, encompassing education, innovative products and reductions in the company’s environmental footprint. Another key initiative for Kohler is SaveWaterAmerica.com, which launched in January 2009. The campaign is a viral Web site dedicated to raise awareness of the nation’s looming water crisis, help homeowners save water, and support Habitat for Humanity with a $2 million product donation. The site’s success has helped build hundreds of homes across the country that not only perform to expectations, but save a significant amount of water. Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.
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MonierLifetile Donates Energy-Efficient Solar Roof System to Habitat for Humanity

April 06, 2010

Sustainable Concrete Roof Tile Contributes to LEED Points for Henderson Home HENDERSON, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MonierLifetile® has donated an energy-efficient concrete roof tile system to Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas for its first green LEED prototype home. Located in Henderson, the prototype house by Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas is projected to achieve Platinum LEED certification, the highest level of green building rating available through the US Green Building Council (USGBC). MonierLifetile donated a complete Energy Efficient Roof System comprising sustainable concrete roof tiles, and incorporating a solar hot water system. MonierLifetile is the leading manufacturer of concrete roof tile across North America. The company’s innovative Energy Efficient Roof System utilizes an elevated batten system, vented eave risers and ridge guards to reduce energy costs. Studies have shown the system can reduce the amount of heat penetrating the conditioned space by 50% versus direct-to-deck installations, resulting in 22% lower energy consumption. The groundbreaking home utilizes the innovative Heliodyne Closed Loop Solar water heating system, which collects energy from the sun in order to heat the home’s water supply. The Heliodyne system significantly reduces water heating expenses and is expected to provide energy savings of approximately 200 therms per year in natural gas, as well as CO2 reductions of up to 3,000 pounds every year.
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Rackspace Achieves LEED Gold Certification for Corporate Headquarters

April 06, 2010

Sustainable Building and Operations of Rackspace Headquarters Support Company’s Greenspace Initiative SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rackspace ® Hosting (NYSE:RAX), the leader in the hosting and cloud computing industry, announced the company’s headquarters has been certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification program, an internationally recognized accreditation for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Rackspace’s conversion of a vacant shopping mall into a progressive headquarters building, nicknamed “The Castle,” earned the LEED Gold Certification and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to sustainability through its Greenspace Initiative. Not only has Rackspace revitalized the community surrounding its new headquarters, but building renovation has been guided by sustainable practices in accordance with LEED principles across five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Specific practices include: * During the demolition phase, Rackspace removed more than 1,600 tons of steel and other metals, which it sent to be recycled. Overall, more than 1,900 tons of concrete, metal, wood and other materials were recycled. * The company also sent six trailer loads of recovered building materials, such as doors, windows and fixtures, to Habitat for Humanity. * All of the design materials, such as the carpeting, were chosen for their ability to fit the profile for no or low volatile organic compounds that could be harmful to environmental health. * The design encourages natural lighting through skylights, and since the ceilings are high, lighting can be controlled at every workstation, which, coupled with motion sensors and timers, results in a Lighting Power Density reduction of 15 percent below Standard. * The company installed showers to encourage employees to walk, run or bike to work. * The bathrooms feature state-of-the-art hand dryers to reduce paper waste, and low-flow toilets to conserve water. * Recycling bins for paper, plastic and aluminum are placed throughout the facility, and the company provides reusable items, such as coffee mugs and cups, in the break areas. * The external landscaping was designed to be drought resistant and the irrigation system uses only recycled water that is collected through a cistern located next to the main entrance
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Hooking the Construction Industry on New VELCRO(R) Brand Temporary Carpet Protection

April 05, 2010

Non-woven fabric product secures to and protects carpets in high-traffic job sites, meets industry needs and solves long standing problems with its patented hook technology MANCHESTER, N.H., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Velcro USA Inc., the industry leader and inventor of the hook and loop fasteners which have made life easier at home and work for more than 50 years, announced today its latest invention: VELCRO® Brand Temporary Carpet Protection. This unique product, ideal for use in the home construction industry, is a durable, high-quality laminate with a non-woven face and a water resistant, yet breathable film backing that secures to loop carpeting using patented hook technology by the Velcro Companies. VELCRO® Brand Temporary Carpet Protection offers many distinct product features, including: - Durability that protects against spills, dirt, and typical construction foot and wheeled traffic - Does not trap moisture, allowing newly installed carpet adhesive to breathe and cure properly - No adhesive residue left behind to collect dirt and damage carpeting - Easy to install, repositionable and reusable -- saves on material and labor costs - Self-engaging edges allow for easy coverage of large areas without the need for costly, time consuming and failure prone-taping - Custom printing allows for new advertising opportunities, previously unavailable The printable face is a new, distinguishing feature to this product. Velcro USA Inc. will provide custom printing, allowing carpet manufacturers, installers, general contractors, or any customer the opportunity to display their logo on the product and enjoy previously unavailable exposure and advertising.
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KB Home First National Builder to Partner with EPA’s WaterSense Program

April 05, 2010

A KB home Built to New EPA Guidelines Will Reduce Water Usage by 20% and Save 10,000 Gallons of Water Each Year LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KB Home (NYSE: KBH), one of America’s premier homebuilders, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense® program, announced today plans to be the first national homebuilder to construct homes to meet the WaterSense specification. According to the EPA, WaterSense labeled new homes use 20% less water than conventional new homes and save homeowners more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. A new WaterSense labeled home built by KB Home will also allow homeowners to significantly reduce their water and energy consumption, resulting in lower monthly utility bills.
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KraftMaid Cabinetry Inspires Designers with Nearly 800 3-D Cabinet Models in Google SketchUp(TM)

April 05, 2010

Five Door Styles and 15 Finishes Now Offered in the Google 3D Warehouse MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO – April 5, 2010 – Based on the success of its 3-D cabinet model collections in the Google 3D Warehouse, KraftMaid Cabinetry has now expanded its offering to nearly 800 digital 3-D cabinet models. With the recent additions, designers and other Google SketchUp users can select from five different door styles and 15 different finishes to suit almost any design style kitchen. KraftMaid door styles featured in the 3-D models include a range of styles to represent a range of kitchens: contemporary (KraftMaid Saratoga and Avery door styles), transitional (KraftMaid Putnam and Sedona door styles) and traditional (KraftMaid Marquette door style). “As KraftMaid 3-D cabinet and room models continue to grow in demand, so does the range of our offerings,” said Mark Johnson, FAIA, director of sales & marketing education at KraftMaid. “Our goal is to ensure that the design community’s technology needs are fully supported through our many 3-D model collections.” Each 3-D cabinet is modeled to showcase a KraftMaid finish combined with a popular wood species. When the Dynamic Component dialog box is opened, designers can select any width that KraftMaid makes in a particular cabinet and the model automatically changes to the requested dimension. When models are downloaded in SketchUp Version 7, the cabinet doors and drawers open, so users can virtually experience each model once placed in a kitchen design. Additionally, KraftMaid’s team of kitchen designers, together with experts from Igloo Studios has added many new inspirational kitchens to its collection of 3-D room models. These include two LEED(R) certified home models called the 723 and 729 Spring Street projects, and the ReVISION House, a Net-Zero Energy show home featured during the 2010 International Builders’ Show(R). Getting Started: 1) Download the free or professional version of SketchUp Version 7 from Google by visiting http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/sketchup.google.com. 2) View free SketchUp Show video tutorials by visiting Igloo Studio’s “School” Web site, http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.go-2-school.com/. 3) Download KraftMaid Cabinet 3-D product and room models at the Google 3D Warehouse to start designing by visiting http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse and searching “Collections” using the key words, “KraftMaid Cabinetry by MASCO.” Visit the KraftMaid booth, #S1210, during the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2010 to learn more about the company’s digital technology offerings for the design community. About KraftMaid Cabinetry For more than 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection, featuring more than 100 trend-in door styles and more than 45 furniture-quality finish options. In 1990, KraftMaid was purchased by Masco Corporation of Taylor, Michigan, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. KraftMaid(R) is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group. All KraftMaid Cabinetry carries a limited lifetime warranty and is Environmental Stewardship Program-certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. KraftMaid is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and has earned the ISO 14001:2004 Certification for its sustainable manufacturing processes. KraftMaid cabinetry is available through an extensive distributor and dealer network. For more information, visit www.kraftmaid.com or call 440-632-5333. About Igloo Igloo Studios is a pioneering media firm that specializes in creating immersive 3-D and video media solutions for AEC industry companies. The company has four unique brands that each concentrate on specific media application: the Blue Marble Project, its Google SketchUp 3D modeling Google Earth visualization brand; School, the Google SketchUp and Google Earth video training brand that provides video podcasts, DVD’s, live training, and a Web community for SketchUp and Google Earth users; re:Source, which offers high quality video and podcasts on sustainable design and build techniques and topics; and Igloo Designs, its architectural design services brand. For more information, visit www.igloostudios.com. “Google” and “SketchUp(TM)” are trademarks of Google Inc.
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The Road to Energy Savings: GE Introduces New, Award-Winning Cobrahead LED Street Light

April 05, 2010

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Lighting Solutions leads an LED charge with its expansion in the roadway lighting segment: the new Evolve™ LED R150 Cobrahead luminaire features an advanced LED optical system that provides improved horizontal and vertical uniformity, reduced glare and improved lighting control. Voted as Best-in-Class in the Next Generation Luminaires™ Design Competition, the Evolve™ LED R150 Cobrahead can yield a 40-percent reduction in system energy compared with standard metal halide systems, depending on roadway applications, and more than 10 years of service life, reducing maintenance frequency. GE Lighting Solutions combined the traditional HID street light with LED technology and the Evolve™ optic light engine to create the new LED luminaire. The Evolve™ optic design optimizes distribution, reduces glare and offers high utilization. The contoured cobrahead-shaped housing closely resembles existing fixtures in the field, and incorporates a heat sink fin design that not only provides excellent thermal management for extended LED life, but also allows for water run-off to minimize the build-up of dirt on the exterior of the fixture. LEDs are a solid-state light source and more durable than traditional lamps. The LED photometric control contributes to color consistency, greater optical control to provide light only where desired, improved fixture efficiency for lower operating cost, and better control of spill light to reduce light pollution and trespass.
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Whirlpool Corporation Selected as Appliance Partner for Ashton Woods Homes

April 05, 2010

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- As the new appliance partner for Ashton Woods Homes, Whirlpool Corporation provides energy- and water-efficient appliances for the homebuilder's new homes and condominiums throughout the Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Raleigh, N.C., and Orlando and Tampa, Fla., markets. According to Ralph Farrell, vice president of operations at Ashton Wood Homes, Whirlpool Corporation was selected as a partner because the appliance manufacturer has a better feel for each of the homebuilder's local markets. "We carefully select building products and locations that best satisfy the lifestyles of local homebuyers, and Whirlpool Corporation does a great job of understanding the needs of each market," said Farrell. "Since partnering with Whirlpool Corporation, service and delivery have been beyond our expectations, and we are ahead of schedule with appliance training for our sales and construction teams. The company is a good fit for who we are and what we work to achieve." As a Gold Level Environments for Living(TM) and ENERGY STAR® builder, Ashton Woods offers the most energy- and water-efficient appliances from both Whirlpool and KitchenAid brands. "Ashton Woods has been at the forefront of green building, designing energy-efficient homes for several years," said Tom Halford, general manager, contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. "It's an honor to be selected as appliance partner for a builder that truly understands the nuances of 'green' building and how best to satisfy its homeowners on a number of different levels." About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The Inside Advantage(TM) is designed to meet the needs of Whirlpool Corporation's building community customers. More than a program, The Inside Advantage(TM) provides trade customers with the strength of Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Market Insight and Targeted Services, all from one company. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-952-2537.
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“Designing Our Future” Campaign Kicks Off National Landscape Architecture Month

April 05, 2010

New educational site on sustainable landscapes highlights April celebration WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced April as National Landscape Architecture Month, in conjunction with a new campaign entitled “Designing Our Future.” The campaign is designed to educate the public about sustainable landscapes and landscape architecture as a career choice – part of a new site at www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes. In conjunction with April, additional National Landscape Architecture Month elements include: * Local events with ASLA’s 48 chapters around the country. Events will be posted online as they’re available. * The April issue of Landscape Architecture magazine online for free. * Updated career discovery information, including a webcast with a current landscape architecture graduate student.
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SAGE Introduces World’s Most Energy-Efficient Window Glass

April 01, 2010

FARIBAULT, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SAGE Electrochromics, Inc., today unveiled the world's most energy-efficient window glass. The new suite of window glass products is the first to marry electronically tintable “dynamic window” technology with high R-value, triple-pane construction. The result is a window that provides greater thermal and visual comfort than any equivalently configured glazing product in the history of the industry. Tests show the dynamic, triple-glazed glass has an insulating R-value higher than 8, compared to an R-3 value typical of most low-E double pane glass. Combining super insulation with the glazing’s dynamic tinting capability provides a 16 percent energy improvement over state-of-the-art static triple pane glass with low-E, and better than a 50 percent improvement over single pane glazings. This makes the product an ideal solution for new construction and retrofit primarily in heating-dominated climates where high R-value glazings are needed.
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West Basin Municipal Water District Begins Construction of Ocean-Water Desalination Demonstration Facility Utilizing Ocean Protection Technology

April 01, 2010

CARSON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) recently started constructing one of the first ocean-water desalination demonstration facilities to utilize ocean protection technology at the source of intake and discharge. The facility is co-located at the Los Angeles Conservation Corps’ SEA Lab education center in Redondo Beach and is part of West Basin’s Water Reliability 2020 (WR2020) initiative to reduce dependence on unreliable imported water use in the South Bay from 66 percent to 33 percent by the year 2020. The new Ocean-Water Desalination Demonstration Facility and Water Education Center, currently under construction, will be operational in fall of 2010. For additional information about Water Reliability 2020, to take a tour of West Basin’s water recycling plant or to join the more than 2,000 local project supporters, visit www.westbasin.org.
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