Iconic Landmark Receives ENERGY STAR Recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency NEW YORK, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The ground-breaking energy efficiency work at the Empire State Building has achieved a milestone on its journey for sustainability leadership in the commercial real estate community by receiving an ENERGY STAR rating of 90 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The designation for the Empire State Building signifies that the property's energy performance is in the top tenth percentile of all commercial office buildings, new and old, across the nation. An ENERGY STAR rating of 90 was a stated objective in the iconic property's overall sustainability retrofit initiative launched in April 2009. The retrofit is comprised of eight key initiatives: 1.Window Light Retrofit: Refurbishment of approximately 6,500 thermopane glass windows, using existing glass and sashes to create triple-glazed insulated panels with new components that dramatically reduce both summer heat load and winter heat loss. 2.Radiator Insulation Retrofit: Added insulation behind radiators to reduce heat loss and more efficiently heat the building perimeter. 3.Tenant Lighting, Daylighting and Plug Upgrades: Introduction of improved lighting designs, daylighting controls, and plug load occupancy sensors in common areas and tenant spaces to reduce electricity costs and cooling loads. 4.Air Handler Replacements: Replacement of air handling units with variable frequency drive fans to allow increased energy efficiency in operation while improving comfort for individual tenants. 5.Chiller Plant Retrofit: Reuse of existing chiller shells while removing and replacing "guts" to improve chiller efficiency and controllability, including the introduction of variable frequency drives. 6.Whole-Building Control System Upgrade: Upgrade of existing building control system to optimize HVAC operation as well as provide more detailed sub-metering information. 7.Ventilation Control Upgrade: Introduction of demand control ventilation in occupied spaces to improve air quality and reduce energy required to condition outside air. 8.Tenant Energy Management Systems: Introduction of individualized, web-based power usage systems for each tenant to allow more efficient management of power usage. In addition to ENERGY STAR certification, the work at the Empire State Building would qualify under current standards for LEED-EB Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Charter Builders and Irving Independent School District recently celebrated the official groundbreaking for the largest “net zero” public school in the United States. The first of its kind in Texas, the school district’s Lady Bird Johnson Middle School is designed to produce as much energy as it uses, thereby reducing operating costs for the district and shrinking the school’s carbon footprint. To reduce energy consumption, the school is designed to meet LEED® Gold specifications and will feature increased insulation, high-efficiency glazing, daylighting, and an Energy Star® kitchen. The school will also use permeable paving to reduce runoff and harvest rainwater and grey water for irrigation.

Webcor Also First to “Road Test” Global Standard for World Business Council for Sustainable Development SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Webcor Builders today announced that it is the first company to submit its complete supply chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the World Resources Institute. It also reported its emissions to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) as one of 60 major corporations selected to “road test” the new GHG standard. The presentation was made recently at the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product/Supply Chain Initiative Scope 3 Road Testing Workshop in Washington, DC. To date, there has been no effective methodology by which to capture what is called Scope 3 emissions – the significant amount of GHG emissions associated with a company’s suppliers, products and after-market supply chains. The WRI-WBCSD accounting emissions standard will allow companies to more uniformly and consistently identify, report and then reduce the total embodied carbon impact across their corporate value chains, including outsourced activities and supplier manufacturing.

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Leviton Manufacturing Company (Leviton), client of TPG Architecture, is the first Long Island office interior project to achieve LEED® certification for Commercial Interiors (Certified level) by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The client assumed occupancy of its new world headquarters in May 2009. TPG submitted the design and construction review to the USGBC in November 2009. Last week, almost a year after Leviton moved in, LEED® certification was officially announced. TPG provided full architectural services and served as LEED® administrator for the relocation of Leviton's headquarters to 201 N. Service Road in Melville - an existing, 140,000 square foot building with 4 floors plus a lower level. Leviton occupies the entire building. The project incorporates low emitting materials such as adhesives, paints and carpets to create a healthy indoor air quality. 20% of the materials used in the project are from recycled materials and sources, and water consumption is reduced by 30% through the incorporation of water saving fixtures and devices. Electrical energy consumption is also reduced through the installation of Leviton's own lighting management systems.

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of its commitment to green building and sustainable construction, Lauth® Group Inc. earned its third Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and its second Silver Rating for the development of NASCAR® Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now considered one of the most environmentally-responsible office towers in the Southeast, NASCAR® Plaza is a 390,000 square-foot, 20-story Class A Office Tower located in downtown Charlotte. Some of the building’s “green” features include: •Recycled Materials: one-third of the building was manufactured from recycled materials •Water Efficiency: the building uses 30% less water than a conventional building •Energy Savings: 35% of the building's electricity usage is being provided by renewable sources •Efficient Construction: during construction, more than 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills •Low-Emitting Materials: the building is equipped with energy efficient air conditioning systems that don’t use chemicals that harm the ozone layer or CFC refrigerants which also contribute to global warming

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) has selected pilot projects to test a national rating system for sustainable landscape design, construction and maintenance. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture, New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward Sustainable Infrastructure Project and the Indianapolis Super Bowl Village join more than 150 others that include educational centers, transportation corridors, industrial complexes and private residences in employing cutting-edge guidelines and performance benchmarks outlined in the SITES Rating System. Pilot project locations and descriptions can be found at www.sustainablesites.org/pilot.

Revisions Address Key Issues and Align the Bond Forms with Modern Terminology WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Institute of Architects (AIA), The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) and the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) joined in announcing today publication of new editions of AIA’s commonly used A312 Performance Bond and Payment Bond and A310 Bid Bond. The revised bond forms, which will be made available in June, address key issues identified by industry participants. In addition, archaic language was removed and replaced with modern terminology currently used in other AIA Contract Documents. The AIA led an industry-wide collaboration to update the AIA’s bond forms, which provide the fundamental framework of most bonding agreements within the construction industry. In addition to SFAA and NASBP, industry organizations participating in this collaborative process included the American Bar Association Forum Committee on the Construction Industry; the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC); the American Subcontractors Association (ASA); the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC); the Associated Specialty Contractors (ASC); the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA); the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE); the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC); the American Insurance Association (AIA); the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC); and the American College of Construction Lawyers (ACCL). This cross-disciplinary effort will help ensure the long-term viability of project bonding as a way to manage risk and facilitate construction in an ever-changing industry.

“Vision Zero” Home is Michigan’s First, Affordable Net-Zero Energy Home MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) and Cobblestone Homes today introduced Michigan’s first, affordable net-zero energy home. Using readily available energy efficiency technologies from Dow, the house, dubbed the “Vision Zero” home is expected to save $3,507 in energy costs and avert 44,855 lbs of CO2 annually. Net-zero energy homes typically use about 60-70 percent less energy than a conventional home, with the balance of its energy needs supplied by renewable technologies. The Vision Zero home uses a wide range of Dow materials and sustainable technologies, including next generation insulation and air-sealing products, and the revolutionary new DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles. The solar components on this home, which includes a demonstration of Dow’s solar shingle, will produce enough energy to supply all of this home’s electricity needs plus additional electricity that can be sold back to the local utility company for energy credits. The Vision Zero house, located in Bay City, Michigan, will also be an educational center for builders and consumers for one year, providing tours, training, and hands on demonstrations. For more information on the Vision Zero home, visit www.visionzerohome.com

WASHINGTON, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Education Services and AIA|DC announced today that they are launching a new program called GreenEdu Academy, a full-day workshop consisting of five educational sessions for industry professionals interested in learning more about topics on green building and USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The first workshop is scheduled for June 15, 2010 at the AIA DC chapter office. Topics to be covered throughout the day include a comparison of LEED versions 2.0 and 3.0, the minimum program requirements for a LEED project, an introduction to sustainable site initiatives, an overview of stormwater management, and a discussion on green roofs. The seminars will provide participants with up-to-date information on the green building industry and LEED. In addition, the combination of courses will be worth 7.5 continuing education hours, which can be used towards architectural license renewal and AIA CEU requirements. GreenEdu Academy can also be applied to LEED credential maintenance for LEED APs and Green Associates, which require 30 and 15 USGBC-Approved CEUs per two-year reporting period, respectively. GreenEdu is a USGBC education provider and all of the courses in this full-day workshop have been reviewed and approved by U.S. Green Building Council.

RALEIGH, N.C., May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Monday evening awarded New World Home "NOGM 4 Atlanta" with a National Green Building Award for Project of the Year - Single Family - Production/Luxury. The home, located in Atlanta, GA, and its builders were honored at the 12th Annual NAHB National Green Building Conference in Raleigh, NC. New World Home's trademarked New Old Green Modular® (NOGM®) design platform incorporates a holistic approach to historically inspired green building. The NOGM process results in homes built to exacting standards, providing a minimum 50 percent energy savings annually, conserves thousands of gallons of water per year and provides a healthier indoor environment when compared to a code built home. A NOGM is able to achieve the highest levels of certification by utilizing a whole-systems approach to home construction. Well thought out design, a strong project team, appropriate material selection and various construction techniques are all contributing factors.

Hampshire, IL – AIR-SHIELD LM from W. R. MEADOWS is a single-component, liquid-applied, water-based, polymer-modified air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LM cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane, which exhibits excellent resistance to air and moisture transmission. AIR-SHIELD LM has been specifically formulated to act as an air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier within the building envelope. It may be applied to most common surfaces and integrated into various wall systems. AIR-SHIELD LM is suitable for both new construction and restoration. AIR-SHIELD LM is designed to be a fast-drying formulation, which provides early resistance to rainfall. Its low permeability prevents the transmission of air and inhibits moisture and vapor from passing through porous building materials. The product is also highly flexible and bridges cracks which may form in the substrate. AIR-SHIELD LM is a water-based, environmentally friendly product that is part of the W. R. MEADOWS GREEN LINE® of green building materials. The product may help contribute to several LEED credits, including Energy and Efficiency (EA), Materials and Resources (MR), and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). 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.

Ceremony Features Remarks by Former President Bill Clinton, Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman and President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, Rick Fedrizzi LAS VEGAS, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Shangri-La Construction and Thompson National Properties announced today that their first joint development project, a retrofitted Class A office building in Las Vegas is the first in the state of Nevada to be awarded Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System(TM). The 1960s office building, located at 302 East Carson Avenue in downtown Las Vegas, was the centerpiece at a grand opening event held today with special guests Former President Bill Clinton, founder, Clinton Foundation and sponsor of the Clinton Climate Initiative; Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman; and President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, Rick Fedrizzi. New building features at 302 E. Carson Avenue include: - Chiller Replacement and Extensive HVAC Efficiency Upgrades - to improve building performance by more than 30 percent, saving in excess of $50,000 per year in electricity costs. - Cooling Tower Replacement - to increase energy efficiency and improve interior air quality. - Solar White Roof - light colored roof to reduce its urban heat island effect and interior building temperature. - Window System Replacement - new dual glaze windows reduce heat transfer into the building, lowering utility bills and increasing tenant comfort. - Plumbing upgrades - low-flow and no-flush plumbing fixtures have been installed to reduce water use in the building by 40%, while native and drought tolerant landscaping has been installed with a drip irrigation system that reduces potable water use by more than 72%. - Upgraded Lobby, Elevator and Finishes - to modernize the building to current Class "A" standards.

First U.S. company to achieve Climate Declaration for a building improvement product; Solar Gard calls for an end to “greenwashing” claims that mislead consumers SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bekaert Specialty Films today announced its flagship Solar Gard® and elite Panorama® architectural solar control window films produce a net reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They are the first building improvement products made in the U.S. to measure and report their carbon footprint.1 By reducing the amount of energy used to cool commercial buildings and homes, Solar Gard and Panorama window films help decrease carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and help achieve zero energy building goals. Solar Gard window films are carbon negative in all 50 states and across the globe. On average, they are carbon neutral within one year of installation. More efficient than low-e coatings at rejecting solar heat, Solar Gard window films are both carbon-effective and cost-effective, reducing a building’s carbon footprint more effectively and for less money than new windows. In fact: * One square meter of a low-e wood window, the type with the smallest carbon footprint, has a carbon cost of 253 kilograms. The carbon cost of Solar Gard window film is less than one kilogram per square meter. * Solar Gard window film saves 1001 times more GHG emissions from entering the atmosphere than is used and/or created during its manufacture. * Solar Gard window film installed between 2007 and 2008 saved 3.6 million tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere; this is equivalent to the carbon output of 16,350 American families (with four people).

CHICAGO, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Green Building Council - Illinois Chapter announced the 2010 Natural Leaders Award winners, with a formal ceremony to recognize the recipients to be held at the Chapter's 5th Annual Emerald Gala. The Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are contributing to the region's sustainability and that help support the USGBC - Illinois Chapter's mission to lead the regional transformation of the built environment to become ecologically sustainable, profitable, and healthy through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Awards are given in four categories: Intent to Matter, Re-Generation, SMALL feet/large FEAT and Environmotion.

Thoughtful Redesign Transformed Derelict Space into a Model of Urban Sustainability WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced New York City’s Bryant Park as the winner of the 2010 Landmark Award. The award recognizes a project’s design excellence, longevity and contribution to the public realm. A full project description and high-resolution images are available at: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.asla.org/2010awards/403.html Led by Laurie Olin, FASLA, the 1992 redesign of Bryant Park transformed the formerly derelict space into a model of urban sustainability. In addition to a large green roof, the park now offers year-round activities enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. The park also significantly increased real estate values in the surrounding areas, demonstrating the link between urban green space and land value. The Landmark Award recognizes a distinguished landscape architecture project completed between 15 and 50 years ago that retains its original design integrity and contributes significantly to the public realm of the community in which it is located. Previous recipients include the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Golden Gate National Recreation Area near San Francisco, and the Charleston (S.C.) Waterfront Park. The professional awards jury described the project as “refreshing and so beautiful. The landscape architect balanced the location, the constituency and the materials. People love the experience.”

THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, announced today that its BIPV class of laminates have been installed at the ProLogis (NYSE:PLD) Rooftop Photovoltaic Test Site located in Denver, Colorado. ProLogis is a leading global provider of distribution facilities and has become the first real estate company to develop a dedicated PV test site.

MONTERREY, Mexico & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) announced today it has been recognized by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas for environmental excellence at its cement plants in Xenia, Ohio and Lyons, Colorado, as part of the 2010 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards. The awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. The CEMEX Xenia facility, also known as the CEMEX Fairborn plant, was recognized for its Land Stewardship activities. The category recognizes a plant’s efforts to protect and enhance the surrounding land. The Xenia facility was also recognized for its approach to land stewardship tasks as a cooperative effort with the community, Cedarville University, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The plant was also recognized as a Runner-up in the Community Outreach category. The CEMEX cement plant in Lyons, Colorado was the Runner-up for the PCA’s Overall Environmental Excellence Award, an honor given to a plant demonstrating merit in several environmental categories, including Outreach, Environmental Performance, Land Stewardship, Innovation, and Energy Efficiency. The Colorado plant was also named Runner-up in the Land Stewardship category.

SHELTON, Conn., May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Panolam Industries' Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) products have received two categories of GREENGUARD certification. They have been certified according to the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification Program for Low Emitting Products and according to the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program for Low Emitting Products. Panolam is the first and only FRP manufacturer to receive this certification. The GREENGUARD certification is particularly significant for Panolam's FRP, a wall and ceiling panel product designed for installations that require high sanitary standards and durability, such as commercial kitchens, hospitals, schools and restaurants.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ONTILITY, in partnership with Penn State University, will offer Solar Installation Training and Certification throughout Pennsylvania. ONTILITY is launching its S103 Entry Level Solar Electric Training Class June 21st-25th in Uniontown and will offer the same course in Philadelphia July 19th-23rd. The course, which teaches the NABCEP Entry Level Photovoltaic learning objectives, includes 40 hours of professional training presented over five consecutive days. Tuition for the training is $1,395.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), a provider of integrated performance analysis software and consulting services for sustainable building design, today released an updated version of its VE plug-in to Autodesk Revit Architecture and MEP. The plug-in allows Revit 2011 users to easily export models into any of the IES Virtual Environment (VE) environmental building performance analysis tools; VE-Ware, VE-Toolkits, VE-Gaia and VE-Pro. Removing the need to re-build models, the IES plug-in greatly enhances design workflow and simulation accuracy, bringing comprehensive and integrated analysis options for all design stages to the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process. The IES VE tools offer a range of powerful performance assessment options suitable for all different design stages and user experience-level, while the integrated nature of the suite allows the interrelationships between energy use, CO2 emissions, solar, lighting, airflow and system design to be taken into account and analysed at a whole building level. Building mass and form, the climate, natural resource availability, occupancy, materials and services can all be taken into account to ‘virtually’ test the feasibility of different energy saving strategies and low carbon/ renewable technologies. IES also offers a range of automated tools which assist with the LEED and GreenStar rating systems, and compliance with UK energy reduction and Performance Certificate regulations. The latest version of the IES VE Revit Plug-in can be downloaded at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.iesve.com/Software/Model-Building/Revit-plug-in

Design Strategies Offer Hospitals an Improved Environmental Footprint and Healthier Workplace for Staff and Patients Study Promotes Benefits of 'Targeting 100!' SEATTLE, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study presented at the CleanMed conference in Baltimore this week shows how hospitals, which account for four percent of all energy consumed in the U.S., can achieve a 60 percent reduction in energy utility use by redesigning the way they use energy. A newly constructed, code-compliant hospital can expect to save around $730,000 a year, according to the report.

Top honor goes to plug-and-play solution that is as simple to use as a light bulb LIGHTFAIR International 2010 LISLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bridgelux and Molex Incorporated (NASDAQ: MOLX)(NASDAQ: MOLXA) announced today that they have received the LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) 2010 Most Innovative Product of the Year Award for the Helieon Sustainable Light Module. LFI, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, announced the award today at its LFI Innovation Awards ceremony. This is the highest award bestowed by the judges and recognizes the best new product out of nearly 200 submissions. The product also won in the category of “specialty lamps,” one of the 14 product categories evaluated by an independent panel of renowned lighting professionals. Helieon is an LED light source that turns and locks into place, emulating traditional lighting sockets and allowing users to alter beam angle, color temperature or light output without removing or replacing the luminaire. It combines industry-leading solid-state lighting technology from Bridgelux with innovative, easy-to-use interconnect technology from Molex.

GreenWizard to Adopt and Promote CSI’s MasterFormat & GreenFormat CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GreenWizard Inc. and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) today announced that GreenWizard will adopt CSI’s formats, and the two organizations will promote a common approach to organizing green product information. GreenWizard is a web-based expert system that allows architects, engineers, and contractors to cross-search, compare, and purchase products for LEED commercial construction. With this alliance, GreenWizard will follow CSI’s MasterFormat and GreenFormat standards in GreenWizard’s online product database, a unique green-product database that allows architects, engineers, and contractors to search for green products, determine their LEED point eligibility, and order products for LEED commercial construction.

The most flexible and cost-effective EcoSystem ballasts capable of dimming to less than 1% LIGHTFAIR International 2010 LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. announces the expansion of the EcoSystem solution with new EcoSystem® H-Series ballasts. The new EcoSystem H-Series ballast is a cost-effective option that offers increased flexibility, superior performance and easy installation. Saves energy * Helps meet energy codes, such as ASHRAE, Title 24, and IECC, and energy initiatives such as LEED * Custom factory-tuned ballast factors * Models available to meet BAA requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – visit www.lutron.com/baa for a list of models and more information

TAMPA, Fla., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Leader in concrete accessories, Meadow Burke, recently announced their latest development, the MB Double Tee Anchor. The new uniquely designed innovation combines three products into one, reducing labor costs and construction time. The MB Double Tee Anchor is available in standard or custom Anchor heights from 15.5" to 36" or more for any standard double tee or dapped tee. It is designed to self drain and requires no cutting or patching. It may even be used to lift beams, lintels and spandrels, making it an all around ground-breaking product, in addition to being extremely practical for its users.

Leverages 120-Year Heritage of Lighting Innovations to Deliver Environmentally Friendly Lighting Solutions to North America LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) and Toshiba International Corporation (TIC), an emerging leader in solid-state lighting, today announced its official entrance into the North American lighting market with the launch of the innovative E-Core™ LED product line. The E-Core™ line along with E-Core™ prototype technologies for the global market, which include the lighting industry’s brightest LED products, are being unveiled at LIGHTFAIR® International, May 12-14 in Las Vegas at booth number 1075. Toshiba’s exhibit demonstrates its commitment to promoting advances in next-generation lighting, and to leading the way in establishing LEDs as energy-efficient, cost-saving lighting that address the needs of energy management solutions.

Successful initial testing of first ever railroad bridge made from milk jugs and car bumpers supports 120-ton locomotive for the U.S. Army Transportation Corps NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Axion International Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: AXIH), today announced the completion of the first of two railroad bridges, constructed from 100% recycled plastic, at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The bridges, designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff, utilize Axion’s patented Recycled Structural Composite (“RSC”) a thermoplastic solution consisting of nearly 100% recycled post-consumer and industrial plastic. Initial field test results confirm design criteria requirements.

XLERATOR® Helps Facilities in the Government and Private Sectors Reduce Waste, Qualify for LEED Credits and Save Money EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. & DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Made in USA Certified, Inc., the leader in independent, third party assurance verification for genuine Made in USA products, is proud to announce that the XLERATOR® line of high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers have been granted the Made in USA Certified Seal of Certification.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) announced today that it will participate in the J.P. Morgan Homebuilding and Building Products Conference on Tuesday, May 11 at 9:20 a.m. CDT at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Presenting for Whirlpool Corporation will be Marc Bitzer, president of Whirlpool North America. Whirlpool Corporation's presentation will be broadcast live over the Internet and may be accessed at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=97140&eventID= 3075806 . Listeners are encouraged to log on to the Web site to register and download any required software prior to the start of the presentation. Interested parties also may listen to the Whirlpool Corporation presentation through the company's Web site at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.whirlpoolcorp.com/ by clicking on the "Investors" tab and then clicking "Presentations." The presentation will be archived for seven days. About Whirlpool Corporation 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. Additional information about the company can be found at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.whirlpoolcorp.com/.

New Technology For Fiber Optics Upgrades Key To Enhancing U.S. Broadband Speeds; Kabel-X Nears Completion On Major Cable Overhauls Projects in Ohio and Hawaii MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kabel-X USA, a Miami-based technology startup founded in 2007 and affiliated with the commercial real estate company, Adler Group, has begun converting old telephone and CATV networks to modern fiber optic cables, using a proprietary technology which threads new glass fibers into the old cables without costly and disruptive digging. Two large-scale conversion projects nearing completion in Ohio and Hawaii will be the first fiber optic upgrades in the U.S. using the Kabel-X system.

LEED Green Building Rating System Officially Available in Italy for the First Time ROME--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It was an historic moment set in a 17th century opera house in Trento, Italy. What started last fall as an idea during World Green Building Day, culminated with representatives from both the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Building Council Italia (GBC Italia) signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed as a collaborative partnership between the two organizations, furthering green building and promoting carbon emissions reductions in Italy and worldwide. At the heart of the partnership, GBC Italia will be the first organization in the European Union that has decided to implement the LEED green building rating system. In the GBC Italia version of LEED, local standards and codes will be referenced, Italian-specific units will be incorporated, and alternative compliance paths will be provided as appropriate to account for regional variances and contexts. The MOU also agrees to collaboration between the two green building councils through the sharing of tools, research and information around green building.

Hampshire, IL – CELOTEX STRUCTODEK, manufactured by BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, is an integral roofing system component because its structural rigidity and dimensional stability are labor saving qualities that make for ease of installation. STRUCTODEK possesses natural bonding qualities, resulting in superior adhesion. Adhesive tightly grasps the STRUCTODEK fibers without excess absorption. The result is a solid and secure roof system which bonds very well with many asphalt, coal tar, and cold-process adhesive products. It may also be mechanically fastened. Moreover, lightweight STRUCTODEK is superior to heavier alternatives, ensuring the roof load will be below the specified maximum weight. Used as an insulation board, cover board, or re-roof/recover board, STRUCTODEK is a high-density roofing product specifically designed for low-slope applications and systems. STRUCTODEK high density roofing fiberboard has been tested and approved by countless major systems manufacturers who create today’s roofing systems. STRUCTODEK’s proprietary black coating is compatible with PVC, TPO, EPDM and BUR roof systems. For more than 85 years, the name CELOTEX has been a standard bearer for quality fiberboard roof insulation. CELOTEX STRUCTODEK is now manufactured by BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, INC., a subsidiary of W. R. MEADOWS. For more information on STRUCTODEK, call (800) 596-9699, e-mail info@blueridgefiberboard.com, or visit www.blueridgefiberboard.com.

LANSING, Mich., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- As energy costs continue to rise, and sustainability becomes more and more of a prevalent concern, many business owners are looking for ways to be both economical, and environmentally friendly. Fortunately, Spartan Internet has implemented a solution to help business owners find a sustainable green roof to suit their needs through a Green directory for commercial roofing contractors Spartan Internet, in conjunction with Duro-Last Roofing, has created an online directory of contractors certified to install your Duro-Last reflective green roof. Duro-Last roofing systems are designed to accommodate your specific needs and are pre-engineered and manufactured specifically to decrease waste and increase the durability and energy efficiency of your building.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) , the world's largest manufacturer of home appliances, and Habitat for Humanity® International announce locations for the 2010 Whirlpool® Building Blocks program, the company's signature annual community home-building initiative. In 2010, homes will be built in Findlay, Ohio; Williamsburg, Iowa; Benton Harbor, Mich.; Cleveland, Tenn.; and, Yakima, Wash. Homes also will be built on university campuses as part of the company's goal to foster the spirit of giving back in the next generation by involving college students in the program. Now in its fifth year, Whirlpool® Building Blocks is expanding to build more capacity for Habitat's mission to create affordable housing and increase opportunities for volunteer engagement. In place of the one-city blitz build format from previous years, builds will take place in communities in which Whirlpool Corporation has manufacturing, customer service and administrative offices, positively impacting areas in which the company operates. "Through our relationship with Habitat for Humanity, it's been our mission to give back to the communities in which our consumers and employees live, work and raise their families," said Jeff Noel, corporate vice president, Communications & Public Affairs, Whirlpool Corporation. "The partnership is ingrained in our culture at every level, and we want to take the opportunity to recognize our workforce for their dedication and continued support of these efforts." In total, 36 Habitat homes have been built with partner families in Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas and Atlanta as part of the Whirlpool® Building Blocks program, which was created in 2006 as an extension of Whirlpool Corporation's support of Habitat. The company's overall commitment to Habitat also includes sponsorship of and participation in Habitat's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and the donation of a range and ENERGY STAR®-qualified refrigerator to every new Habitat home built in the United States, totaling more than 110,000 appliances to date. Additionally, in 2011 Whirlpool Corporation will support every Habitat home built globally, either through home sponsorship, product donation or volunteerism. "Whirlpool Corporation is an exemplary corporate partner that continually seeks innovative ways to support the work of Habitat for Humanity," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. "A program such as the Whirlpool® Building Blocks community build is just one example of the company's varied and creative support of Habitat's mission. We are grateful for all the ways that Whirlpool Corporation - and its employees - help strengthen families, and we are excited about what the next phase of the partnership holds." Details regarding build dates, university campus build locations and volunteer opportunities will be posted to the Whirlpool brand Web site and the Whirlpool® Building Blocks Facebook page when available. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/whirlpoolbuildingblocks or www.whirlpool.com/habitat. About Whirlpool Corporation In 10 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity®, Whirlpool Corporation has donated more than 110,000 ranges and ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators to new Habitat homes built in North America, serving 55,000 families. The company has sponsored more than 100 homes around the world and served nearly 10,000 families in Europe alone. Additionally, Whirlpool has donated more than 10,000 products to Habitat ReStores and has engaged more than 6,000 employee volunteers. A proud sponsor of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project since 2003, the value of the company's commitment to Habitat nears $63 million. With active partnerships in 22 countries, Whirlpool plans to support every new Habitat home built globally by 2011, through product donations, cash or volunteerism. For more information, go to http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.whirlpoolcorp.com/responsibility/building_communities/habitat_for_humanity.aspx 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. Additional information about the company can be found at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.whirlpoolcorp.com/.

Accreditation further demonstrates GREENGUARD's commitment to excellence, integrity, and objectivity as a third-party certifier; raises the bar on third-party certification process ATLANTA, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is pleased to announce today that it has achieved ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996 accreditation--the world's most prestigious endorsement of a product certification program as developed by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO-Guide 65 specifies requirements for bodies that operate third-party certifications of products to ensure that those bodies conduct their certification processes in an impartial, reliable, and consistent manner. Conformity to these standards provides assurance that a certification program is of high quality, integrity, and competency, and that it is free of any conflicts of interest, such as financial, commercial, or social influences.

New Packaging Addresses a Green Focus Anaheim, CA – May 4, 2010 – Parex USA, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco, and Merkrete today announced the launch of Parex Quick Base EIFS Base Coat & Adhesive in a box. Quick Base is a single component base coat and adhesive and the first product of its kind to be offered in a bag in box package. Parex Quick Base is as much about being applicator friendly as it is about being green. The benefits for the applicator carry over to benefits for the environment: · Single component means the product is ready to use out of the box. A great benefit for the applicator, less time is spent managing multiple products and mixing on the job site so time can be focused on applying EIFS. The environment benefits by greatly reducing fuel needs required to ship extra components to the job site and decreases the mess that mixing on-site creates. "Parex Quick Base is an exciting product launch for Parex USA,” commented Quenton Roehricht, Brand Manager “We are taking a proven product concept and deploying it in a package that has never been done in the EIFS market. Quick Base is truly beneficial for applicators and the environment." · Innovative packaging helps contain costs and protects the environment. Offering Quick Base in a bag and box drastically reduces the amount of plastic that is hauled to landfills. The Quick Base box may be recycled, eliminating the landfill impact. As environmental control on job sites increase, the management of waste will become another aspect applicators will have to manage. Parex Quick Base will help to ease this responsibility on the applicator. Parex Quick Base is a win-win for construction professionals and the environment. For more information regarding Quick Base EIFS Base Coat & Adhesive, visit www.parex.com About Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc., an American Corporation based in California, is a subsidiary of the ParexGroup, a division of Materis, S.A., a French Corporation. The ParexGroup is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and ready-to-use mortars for the construction industry. With over 45 manufacturing sites in 18 countries the ParexGroup employs more than 2,700 industry professionals who are the corner stone of this thriving global organization. For more information regarding Parex USA, Inc. visit www.parexusa.com.

TOPEKA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The license renewal period for Kansas Land Surveyors and Professional Engineers is currently open. Land Surveyors whose last name begins with A-L can renew online through May 31. Professional Engineers whose last name begins with A-L can renew online through June 29. The Kansas Board of Technical Professions (KSBTP) partnered with Kansas.gov, a service of the Information Network of Kansas, Inc., to provide current KSBTP licensees with the ability to renew their credentials online at http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.kansas.gov/ksbtprenewals.

- SRS Energy's Solar Powered Roofing Tile Wins Gold in the Industrial Design Category - PHILADELPHIA, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- SRS Energy, a leading developer of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products, is pleased to announce that its Sole Power Tile(TM) has been awarded the Gold prize in the Industrial Design category of the 2010 Edison Best New Product Awards. New and innovative products in eleven categories were recognized for innovation and invention in the spirit of Thomas Alva Edison, America's greatest inventor and innovator. With this prestigious award, the Sole Power Tile, the first curved BIPV roofing product designed for clay mission-style roofing systems, joins some of the most innovative companies and products in the United States. "Innovation is more important now than ever," said Sarah Miller Caldicott, great grandniece of Thomas Edison, and Chairperson of the Edison Awards Steering Committee. "The Edison Award winners are the moving parts in the engine of economic growth. They inspire people to think outside the box and their results improve the lives of people around the world." Among the notable winners are the Honeywell Wind Turbine from Windtronics, the Tata Nano Automobile from Tata Motors in India, and Betty Crocker's gluten-free dessert mixes from General Mills. Other gold award winners include Proctor and Gamble, General Electric, and Motorola. The Sole Power Tile was recognized for its seamless Sunbelt aesthetics and premium functionality as a solar roof tile. Also within the Industrial Design category, Motorola was awarded the Silver prize for its APX(TM) 7000 First Responder Radio, and Delta was awarded the Bronze prize for its Pilar® Kitchen Faucet with Touch20. In 2009, Apple was awarded the Gold prize in the Industrial Design category for its MacBook Air.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--T.Y. Lin International (TYLI), a globally recognized full-service infrastructure consulting firm, is proud to announce that the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge in San Diego, California, is the winner of an Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2010 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) national competition. Known as the “Academy Awards” of the engineering industry, the EEA recognizes design excellence for engineering accomplishments of private engineering firms. The 1000-ft crossing of Lake Hodges provides an access route for bicycle and pedestrian traffic by connecting two separate portions of the existing 55-mile Coast to Crest Trail within the San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park. Known as the world’s longest stress ribbon bridge, this structure uses a 16-inch-thick concrete deck to span 330 feet between supports for an amazing depth to span ratio of 1:248. The bridge can achieve such a remarkable depth to span ratio since it is actually a cable-supported bridge with the bearing cables embedded within its concrete deck. The result is a thin ribbon of concrete that creates a very low visual impact to its natural setting across the lake. “It’s the perfect design, a thin ribbon of concrete that almost disappears into the distance,” says Tony Sanchez, TYLI Senior Bridge Engineer.

MARIN COUNTY, Calif., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestled in the hills of Mill Valley, California, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, this spectacular custom home has just received certification as the first LEED for Homes Platinum custom home in Marin County, and one of only a handful in Northern California. Carefully carved into steep hillside, and set amid towering oaks, this house is first and foremost a response to the site. "An authentic response deeply rooted in the site is absolutely the first step in sustainable design for any type of project," says Lee. The four-story home steps back into the hillside, working its way around the trees, driven by the views, and defined by the intimate relationship between indoors and out. Private and living zones are set on their own floors, every space has its own private terrace, and every window embraces views of the surrounding trees or the San Francisco skyline in the distance. A covered terrace acts as an indoor/outdoor family room off the main living level, visually and psychologically expanding the space. Built on an infill lot close to town, the house is designed to maximize solar orientation for the photovoltaic panels, as well as passive heating and cooling. The surrounding hillside provides the lower floors with natural insulation, solar power supplies electricity and hot water, and radiant floor heating and an innovative air re-circulation system condition the interior. A whole-house automation and lighting system, LED lighting, Fleetwood super- insulated doors and windows and indigenous, drought-tolerant landscaping conserve resources. Local availability, recycled content and sustainable production drove the selection of each material, appliance and detail - including Western Red Cedar siding, Energy Star-Rated Whirlpool appliances, Kohler low-flow plumbing fixtures, Mythic zero-VOC paints, high-recycled content interior concrete from Concreteworks, sustainably produced stone veneers from Eldorado Stone, sustainably harvested floors and cabinetry from Plantation Hardwoods and New World Millworks, reclaimed timber and recycled metal roofing. Design elements crafted locally from reclaimed materials - such as hand- crafted tile from Sausalito-based Heath Ceramics and steelwork from artisan Brian Kennedy - give this project deep roots in the community, making it sustainable from a community standpoint. Every inch of this LEED Platinum custom home has been designed to maximize its sustainability, in direct response to the site, trees and views. Consequently, this home lives far larger than its actual footprint, but with an impact that is far less.

HAMBURG, April 30, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- As the EXPO Shanghai opens on 1st of May, Hamburg's answer to this year's theme, "Better City, Better Life," will be the Hamburg-House - China's first certified Passive- House. It will be accompanied by an excellent exhibition and cultural-program.

Through Exclusive License Agreement and Its Commitment to American Cleantech Innovation, Shrink Seeks to Develop and Commercialize New Solar Concentrator into the World’s First Solar Accessory Designed to Increase the Efficiency of Existing Flat Panel Solar Installations and “Dumb” Windows CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc. (“Shrink”) (OTCBB: INKN) (OTCBB: INKND), an innovative nanotechnology company developing products and licensing opportunities in the solar energy production, medical diagnostics and sensors and biotechnology research and development tools businesses, announced today that in addition to the solar concentrator application which was filed by its major California public university licensor, Shrink has filed new additional patent applications on its landmark solar concentrator technology. Shrink has the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize products based on a patent-pending Quantum Dot Solar Concentrator technology, which enhances existing silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) systems and the ability for these systems to absorb sunlight and convert it to electricity. “We believe that with additional development and commercialization work with the partners we have brought on and those who we believe will come online soon, Shrink Solar, our new solar-specific operating unit, can successfully integrate our technologies into existing solar powered rooftop applications, residential and commercial windows and additional 'low hanging fruit' applications. Our technology does not rely on mirrors, a lens or a tracking device. It just absorbs ambient light. Shrink is now securing a number of development relationships and additional marketing partnerships to bring our now patent-pending systems to residential, commercial and industrial end-users,” said Mark L. Baum, CEO of Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc.