The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center identified a new, challenging frontier in public safety for the International Code Council, the primary developer of construction industry building safety codes and standards used throughout the United States. Among the experts serving on the committee created to address the 9/11 tragedy were code enforcement officials representing building and fire departments, design professionals and fire protection engineers, including Lewis who is the Chief Inspector for Summit, N.J., and has been in code enforcement for more than 30 years. The committee finished its work in May 2010. The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable and affordable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes. Changes to the International Codes as a result of 9/11 include: - Elevators are required in high-rise buildings more than 120 feet tall so firefighters can get to, and fight fires, without walking up from the ground floor with heavy equipment; - An additional stairway for high-rises that are more than 420 feet tall; - In lieu of the additional stairway, an option to provide enhanced elevators that can be used by the building occupants for emergency evacuation without waiting for assistance from emergency personnel; - A higher standard for fire resistance in high-rise buildings more than 420 feet tall; - More robust fire proofing for buildings more than 75 feet tall, which will be less likely to be dislodged by impacts or explosions; - Shafts enclosing elevators and exit stairways that have impact resistant walls; - Self-luminous exit pathway markings in all exit stairways that provide a lighted pathway when both the primary and secondary lighting fails; and - Radio coverage systems within the building to allow emergency personnel to better communicate within the building and with emergency staff outside the building supporting the response.

- New CVS facility in Chemung County is the largest building in NY State to receive LEED Gold certification - - One of the 10 largest LEED-certified buildings in the U.S. to achieve Gold level - WOONSOCKET, R.I. and LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS/pharmacy and Gray Construction announced today that the recently opened CVS/pharmacy distribution center in Chemung County, New York has been awarded LEED® Gold certification. Gray is the design-build firm responsible for the design and construction of CVS/pharmacy's new facility. CVS/pharmacy's Chemung building is the company's first LEED-certified distribution center. The 751,000 sq. ft. facility's LEED certification is also notable for being the largest industrial building in the state of New York to achieve the Gold level. In addition, it is one of the ten largest industrial buildings in the U.S. to receive LEED Gold certification. Examples of sustainable design elements incorporated into CVS/pharmacy's new distribution center include: - Energy-efficient, white PVC insulated roof - Interior & exterior lighting with daylight sensors and timers - High-efficiency, low-flow plumbing fixtures - Rainwater harvest system for irrigation - Fluorescent fixtures and skylights - Construction process using local materials, recycled materials and waste recycling

Judges award top honors to Cooper Lighting in the Street/Area-Decorative category and for the Most Effective New Product; three honorable mentions named in Downlights category. PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, announces that its Invue Mesa LED Luminaire was selected by a team of judges as the winner of two awards in Architectural SSL magazine's first Product Innovation Awards (PIA) competition. The Invue Mesa LED was named the Platinum PIA winner in the Street/Area–Decorative category and as the "Most Effective New Product." Cooper Lighting was presented with two trophies at a press conference held by the publishers of Architectural SSL, and also received three Honorable Mention PIA awards in the Downlights category for its Portfolio 4-inch and 6-inch LED Downlights and the Halo H7 LED Downlight Series. The first annual Architectural SSL PIA competition was designed to honor the best LED and solid-state luminaires and fixtures on the market, while also recognizing the players behind the components that make up the light sources. The awards aimed to recognize leaders in a range of categories including those helping in the development of standards and those pushing to make solid-state lighting a sustainable technology. Judging was conducted by a panel of professionals representing lighting design, sales and distribution, manufacturing, architecture and design and publishing. In awarding the Invue Mesa LED luminaire the Platinum PIA award in the Street/Area–Decorative category, judges said, "this product is a great balance of aesthetic form and quality optical design," and that the quality and choice of 17 optical distributions from its customizable and replaceable LightBAR™ technology is "very impressive." In naming the luminaire the "Most Effective New Product," judges noted, "the scalability and variety of distributions makes this product a great candidate for this award." Receiving Honorable Mention PIA awards in the Downlights category includes Cooper's Portfolio 4-inch and 6-inch aperture LED downlights featuring a diffused optical system that provides superior light control and low aperture brightness. A unique lens design reduces LED source brightness and evenly distributes light across the entire lens producing uniform illumination. In addition, the Halo H7 LED Downlight Series also features superior optical design that provides smooth, even illumination, excellent cutoff and extremely low glare. The versatile Halo H7 LED Collection offers three lumen packages across the 600, 900, and 1200 Series. Both the Portfolio and Halo LED downlights feature the industry's widest selection of color temperatures (2700K, 3000K, 3500K and 4000K) and are ideally suited for commercial, hospitality, healthcare and retail applications. The Halo H7 LED Collection can also be used in residential applications.

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Firestone Specialty Products now offers a total system approach to water management solutions that helps building owners, landscape architects, civil engineers, specifiers and municipalities maximize their water resources and achieve hydrologic responsibility. A key component to Firestone’s family of water management products is the Firestone Environmental Passive Integrated Chamber (EPIC Chamber™), an onsite water management and reuse system designed to collect, filter, retain and distribute water below ground at its source. Firestone introduced its total Water Management Solutions product line at StormCon 2011 in Anaheim, Calif. - Firestone Specialty Products offers a full line of water management solutions for stormwater run-off, athletic fields, irrigation, parking lots, golf courses and other green spaces. - Firestone’s family of water management products includes an innovative drainage and irrigation system, EPDM geomembrane, water collection pans, polypropylene mesh and thermoplastic permeable pavers. - Firestone’s water management solutions can help facility’s earn LEED credits in multiple categories. Firestone Water Management Solutions are well-suited for both salt and freshwater applications, and can be used to recycle greywater onsite for subsurface irrigation.

Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed donate wide range of building materials and products to help students build ultra-efficient home of the future VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building materials company, announces its support of the 2011 Solar Decathlon team from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and University of Massachusetts Lowell. Known as Team Massachusetts, the students will compete for the first time in The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a biennial event that challenges collegiate teams from around the world to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. As a lead sponsor, Saint-Gobain has donated a robust mix of more than 30 building products, largely from its key subsidiary CertainTeed Corporation, North America's leading manufacturer of exterior and interior building products, as well as from its other businesses: Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Saint-Gobain ADFORS, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, and Norandex. In addition to product support, the company offered building science expertise to assist Team Massachusetts in constructing a house that adjusts to a homeowner's shifting needs, environment, and economic state. As Team Massachusetts set out to build an ultra-efficient house that could effectively compete against some of the best student teams from across the globe, the team recognized Saint-Gobain and its family of companies could help enhance its efficiency goals. Team Massachusetts and 18 other collegiate teams will display their homes on the National Mall's West Potomac Park in Washington, DC, Sept. 23–Oct. 2, 2011. Open to the public free of charge, visitors can tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today.

Make a statement about your space without sacrificing security CARMEL, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schlage is helping homeowners make one of the easiest, most affordable and yet often overlooked home upgrades with the introduction of six new designs and the launch of Decorative Collections. Driven by homeowner desire for further customization and additional design choice, Schlage’s new door locks are a simple way to add a designer door hardware look on a do-it-yourself budget and timeline. Schlage, a business of Ingersoll Rand, is offering Decorative Collections on amazon.com and build.com. The collection will also be available at Lowe’s and The Home Depot online stores, and select brick & mortar stores later this year, and is currently available to the builder community, bringing homeowners even more options for customization within the home.

Versatile and attractive bollard options to organize, delineate and accent parks, lawns and streetscapes Bollards bring value to effective and attractive landscape planning. At their simplest, they serve as security and traffic sentinels, directing vehicles, people and bikes - doing double duty as both site definition features and defense posts. Today's bollards handle all those needs with ease, adding grace and refinement as well. Reliance Foundry has one of the largest collections of period bollards, built to be used as stand-alone landscape accents or to attractively cover heavy-duty security bollards - most of which have little design appeal. Architectural bollards offer scores of design choices, several standard colors, and unique mounting options. Functional bollards - such as removable, retractable and bike parking bollards – add contemporary flair with practical outdoor landscaping purposes. To make landscaping bollards a design asset across sites with any combination of functional needs, Reliance Foundry continues to develop flexible, bike storage, retractable, and even removable bollards with mix and match configuration options; - Providing outdoor pathway definition while minimizing damage to vehicles and property upon impact, flexible bollards are the superior design choice for any site where a vehicle is likely to go over a roadway edge on turns. - By adding lifting arms to our standard bollard product line, existing bollards are transformed into decorative bike bollards. Thousand of security pipe bollards already in place around parks and pathways can add a bicycle parking option to these posts using bollard covers with arms. - For outdoor locations where change of accessibility is needed, Reliance Foundry offers a unique range of removable steel bollards with complimentary fixed bollard options. - In areas where rapid & convenient changing access is needed, retractable bollards can be installed in pathways to deter intrusion, divert traffic, and define routes or roadways. Complimentary fixed and removable mix and match options are available for changing purposes across the landscape setting. Bollards are much more pleasing to the eye than chain link fencing, and can be connected with graceful chains and other bollard accessories to perform fence functions such as defining pathways, directing traffic, and identifying entrances and other features that people need to find. Bollards are regularly specified on all kinds of landscaping and streetscaping projects as ornamental or decorative fixtures in gardens and surroundings, sidewalks and pathways. Landscaping bollards are available in many styles, sizes, materials and colors; they are made from are durable, hard wearing materials and coatings, and are ready to withstand all weather conditions. Visit Reliance Foundry’s bollard web site to see their entire selection of bollard products.

CARSON CITY, Nev., Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Calculated Industries, maker of the award-winning Construction Master® calculators, has developed the Laser Dimension Master II, an ultrasonic distance measuring device that measures up to 50 feet indoors and is accurate to 99.0%. Ultrasonic measuring devices are much easier to use than old-fashioned roll-up tape measures. One person can make quick, accurate room measurements in seconds. Just press the button and aim the laser at the distant wall or surface you're measuring to, listen for the two beeps and the measurement is displayed in Feet-Inches or meters on the large backlit LCD display. Floor-to-ceiling measurements are just as easy, with no risk of injury on step stools or ladders. The Laser Dimension Master II is small (5 inches long), comes in a zipped protective cover, and easily fits in a hand, shirt-pocket or purse. The LDM II also has a built-in laser aimer/pointer. The Laser Dimension Master II is ideal for real estate agents, interior decorators, appraisers, estimators, contractors/builders, designers, remodelers, do-it-yourselfers, painters -- anyone who needs accurate indoor room measurements up to 50 feet.

HousingZone™ and Bizy™ to Launch First-Ever Publisher-Led Business-to-Business Deals Program, Serving Home Builders, Remodelers and Contractors CHICAGO, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HousingZone™, the leading online portal for home builders, remodelers and contractors, and Bizy™ LLC, operator of co-branded vertical industry deal sites and BizyDeal.com, today announced the launch of HousingZone Deals, the first-ever deal site from a business media company. To go live in October 2011, HousingZone Deals will feature weekly discounts on building products such as doors, windows, faucets, locksets, lighting, roofing, construction software, home plans, decking and siding for HousingZone's more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors.

Retractable bollards are an asset for vehicle entry points that require periodic maintenance or emergency access Bollards secure entrances and access roads best when the most suitable bollard type is chosen for the job. Retractable bollards are often the ideal choice for speed and ease of use. Unlike removable bollards, they do not need to be lifted out of their receptacle and carried to either an alternate receptacle or nearby lawn area, saving valuable seconds in emergencies. Removable bollards, while they are a lower cost choice, have some disadvantages when compared with retractable bollards. They require extra seconds to remove and extra time to place them out of the drive path after removal. Unless the site has nearby empty removable bollard receptacles, they also are likely to get nicked if placed on hardscape or unstable surfaces like gravel. Retractable bollards save additional time because staff can go on with other work while they are retracted, whereas with removable bollards it's advisable to keep someone in the area to ensure against theft, vandalism or other possible damage. If a driveway will be used with some frequency, or if changing bollard configurations are desired on a site, it may be a good investment to install additional removable bollard post receptacles for storage near the driveway. Well-made retractable bollards raise and lower smoothly, locking automatically in the raised position. By using a simple key lock, these retractable bollards can be lowered quickly when needed. In the lowered position these retractable bollards are not locked, inhibiting the occurance of ice or debris compromising the user's ability to instantly restore retractable bollards to their upright service position. Owners can provide keys for retractable bollards to first responders and companies such as waste removal firms that require access to property outside normally staffed hours. They, too, appreciate the speed of retractable bollards. Continuing its tradition of sourcing quality bollards, Reliance Foundry has implemented a manufacturer upgrade in its retractable bollards. Neither is a change in style or features, but rather uses the latest technology to maintain and improve bollard product quality. To that end, a new powder coated stainless steel model R-8421-RA retractable bollard replaces the former model R-8401, while the model R-8421 retractable stainless steel bollard replaces the model R-8411. All parts and amenities for the older models continue to be available for existing users. The most noticeable upgrade is providing all bollards, including those to be powder coated, in stainless steel for greater durability rather than offering some in unfinished steel. While the term security bollard is often applied to bollards in driveways or other entrances, manually retractable bollards are not actually heavy-duty security bollards. Anti-ram or crash-rated bollards are either comprised of decorative bollard covers installed over concrete-filled steel posts, or they are specially designed, engineered and reinforced structured steel bollards (in cases where “K-Rated” bollards are required). As a practical matter, unless a site demands investment in hydraulic or other heavy-duty mechanized retractable bollards, you need your bollards to be light enough to be lifted easily. Manually retractable bollards from Reliance Foundry weigh in at 27 to 30 pounds for easy lifting. Unless a would-be grounds crasher is very familiar with bollards, he is unable to quickly distinguish which are fixed security bollards and which are retractable bollards. Therefore, in many instances, bollards can provide security by their mere presence – onlookers cannot tell whether bollards are security rated and tend to avoid them in most deployments. Reliance Foundry is committed to continual upgrades and features for its fixed, removable and retractable bollards. This allows users to achieve maximum design value by matching bollards throughout a site, or choosing retractable or collapsible bollards in a style that compliments bollards elsewhere on a site. We provide retractable bollards in six standard colors as well as finished stainless steel.

Bicycle parking is getting a lot of attention these days; secure and destination cycle storage tops cyclist needs. One of the reasons Minneapolis grabbed the top spot in Bicycling magazine's "America's Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities" in the spring of 2010 was its leadership in bike parking - topping the charts with the most bike parking per capita in the United States. In 2010, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals found that available parking is a major reason that bicyclists decide whether to visit particular areas or businesses, and that more people are interested in riding bicycles to work (or combining bike and public transit) if bike parking is available at work or transit stations. Bicycle parking, with bike bollards as one top choice, is especially important to trendy "old-town" preserved areas, outdoor shopping malls, and public centers offering shopping, dining & entertainment. Secure bike parking is also needed in apartment & condominium complexes, schools and college campuses. New designs in metal bollard covers with bike arms from Reliance Foundry instantly transform existing bollards into outdoor bike racks. Thousands of bollards already in place protecting buildings & pedestrians from vehicle incursions can add bike parking capabilities by adding bike bollard covers, rather than buying and installing new bicycle racks or bike bollards. Retrofitting concrete-filled pipe bollards by using bollard covers with arms has the added benefit of affordability, eliminating costs to remove existing bollards and install new ones. Many customers, especially those with period properties, don't want to lose the architectural accent that architectural bollards add to their streetscapes. Modern designs can create dissonance, but bike bollards can provide a classic appeal preferred by architects and designers. Aesthetically, bike bollards are the ideal compliment to older neighborhoods. More modern styles are available to blend well with various brick and stone-faced buildings found in newer outdoor malls. Many cities now assist both the public and private sector in purchasing and sometimes even maintaining bicycle parking, so it's a good time to add bike bollards. Top design criteria is increasingly suggested and sometimes mandated in cities as they build bike capacity. Some no longer allow earlier styles such as the traditional grid or newer wave configurations that do not mesh with the surrounding architecture. With these newly introduced bike bollards, Reliance Foundry now offers more than 40 design options. A wide range of bike bollard colors is available to compliment any color scheme. While textured black is the most common bollard color, other popular finishes include green, bronze, grey and silver. For the most discerning buyers, several stainless steel options are also available. Bollards can be mixed and matched with various bike arm styles, finishes and materials to create a customized site appearance. Bicycle storage needs strong, secure construction of high-quality, durable metals, and should allow for at least one wheel & the bike frame to lock to the bollard or rack. Top bike bollards withstand both weather and metal- to-metal contact with bikes and locks. For sites with changing access needs, bike arms can be added to removable bollards to create a wide selection of removable bike bollards. This allows site owners to offer bike parking availability in areas where bollards may need to be moved occassionally for site access by maintenance or emergency vehicles.

CINCINNATI, Aug. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- At their recent national sales meetings held in Cincinnati, The Hillman Group announced their entry into the Builder's Hardware segment with the release of Hardware Essentials. The Hardware Essentials line utilizes color to differentiate the product categories (Connection, Reinforce, Interior, Security, Miniature, Decorative Door, Hinges, Gate, Storm & Screen, and Organize) to assist the end consumer in their shopping experience. The versatile packaging scheme includes; Cards, Gravity Feed, Bulk, Polybagged, and Flagged items. Detailed trilingual package instructions and project illustrations also are packaging highlights. The product offering will satisfy both the do-it-yourselfer and contractor needs. The release of the product line is the culmination of several years of research, packaging development, and merchandising design. The depth of the product line, innovative packaging and merchandising designs, expert inventory management, and best-in-industry service make Hillman a force in the category. This product launch is one of the most comprehensive in Hillman's history. The program is fully supported by several pieces of in-depth sales collateral, a state-of-the-art planogramming software program allowing for customizable displays, a customer service support line, in-store product knowledge training, and innovative "MS Tags" featuring product videos all geared towards making the hardware retailers a true Builder's Hardware destination. Established in 1964, Hillman sells to hardware stores, home centers, pet suppliers, mass merchants, and other retail outlets primarily in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America. Hillman is the market leader in fasteners, keys, letters, numbers, signs, and threaded rod/metal shapes. The product line also includes key duplication systems and identification items, such as luggage and pet tags. Services offered include design and installation of merchandising systems and maintenance of appropriate in-store inventory levels. Hillman has corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio and Tempe, Arizona.

CLEVELAND, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Majestic Steel USA has launched a new website – www.majesticsteel.com – that sets the standard for the steel industry and aligns with the company's ongoing commitment to innovation. Research and industry dialogue are at the center of the new web presence that will continue to rapidly evolve to meet the needs of a volatile marketplace. New features include dynamic, real-time market research updates, comprehensive product details and career opportunities. After achieving success with its weekly market research report, (C)ORE, Majestic Steel developed the (C)ORE Blog, where customers can find market research and analysis reported on daily. "Our goal with the (C)ORE Blog is to drive valuable conversations among steel buyers and provide a forum for discussion where previously none existed," says Chiles. "Every time customers return to our site, they can get new insights or updated trends from the marketplace." Steel might be an industry steeped in tradition, but Majestic sees a great deal of opportunity to transform the way people communicate, share information, make decisions and run their businesses. And at its core, the company is still doing what it's always done – helping customers make strategic buying decisions. To experience the steel industry's most innovative website for yourself, go to www.majesticsteel.com.

July 12, 2011 - News from Reliance Foundry - UPDATE The Oklahoma City bombing was a bomb attack on a Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 in which Timothy McVeigh's truck full of explosives killed 168 people and injured more than 500. It was the most destructive act of terrorism on American soil until the September 11, 2001 attacks. Today, security directors continue to look for innovations in building perimeter security to ensure their facilities provide optimum safety. Lineup of Reliance Foundry R-7744 steel bollards in front of large retail outlet McVeigh didn't actually drive the truck into the building; he parked it in front of the building and used a remote detonator. The first World Trade Center bombing in 1993 was caused by a truck parked in the building's garage. Around the world, hundreds of suicide bombers have driven vehicles packed with explosives into buildings. Today, security directors choose a variety of methods to prevent building penetration and explosion by vehicles – setbacks, security gates, anti-ram walls, bollards, protective glazing, structural hardening, etc. Recognizing these incidents, bollard manufacturer Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd. "continuously strives to maintain and upgrade the quality of our security bollard products," said Brad Done, vice president. Bollards are those often-unnoticed posts people walk by every day going in and out of public buildings, designed and spaced to prevent vehicles from getting past a safe perimeter. Many are plain cement-filled steel posts, which are "effective, but detract from the appearance of the building," Done said, "so more and more building owners, security directors and architects are choosing to use security posts with decorative bollard covers that enhance the building's landscape, while keeping those inside safe." Engineered security bollards can effectively block even the largest trucks, up to 66,000 pounds or 30,000 kilograms when properly installed into new concrete foundations, according to Done. However, these security bollards by themselves can create an architectural eyesore. Reliance foundry provides decorative metal post covers for these permanent security bollards, creating an aesthetic feature out of the security necessity. Washington State church is protected by a perimeter of steel bollards Reliance provides other safety and security bollard products to help prevent unwanted vehicle entry near or into buildings. By themselves, traffic & parking bollards provide safety and security by their mere presence – deterring traffic away from pedestrians and buildings. Retractable bollards retract into the ground, and are often used for driveways that must be open for deliveries, maintenance or emergency vehicles. Removable bollards function in much the same way - providing roadway and pathway definition, but moving out of the way when vehicle access is required. "To meet our standards, bollard covers must be top quality to optimize appearance and ensure many years of no- or low-maintenance service,” Done stated. Reliance Foundry offers countless bollard styles, models and functions, many of which can be customized to suite a customers unique installation requirements. Bollards and metal post covers come in a variety of powder coated metal finishes and materials, including stainless steel. While all of Reliance Foundry’s bollards can be installed by themselves for aesthetic or traffic deterrence purposes only, the majority of these bollards can also be used as decorative post covers that can be installed effectively over steel security bollards. "Bollards are the simplest, most secure and least expensive way to protect structures from security threats from break-ins to terrorism. They are becoming a routine architectural feature in the design of new buildings, and additions to existing structures. Many designs use standard bollards in utility areas, but add decorative metal bollard covers in public entry areas," Done said. (Originally released Apr 16, 2010)

IdeaPaint's new BASE coat product creates the highest quality foundation for IdeaPaint projects and optimizes the performance of all IdeaPaint dry-erase coatings ASHLAND, Mass., Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IdeaPaint, the creator of high-performance dry-erase paint solutions, announced today that it has again expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of a new, IdeaPaint-produced base coating, appropriately named BASE. IdeaPaint BASE is a premium, performance base coat compatible with all of IdeaPaint's products—PRO, CRE-8 and HOME. The extremely smooth surface created by BASE eliminates the need for sanding from the application process, ensuring that IdeaPaint's customers continue to experience its products at their highest levels of performance, while also saving customers time and effort. BASE is the first base coat of its kind created specifically for a dry-erase, functional topcoat. Resinate brand products comply with all applicable requirements, including those of ASTM International (ASTM) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). IdeaPaint BASE is available immediately through the company's website and via its distributor network globally. IdeaPaint BASE is available in three coverage options: 50 square feet, 150 square feet and 300 square feet. The product provides excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including: drywall, painted drywall, wood, whiteboard, greenboard, blackboard and glass.

LONGVIEW, Texas, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- KSA Engineers, Inc. has introduced a new portfolio of services, Environmental Services, which offers an extensive set of environmental-related services and solutions. Traditional environmental projects that KSA has completed include environmental site assessments, site clean-ups, air permitting, and waste management/disposal. This new list of services will allow the firm to work with clients through environmental permitting and compliance for additional types of capital improvement projects. The new portfolio includes a range of services beyond permitting which include developing biological assessments of habitats in order to avoid impacting endangered species; delineation of wetlands; wetland permitting support; and conducting overall field assessments and documentation required for a project's National Environmental Policy Act review. The introduction of Environmental Services marks another step in KSA's strategy of strengthening its position as a leading provider of professional services to municipalities, airports, industry, and the oil and gas industry. For additional information about KSA's Environmental Services, please contact Lanny Buck, P.E. at 903-236-7700 or at lbuck@ksaeng.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AVX Corporation has developed two new series of connectors for LED lighting systems that maintain the same luminosity and light intensity as florescent strip lights. The standard length of most fluorescent lights is 1.2m, and currently it is impossible to reflow-mount LEDs on such a long printed circuit board placed in the fitting. As a result, the lighting strip is divided into shorter lengths joined by connectors. AVX’s new 9608 Series LED lighting connector and 9609 Series LED backlight connectors feature the lowest profile in the industry at 1.4mm, which minimizes the spacing between PCBs and allows for even light distribution. The low-profile lighting connectors utilize a common footprint that eliminates the need for different PCB combinations, while providing maximum luminosity. Additional design simplifications, including the fully customizable harness and the single-pole variation, allow for easy assembly and more LED fixtures at the center of PCB.

Property managers, traffic enforcement officers, security guards and city workers all know that from time to time, the traffic and safety needs of a property change. When change is needed, it often must happen quickly. Diverting traffic, allowing vehicle access or identifying roadway definition needs to be clearly communicated to drivers. Builders across North America find that the series 7900/8900 removable bollard product line and the series 8400 retractable bollard product line from Reliance Foundry make this communication easier and safer for everyone involved. Two, black powder-coated removable bollards mounted at the entrance to a park pathway protecting the area from vehicular traffic. Bollards are metal posts that serve a wide variety of purposes in residential & commercial facilities, and on public roadways, parks & properties. Reliance Foundry is one of the leading providers of bollards, with decorative elements and accessories that make them not only functionally important, but also appealing in design. The series 7900/8900 and the series 8400 bollard product lines are quickly becoming critical components for designers who must take into consideration perimeter definition changes or fast-changing vehicular or pedestrian access areas. Perimeter Changes: Series 7900/8900 removable bollards are strong; providing excellent viual safety and deterrance when in place, yet are completely removable with interchangeable accessories. This makes them ideal for areas where the configuration of bollards needs to be occasionally changed, for example during special events or to respond traffic pattern changes. R-7900 style removable bollards are produced from carbon steel, and the R-8900 style removable bollards are producted from stainless steel. Designers / builders can choose from two different in-ground receiver types: receivers with lids, or removable receivers with chain fastenings. Installing receivers in the different bollard configurations that are needed around a perimeter makes it simple and cost-efficient to move bollards from receiver to receiver to reconfigure traffic patterns as needed. With the nationwide increase in bicycle riders, Reliance Foundry has expanded this product line to include removable bike parking bollards, making them more versatile than ever. Stainless steel retractable bollards mounted near front of public access area prevent vehicular traffic from entering Quick Access: Series 8400 retractable bollards are most commonly used in driveways or at entry points where passive security bollards are needed most of the time, but need to be cleared to allow delivery, maintenance or emergency vehicle access. Retractable bollards are sometimes referred to as collapsable, pop-up or telescopic bollards, they lower completely into the ground, providing a flush surface, while also providing security and safety when in their upright position. R-8400 style retractable bollard product line also includes complimentary fixed and removable bollards, enabling designers to match both the vehicle entry point (retractable/removable) bollards and decorative fixed bollards used for surrounding landscaping or protection. This makes for a cohesive design and gives visual appeal to the property. If needed, all of Reliance’s bollards can include reflective strips, making them easier to spot at night, reducing accidental damage occurrence. Knowing which type to select depends on the usage. Removable bollards are a lower cost choice, however the extra time required to remove them, as well as the need to have a place to put them once removed, may make them difficult to use if they are installed in a place that needs emergency, delivery or maintenance access. Retractable bollards are ideal for this purpose, providing the most rapid method of changing access to a road, parking lot or pathway. Reliance Foundry has recently improved the mounting hardware for removable bollards, which are available in stainless or galvanized steel. All products come with the necessary hardware and installation instructions, ready for your contractor to install.

SWD Urethane announced the development of a new no-heat sprayfoam specifically designed to work with the new Graco E-8p Reactor. The new foam, identified as Quik-Shield 106 ZH, is a 1/2 pound, open cell sprayfoam insulation product with a 4.0 R-value. MESA, Ariz., Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SWD Urethane announced the development of a new no-heat sprayfoam specifically designed to work with the new Graco E-8p Reactor. The new foam, identified as Quik-Shield 106 ZH, is a 1/2 pound, open cell sprayfoam insulation product with a 4.0 R-value. Quik-Shield 106 ZH is the only 1/2 lb. no-heat foam currently approved for the E-8p. The Quik-Shield formula is both ICC and CCMC (Canada) approved, and has passed the toughest SPF smoke and flame test, ASTM E-84 at 4". The foam also carries the GREENGUARD Children & Schools certification, so it is certified to have low VOCs, contain no formaldehyde, and can help create a healthy indoor living environment. As a smaller lightweight system, the E-8p is ideal for spraying attics and rim joists in existing homes, touching up foam insulation in tight areas. It represents a lower cost alternative to froth kits and is a great backup system for spray rigs. Because of the E-8p's compact design, the foam comes in 5 gallon buckets versus the 55 gallon drums for the larger spray rigs. Quik-Shield 106 ZH is offered exclusively by SWD Urethane. Headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, SWD has been serving the sprayfoam market since 1972, SWD offers a full range of sprayfoam solutions for roofing and building envelope performance.

New contractor-friendly fluorescent retrofit families save time and money while improving light quality. PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Aug. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, has introduced a series of four contractor-friendly Metalux fluorescent retrofit kits designed to meet and exceed today's energy needs and guidelines while improving light quality. The Metalux Commercial, OpticaHP, Archos™ and Cruze™ retrofit kits consists of architecturally-inspired designs that update a building's look and value, while offering a wide range of features and benefits that save energy, time and money when compared to similar new construction T8 or T5 luminaire offerings. Featuring Cooper Lighting's Advanced Retrofit Technology™, the retrofit kits include unique construction features, such as one-piece tool-less reflectors with "squeeze and fit" mounting capability and Ready-Set™, the industry's first patented captive and secure self-tapping screws. Additional contractor-friendly features include pre-wired ballast and assembly, no parts bag, and fast, easy installation in less than 10 minutes. These new retrofit kits fit into most existing luminaires and can upgrade troffers and parabolics as shallow as 3-1/2 inches. Available in 2' x 2' and 2' x 4' sizes with T5/T5HO and T8 lamp options, these kits can provide up to 60 percent energy savings over standard three- or four-lamp T12 or T8 luminaires. Cooper Lighting has made a significant investment in people, resources and technology to ensure the company provides first-class solutions to its customers' lighting challenges, offering a range of indoor and outdoor LED lighting products and corresponding accessories, all of which are specifically designed to maximize energy and cost savings. For additional information, click here. To learn more about Cooper Lighting's Metalux retrofit solutions or its comprehensive offering of energy-saving products, visit www.cooperlighting.com.

Video-based aids provide architects a better understanding of bollard use in facility design, and give contractors clear, how-to install instructions Architects and designers now have a new tool to help in the design of outdoor facility features. Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd. of Surrey, B.C. now offers informational videos on their bollard product lines to assist in bollard installation. Reliance Foundry’s YouTube video collection provides visual examples for architects and designers of how bollards work. The collection also assists contractors by showing step-by-step how to install bollards in various surfaces. By providing detailed three-dimensional views of bollard installation and real-life examples of the features, customers gain a much clearer understanding of how to incorporate bollards for maximum usability. Reliance Foundry offers a large variety of fixed, removable and retractable bollards and bollard accessories. Installing Reliance Foundry bollards provides many benefits for architects and designers in terms of providing perimeter definition, traffic control, protection, bicycle parking and decorative highlighting. Having these visual aids will enable designers to better identify how bollards can enhance the outdoor areas of a property. Bollard installation videos will assist contractors in correct installation techniques.

Thin-film modules with award-winning design used in flagship project from Vattenfall, Volvo and A-hus BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Berlin solar module manufacturer Soltecture (formerly Sulfurcell), together with its partners Vattenfall, Volvo, and A-hus, is setting new standards for sustainable construction with the Energy-plus House. Built for the One Tonne Life Project with the aim of reducing annual CO2 emissions per capita, the Energy-plus House is equipped with a heat storage system and 106 Soltecture thin-film solar modules made in Germany. The total rated capacity of the Soltecture thin-film modules amounts to 6.5 kilowatt peak (kWp). Dr. Nikolaus Meyer, CEO and founder of Soltecture explains: “Here the solar modules become the architectural highlight. They are deployed as facade and roof elements and replace passive construction materials. That is building for the future. This is solar construction.” The PV system actually generated considerably more energy than is required in the home. The conclusion after completion of the six-month project: the family managed to reduce their annual CO2 emissions from an average of 7 tonnes per head to 1.5 tonnes.

Removable bike bollards allow for different site configurations from one event to another Vancouver, Canada, May 27, 2011 – Reliance Foundry Ltd. continues to expand its bike parking bollard and bike rack product lines. This time they've added removable bike bollards which add high levels of flexibility for event and other venues, where the use of bollards & bike bollards can best be met by changing configurations. Reliance Foundry’s model R-7903-RSA removable bike bollard with stainless steel arms "Many people have doubts when they hear removable and bike parking in the same sentence," said Brad Done, vice president, "but our secure attachments for removable bicycle bollards eliminate concern that these bike parking stands might allow for bike theft." These new removable bike bollards have “mix and match” features, including two bike bollard posts available in two materials, two types of bike arm attachments (fastened at the factory for security), and two different in-ground receivers, according to Done. All of the steel bike bollards are available in six standard power-coat finishes, with stainless steel options available for extra durability. Several mounting options are available for all removable bike bollards, and both bike bollard post choices allow for reflective striping to be added for extra visibility. If you want to be able to configure a site differently from time to time, you need to decide between the chain locking bike bollard receivers, or the higher integrity receivers with locking flip lid locks. For example, one version of the in-ground removable bike bollard receiver that holds the model R-7903 removable bike bollard in place is equipped with a hinged lid that provides a dual function: - When the bike bollard is in place, the lid serves as a hasp to accept a padlock and secure the post. - When the bike bollard is removed, the lid lies flush with the surrounding pavement to eliminate tripping hazards. Reliance Foundry’s model R-7905 removable bike bollard, featuring a dome top casting, 3 annular rings and rounded bike arms "Our removable bollards are mounted into study receivers, which are installed into fresh cement. To retrofit existing sites, it's easy to remove and replace a small area of concrete to establish a new concrete footing for our bike bollard mounting receivers. You then can choose either a short chain or flip lock mounting option to secure the removable bollard in place. Add a sturdy padlock and you're in business," Done added. For areas where changing accessibility is not a concern, complimentary fixed mounted bike bollard models can be installed along side the removable bike bollards, with either a flanged mounting system for installing into existing concrete, or a permanent/fixed mounting system for installing into new concrete. Mounting system for some of Reliance Foundry’s removable bike bollards shows the integrity of the locking system used. The new hardware for removable bike bollards is available in several standard powder-coated colors, as well as stainless steel for extra field durability. Reliance Foundry provides all of the hardware and installation instructions needed for its full bike bollard line, so specifiers and others face no danger of having to search for separate hardware to install their bicycle bollards. Further information on all of Reliance Foundry’s bike bollard products may be found on their bike parking web site.

The new site features images and specs for nearly 3,000 items found in Focal Point's new catalog along with proprietary offerings and product options The launch of the new website shows Focal Point's continued strength and commitment to the building industry. CHARLEROI, Pa., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Focal Point announced today that it has launched a new website that features images and specs for nearly 3,000 of the best-selling polyurethane architectural elements found in its recently released 14th edition catalog. The new website can be accessed at www.focalpointproducts.com.

Finds Termites Through Walls with Accuracy and Reduced Use of Chemicals; Saves Homeowners Time, Money; Provides Peace of Mind LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Progressive pest exterminators are abandoning the practice of filling homes with toxic chemicals and, instead, are using a handheld instrument straight out of a CSI television episode. The new Termatrac® T3i tracks termites through walls, enabling pest control experts to attack the bugs directly. Manufactured by Termatrac LLC, based in Los Angeles and Queensland, Australia, the Termatrac T3i is held against the wall by the pest control expert. Radar beams pass through sheetrock and other common building materials, locating termites and other pests. At the same time, a moisture sensor confirms conditions conducive to termite presence. Finally, a thermal sensor picks up tiny changes in surface temperature, a common sign of termite infestation.

Global campaign to provide free Academic Licenses to VE-Gaia for colleges and universities worldwide BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), a leading provider of integrated performance analysis software and consulting services for sustainable building design, today announced it will provide colleges and universities around the globe with free Academic Licenses for their early stage analysis tool VE-Gaia. With the new academic year starting soon this is an ideal opportunity for educators to fully embed sustainable analysis into their curriculum. Any institution offering Architectural or Sustainable Design courses will find this tool invaluable in assisting student learning across this rapidly growing area. Supporting the future of the industry, this initiative will ensure young designers are acquainted with the tools increasingly required by potential employers. The ability to use performance analysis software such as VE-Gaia to consider performance and form together from the earliest stages is essential for the future of building design and achieving low/zero carbon structures. With the offer, course instructors can integrate VE-Gaia into their teaching syllabus and set up the software in labs for students to use on projects. There is no constraint on the number of licenses provided for free. IES is committed to dramatically reducing the carbon emissions produced by the built environment. This initiative is a positive step towards that goal. By offering free performance analysis software to academic institutions, IES hopes that students will see the benefits of integrating sustainable analysis into the design process from the earliest stages and incorporate this in their future work practice.

DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring, leader in the slip resistant metal safety flooring industry, is introducing the launch of its completely redesigned website. SlipNOT®’s new website launches today under the current domain, www.slipnot.com. The completely renovated website will provide visitors with printable case studies, user-friendly buttons, fresh content daily and a reformatted approach that provides customers with access to information efficiently while offering a unique browsing experience. The printable case study feature will provide users with the ability to easily print case studies on SlipNOT® applications as PDF’s. Visitors will also have the option to e-mail case studies to colleagues from the website. These features allow users to share information about SlipNOT® products quickly and easily. SlipNOT®’s redesigned case studies section will also provide more pictures of the applications featured in case studies to highlight SlipNOT®’s capabilities and versatility. Along with added buttons for printing case studies, the renovated SlipNOT® website will also feature easy access to resources such as sample and quote request forms. On every page of the website, users will have opportunity to access forms simply. The renovated SlipNOT® website understands the importance of providing real time information for customers so they are able to make well informed decisions regarding their safety flooring. The new website will provide several features that ensure visitors are receiving the most up-to-date content by continuously posting new blogs, safety checklists and white pages on a daily basis. The homepage will also highlight a SlipNOT® product by utilizing a featured product bar that will refresh to a different product every time the page is accessed. Another way SlipNOT® is providing new content to users is by encompassing a featured case study section that will continually rotate to show visitors a different case study every time the page refreshes. By providing users with fresh content and information daily, SlipNOT® will offer customers accurate and up-to-date information about products.

Bike racks discount from Reliance Foundry - perfect for businesses and families looking for top-quality bicycle parking racks at great prices. Customers look for bike racks that are aesthetically pleasing, secure, weather-resistant and sturdy. Reliance Foundry offers an extensive line-up of bike parking racks that occupy minimum space while providing users with many advantages: - Bike racks provide a secure storage position that help prevent bicycles from being robbed. - Bike racks are held secure in a convenient position on the site, presumably in an area selected by the owner that will not get in the way of pedestrian traffic. - Several bicycle parking racks can be installed in close proximity to save parking and storage space. - Bike racks attract cycling customers to businesses, especially when competitors do not offer similar bike parking convenience. - Decorative metal bike parking racks can help embellish storefronts or the surrounding landscape. Cyclists, families and businesses are considering the convenience and aesthetic value of bike parking racks more than ever. Considering customers’ needs and requirements, Reliance Foundry continues to expand its’current offerings of bike parking products by testing and improving new products. As newer products become more popular than others, or as products are upgraded to make improvments based on user-experience, several models are left unsold. Reliance Foundry is now offerring these hand-picked bike racks for sale at all-time-low prices that are guaranteed not to be found anywhere else on the web. By discounting and liquidating developing bike rack models, Reliance Foundry can always offer the most popular and up-to-date lineup of bike parking products. Feel free to browse our discount bike racks gallery to find many cheap, discounted bike racks from our unique selection, all at unbelievable prices.

Video gives consumers a behind-the-scenes look at Thermal Industries’ manufacturing processes and commitment to producing energy-efficient windows PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thermal Industries, manufacturer of ENERGY STAR qualified vinyl replacement windows and patio doors has released an informational video on their website, http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.thermalindustries.com, to educate consumers on the company and their automated manufacturing processes, including Demand Flow Technology. About Thermal Industries – In business for over 50 years, Thermal Industries, Inc., a division of Atrium Companies, manufactures custom-made vinyl windows, doors, patio enclosures, vinyl and composite deck planks and vinyl railing systems. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, the company maintains distribution through 18 branch locations east of the Mississippi.