LEED Certified Paint Plant Opens in Arizona

Dunn-Edwards Opens the World's First LEED-Certified* Paint Manufacturing Facility

PHOENIX, Ariz. – (June 1, 2011) Dunn-Edwards, the Southwest's leading manufacturer of premium paints, announces the opening of the world's first LEED-certified* paint manufacturing facility.  Located in Phoenix, the 336,000-sq.-ft. facility was custom designed to be the greenest and most efficient in the coatings industry.  This ultra-modern building encompasses manufacturing, product development, quality control laboratories, a distribution center, retail outlet and office space.  

"We have incorporated innovative, energy-efficient equipment and protocols, such as unique dust collection systems that capture and recycle particulates, and novel wastewater recycling techniques.  Our systems are classified as ultra-low discharge, meaning that waste generation is greatly minimized," said Karl Altergott, president.  

Dunn-Edwards is considered one of the most environmentally-friendly paint manufacturers and an industry leader in eco-efficient principles – all part of its Greener by Design philosophy. For example, throughout its operations the company focuses on initiatives such as energy efficiency, waste minimization, recycling, emissions reduction, and health and safety protection.   "So, not only are we manufacturing paint that is more eco-friendly, we have taken great steps to conserve energy and material resources, and to reduce waste in our physical environment," said Altergott.

Even small changes can add up to big eco-savings.  The company eliminated cardboard boxes for packaging one-gallon containers and now use heat shrink wrap.  Dunn-Edwards is the only paint plant in the United States using heat shrink wrap.  This amounts to a reduction of cardboard consumption by one million boxes, which equates to approximately 250 tons of cardboard per year.

Altergott reports that energy calculations on the new plant show a 50 percent reduction over its two existing operations; one was first built in the mid-1950s and the other in the mid-1970s.   "Our innovative automation at the new plant is one of the most comprehensive systems in the industry and light years beyond what we had at the older facilities," he explained.  "We are so much more efficient -- saving time, money and resources.  Increased automation has reduced the physical demands of workers, and thus potential injuries."

With more than 50 percent more space than our two former plants combined, this new plant meets Dunn-Edwards' needs for long-term growth and has room to expand another 40,000 sq. ft.  

"Dunn-Edwards is investing in its future in Phoenix by adding more than $40 million in capital investments and creating approximately 120 much-needed new jobs," said Mayor Phil Gordon.  "By working together on this project, the end result is a growing Phoenix economy with new jobs."

Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, added, "Dunn-Edwards joins several new companies focused on green and sustainable solutions that have chosen Arizona because of its emerging reputation in this sector.  The City of Phoenix and the Arizona Commerce Authority provided strong leadership in supporting Dunn-Edwards' efforts to expand to Greater Phoenix, and we welcome them to our pro-business environment."

An official grand opening will be held Friday, June 3, 2011.  A ribbon cutting ceremony with local officials, including Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, begins at 11 a.m., followed by plant tours and lunch. (NOTE: Event is for invited guests and media only.) The plant is located at 520 S. 67th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85043.  For more information about Dunn-Edwards, visit www.dunnedwards.com

*LEED certification pending; estimated late summer with a Gold Award


*****

NOTE: Photos and video are available


About Dunn-Edwards Paints
Dunn-Edwards has produced and sold premium paint products for 85 years throughout the Southwest.  Operating 109 stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, Dunn-Edwards is one of the nation's largest independent manufacturers and distributors of architectural paints and painting supplies.  Based in Southern California, the company is composed of approximately 1,500 employees.  dunnedwards.com

Media Contact:
Judy Lynes                        
310/752-4400 ext. 124
judy@thephelpsgroup.com  

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

Home Remodeling to Save Energy and Increase Value

Some good tips for home remodeling. Energy consumption in older homes can be dramatically improved with changes to heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, doors, lighting and operating habits. At iGreenBuild.com we see an attractive market opportunity for the resale of homes that have been remodeled using eco-friendly products and sustainable concepts….even in poor market conditions for home sales.

Smart remodeling adds value to your home

Start planning for your summer remodel during Home Improvement Month

 

Des Plaines, Illinois, May 4, 2011—Spring is in the air, and homeowners are starting to plan their dream home remodeling projects. To commemorate May as National Home Improvement Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers homeowners a few words of advice for getting the most value out of your remodeling investment.

 

More Americans are staying in their homes rather than moving. According to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey released in November 2010, 85 percent of the general population believed it was a bad time to sell their home. There’s a lot more to be gained through remodeling besides increased functionality, new appliances, efficient systems, updated décor, additional space or the pure enjoyment of making your home your own. There’s also the increased value your home receives when you make improvements.

 

With so many options available today, NARI offers a few considerations for homeowners who want to get the most out of their remodels.

• Curb appeal goes a long way. Exterior home improvements such as roofing, siding, windows and doors are subject to the elements and usually need to be replaced after a number of years. In terms of re-sale value, updated exteriors give sellers an edge over buyers who are attracted to your home before entering.  
• According to Energy Star, half of a home’s energy use is dedicated to heating and cooling. If a system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. New, energy-efficient systems are not only more cost-effective but are also better quality.  
• All homes benefit from increased insulation and sealing, regardless of climate. Older homes are traditionally under-insulated compared to new homes. And recent insulation innovations like spray foam or cellulose increase the ability to trap air inside. Proper insulation evens temperature flows, reduces energy use and has long-term benefits.
• Kitchen and bath renovations are still popular—and for good reason. Homeowners continue to see the value in updating areas of the home that are used frequently and are high functioning. Universal design concepts are commonly incorporated into kitchen and bath areas to accommodate people of all sizes and abilities and conveniences for long-term residents.  

 

Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure.

 

Homeowners that need to make several updates to their homes but cannot afford a complete overhaul may be interested in phased remodeling. In this instance, remodeling projects are broken into phases over time, for a long-term project plan. This also lessens the burden of remodeling to the homeowner as they remain in the home as work is being done.

 

As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed new regulations for contractors working in homes built before 1978. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule mandates that remodelers who intend to work in pre-1978 homes to register their company and complete an 8-hour training and certification course with an accredited trainer. The course teaches remodelers how to safely contain lead in a home as it is being disturbed and reduce exposure to residents and workers. Homeowners should be aware that this new rule is enforced and should be skeptical of any contractors who choose not to follow the law. Visit www.nari.org to find a Certified Lead Renovator in your area.

 

NARI members represent a select group from the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as professional remodelers.

 

NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics.  Consumers may wish to search www.nariremodelers.com to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI. For the latest information on green remodeling, visit www.GreenRemodeling.org. Click here to see an online version of this press release.

 

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About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.  The Association, which represents more 63,000 remodeling industry professionals — is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™ To locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI’s Web site at www.NARIremodelers.com, or contact the national headquarters, based in Des Plaines, Illinois, at 800-611-NARI.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: NARI can provide hi-res digital before and after photos of award-winning remodeling projects to accompany your story. Contact NARI with your photo request at marketing@nari.org or ask for Morgan Zenner at 800-611-6274.

 

If you do not want to receive e-mails from NARI please click here to unsubscribe.

 

 

 

Morgan Zenner

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

780 Lee St., Suite 200

Des Plaines, IL 60016

P: 847-298-9200

E: mzenner@nari.org

 

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

 

 

Green, Energy Efficient Affordable Custom Home in Florida

This is a very promising story that goes beyond the promotion of the insulated concrete walls. Giving people access to affordable, green homes that have the necessary components for saving energy and low cost, eco-friendly maintenance, is a smart direction for builders around the globe. Green material providers, banks, developers, builders and contractors need to find a way to create affordable housing and maintain profit for growth…..after all that's sustainability isn't it?

 News Release
Contact: Kathy Ziprik
828-890-8065
kziprik@aol.com

Builder Stands Apart in Florida Marketplace

              ORLANDO, FL. – When builder Dan Wigh was commissioned to build a custom home for a family in Palm Harbor, Fla. in late 2010 he knew exactly where to start --- from the ground up. Wigh, with Wytek Construction LLC, begins many of his projects with the Superior Walls® AG™ wall system to assure the quality, safety and energy efficiency of the homes his company constructs. 

            "Our fundamental belief is that families should be able to have an environmentally-sensitive, budget-friendly home at a fair price," says Wigh, president of Wytek Construction LLC in Valrico, Florida. "In many cases that home starts with the above grade application of a concrete AG wall system because they are innovative, watertight and extremely energy efficient. 

            "In 2007 we investigated 18 different types of wall systems and kept coming back to the AG wall system as the best overall solution for our regional needs in central Florida. Since that time we've used Superior Walls products in a dozen projects, and we anticipate another half dozen going up in 2011. We've been exceptionally pleased with the quality of the walls and the value they bring to our clients." 

            The insulated concrete AG Walls are produced at Superior Walls by Weaver Precast of Florida in a factory-controlled setting in Orlando. The walls are used in above-ground applications and are watertight, termite-resistant and help reduce noise infiltration into the home.

            "Wytek Construction has done what few builders in the state of Florida have been able to do --- they have replaced the old building practices of block and wood construction with energy-efficient concrete walls," says David Miller, Florida Sales Manager with Weaver Precast of Florida. "Their approach of building both the first and second floors with the highest quality products possible gives the homeowners what they need to ensure safety, durability, energy efficiency and peace-of-mind."

Saving Time and Dollars

            Miller points out that the time-saving aspects of having certified crews install the AG walls on site are also a benefit to both homeowners and builders. Since the system arrives factory-prepared for easy finishing, costly preparation for dry wall is eliminated along with the separate installation of insulation. Most AG wall systems are installed on the job site in just a day, so that construction of the home is immediate. 

           "Even during these challenging economic times for the housing industry, we're finding there are homebuyers who are eager to invest in well-crafted homes in Florida," says Wigh. "For us, that means we focus on finding the most energy-efficient and top-quality products available. Those searches have led us to the AG wall system, Simonton Windows® ProFinish® vinyl windows and doors, ZIP® System roof sheathing and wall sheathing from Huber®, Stonehenge Roofing Products stone-coated steel roofing and other products with outstanding reputations. 

            "It's important that we select products that support sustainable, energy-efficient, healthy home technologies that stand up to the Florida hurricane seasons with elegance. Our building practices and selected products are designed to be resource-efficient and more durable than traditional building processes. This helps us deliver value to homebuyers." 

            Wyteck Construction builds homes in the counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota and Manatee in Florida. For more information on the company, visit www.wytekconstruction.com. Additional details on Weaver Precast of Florida, an authorized dealer of Superior Walls, can be found at www.weaverprecast.com/florida.  

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

Yes to Wood as a Green Building Material

This release is promising news for the green building materials business. I’d like to see the actual lifecycle analysis for wood products referenced below.

SCMA Backs New USDA Green Building Policy

PITTSBURGH, April 04, 2011 –The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association (SCMA) today commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to promote wood as a green building material.
In making the announcement last week, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, said the USDA would preferentially select wood in the agency’s new construction projects, enhance green building material research and development, and demonstrate the use of wood in non-residential structures.
  
SCMA president Frank Vallot said, “Our industry has consistently spread the message that wood is the ultimate green building material because it’s renewable, sustainable, carbon-neutral, and can be locally sourced and repurposed at the end of a building’s life.


In addition, science-based research confirms that wood outperforms other building materials in lifecycle analysis, which examines the total environmental impact of building products through harvesting, transportation, manufacture, and end-of-life scenarios.  New studies show that wood products are among the most energy efficient to produce, and yield fewer air emissions than other building products.


The USDA’s efforts will not only encourage the use of American-grown wood and improve the health of America’s forests, but also will help retain and create jobs in our country.  We look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and his agency to spread the positive environmental and economical messages associated with the increased use of wood products.”


The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of sustainable cypress building products to trade professionals and consumers. For more information, visit www.cypressinfo.org.


This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com

Green Storm Water Detention Infrastructure

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Horizon Bay Congregate Living Facility Uses Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Green Storm Water Detention Infrastructure

 

March 2011 Tampa, FL –- Oldcastle Precast, Inc. had the unique opportunity to manufacture and install one of their cutting-edge precast products-- Storm Capture Module System, a subsurface storm water detention structure, specifically engineered and designed to accommodate both the storm water storage capacity demands and the load-bearing needs of the land use above them, at the new Horizon Bay Congregate Living Facility located in Tampa, Florida. The Horizon Bay project needed to be able to capture stormwater and pipe it to 6,572 CF of stormwater detention under the parking area to absorb and detain the storm water and allow water to slowly infiltrate into the ground assisting in recharging the groundwater.

 

Limited available site space necessitated the use of an underground storm water detention structure beneath the facility parking lot. Underground detention was the only practical choice according to design engineer Fuxan Engineering of Odessa, FL.  An overflow pipe led to storm sewers, but the majority of the storm water would be infiltrated back into the ground; a common Low-Impact-Development (LID) practice in Florida that serves to help recharge the aquifer. The Storm Capture Module System – a Green Infrastructure System - provided a much better value proposition to the Owner and Engineer in place of the plastic underground storage chambers originally proposed for the site.

 

The Storm Capture Module system is ideally suited for this type of underground detention application due to its stand-alone, traffic bearing design which does not rely on final paving and associated stone underlayment for structural capacity. 

The Storm Capture Detention Modules are constructed of high-strength structural concrete. Their ability to support traffic on the parking lot allowed for a 50% reduction in thickness of base rock required between the pavement and modules, as well as a 20% reduction under the modules, as compared to the originally planned plastic chambers.

The completed system design for Horizon Bay included 37 Storm Capture Modules.  Each module is constructed of precast reinforced concrete with interior dimensions of 6’x12’x2.5’ tall, with open bottom for infiltration. Four of the modules incorporated standard inlet grates to allow storm water direct entry from the parking lot into the system.  This eliminated the need for the four separate inlet structures originally designed into the project.  A precast splash pad was installed below each inlet grate to prevent scour of the bedding material. In addition, the inlet grates are used for direct access to the modules for inspection and cleaning as needed. Each module has large conveyance windows into adjacent modules to allow flow equalization, as well as access for maintenance. 

 

This was the first project where Ripa Construction used the Storm Capture Module system.  Ripa Construction’s project managers stated that the modules were a key component to providing access for a very limited site and did not require ongoing maintenance or cleanout during construction. The initial savings experienced from the reduction of aggregates in the foundation, backfill, and under the pavement are hard, tangible costs.  Ripa believes that coupling those savings with the experience they gained in the ease and speed of installation and lack of construction maintenance will make this system very useful in future projects.

 

About Oldcastle Precast, Inc.:

Oldcastle Precast, Inc is the leading manufacturer of precast and polymer concrete products in the U.S. Providing engineered product solutions nationwide to a number of market sectors including: Water - Transportation - Power & Energy -Communications  

Engineering Services - Construction Services - Government/Military. Oldcastle Precast is part of Oldcastle Building Products. For more information please visit www.oldcastleprecast.com.

 

Contact:             Brad Boulton

                            Oldcastle Precast   (239) 574-8896

Submitted by:    Oldcastle Precast, Inc.  National Sales, Marketing, and Engineering  phone: 888-965-3227          http://www.oldcastleprecast.com/

                            Barbara.bogo@oldcastleprecast.com

 

This blog post as approved by www.iGreenBuild.com.

 

Energy Efficient Digital Lighting - Easy to use or not?

How easy is it to truly adapt this energy efficient lighting system to a school’s existing building automation system? Can a school use this system with its portable/relocatable modular classrooms?

WattStopper Digital Lighting Management Snags 2011 BOM Top Product Award

SANTA CLARA, CA March 2011 – WattStopper is proud to announce it has received a 2011 Building Operating Management Top Product Award for its innovative Digital Lighting Management (DLM) product line.

An all-digital suite of plug-together lighting controls, DLM automatically configures to the most energy efficient sequence of operation based on installed components. The result is that DLM meets and exceeds energy code requirements, saves more energy than conventional controls, and provides an unprecedented return on investment for both new construction and retrofit projects.

With DLM, each room or space in a building has its own control network where the installer simply connects room controllers, occupancy sensors, switches and photocells as needed. Plug n’ Go technology then recognizes what is connected and automatically configures the space to the most energy efficient operation. For instance, advanced controls strategies such as automatic-on of 50% of lighting with manual-on of the remaining 50% automatically configure when appropriate DLM components are connected. Other DLM innovations include LCD screens on occupancy sensors for ease of setup, as well as a handheld bidirectional configuration tool that provides ladder-free system setup or adjustment. Because DLM uses Cat 5e RJ45 cables to connect components, time-consuming installation activities, such as interpreting wiring diagrams, setting DIP switches, and terminating low voltage wires, are eliminated. This speeds up installation and eliminates the potential for wiring errors.

DLM also offers integration of plug load control, allowing building owners to further leverage code-compliant occupancy sensors and realize greater savings. Most recently, the company expanded the DLM offering with components that allow quick and easy networking of room-based controls and lighting control panels for centralized monitoring, control and programming.

The Building Operating Management Top Products Awards are 100% reader-selected and recognize the most popular manufacturers and suppliers of the year, as determined by building and facility executives who participated in a national survey. Award winners are featured in the January 2011 issue.

WattStopper (www.wattstopper.com), a Legrand group brand, is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls for commercial and residential use. We help customers find convenient ways to save energy, meet green initiatives, and comply with energy codes with our comprehensive range of products, programs, and services. Legrand (www.legrandelectric.com ), located in Limoges, France, is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, offering solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

# # # #

BOM Product of the Year DLM Press Release

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com

 

Clean Burn Furnaces - Company Saves $25,000

Barr Truck Group Saves $25,000 In Just One Winter With Clean Burn Furnaces

LANCASTER, PA  --  Barr Truck Group saved $25,000 on heating bills this past winter by converting the used motor oil collected at their two Maryland service facilities into free heat. More than 39,000 square feet of shop space spread between Salisbury and Delmar locations is heated with Clean Burn waste oil furnaces.

“We operate 37 service bays across our two locations and generate thousands of gallons of waste oil,” says Dave Barrett, Machine Shop Manager. “Having a system that recycles that oil while saving us money is a huge advantage to our business.”

As part of the dealer network for the Navistar, Freightliner, Carrier Transicold, and Isuzu brands, Barr Truck has access to tap a nationwide recommendation pool. When research on a new heating system began, the case for Clean Burn was clear. “Once we decided to use our waste oil for heat, we really started to do our homework on the best system,” explains Barrett. “Clean Burn was recommended across the board by the other truck dealers we talked to.”

The conversion from fuel oil heat was made at their Salisbury location in 2008 with the installation of three CB-5000 units. The Delmar location converted from propane heat with a CB-5000 installed in 2008 and a CB-3500 installed in 2009.

The furnaces were installed and are now serviced by Eco Heating Systems, the Authorized Distributor for Clean Burn products in Maryland and Southern Delaware. “They’re a great group to work with,” Barrett says of the relationship with Eco Heating Systems. “The service and support we get from having a local distributor like that is really what sets Clean Burn apart.”

Barr Truck Group recycled more than 8,000 gallons of waste oil in their Clean Burn furnaces last winter alone.

“We know we can count on our Clean Burns,” says Barrett. “The reliability and available support from our distributor allows us to focus on running our business and not worrying about our furnaces.”

For more information on Barr Truck Group visit www.barrtruck.com. For additional details on waste oil heating products available in Maryland and Southern Delaware, visit www.ecowasteoilheaters.com.

There are over 80,000 Clean Burn functional furnaces and boilers located throughout the world that burn millions of gallons of waste oil each year on-site, at the point of generation. This volume of waste oil would otherwise be transported on highway systems and pose a considerable risk to spills and/or contamination to the environment.
 

Clean Burn is an ENERGY STAR® partner. The company holds numerous industry certifications and works with the U.S. government, the Environmental Protection Agency and various associations to help coordinate the establishment of standards and regulations related to heat recovery and recycling efforts involving used motor oils. For more information on Clean Burn, visit www.cleanburn.com or call 1-800-331-0183.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: For images of Clean Burn products visit the MEDIA ROOM at www.cleanburn.com.  

 

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com.

 

LED Lighting Awards

EvoLucia's Aimed LED Lighting Honored with Next Generation Luminaires Lighting Design Award for Street/Area Lighting

[SARASOTA, FL: March 21, 2011] The U.S. Department of Energy, along with its partners the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society(IES), has announced the winners of the 2010 Next Generation Luminaires™ Solid State Lighting Design Competition including EvoLucia's Aimed LED Lighting among the 37 profiled winners. EvoLucia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc.

The competition drew 368 total entries, though only 138 entries from 61 companies qualified for adjudication. All four of those chosen as "Best in Class" were selected from the indoor lighting market.

After thoroughly evaluating five of EvoLucia's Cobrahead (SCHX5 LED)units, looking for those products with the lowest glare, highest efficiency, best thermal management, highest uniformity and most efficient optics, the judges applauded the glare control, uniformity and efficacy of the SCHX5 LED. EvoLucia's SCHX5 LED was one of the remaining 33 entries that were selected to be a product that the judging panel would recommend to lighting specifiers. There was only one other honoree in the roadway light category selected from all the entries. EvoLucia's SCHX5 LED was the only outdoor roadway/parking luminaire in this category that was recognized with an award.

The EvoLucia product profiled by the judges was the Cobrahead or SCHX5 LED street/area light which employs EvoLucia's patent pending Aimed Optics™ technology to efficiently direct light to a targeted area. The SCHX5 performs with an industry-high Fitted Target Efficacy score of 57 to put the most foot-candles on the ground, in the pattern required, with the best uniformity, using the fewest LEDs and the least power consumed.

Bob Fugerer, Chief Technology Officer of Sunovia, stated "The entire team at EvoLucia applauds the DOE, IALD and IES for advancing the awareness and market-acceptance of innovative LED lighting technologies that are worthy of specification by lighting designers. There is no question that LEDs are setting new standards for general illumination lighting. We are delighted that the distinguished judging panel has recognized the pace-setting efficiencies in energy and light utilization that our Aimed Optics™ technology has made possible in nextgeneration LED roadway and parking area luminaire design."

EvoLucia Aimed LED Lighting is not only more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than many other light sources, it is also much more effective. Through EvoLucia's patent pending Aimed Optics™ technology, less overall light is needed if the light is correctly focused on the target area, which allows for more efficient lighting solutions.

Links: www.evolucialighting.comwww.sunoviaenergy.com

Sunovia Energy Technologieswas founded in 2007 to provide energy-efficient and sustainable energy solutions by commercializing advances in clean technology. The subsidiary EvoLucia Lighting, Inc. markets LED Lighting for roadways, public spaces and other outdoor site applications, using patent-pending Aimed Optics™ technology providing more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and effective aimed lighting than other light sources.
　
Simply put, "aimed LED lighting" is the method of providing exactly the light that's needed, where it's needed. EvoLucia optimizes utilization of LEDs to put the most foot-candles on the ground, in the pattern required, with the best uniformity, using the fewest LEDs and the least power consumed.
It is this capability of "Aimed Optics" that ideally enables EvoLucia's luminaires to meet and exceed the Dept. of Energy's Fitted Target Efficacy (FTE) Energy Star criteria for solid-state lighting (SSL) luminaires.
　
EvoLucia: Aimed Light. Better Light. Energy Lite.

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com

Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows - Poison Prevention Week

- March 20-26 National Poison Prevention Week -

          PARKERSBURG, W. VA. - If your home was built before 1978 and you still have the original windows, it’s time to seriously consider replacing your windows --- especially if you have young children or a pregnant person living at home. During National Poison Prevention Week  --- March 20-26, 2011 --- homeowners are urged to evaluate their windows and make healthy living changes. 

          According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the routine opening and closing of windows in homes built prior to 1978 can disturb lead-based paint around the windows, causing paint dust and chips to be released into the air. These lead particles are so potentially dangerous that the EPA now requires contractors to be trained and certified before they can perform any renovation, repair or painting projects that may have previously applied lead-based paint. 

          “Research indicates that the everyday activity of opening and closing windows creates friction that then allows invisible lead dust to enter the air,” says Rick Nevin, a consultant to the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH). “Young children, who crawl on the floor where the lead dust has settled, can be especially at risk. Toddlers put their hands in their mouths … and after playing on the floor near a window, they can easily transfer the lead dust into their mouths. The ingested lead travels through the bloodstream to a child’s developing brain, causing many types of neurobehavioral damage.” 

          According to Nevin, one of the most important long-term investments a homeowner can make for the overall safety of a family is to replace older windows, using the EPA-approved lead safe renovation guidelines. “Replacing older windows is one of the best ways to reduce lead risks,” says Nevin. “Make sure to use only a contractor that is certified in lead-safe work practices and strongly consider the use of ENERGY STAR® qualified windows, like the vinyl replacement windows offered by Simonton Windows®. These windows are a healthy choice for replacing older single-pane units. They’re energy-efficient and a good value for the investment.”

         “At Simonton, we advocate that replacing older windows coated with lead-based paint with vinyl windows is a sensible step for homeowners who want to create a healthier home environment,” says Gary Pember with Simonton Windows. “We believe Rick’s research substantiates the replacement of all windows coated with lead based paint as a way to dramatically help reduce lead dust within that home.”

          Nevin explains that, according to his research funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), homeowners need to understand there are four key steps to completing a “lead-safe window replacement strategy” for the home. “First, they advise replacing all single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows,” says Nevin. “Second, stabilize any significantly deteriorated paint. Third, perform specialized cleaning to remove any lead-contaminated dust. And finally, perform dust wipe tests to confirm the absence of lead dust hazards after the clean up.” Research results can be obtained at www.ricknevin.com/windows.

         Celebrating its 65^th year of quality manufacturing operations in 2011, Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010, 2009, 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study^SM.  The company also ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study^SM. 

          Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards currently administered by LBM Journal Research Institute. 

             Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of the home and security business of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a founding

 

 ENERGY STAR is a government program that helps consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency and is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com.

Sustainable Cypress Building Products - Architect Case Studies

PITTSBURGH, March 21, 2011 –The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association (SCMA) has published two new case studies that highlight the natural beauty, durability, and versatility of cypress.    

Cypress Endures the Elements at Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Airport

Flying into the recently expanded Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyo., is a breathtaking experience. It’s the only commercial airport located within a U.S. national park, Grand Teton National Park, and its panoramic views of the Teton mountain range to the east and the Gros Ventre range to the west are awe-inspiring. That beauty, combined with the innovative use of cypress in its recent renovations, makes the airport a traveler’s delight. But the successful make-over was not without significant challenges.

Cypress Complements Outdoor Living on Shelter Island

When Manhattan architect Cary Tamarkin, of Tamarkin Co. Architecture and Development, set out to build his dream beach house on Shelter Island, N.Y., he considered every detail, including the views of the Shelter Island Sound and the melodic swish of the waves. “My goal was to make a simple, yet intricately designed house that took full advantage of the wonderful site.” Tamarkin said. “And of course, I wanted to design the coolest house on Shelter Island.” His effort, enhanced by the site’s cooling breezes and breathtaking sunsets, resulted in a cypress showcase.

The case studies are the newest in a series of stories that examine how and why architects use cypress for their residential and commercial building projects.

The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of sustainable cypress building products to trade professionals and consumers. For more information, visit www.cypressinfo.org.

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com.