Welcome to the ED+C eNews for August 2006

Greetings and welcome to the August 2006 edition of the ED+C eNews.

This August issue of the ED+C eNews features some "fun" green news items that convey the impact the green building movement is making on mainstream culture. For example, did you know that Seattle-based Sub Pop Records has purchased enough renewable energy credits to offset 100 percent of their energy use?...Or that rockers Pearl Jam are committed to battling global warming and encouraging their fan base to offset their carbon footprint?

From computer products to guacamole sales, keep reading below to find all these and more in the Latest Green Building News.

Until next time,

Joe Mayton
ED+C Associate Editor

p.s. ED+C  loves receiving feedback from our readers, and will try to incorporate suggestions and comments into the publication. If you have a comment, criticism, anecdote or just want to drop a line, you can email me at maytonj@bnpmedia.com.

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Latest Green Building News 

For more news, visit www.EDCmag.com.

Legislation Introduced to Boost Recycling Tax Credits
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords, I-Vt., introduced the Recycling Investment Saves Energy (RISE) Act of 2006, which offers tax incentives that will create jobs, conserve energy and expand America's recycling capacity. These tax incentives, which include a 15 percent tax credit or a 50 percent depreciation deduction for the purchase of machinery, will allow companies to acquire state-of-the-art recycling equipment and innovative technology. Additionally, the legislation will allow recycling facilities to be eligible for tax-exempt bond financing. A generic letter of support is available for download and sending to congressional contacts at www.carpetrecovery.org/. For more information, visit http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:S.+3654:

RBRC Reports Increase in Collection Numbers
Atlanta - The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) announced its collection data for the first six months of 2006, reporting that a total of 2.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries were collected in the U.S. and Canada through its Call2Recycle program - an overall 6.4 percent increase from the same time period in 2005. For more information, visit www.call2recycle.org .

Greener Computers and Monitors Soon to Hit Market
Washington, D.C. - More environmentally friendly computer equipment will soon be available to large-volume purchasers thanks to manufacturers with products that meet the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standard; a project funded through a grant by EPA and managed by the Green Electronics Council (GEC), promoting continuous improvement in the environmental design of electronic products and informing purchasers of the environmental criteria of electronic products. EPEAT-registered computer products have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health, and are easier to upgrade and recycle, in addition to meeting the government's ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
For more information, visit www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/products/epeat.htm.

Call for Nominations for 2006 "Stand On A Better World" Awards
Salem, N.J. - Nominations for Mannington Mills' 2006 "Stand On A Better World" Awards, which honor women across the country who are enriching the lives of others and making a positive impact in their communities, are currently being accepted exclusively at the awards website through Aug. 31, 2006. Winners will be announced this October. For more information, visit www.standonabetterworld.com .

GE Energy Financial Services Invests in Georgia Wastewater Reclamation Plant
Atlanta and Stamford, Conn. - GE Energy Financial Services announced that it has formed a team concentrating on the water market and has made its first investment: $18 million in a state-of-the-art wastewater reclamation plant near Atlanta. The new water team offers structured equity and customized debt finance for existing assets and projects under development in the commercial, industrial and municipal infrastructure water, reuse and wastewater treatment markets worldwide. The team's first investment, for a 90 percent limited partnership role, is in the Cauley Creek Water Reclamation Facility, owned by privately held Cauley Creek Water Reclamation LLC. For more information, visit www.geenergyfinancialservices.com.

Sub Pop Becomes First Record Label to Purchase Green-e Certified Green Tags
Seattle - Sub Pop Records, the music label that has given rise to bands ranging from Nirvana to The Shins, announced that it has purchased enough Green-e certified Green Tags, also known as renewable energy credits, from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to equal 100 percent of the company's energy use. To date, Sub Pop records is the first Green-e certified record label company in the United States.
For more information, visit www.subpop.com and www.greentagsusa.org.

Interface Flooring Systems Now InterfaceFLOR Commercial, Launches "Mission Zero"
LaGrange, Ga. - To help communicate their promise of sustainability and clarify the products that deliver on that promise, Interface Flooring Systems has announced its name change to become InterfaceFLOR Commercial. Additionally, the modular flooring manufacturer is also launching "Mission Zero," a new simplistic and humanistic way to speak to the company's 12-year sustainability journey: A promise to eliminate any negative impact the company may have on the environment by the year 2020. For more information, visit www.interfaceflorcommercial.com.

Schmidt Associates to Erect High-Performance Solar Canopy Indianapolis - When the aging fabric canopy on the south side of one of Schmidt Associates' buildings needed to be replaced, the design team researched and devised a concept to create a new awning that had active and passive solar qualities, along with educational opportunities. Schmidt Associates first secured Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) as a partner in the project, and then sought and received financial assistance from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Energy Group in the form of an alternative power and energy grant. The canopy will consist of twenty, 150-watt photovoltaic (PV) transparent and solid backed panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity using PV cells made of semiconductor material, providing an awning 35 feet wide by 7 feet deep. The project is slated for completion by end of summer 2006. For more information, visit www.schmidt-arch.com.

Milliken Registers 1,700 More Tree Plantings During NeoCon
LaGrange, Ga. - Visitors to the Milliken Contract Showroom during the 2006 NeoCon World's Trade Fair registered more than 1,700 additional trees to southeastern forests through the Trees for All initiative. For more information, visit www.milliken.com/treesforall.

"Marketplace" Radio Program Solicits Green Building News
Saint Paul, Minn. - Part of American Public Media's "Marketplace" radio program, the Sustainability segment focuses on the built environment and markets with regard to natural resources, and how to use, renew, and account for environmental capital. For information on how to contribute ideas for green building and sustainability radio show topics and become part of their sustainability network of knowledge, visit http://marketplace.publicradio.org.

Call for Papers for 2007 Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference
Minneapolis - Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is soliciting papers for their Fifth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Cities Conference, Awards and Trade Show, April 29, 2007 through May 2, 2007, in Minneapolis. Conference streams fall under policy, design and case studies, and research. Abstracts (300-word abstract and 50-word biography) are due by September 29, 2006; final papers by January 5, 2007. For more information, visit www.greenroofs.org.

Honda Becomes First Ohio Company to Achieve LEED Gold Certification
Raymond, Ohio -Honda R&D Americas, Inc.'s (HRA) 14,400-square-foot central plant facility in Raymond, Ohio, has obtained LEED Gold certification, the first certification ever awarded in the state of Ohio. Honda's facility uses water and energy conservation systems as well as emissions-reducing tactics. For more information, visit www.hondanews.com.

Bradley Earns Orion Environmental Award
Menomonee Falls, Wis. - Due to a change in plant lighting that dropped the power used for lighting by about 41 percent, Bradley Corp. has been presented with the Orion Environmental Stewardship Award. The amount Bradley spends for power for lighting fell by a corresponding amount, with the reduction produced by a change from high-intensity discharge (HID) to an Orion T8 fluorescent system. For more information, visit www.bradleycorp.com and www.oriones.com.

ASHE Commits to Improving Energy Efficiency in Hospitals
Washington, D.C. - Making a public commitment to improve energy efficiency in hospitals by 10 percent, the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association (AHA) announced it is joining the ENERGY STAR Challenge. ASHE is launching a two-year campaign, E2C, to educate its members about the environmental and economic benefits of pursuing energy efficiency improvements in healthcare facilities. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov/challenge.

SaferBuilding.com Setting New Standard For Home Building/Remodeling
San Francisco - Through household maintenance, aesthetic, toxicity/health and financial perspectives, SaferBuilding.com has been launched, providing professionals and consumers with unprecedented information and education for the safest and most environmentally sound building and remodeling projects possible. For more information, visit www.saferbuilding.com.

Chipotle Donates 100 Percent of June 28 Guacamole Sales to The Land Institute
Denver - On June 28, 2006, Chipotle restaurants across the country donated 100 percent of guacamole sales (up to $50,000) to The Land Institute, a nonprofit research and education organization focused on building ecologically stable agricultural systems. The donation will help support the Institute, based in Salina, Kan., in its ongoing efforts to develop Natural Systems Agriculture, an agricultural system that mimics nature's own solutions to problems such as soil erosion, weed invasions, diseases and even climate change. For more information, visit www.landinstitute.org and www.chipotle.com.

"Building A Sustainable World: Life in the Balance" International Competition Announced
Beverly Hills, Calif. - The Royal Institute of British Architects - U.S.A. announced a new international competition "Building A Sustainable World: Life in the Balance," which is an open competition to design a maximally sustainable community addressing the planet's Global Warming Crisis. Entries are being accepted until November 1, 2006. For more information, visit www.riba-usa.org/Competitions/index.htm.

Pearl Jam Selects Bonneville Environmental Foundation to Receive Funding for Renewable Energy Programs
Portland, Ore. - Pearl Jam announced that Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) was selected as one of nine non-profit organizations to receive a combined total of $100,000 to launch its 2006 Carbon Portfolio Strategy. The band's initiative is the latest demonstration of its commitment to solve global warming and provide information to music fans worldwide about what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint. The band also is inviting its fans to make their own contributions in support of the initiative, as a way of taking action against climate change. BEF will use the contributions from Pearl Jam's Carbon 2006 Portfolio Strategy to support its renewable energy initiatives, including its Green Tag programs. For more information, visit www.pearljam.com/activism/ and www.b-e-f.org or www.greentagsusa.org .

Award Winning Style in Arizona with Big Ass Fans
Chandler, Ariz. - The Student Center Pavilion at Chandler-Gilbert Community College's unique design and attention to the comfort of its end-users has won numerous accolades including the Arizona AIA Honor Award and Kemper Goodwin Award, as well as the Valley Forward Association Environmental Design Award and the Western Mountain Region Award.   The designing firm, Architekton, was named the Arizona AIA Firm of the Year for 2005 while Design Principle, John F. Kane was awarded the AIA Arizona Architects Medal in 2001. A 24-foot diameter Powerfoil model industrial-grade ceiling-mounted fan from Big Ass Fans was specified to supplement their air conditioning and trim energy costs. The fan can move over 337,000 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm) and uses a two horsepower motor. For more information, visit www.bigassfans.com.

Harley Ellis Devereaux recognized by AIA for Design Excellence 
Chicago - Harley Ellis Devereaux, a planning, architecture, engineering, interior architecture, landscape architecture and construction services firm, received two design awards presented by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the 2006 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition held in Los Angeles.
Wentworth Commons, an affordable housing residence located in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood, was one of eight national winners of the AIA's Housing and Custom Residential Community's "Show You're Green" Awards. In addition, the firm received an AIA Institute Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design for its design of Boeing Galleries, an open-air art exhibition space located in Millennium Park, Chicago. For more information, visit www.harleyellisdevereaux.com.

Designing LEED-Certified Buildings with Architectural Glass Course Available Online
Santa Monica, Calif. - As part of their new Online Glazing Education Series (GES), Oldcastle Glass is providing the opportunity to earn AIA Continuing Education learning units through an online based, self-serve interactive program. GES will offer a variety courses related to glazing products and design. For more information, visit http://oldcastle.ces-learning.com/resources/index.jsp .

Pro-Link Honored with Green Award from the Ashkin Group
Canton, Mass. - Pro-Link, a nationwide, full-service janitorial supply organization were
honored with an award from The Ashkin Group. The award recognizes Pro-Link's commitment to Green cleaning and helping to promote healthier, safer cleaning throughout the jansan industry. For more information, visit www.prolinkhq.com.

Geothermal Energy to Kiln-Dry Fletcher Wood Products
Annapolis, Md. - Based in New Zealand, Fletcher Wood Solutions' parent company, Tenon Ltd., has officially ditched natural gas in favor of geothermal energy for kiln-drying at its Taupo manufacturing facility, southeast of the company's Auckland headquarters. The use of geothermal energy is expected to cut costs as well as emissions.   Tenon specifically sited the Taupo plant in the middle of the Taupo volcanic zone, with a view to accessing the heat from the earth in the future.   Eventually, Tenon plans to use geothermal energy for heating its factories and will incorporate the technology into other aspects of the company's processing operations. For more information, visit www.tenonusa.com.

"Sustainable Fashion: Soft Furniture Design" Exhibit to Open
Madison Wis. - The focus of the "Sustainable Fashion: Soft Furniture Design" exhibition will be Li Han's own designs for "soft furniture, " which employ removable upholstery as a major component in furniture, using it to offer a range of shapes, textures, and colors which can be used to "dress" a durable framework of recyclable materials such as metal or plastic. The soft elements can be offered in new configurations and fabrics each season, while the framework can be endlessly reused. To clearly illustrate Han's concept, this exhibition will include preliminary sketches, computer-rendered images and animations, scale models, mock-ups and design prototypes. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and will run from September 6, 2006 through September 17, 2006. For more information, visit www.designgallery.wisc.edu.

Kick the Oil Habit Road Trip: Cruising On Homegrown Fuel
Washington, D.C. - The Kick the Oil Habit Road Trip: Cruising on Homegrown Fuel departed Washington, D.C. and reached Los Angeles using E85 ethanol.   The team of three recent college graduates made the trip in a FlexFuel vehicle, educating people about the benefits of alternative energy. Along the way, the drivers chronicled their trip and conducted interviews with station owners, ethanol producers, elected officials, solar and wind farm owners, and celebrities.   Interactive maps, blogs, video and other electronic mediums from the 3,878-mile cross-country trip are available at www.kicktheoilhabit.org/roadtrip.

Summer Energy Efficiency Assistance Offered
Washington, D.C. - Timely common sense guides to summer energy efficiency and assistance in maximizing cross-ventilation through screening challenging window/door designs are available from Mirage Screen Systems.   By sponsoring this campaign, the North American network of Mirage Screen System specialists hope to encourage people to open windows and doors before they turn on the air conditioning. According to the Washington D.C.-based Alliance to Save Energy "average households will spend more than $5,000 on energy this year to power their homes and vehicles."   The Alliance to Save Energy's consumer tips on how to tackle soaring summer electricity bills, as well as a "Spring and Summer Energy Saving Ideas" tip sheet can be found on the Problem Solving page at www.miragescreensystems.com. For more information, visit www.ase.org.

Dovetail Partners Launches Eco-Affordable Housing Program
White Bear Lake, Minn. - Besides challenges with housing, rural communities are also often searching for economic development opportunities. In 2005, Jeff Howe, president of Dovetail Partners, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, began discussing possibilities of a demonstration home in Aitkin County, which would demonstrate green building principles and make use of local, certified wood products. This demonstration home in Aitkin County is Dovetail's first eco-affordable housing project, and features in-floor radiant heating, local FSC-certified wood, locally-manufactured prefabricated panels, and various other green building practices, while remaining affordable for someone in the local community to purchase. For more information, visit www.dovetailinc.org.

COTE Seeks Input for Sustainability Symposium
Houston - The Committee on the Environment (COTE) has been asked by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to help create a list of topics that should be considered priorities for research and other projects that may occur within the institute, its Knowledge Communities, or in collaborative projects with allied organizations. COTE is soliciting key words or phrases to answer the following questions: "What do you think are the key areas relating to architecture practice and sustainability in which research and study is needed?"; "What specific topics do you think should be undertaken as research topics immediately?"; and "What kinds of sustainable design tools, information, or knowledge do you think would help you practice more effectively?" Please send your responses to Kira Gould at kira.gould@gouldevans.com by July 31, 2007.

SBIC's Executive Director Speaks to Standing Room Only Crowd at EESI's Congressional Briefing
Washington, D.C.- On July 20th, 2006, the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council's (SBIC) Executive Director Helen English was one of three invited speakers to address the audience at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute's (EESI) briefing entitled "High-Performance Green Buildings: A Look at Their Benefits and the Role of Federal Policy." English spoke about the SBIC's long history promoting a "Whole Building Approach," which has led to their support of Section 914 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. For more information, visit www.eesi.org. and www.sbicouncil.org.  
 

New Products

Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing Awarded "Cool Product" Contest Winner at PCBC Show
San Francisco - Thermastrand Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing from Ainsworth (www.ainsworth.ca ) won second place in the consumer category of "cool products" at the 2006 PCBC show in San Francisco. Meeting the requirements of California's Title 24 energy efficiency code, Thermastrand roof panels block up to 97 percent of the sun's radiant heat, keeping attics up to 30 degrees cooler, the company reports, and the ENERGY STAR-qualified product offers homeowners energy savings of up to 20 percent.

DVD Addresses Logistics of Waterfree Urinal Technologies
Grand Rapids, Mich. - A new DVD from Falcon Waterfree Technologies (http://falconwaterfree.com ) is now available, which demonstrates how waterfree urinals work and why they are the most hygienic, safe, and economical urinals available. The DVD also provides step-by-step instructions for the installation and maintenance of waterfree urinals. The 22-minute English/Spanish DVD is free and is available for delivery within the U.S. and Canada. To order, use the online form at http://www.falconwaterfree.com/dvd/ or call 866-275-3718.

Microfiber Cloths Useful For "Cleaning without Chemicals"
Roswell, Ga. - WypAll Microfiber Cloths from Kimberly-Clark Professional (www.kcprofessional.com ) effectively trap soil and quickly absorb liquid for an environmentally friendly, streak-free clean on virtually any surface - from glass, mirrors and bathroom fixtures, to stainless steel, brass and more, the company reports. The cloths' durable microfiber material - made by splitting fibers into tiny pieces and knitting them into a super-cleaning cloth - lifts and traps dirt and moisture, absorbs eight times their weight in liquid and can be used wet, dry or damp to clean surfaces.

Green Seal-Certified Cleaner Is Powerful, Versatile
Peterborough , Ontario - Enviro-Solutions' (www.enviro-solutions.com ) multipurpose cleaner-71C-combines the cleaning power of hydrogen peroxide with citrus oil and is Green Seal and CRI-certified. According to the company, depending on dilution, 71C is suitable for cleaning glass, mirrors, floors, tile and grout, walls, and virtually all surfaces-including use as a carpet extraction cleaner and spotter. The hydrogen peroxide helps dissolve soils, stains and eliminates odors.

Patented Technology Adjusts Interior Daylighting Levels
Vista, Calif. - Solatube International Inc. (www.solatube.com ) has been awarded a U.S. Patent for the Solatube Daylight Dimmer.  The Solatube Daylight Dimmer allows users to control the natural lighting level of a room for smooth daylighting transitions from dim to bright, the company reports, and the patented product provides flexibility for tubular skylights in both residential and commercial applications.

Reference Guide to Ceramic Tile Released
Miami - ASCER (www.spaintiles.info), the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association, has released "moulding assembling designing: Ceramics in Architecture ." The book serves as an authoritative reference guide to ceramic tile, and contains detailed technical information and a concise overview of the material, manufacturing process, installation and latest technological advances. For information on where to purchase the book, contact the Tile of Spain Center at the Trade Commission of Spain, Miami, at 305 - 446 - 4387.

Do you know of any unique green products that should be featured here? Please e-mail maytonj@bnpmedia.com.

 

Featured Events 

Green Industry Events

Sep 19, 2006 - Sep 22, 2006
Rethinking Sustainable Construction 2006: Next Generation Green Buildings
Sarasota, Fla.
www.treeo.ufl.edu/rsc06  

Hot Links

Online Book Store at www.AECStore.com
Sustainable design books are now available at the AEC Online Store. Visit www.AECStore.com to purchase buyers guides, books, CD-Roms and more! You can also access the store through ED+C's home page at www.EDCmag.com.

www.ceres.org
Ceres is a national network of investment funds, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working to advance environmental stewardship on the part of businesses. Ceres is renowned for its unique ability to bring diverse groups together to find positive solutions for complex environmental and social challenges.

www.sevilleconsulting.com
Carl Seville is writing a book on Green Home Renovations and is actively looking for projects to feature.  This book will be project-based and visually oriented in order to show how a wide variety of high quality renovation projects can be green and architecturally appealing.  Any manner of residential renovation or addition will be considered provided it includes most or all of the following qualities: Energy Efficient; Durable; Resource Efficient; and Healthy.
Projects need not be perfect - Carl is interested in challenges that arose during the planning and construction process and how they were handled regardless of the outcome.  Projects that were certified by 3rd party professionals such as HERS raters or local green building programs will be of particular interest. For additional information, please contact info@sevilleconsulting.com

www.bcxa.org
The Building Commissioning Association is an international, non-profit Association of Professional Commissioning providers. Commissioning is critical to the verification of sustainable polices and a prerequisite for LEED certification.

www.greenhomeguide.com
GreenHomeGuide is a grassroots, community-based guide to green remodeling and new construction.

www.sustainabilitydictionary.com
The Dictionary of Sustainable Management is an open dictionary for business leaders and students of sustainability and business-related terms, and is a project of the Presidio School of Management. The purpose of this effort is to help people better understand how sustainability concepts are creating new understandings in the worlds of business, government, and society.

www.luciddesigngroup.com
Lucid Design Group's goal is to design and build data monitoring and touch-screen display systems that make the environmental performance of buildings visible and engaging to visitors and occupants in real-time.

http://renewus.org
A website created by organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm, features various strategies to show how individual actions can make a difference in the health of the planet.
The website offers monthly action alerts to help individuals take the concrete action to lessen global warming. For example, one action alert offers visitors a direct link to clean energy options with an easy-to-use state-by-state guide.

Be a Part of ED+C's Online Blog
ED+C launched our very own Web blog with the start of this year's Greenbuild expo. Visit http://blog.edcmag.com/ to review and participate in discussions on new products, seminars, networking parties and other industry news!
We'd love to hear from you!

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Sponsorships/Feedback
If you have interest in sponsoring an edition of the ED+C eNews, please send an e-mail to maytonj@bnpmedia.com. If you have any comments or feedback about the newsletter itself, please send an email to the same address.

ED+C Currently

The September print issue of ED+C will focus on Colleges and Universities; Multi-Family Housing, and a Product Focus on Metal and Steel; Office Systems and Furniture; Wall Systems, ICFs and SIPs; Water Heaters; and Fabric + Textiles. Send your case studies, projects, stories, products and comments to Joe Mayton, associate editor, ED+C at maytonj@bnpmedia.com.

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