CertainTeed Enters Photovoltaic-Integrated Products Market with SRS Energy
Valley Forge, Pa. - CertainTeed Corporation announced that it has entered into a partnership with SRS Energy, of Philadelphia, to advance the development of photovoltaic roofing products. Through this partnership, the companies will collaborate on the development of a polymeric-based photovoltaic roof tile that generates energy without compromising the look of the home.

   "Energy efficiency is a key issue for homeowners, and our assessments show that people are especially interested in harnessing free energy using their roofs," says John Donaldson, president of CertainTeed Roofing. "They have not, however, been quick to adopt photovoltaic roofs because of the cumbersome look of today's solar panels. With integrated photovoltaic tiles, homeowners will soon have the option of installing an aesthetically appealing roof that solves this problem. It's a terrific breakthrough for our industry." Visit www.srsenergy.com and www.certainteed.com for more information. 

Projects of the Year Awards Presented
Canton, Mass. - Sika Sarnafil announced the winners of its 2007 Projects of the Year Competition. Twelve contractors were recognized for outstanding workmanship in completing a recent project utilizing a Sika Sarnafil thermoplastic membrane for roofing or waterproofing applications. A winner and two finalists were chosen from each of four different categories - Steep Slope, Low Slope, Waterproofing, and Sustainability. Nearly 30 contractors submitted projects for evaluation in the annual competition. Entries were judged on project complexity, design uniqueness, project importance, craftsmanship, and creative problem solving. First-place winners were awarded cash prizes and all finalists were presented with recognition pieces.

   In the Sustainability category, Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc., of Los Angeles, was the inaugural victor for completing the largest building-integrated photovoltaic system in the world - the roofing system for the Tesco Fresh and Easy Market cold and freezer storage facility in Riverside, Calif. Solar Integrated Technology installed more than 650,000 square feet. of membrane with energy-creating photovoltaic panels integrated directly within the Sika Sarnafil roofing material. In second place was Silktown Roofing, Inc., of South Grafton, Mass., and in third place for this grouping was Silktown Roofing, Inc., of Manchester, Conn. Visit www.sikacorp.com for more information.

Reflective Roof Reduces Urban Heat Island Effect Atop World of Coca-Cola

Atlanta - The Coca-Cola Company announced that the new World of Coca-Cola achieved official green status as an environmentally friendly building. The attraction, which opened in downtown Atlanta in May 2007 as a venue to showcase the complete story of the company and its brands, was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

   About 20 percent of the construction materials for the building were of a recycled or sustainable nature, including environmentally friendly bamboo and recycled rubber flooring. Recycled polyethelene terephthalate (PET) - the key ingredient in plastic beverage containers - was used in the carpeting. Along with all the recycled matter that went into the building, almost 90 percent of construction waste from the project was salvaged, reused or recycled.

   The landscaping features in and around the World of Coca-Cola include light-colored paving, vegetated grounds and a reflective roof to reduce the urban "heat island effect." Inside, the air quality has been enhanced through low-emission paints, adhesives, sealants and carpeting.

   The entire building was designed to optimize energy efficiency and is 30 percent more energy efficient than standards required by the Georgia state energy code. For more information, visit www.worldofcoca-cola.com.

Firestone Donates to North/East Roofing Educational Foundation, Inc.
Indianapolis - Firestone Building Products Company, LLC and Eastern Architectural Representatives, Woburn, Mass., together donated $10,000 to the Foundation Friends Program of the North/East Roofing Educational Foundation, Inc. (NEREF).  Firestone and Eastern Architectural Representatives presented this year's contribution to the Foundation during a reception held at the 2008 North/East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Annual Convention and Trade Show in Atlantic City, N.J., on March 13. This year marks the sixth $10,000 contribution putting the to-date total at $60,000.  Firestone and Eastern Architectural Representatives were the first organizations to donate at this level.  In recognition of their charitable donations, NEREF established a Firestone Platinum Scholarship for deserving college and vocational school students. For more information, visit www.firestonebpco.com.