If you're attending Surfaces in Las Vegas this month, don't miss “Going Green to Make More Green” on Jan. 28, 2004 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Sand Expo Center, Las Vegas. The green movement is gaining momentum in the building industry and its impact is being felt in floor covering. Join this panel presentation from National Floor Trends, a sister publication of ED+C, to learn about selling opportunities and how to reach the growing green products market. This seminar is packed with information including U.S. Green Building Council/LEED rating systems information, plus details on recycling and environmentally friendly/sustainable flooring products such as carpet, resilient, rubber, cork, wood and installation materials. Going green means more than environmental consciousness; it can also get you more business. Panelists include Werner Braun, Carpet & Rug Institute; Bill Freeman, Resilient Floor Covering Institute; Jim Hartzfeld, USGBC, Interface; and Ed Korczak, National Wood Flooring Association; moderated by Jeff Golden, National Floor Trends Magazine.

'Solar on Schools' Underway in Burlington

Several school officials, Burlington residents and business leaders “cut the ribbon” on the 'Solar on Schools' program, at Champlain Elementary School in Burlington's South End on Thursday, Jan. 8. Solar panels were recently installed on the roof of Champlain and lessons on renewable energy will be part of next year's curriculum, all part of 'Solar on Schools'. Burlington High School and Burlington Technical Center will be the next spot for panels, followed by the remaining public schools over the next three to four years.

Colleen Cowell, a fourth-fifth grade science teacher at Champlain, said that the program will help students understand the importance of renewable energy while studying math and science. “Real life examples such as the solar panels make learning so much more fun and interesting for the students. Renewable energy is an important subject to study.”

A collaborative program of Burlington Electric Department and the Burlington School District, 'Solar on Schools' is funded completely through grants and customer contributions. Major donations came from several Burlington businesses including Seventh Generation, Vermont Energy Contracting and Supply Corp., Queen City Printers, Chittenden Bank, and Jager Di Paola Kemp Design. The business partners all talked about the importance of local businesses supporting and promoting such educational activities. While helping to promote home-grown renewable energy, the solar panels will also be offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. When all schools are completed, the systems are estimated to displace about 6,372 pounds of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, each year over the 25-30 year life of the system.

Lyman Amsden, superintendent of Burlington School District, said that it is very helpful to the Burlington schools to have such collaborative efforts among city departments. “Because BED put a lot of effort into starting up this program and worked closely with the facilities manager here at BSD, the students of Burlington will benefit greatly.”

Kirk Herander of Vermont Solar Engineering installed the panels. Andrew Shapiro of Vermont Energy Education Project is working with teachers to develop curriculum that will be used in the next academic year.

Chris Burns of Burlington Electric Department said, “This has been a very exciting program for BED to be a part of. We appreciate the enthusiasm from the school district, and we very much appreciate the contributions we have received from ratepayers.”

HOK Sets Industry Benchmark With 100 LEEDTM Accredited Professionals

HOK announced that it has achieved its goal to become the first architectural design firm with 100 “LEEDTM Accredited Professionals.” The distinction demonstrates HOK's firmwide commitment to sustainable design knowledge, expertise and leadership. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED accreditation program recognizes experienced building industry practitioners who have demonstrated their knowledge of integrated design; understanding of green building practices and principles; and familiarity with the LEED Green Building Rating System. HOK's LEED Accredited Professionals represent 12 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“From every age, level and perspective, HOK people have embraced green building principles and practices,” says HOK President Bill Valentine. “We truly believe it's the right thing to do for our world, and we're committed to proving it through our actions.”

Other recent HOK sustainable design achievements include:
Three LEED-certified projects: Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise (St. Louis), Whitehead Biomedical Research Building at Emory University (Atlanta) and IBM Tivoli Systems (Houston).
Six consecutive years of recognition on the “Top 10 Green Projects” list by the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment.
“Special Commendation” in the first-ever Sustainable Design Leadership Awards, sponsored by the International Interior Design Association, AIA Interiors Committee and CoreNet Global.
First and only architectural firm to earn the “Designing a Sustainable and Secure World” Award from Global Green USA, the U.S. affiliate of Mikhail Gorbachev's worldwide organization Green Cross International.

HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 21 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm's expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services. Visit www.hoksustainabledesign.com.

Public Meetings on PVC and HCFC Issues to be Held by LEED TSAC

The LEED Technical and Scientific Advisory Committee (TSAC) will host two public meetings in February to receive input from stakeholder organizations (whether or not they are members of USGBC) and to provide a forum for open discussion.

1) HVAC refrigerants: February 17 in Washington, DC.
Stakeholders will have the opportunity to discuss the HCFC Task Group's first draft report. The report outlines the atmospheric impacts of HVAC equipment refrigerants and recommends a basis for relevant LEED credit development (e.g., EA Credit 4, Ozone Protection). It will be posted to the Web site by COB January 16. Stakeholders interested in submitting comments at the meeting or via e-mail are encouraged to visit TSAC's HCFC issue page for more information. (http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/tsac/energy.asp)

2) PVC assessment methodology: February 18 in Washington, DC.
Stakeholders will have the opportunity to discuss the PVC Task Group's work toward assessing whether LEED should give credit for avoidance of PVC products. At this meeting the PVC Task Group is seeking comments and representations about the proposed PVC database methodology. Please note that the Task Group's environmental assessment of PVC is not yet at a stage where any results are available or conclusions drawn. Stakeholders interested in submitting comments at the meeting or via e-mail are encouraged to visit TSAC's PVC issue page for more information. (http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/tsac/pvcvinyl.asp)

Visit http://www.usgbc.org

California Begins Development of Environmentally Preferable School Building Products Online Database

The Department of General Services Division of State Architect (DSA) has launched the development of a first of its kind database designed to provide a complete list of environmentally preferred products to be used in school construction projects. The complete database will be posted on the DSA website and will be accessible to anyone, beginning in the later part of 2004.

Pursuant to State Senate Bill 373, enacted last year, the database will provide free, online access to a list of products that meet a set of criteria designed to promote healthy indoor environments, consume fewer resources over their life cycle, and promote recycling and reuse. The comprehensive database project will assist owners, architects, and contractors in sorting through a growing number of products that make environmental and health claims.

State Senator Tom Torlakson, the author of SB 373, stated, "As a former teacher and coach, I am extremely pleased and excited at the promise of this tool and with the team that has been assembled. The health and welfare of our States students and teachers should be paramount in our school planning and construction practices. This database will allow designers to have a clear picture of the impact that the building products in our schools have on our school population and the environment."

The Environmentally Preferable Products database project team will survey several California school districts to develop a prioritized list of product categories, based on dollars spent and potential for environmental improvement. The process used to create the framework of the database, the screening criteria, and the screening process will enable users to see exactly how a product achieves the description of environmentally preferable. In addition, products will be evaluated on a life-cycle basis by measuring the impacts of the products from the extraction of the resources through to the end of the products useful life, ensuring that improvements in one area do not come at the expense of others.

"This will be a great tool for us" says San Diego City School District Architect James Watts. "Historically if we wanted to know how a product affected the classrooms indoor air quality or how we could safely dispose of the product when it outlived its usefulness we have to do a ton of research on our own. This database will allow us to get a quick, clear idea of these issues without having to spend a lot of district funds doing it." A diverse team of public sector professionals and private sector experts versed in environmentally sound construction and design techniques have formed a partnership to create this unique database. The team combines expertise in sustainable design, energy analysis, green product evaluation, EPP standards development, manufacturer certification, publishing, and online information tools. The private sector team consists of CTG Energetics (prime contractor), BuildingGreen, Scientific Certification Systems, and Green River Data Analysis.

Those interested may go to www.eppbuildingproducts.org to view the projects scope of work and schedule and to sign up for emailed updates as the database takes shape. This information was provided by The Department of General Services Division of State Architect.

Air Force Selects BEM Systems, Inc., For Environmental Restoration and Construction Contract

The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE) has announced that BEM Systems, Inc., has been awarded a nine-year Worldwide Environmental Restoration and Construction (WERC) contract for environmental services at Air Force and NASA bases worldwide. BEM may also be responsible for a full range of traditional construction and engineering activities as necessary to meet base requirements. The contract will be managed by Paul Goldsmith, P.E., Director of Federal Programs in BEM's Southeast regional office in Orlando, Florida.

Headquartered at Brooks City-Base, Texas, AFCEE is the Air Force's premier environmental service center, offering USAF commanders a full range of technical and professional services in the areas of environmental restoration, pollution prevention, natural and cultural resources conservation, design and construction management, and comprehensive planning. AFCEE's policy of encouraging innovation in environmental science and technology has made the agency a world leader in introducing advanced, cost-effective cleanup technologies.

AFCEE's WERC contracts consist of multiple awards of Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, providing a long-term full-service contracting vehicle for reliable and efficient delivery of services. AFCEE has set the initial ceiling for the WERC program at $4 billion, with the potential to increase that amount to $10 billion.

BEM is currently in the third year of an Environmental Remediation and Construction (ENRAC) contract with AFCEE with a program ceiling of $750 million, covering full-service, turn-key environmental construction and remediation assignments for Defense Department and NASA facilities worldwide from May 2001 through May 2009.

BEM Systems, Inc. is a full-service, employee-owned, multidisciplinary environmental consulting firm, headquartered in Chatham, N.J., with offices in Orlando and Miami, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas City, Missouri, Washington, D.C., and Fairfax and Newport News, Virginia. BEM has teamed with Tetra Tech, Inc. (Pasadena, CA), HDR Engineering, Inc. (Omaha, NE) and Battelle, Inc. (Columbus, OH) to provide worldwide services to AFCEE under the contract.

New Cleaner Can Replace Traditional Solvents In Household, Industrial Cleaning Products

Florida Chemical Company (Winter Haven, FL) is introducing new cleaning solvents that will replace petrochemical-based chemicals used in common household products. Derived from citrus peels and soybeans, the new solvents offer safety in use and versatility in application. Marketed under the name CITRUSoyâ„¢, they are also suitable for many types of industrial applications.

"We offer two product formulations that are targeted at different household, institutional and industrial cleaning applications," states Mark Henneberry, vice president of product development.

CITRUSoy Super High Flash is formulated for use in hand cleaners, liquid hand soaps, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners and automotive care products. Because it is made from natural, renewable resources, CITRUSoy Super High Flash has many environmental benefits. It has excellent solvent properties, contains no hazardous ingredients, blends well with other solvents and is a low VOC alternative. It has a flash point over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

For applications that require a stronger solvent base— waterless hand cleaners, nail polish removers, ink cleaners, tar and stain removers, adhesive and gum removers, graffiti removers and general purpose cleaners—CITRUSoy High Flash has been developed.

"Florida Chemical offers formulation assistance to companies looking to improve existing products or expand their product line into new product areas. Because CITRUSoy products are made with ingredients which are in abundant supply, they will not be subject to shortages or price fluctuations. Both products are readily available in pails, drums or bulk shipments.

Florida Chemical has been providing green alternative solvents and citrus oils since 1942. Technical guidance and formulation assistance is available by calling 863-294-8483.

PBS Picks Up Green Home Improvement Television Series For National Distribution

PBS has solicited 26 episodes of Build It Green! for national syndication, the first home improvement-style television show focused solely on environmentally-friendly techniques. The light-hearted, half-hour “edu-tainment” show hosted by contractor Charlie Popeck and architect Jill Burtin features both new home construction and renovation projects that incorporate the principles of green building.

According to Jenna Norcott, Assistant Director for PBS Syndicated Programming, PBS is highly enthusiastic about the show: "I know Public Television stations will have a strong interest in this wonderful series that is dedicated to building awareness of environmentally-friendly home designs, materials and techniques." According to Desert Moon Productions Executive Producer Mick Dalrymple, “PBS is a forward-thinking organization. They essentially invented the Home Improvement genre with 'This Old House.' We are very happy that they understand now is the time for another breakthrough series.”

While drawing from home projects within Desert Moon's base of Arizona, the show will also travel. “Green building options are intrinsically tied to climate, so we will highlight what innovative people are doing under almost all climate conditions,” Dalrymple stated. With 1-1/2 episodes already completed, Desert Moon is finalizing production underwriting for the full season. PBS expects to begin airing the show starting in July, 2004.

Staffing for the show includes at least three LEEDTM Accredited Professionals. “Credibility is key to the show's success amongst more skeptical members of the audience,” Dalrymple stated. “The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED system provides a good framework for conducting the necessary research.”

“This is an exciting move for the environment, for television audiences, and for moving the residential market much more quickly into the sustainable age ” Dalrymple noted.

This information was provided by: Desert Moon Productions, PBS and the USGBC.

EnergyValue Housing Awards Honor Builders For Teaming Energy Efficiency and Environmental Stewardship

Increasingly, consumers are looking for builders to construct energy-efficient homes with environmentally-conscious practices and technologies. Tonight, the NAHB Research Center will present the EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) to 10 builders who have achieved success while incorporating energy efficiency and environmental stewardship throughout their business operations and product offerings.

The EVHA program honors builders who voluntarily integrate energy efficiency into the design, construction, and marketing of their new homes, and educates the home building industry and the public about successful approaches to energy-efficient construction. The award ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 9, in conjunction with the 2004 International Builders' Show.

Bruce Rauhe of Walt Disney Imagineering's Research and Development Division (WDI R&D), will keynote the program. At WDI R&D, Rauhe focuses on energy cost mitigation and integrated infrastructure related to Disney's parks and resorts. Before joining WDI R&D, he was technical director of the Fuel Cell Center at the Houston Advanced Research Center, where he developed and led the demonstration and evaluation of fuel cell systems under real and simulated end-use applications. Rauhe has worked with fuel cells and batteries for 13 years, including the management of numerous fuel cell and battery development projects.

Some of the practices and products included in this year's winning homes are: Fluorescent lighting; Mastic-sealed ductwork in conditioned space; Solar hot water heating; High-efficiency air conditioning systems; Low-e glass windows; Optimum value engineering for wall framing; Full underslab insulation; Tankless water heaters; Condensing furnaces; Radiant barrier roof decking; Energy recovery ventilation systems; ENERGYSTAR-rated appliances.

The award program recognizes home builders in the affordable, custom, factory-built, and production markets in hot, moderate, and cold climate categories. The 2004 EVHA Builder of the Year award will be presented to Chuck Miller Construction, LLC of Hidden Springs, Idaho. EVHA judges reported that the company "walks the walk" when it comes to energy efficiency, and that it is very committed to energy efficient home construction, resulting in a great product from design through homeowner orientation.

The 2004 Outstanding Multifamily Builder award will be given to The Tower Companies of North Bethesda, Md. The EVHA judges felt strongly that The Tower Companies deserved recognition because of the company's outstanding contribution to energy-efficient home construction. Specifically, the EVHA judges were impressed that The Tower Companies' entire corporate philosophy encompasses energy and resource efficiency.

NAHB Research Center president Michael Luzier said, "Builders like Chuck Miller Construction and The Tower Companies are leading our industry toward a greater focus on energy-efficient home building and environmental stewardship. We are proud to honor such remarkable companies."

The EVHA is managed by the NAHB Research Center, and operated in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy through its National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). For more information on the EVHA program, visit www.nahbrc.org/evha or email evha@nahbrc.org.