September 2008 Table of Contents

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Back to School

California Often Establishes Environmental Policies that later are adopted by other states or the federal government. Read more

Ecocentric Sky Vegetables

SKY VEGETABLES, MADISON, WIS., is an urban-agriculture firm that uses a sustainable model to farm produce on grocery-store rooftops. Read more

Editor's Book Shelf Hot Ideas For a Cooler Planet

Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet was an artistic showcase of 126 globes in Chicago that depicted different ways to combat global warming. Read more

Innovations Impervia Windows and Doors From Pella

Pella Impervia fiber-glass composite windows and doors are a durable, cost-effective, energy-efficient alternative to vinyl and aluminum products. The windows and doors, which feature five-layer Duracast fiber-glass composite material, have earned the Energy Star rating and can save facility owners money in heating and cooling costs. Read more

Innovations Solar Water Heating System From VELUX

VELUX’s Solar Water Heating System utilizes rooftop solar panels to harness the sun’s free energy to heat water.The system, which can decrease heating bills 50 to 80 percent, can replace or be added to an existing water-heating system. Read more

Innovations Soybean Urinals From The Waterless Co. LLC

The Waterless Co. LLC’s line of soybean urinals are made from 30 percent soybean resin. The urinals do not require any water.There is no difference in appearance, function or maintenance compared to other waterless urinals.(888) 663-5874 / www.waterless.com Read more

Innovations Scroll Compressor Chillers From McQuay

McQuay water-cooled scroll compressor chillers from 30 to 200 tons (27 to 181 metric tons) now are available with R-410A refrigerant, which has no ozone depletion potential and no phase-out schedule. The chillers are designed to reduce operating costs for water-cooled, remote air-cooled and evaporative condensers. Read more

Innovations Manufactured Landscape Collection Carpet Tiles From Tandus

Tandus’ Manufactured Landscape Collection carpet tiles are manufactured in a 6-foot (1.8-m) pattern repeat, so various surface elements are created without duplication. The 24- by 24-inch (610- by 610-mm) tiles come in different sets of three and can be installed in a non-directional method. Read more

Innovations Echo Recycled Glass Tile From Crossville

Crossville’s Echo Recycled Glass tile for walls, countertops and floors are made from up to 50 percent recycled content.Tiles are available in 15 luminescent colors, three finishes and five sizes.Front and back textures refract light. Read more

Innovations SolarTrac From MechoShade Systems

MechoShade Systems’ SolarTrac automatically regulates shades’ positions incrementally throughout a building.Shades are adjusted according to the sun’s position in the sky, the direction of the solar rays and the sun’s intensity.SolarTrac uses solar radiometers to track the sun and microclimatic sky conditions to maximize daylighting while offering an outside view. Read more

Innovations Emerge Tile From Azrock by Tarkett

Emerge, a resilient tile from Azrock by Tarkett, is composed of limestone and a polymeric blend composite. With a mix of tone-on-tone base colorations, the multicolor chips add design possibilities by allowing the tiles to pick up colors from the surrounding environment. Read more

Innovations Full Circle Program From 3form

3form’s Full Circle program creates products to help impoverished people earn income to improve education and living conditions in their communities. Raw materials, such as yarn and bamboo, from Africa, Asia and South America are made into patterns by local artisans. The materials then are sent to 3form to be inserted into their ecoresin walls, creating products such as Unravel and Bamboo Rings. Read more

Innovations SunGuard Advanced Architectural Glass From Guardian

Guardian has added six low-E glass colors, including SunGuard AG 50 and Royal Blue 40, to its SunGuard Advanced Architectural Glass products line. Available on three float-glass substrates, the colors save energy by allowing high amounts of visible light into a building while minimizing solar heat gain. Read more

Innovations 1000 Series Roof System From MeTecno USA

MeTecno USA’s 1000 Series is an insulated, mechanically seamed system ideal for low-slope roofing applications.The panels’ insulation helps keep a building cool, and its washable interior liner provides a reflective surface to reduce indoor lighting requirements.The 42-inch- (1067-mm-) wide panels allow for quick installation. Read more

Innovations Bradmar No Site Solid Plastic Restroom Door Partitions From Bradley Corp.

Bradley Corp.’s Bradmar No Site Solid Plastic restroom door partitions eliminate the sight line between the door and pilaster.The partitions are made from 100 percent post-consumer-recycled, 1-inch- (25-mm-) thick, high-density polyethylene,which is waterproof and dent, graffiti and odor resistant. The partitions are available in 26 colors. Read more

Innovations MK1 Mercury-Free LED Tubes From Ilumisys

MK1 mercury-free LED tubes feature optics, circuitry and thermal management to provide maximum light output with minimum power consumption.The lights replace standard T8 and T12 fluorescent tubes and can operate in existing fluorescent fixtures. Read more

Innovations Wind Turbine From Marquiss Wind Power

Marquiss Wind Power’s rooftop wind turbine has a lower cost per kilowatt hour than solar power.Its patented ducted design and self-stabilization address the challenge of attachment to rooftops. The turbine also has a low installation cost. Read more

Deep Green Solar for Everyone

The sun shines everywhere, and bountiful sunlight could provide the energy to power a skyline dotted with dispersed solar-power plants. Read more

On the Boards A Business School Gets Sustainable Inspiration from a Book

The project team for the Maurice J. Gallagher Jr. Hall at the University of California, Davis, found inspiration in a book titled Natural Capitalism while designing the 82,000-square-foot (7618-m²) business school in a sustainable manner. Read more

Eco-Tourist El Dorado Bird Reserve

Endangered bird and amphibian species are protected in a remarkable setting. Read more

Innovations Innovations: September 2008

These products will help achieve sustainability. Read more

Eco-Tech Radiant Heating and Cooling Define Comfort

A radiant-slab system provides heating and cooling for Loyola University's Klarchek Information Commons, Chicago. Read more

Perspectives True Nature

Anthony Cortese, ScD, president of Boston-based Second Nature, discusses the important role higher education plays in the green movement. Read more

Deep Green University Conserves Water

Emory University Employs Rainwater Harvesting and Condensation Reclamation Read more

Cool Roofing Clay-Tile Roof Conserves Resources

A clay-tile roof provides performance and a historic aesthetic to a visitor center in Covington, La. Read more

Greenhouse A House Maximizes Energy Efficiency

Passive systems create a comfortable environment for the residents of a home in Durham, N.C. Read more

Flashback Evaluation Targets Occupant Comfort

The post-occupancy evaluation of a mixed-use residence hall in Portland, Ore., accounts for occupant experience and building performance. Read more

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