Drivable Grass consists of concrete “muffins” (right) that are connected by a grid system. The tile-like, 2x2-inch squares expand and conform to uneven ground surfaces without memory or coming apart. Even when saturated, Drivable Grass maintains the characteristics of a grassy surface while minimizing wheel rutting and water runoff. Because of its lattice-style structure, plant vegetation, such as grass, can be planted through it, while providing a solid surface comparable to common paving materials, such as asphalt and concrete. Soil Retention Input No. 282 at BDCnetwork.com/quickResponse
Infused with thousands of glass fiber optic strands that transmit natural or artificial light, Schott’s BrightBuild panels transform concrete from an opaque building material into one that can brighten any enclosed space. The panels, which can be produced in units up to four centimeters thick, are suited for walls of interior spaces with low ambient light, walls that transmit natural daylight into the interior, and façades where designers want both solid and transparent elements. Schott Input No. 243 at BDCnetwork.com/quickResponse
By sandwiching Cabot Corp.’s Nanogel insulating gel between two layers of Teflon fabric, Birdair has created a highly insulated and lightweight roofing fabric for virtually any climate condition that will meet most energy and building code regulations. Because Nanogel is clear, Birdair fabric membrane maintains its daylight harvesting qualities by transmitting and diffusing natural light, while offering good sound insulation as well. Tensotherm can withstand extreme weather conditions, resists fading, and is fully recyclable. Birdair Input No. 295 at BDCnetwork.com/quickResponse
Building-integrated solar roofing system helps make solar energy more attainable for building projects by allowing Building Teams to specify a solar energy system without additional design or engineering. Available in seven sizes, from 3 kW to 120 kW, each EnergyPeak system includes detailed CAD drawings and system part numbers for electrical drawings. The company’s ROI calculator allows Building Teams to estimate expected power production and paypack of the BIPV system.
EnergyPeak
Input No. 292 at BDCnetwork.com/quickResponse
Columbia Square, a 313,000 square foot office building and flagship property in the Melvin Mark Companies real estate portfolio, has been awarded 4 Globes by the Green Building Initiative (GBI) for achievements in green design and sustainable operations. The building was rated under the Green Globes environmental design and assessment tool and the 4 Globes designation is the highest possible rating.
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association is working on a product-based green certification program for residential and commercial fenestration, the organization announced today. AAMA will use the results of a recent green building survey to help shape the program. Among the survey's findings: 77% of respondents reported a green certification program for fenestration would benefit the product selection process for their company.
Over half of architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms (55%) are budgeting less for information technology in 2009 than they did in 2008, according to a new report from ZweigWhite. The 2009 Information Technology Survey reports that firms' 2009 IT budgets are a median of 3.3% of net service revenue, down from 3.6% in 2008. Firms planning to decrease spending are expected to do so by a median of 20%.
Nestled deep in the Napa Valley, the city of American Canyon is one of a number of new communities in Northern California that have experienced tremendous growth in the last five years. Located 42 miles northeast of San Francisco, American Canyon had a population of just over 9,000 in 2000; by 2008, that figure stood at 15,276, with 28% of the population under age 18.
Delta Faucet Company
Delta’s products are trusted to deliver innovation, quality design and reliable performance. The company designs and manufactures products that are environmentally friendly, support the efficient use of water and help achieve customer satisfaction.
San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Take advantage of available incentives up to $2,000 per unit on green, energy-saving measures for qualifying new construction initiatives.
