Connection and community are integral design themes for the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School in Michigan. Contributing to these aspects and to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED® certification criteria, Wausau Window and Wall Systems® triple-glazed, insulated windows provide transparency, daylighting, views, as well as thermal performance for cold climates and durability for year-round use.

Opened in September 2010, the students and staff are completing their first academic year in the new space. The 75,000-square-foot facility pools three separate, elementary schools into one, state-of-the-art building. Rather than simply replace these aging buildings, AMDG Architects, Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich., presented an educational model that physically combines the separate facilities, while retaining the benefits of smaller classrooms. This allows students to come together for collaborative learning and community time.

The unified, elementary education facility is owned by Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS), the largest private, association-governed school system in Michigan. GRCS also asked that the building design include flexibility for long-term use, sustainability and community outreach. In response, AMDG designed a sweeping, curved façade and an open lobby that encourages students to gather and interact, parents to visit and staff to meet.

“A key design component was to visually connect the indoor learning environment to the outdoor learning spaces, including the school gardens, grounds and surrounding neighborhood,” says AMDG’s project coordinator, Kyle Kulpers, LEED Accredited Professional. He notes that Wausau’s windows played an important part in achieving these objectives and the project’s LEED certification.

Within Wausau’s LEED Silver-certified manufacturing center, the Advantage by Wausau® 3250i-BHM INvent™ Series standard, 3.5-inch-deep windows were triple-glazed to ensure high thermal performance. The windows’ Sungate® 500 Low-E glass from PPG Industries also helps control solar heat gain, while allowing natural light to flow through the learning spaces. The glass is Cradle to Cradle® certified, recognizing products with materials that can be endlessly recycled. The windows’ aluminum framing also was manufactured with a high percentage of recycled content and finished by Linetec in a protective, clear anodize.

“Wausau’s frames are slimmer than many systems. It was important to keep sightlines as clean and open as possible,” says Kulpers. “We also knew we wanted operable windows that would provide students and teachers with fresh air and natural ventilation, especially since the building does not have air conditioning.”

Maximizing the opportunity for natural ventilation and daylight, glazing contractor Glass Design, Inc., of Rockford, Mich., installed 145 individual window units on GRCS’ new building. Helping minimize their time on the job site, up to five window units were stacked horizontally in a single assembly. The average span was three units wide configured as fixed-over-operable. In addition to Wausau’s pre-engineered, pre-glazed, carefully-packaged shipments, Glass Design’s project manager, Andrew McIntyre says, “Head, sill and jamb receptors made for an easy installation.”

The Glass Design team also installed Tubelite Inc.‘s 400 Series curtainwall on the school’s front entrance. Complementing Wausau’s windows, the system’s aluminum framing also was manufactured using high recycled content and finished by Linetec in clear anodize.

Selecting high-performance, durable materials with recycled content was one of several strategies implemented by AMDG and general contractor Rockford Construction to meet LEED criteria and to reduce long-term operating costs. The school’s other, sustainable features include energy- and water-efficient products, environmentally-conscious landscaping and healthy, interior material choices.

Inside the building, the design themes of connection and community continue. In place of traditional classrooms, learning “pods” comprise eight classrooms, one flex-room and two team rooms all connected by one larger common space. Two student grades share one of three pods. The building’s common space was created as a core gathering area for group learning or other community activities. The pod’s flex-room can be used as an additional classroom or meeting room, while the team rooms offer space for one-on-one teaching, small group activities and meetings. Interior windows visually link the pod components together.

In addition to the new building, the campus also features a community park with renovated track, soccer field, tennis courts and improved playgrounds for students and neighbors, an amphitheater, and a meditation garden.

Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School; 1050 Iroquois Dr., S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich.

* Owner: Grand Rapids Christian Schools ; Grand Rapids, Mich.

* Architect: AMDG Architects, Inc.; Grand Rapids, Mich.

* Contractor: Rockford Construction; Grand Rapids, Mich.

* Glazing contractor: Glass Design, Inc.; Rockford, Mich.

* Window systems – manufacturer: Wausau Window and Wall Systems; Wausau, Wis.

* Window systems – glass: PPG Industries; Pittsburgh

* Curtainwall systems – manufacturer: Tubelite Inc.; Walker, Mich.

* Window and curtainwall systems – finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wis.

* Photos: Bill Lindhout, courtesy of Grand Rapids Christian Schools

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Wausau Window and Wall System’s vice president of technical services, Steve Fronek, P.E., LEED® Green Associate, has assumed the role as chairman of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Board of Directors.

For the past two years, Fronek has served as AAMA’s vice chairman and as a member representative for Wausau, part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. A publicly-held, U.S. corporation, Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG) also includes glazing contractor Harmon, Inc.; finishing services provider Linetec; architectural products manufacturer Tubelite, Inc.; and glass fabricator Viracon, Inc.

“Apogee demonstrates its industry leadership by supporting trade associations,” says Fronek. He highlights Harmon’s involvement with the Building Owners and Managers Association, Linetec’s leadership with the Aluminum Anodizers Council, Tubelite’s volunteerism with the Construction Specifications Institute, and Viracon’s executive-level commitment to the Glass Association of North America and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance, as well as company-wide support for many other industry associations.

“As a leader in technologies involving the design and development of value-added glass products and services, AAMA helps our companies stay ahead of important, legislative regulations, building and energy codes, and industry standards,” Fronek continues. “With active involvement in AAMA’s technical committees, we gain a greater understanding of construction and specification issues. Through the association’s educational offering, we extend our reach and share our knowledge with the architectural design community.”

Left to right: Rich Walker, AAMA President and CEO; Rod Hershberger, (PGT Industries) AAMA Residential Products Group President; Steve Fronek, (Apogee Enterprises, Inc. – Wausau) AAMA Architectural Products Group President

In addition to his role as chairman, Fronek also acts as chairman of AAMA’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Test Methods Task Group. He previously served in various capacities on more than 15 AAMA committees and task groups, contributing to the North American Fenestration Standard’s Joint Document Management Group, Green and Sustainability Committee, as well as guiding the evolution of thermal performance standards as they exist today. He received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the AAMA Architectural Products Group, which guides AAMA’s Architectural Window Council and its Curtain Wall/Storefront/Sloped Glazing Council.

In addition to his leadership within AAMA, Fronek represents Wausau’s membership in the U.S. Green Building Council and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s High-performance Building Façade Solutions’ Public Advisory Committee.

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Kolbe offers a variety of universal design window and door products, as well as specialized locks, handles, cranks and sills. Its Ultra Series casement windows with push-button operation, double hung windows with crank handle and Garden-Aire sliding patio doors with sill ramp were highlighted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 50+ Housing Council as part of the International Builders’ Show’s 50+ Lifestyle Central showcase and “Universal Design Power Day.”

During the Universal Design Power Day, Kolbe‘s product and market analyst, Lance Premeau, LEED® Green Associate, guided visitors through a tour of these products’ features and benefits. He explains, “Sill ramps improve entrances for people with mobility aids. Lever handles on doors are easier to grasp. Crank handle hardware extensions for double hung windows enable people with limited strength to easily reach and operate the bottom sash with minimal effort. Motorized operators open windows at the touch of a button, which are an especially helpful solution for set-back bow or bay windows.”

Kolbe’s Ultra and Heritage Series wood windows and doors are available with these and other universal design options. Many of these options meet the Americans with Disabilities Act’s standards. Premeau adds, “Universal design is the concept of making products and spaces accessible for people with various physical ability levels. It promotes freedom for the disabled. It allows the elderly to live independently longer.”

“The housing landscape has been altered in recent years by a challenging economy, and the 50+ segment is no exception. For years, the 77 million Baby Boomers were the talk of the industry, with plenty of personal wealth, home equity and big plans for retirement,” stated Mike McGowan, chairman of the NAHB 50+ Housing Council. “Suddenly, the rules have changed, and builders, developers and other 50+ housing professionals have been forced to evolve to stay competitive.”

For more information on NAHB’s 50+ Lifestyle Central and all 50+ Housing Council activities at the 2011 International Builders’ Show, please visit www.BuildersShow.com/50plus. More than 47,000 builders, remodelers, product manufacturers and other home building industry professionals attended the 2011 show. The NAHB is the largest building association in the United States, serving more than 175,000 members in 800 state and local home builders associations.

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Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ Steve Fronek, P.E., vice president of technical services; Lisa May, health care market manager; and Tom Mifflin, government market manager, successfully passed the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED®) Green Associate Certification.

As LEED Green Associates they share their knowledge in support of customers’ green building goals. Recent opportunities have included presentations and articles on daylighting, thermal performance, energy efficiency, curtainwall specifications, acoustic considerations for school designs, blast mitigation for high-security applications and creating safe, comfortable healing environments.

Fronek, May and Mifflin also meet with groups and publications connected to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and the USGBC. Wausau is a member of the USGBC, a frequent exhibitor at the national Greenbuild® International Conference and Expo, and an active participant in local USGBC chapters. Wausau encourages LEED education, certification and accreditation, and also welcomes visitors to its LEED Silver-certified, manufacturing center.

The LEED Green Associate credential, introduced in 2009, demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in green building and the LEED building rating system. It distinguishes individuals who support, but may not directly participate in, green building in their regular professional work. This credential is also a prerequisite to pursue the next tier of accreditation, LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty. For more information on the USGBC and LEED, please see USGBC.org and GBCI.org.

Steve Fronek, P.E., Vice President of Technical Services

As Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ vice president of technical services, Steve Fronek leads new product development, marketing, field service, technical support and general research for the company. He also serves as chairman on American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA’s) Board of Directors and as chairman of AAMA’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Test Methods Task Group.

Fronek previously served in various capacities on more than 15 AAMA committees and task groups, contributing to the North American Fenestration Standard’s Joint Document Management Group, Green and Sustainability Committee, as well as guiding the evolution of thermal performance standards as they exist today.

In addition to his leadership within AAMA, Fronek represents Wausau’s membership in the USGBC and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s High-performance Building Façade Solutions’ Public Advisory Committee. He also develops and presents many continuing education programs approved by the AIA, such as “Understand U-Factors, “Daylighting and Integrated Façade Design” and “Window Selection for Sustainability and Long-Term Performance.”

Lisa May, Health Care Market Manager

Lisa May works with hospitals, medical centers, clinics and other health care facilities to offer technical assistance, sustainable design input, thermal modeling, detailing and specification review to design professionals nationwide. Recently, May has been helping facility designers and owners understand the importance operable windows can play in providing natural light and ventilation, as well as energy-efficiency and emergency ventilation for patient rooms in case of fire.

She also instructs architects and others in AIA/CSI-approved continuing education programs addressing thermal and acoustical performance, as well as window and curtainwall selection. As part of these educational programs, she shares Wausau’s project case studies, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital’s clinical building in Baltimore, Florida Villages Regional Hospital, University of Colorado’s newest medical research complex and Gateway Medical Center in Tennessee.

In addition to the presentations, May represents Wausau at associations and events such as Healthcare Design, Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo and the International Facility Management Association’s Health Care council.

Tom Mifflin, Governmental/Military Market Manager

Prior to joining Wausau in 1996, Tom Mifflin was a design engineer for a government subcontractor working on classified projects for the Naval Facilities Command. At Wausau, he has been involved with high-security and blast-mitigating window systems for new construction and renovation projects, such as Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and energy-improvement projects. He represents Wausau’s membership in Protective Glazing Council International.

In addition to security, net-zero energy goals, LEED certification and design-build methodologies are increasingly important to the government projects on which he works. Exemplifying all three of these aspects, Mifflin most recently was involved with the new Research Support Facility for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado.

Frequently, Mifflin is called on to review blast hazard mitigating designs to create elegant, quiet, daylight-filled, environmentally responsible, cost-effective buildings that protect occupants without resembling the aesthetic of a concrete bunker. Examples include: Pacific Beacon Naval Base San Diego, Air National Guard facilities in North Dakota and Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania biocontainment facility and U.S. federal buildings in Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Virginia.

Mifflin draws from years of experience interpreting the government facility standards and security design criteria to ensure windows or curtainwall that are capable of meeting the specified level of protection. Addressing curtainwall and window wall for commercial applications, he was one of the first to earn Approved Calculation Entities (ACEs) certification through the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC). ACE-certified users analyze performance data for commercial fenestration energy ratings, which help meet design requirements in government facilities and other buildings.

To connect with Wauasu’s LEED Green Associates and learn more about the company’s green building support, please WausauWindow.com or call 877-678-2983.

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PMI announces the association has changed its name to Plumbing Manufacturers International. For 35 years, PMI was the acronym for the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute. While preserving the reputation and recognition of PMI, the updated name reflects the association’s and its members’ worldwide involvement and outreach.

Member companies of PMI’s voluntary, not-for-profit, international, industry association represent 95 percent of North America’s plumbing manufacturers and produce a substantial quantity of the world’s plumbing products. Reflecting this global leadership role, PMI also refreshed its brand identity, website and other marketing communications that will be introduced throughout the year and culminate with its presence at Greenbuild® International Conference and Expo, Oct. 4-7, 2011, in Toronto.

PMI members will celebrate the new name and identity at the PMI 2011 Spring Conference, March 27-30, at the Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans. In addition to the high-profile speakers and full-group sessions, the conference includes dual tracks of marketing and technical meetings. These meetings’ discussions will help determine the ongoing fulfillment of the association’s mission in North America and the expertise it can share with other countries’ plumbing industry leaders.

PMI’s mission is: to promote the water efficiency, health, safety, quality and environmental sustainability of plumbing products, while maximizing consumer choice and value in a fair and open marketplace; to provide a forum for the exchange of information and industry education; to represent openly the members’ interests and advocate for sound environmental and public health policies in the regulatory/legislative processes; and to enhance the plumbing industry’s growth and expansion.

“As the Voice of the Plumbing Industry, PMI’s conferences are part of the strategic plan to deliver on this mission. The industry’s global leaders regularly attend our meetings and we are active participants in international coalitions and conferences,” explains PMI Executive Director, Barbara Higgens. “As websites provide 24/7/365 access, nearly anywhere in the world, we also have continued to invest in enhancing these communication tools.”

PMI members and returning visitors to PMIhome.org will see a redesigned site that aligns with the new brand identity and RSS news feed subscriptions for the homepage, as well as for member-generated news. The educational website, SafePlumbing.org, maintains its independent design. Frequent updates are posted on the homepage and via RSS subscription for lawmakers, journalists, industry professionals and homeowners seeking information about clean, safe drinking water and water efficiency.

“Today, we live and work in a global marketplace. Just as industry issues have become international in scope, so has PMI,” says PMI Board of Directors President Jack Krecek, vice president and general manager of the commercial business unit for Elkay Manufacturing Company. “The association functions as a sounding board for its members, a source for industry and market information, and as a coordinating and decision-making body for building consensus to positively influence and respond to industry issues. It is active in many arenas as it helps develop and maintain standards and codes, and works closely with government agencies at all levels.”

PMI’s successful advocacy recently was demonstrated with the harmonization of lead standards across U.S., when “The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act” was signed into law in January 2011. Higgens praises the collaborative approach to this accomplishment and adds, “Through our advocacy, educational and coalition-building efforts, we remain diligent in our commitment to achieving future victories and dedicated to the needs of our members and the plumbing industry.”

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Appleton Coated’s “Sharing Green” customer stories reveal the environmental choices of U.S. businesses and organizations, and the long-term benefits gained for all.

In addition to highlighting green practices in paper choices, the “Sharing Green” tales present practical, forward-thinking examples of energy and water savings, waste reduction, greenhouse gas prevention, natural resource protection, social justice and health. Customer stories available from Appleton Coated include:
* Burt’s Bees, Inc. in Durham, N.C.
* Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich.
* Quality Bicycle Products in Bloomington, Minn.
* Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.
* Rule29, strategic design firm in Geneva, Ill.
* UCB, global biopharma company in Brussels, Belgium

Each customer success story is told by the customer featured in the story – in also demonstrates techniques to develop and share one’s own green stories. More tips on environmental storytelling are located online at “Utopia Green Zone.” “We are continually updating this zone with more green success stories, research, tips, tools and the latest in green options from Appleton Coated,” says Ferkó Goldinger, advertising and promotion manager.

The genesis for the Customer Stories was “Driving Your Green Story Home,” which featured Subaru of Indiana in the narrative. The piece also collected the stories of
* Enterprise Rent-A-Car in St. Louis
* Vosges Haut-Chocolat in Chicago
* Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich.
* Scholastic Inc. in New York

To request the new “Sharing Green” customer success stories or “Driving Your Green Story Home,” please visit UtopiaPaper.com and click on “Order Samples” or “Connect” to reach a local representative.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recognized the contributions and achievements of its members and congratulated award winners at the 74th Annual Conference Awards Banquet held in Coronado (San Diego), Calif. Award presenters noted the importance of these member contributions as they serve to further the industry as a whole.

Outstanding Member Award – Michael Kinard, Kinro Inc.

Michael Kinard, codes and regulatory consultant for Kinro Inc. of Arlington, Texas, was named Outstanding Member, as presented by the previous award winner, Kevin Seiling, VEKA Inc.

The Outstanding Member Award is given to an individual who has distinguished themselves in their work and dedication to the advancement of AAMA and the industry as a whole.

Kinard has participated in 46 committees during the 20 years that he has been active in AAMA and has served in the leadership of six of these committees. In presenting the award, Seiling described Kinard’s “untiring efforts in the hard work necessary to achieve positive results even in tough economic times.”

Kinard began his career in engineering work with Kinro, Inc., and founded a successful commercial fenestration company with his father, producing commercial storefronts, storm windows and doors and specialty window products for local builders. Kinard returned to Kinro, Inc. to become the vice president of engineering and now works as a consultant to the company.

Architectural Products Group Distinguished Service Award – Gantt Miller, Winco Manufacturing

The Distinguished Service Award for the Architectural Products Group was presented to Gantt Miller, CEO of Winco Manufacturing of St. Louis, by Steve Fronek, Apogee Enterprises, Inc.-Wausau Window and Wall Systems, recipient of last year’s award.

This award is given to an individual who accomplishes formative work on behalf of the association and the Architectural Products Group.

Fronek noted that Miller “has been instrumental in protecting and strengthening the fortunes of AAMA in a time of adversity for our industry.” In his 10-year involvement with AAMA, Miller has been a contributor to 42 different AAMA committees and task groups and is currently involved in 25 of those committees. He has served as chairman of the AAMA Board of Directors in addition to numerous other groups and roles involved in guiding the day-to-day operations of AAMA.

Miller has worked at Winco Manufacturing for 30 years, having previously worked as a residential developer and maintaining an architectural practice.

Residential Products Group Distinguished Service Award – Steve Strawn, JELD-WEN, Inc.

The Distinguished Service Award for the Residential Products Group was presented to Steve Strawn, product compliance policy manager for JELD-WEN, Inc. of Portland, Ore., by Rod Hershberger, PGT Industries, president of the Residential Products Group.

This award is given to an individual who accomplishes formative work on behalf of the association and the Residential Products Group.

In his nine-year involvement with AAMA, Strawn has participated in 88 AAMA task groups, committees or councils and currently serves as an active contributor to all 12 of the AAMA material and product councils. He is co-chair of the AAMA Code Action Committee and is an active member of 20 other committees including the Green and Sustainability Specification Development Task Group and the North American Fenestration Standard Committee.

Strawn has been with JELD-WEN, Inc. for more than 20 years, beginning as a group manager directing wood and window assembly and was instrumental in the introduction of vinyl window production to the company.

Marketing Distinguished Service Award- Kathy Krafka-Harkema, Pella Corporation

The Marketing Distinguished Service Award was presented to Kathy Krafka-Harkema, Corporate, public relations manager for Pella Corporation of Pella, Iowa, by Kim Flanary, Milgard Manufacturing, Inc., recipient of the previous year’s award.

This award is presented to acknowledge a single individual who has exhibited leadership and outstanding service in marketing.

Flanary stated that despite the inherent challenges of maintaining an effective synergy between technical and marketing disciplines, Krafka-Harkema is a “strong and effective team player” who has played a key role in the multitude of marketing topics and projects at AAMA meetings and within the committee and task group structure.

Krafka-Harkema has worked as an active contributor to 13 marketing-related committees and task groups and has remained involved in all aspects of marketing, from research to training to planning and communications and material production.

Additionally, chairs of AAMA task groups and other leaders were also recognized at the banquet. AAMA CEO and President Rich Walker commented that “it is essential to recognize the AAMA members who faithfully share their time, experience and knowledge to further the goals and initiatives at the task group and committee levels. The membership’s contribution of time and effort plays an integral part in the continued success of the association.”

Also during the Awards Banquet, the current AAMA Board of Directors was honored, and the changes in leadership on the Board were announced. Hershberger, having served as the chairman of the board for the past two years will now assume the role of vice chairman. Fronek, who has been serving for the past two years as vice chairman will now assume the role of chairman.

To learn more about AAMA, please visit www.aamanet.org. Sign up to get the AAMA latest news through the AAMA News and What’s New feeds.

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The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC) is pleased to welcome the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) as the sixth member of the group. PERC was founded in 2009 to develop research projects that will support the development of water efficiency and sustainable plumbing products, systems and practices. Projects will be financed through government grants, foundations and private financing.

Representing ASPE, the newest coalition member, is Jim Kendzel, executive director and CEO. The five charter member organizations are represented by Mary Ann Dickinson, Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE); Pete De Marco, International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Jay Peters, International Code Council (ICC); Gerry Kennedy, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC); and Barbara Higgens, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI).

Shown left to right at the recent Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Chicago are: Mary Ann Dickinson, President and CEO, Alliance for Water Efficiency; Jim Kendzel, Executive Director and CEO of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers; and Barbara C. Higgens, Executive Director of Plumbing Manufacturers International. Coalition members not pictured are G.P. Russ Chaney, Executive Director of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; Jay Peters, Executive Director, International Code Council; and Gerry Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors- National Association.

According to Kendzel, “The ASPE Board unanimously approved moving forward with joining the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition and signing the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) and Research Project agreement. The objectives of the Coalition are consistent with ASPE’s desire to provide the plumbing engineer community information that helps them to design plumbing systems that are environmentally sound while also protecting public health.” He thanked the Coalition on behalf of the ASPE Board of Directors for inviting ASPE to participate in this important industry effort.

Reflecting the sentiment of the Coalition, PMI’s Higgens responded, “PERC will be greatly enhanced through ASPE’s participation. Welcome aboard!”

PERC was formed in January 2009 through a MOU. The Coalition is comprised of industry organizations seeking to conduct much-needed research in a number of areas. PERC has identified drainline transport as its first research project. IAPMO’s DeMarco serves as project coordinator for this inaugural research study and also chairs the technical committee assigned to the project assigned to the project. Each of the member associations of PERC has named a representative to this committee.

With the parameters of the project now defined the organization is now seeking funding. In January 2011, PERC signed a MOU with the Australasian Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems Committee (AS Flow) at the offices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The MOU details several areas of collaboration between the groups to ensure that research efforts are not duplicated and that information and results care shared. AS Flow is also investigating the impact of reduced water flow in sanitary drainage systems, resulting from reduced water use from plumbing fixtures and fittings, appliances and commercial and institutional equipment.

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As a registered American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) provider, Linetec now offers “Choosing Sustainable Finishes.” This sustainable design presentation includes the informed selection of materials, products and manufacturers to reduce environmental impacts and improve building performance. The program is available as either an in-person presentation or as a self-guided online course.

Those who successfully complete “Choosing Sustainable Finishes” will gain a full understanding of:
* Why aluminum is chosen as a building product
* Sustainable considerations of architectural finishing, including anodize, PVDF (Kynar®) paint and powder coat
* American Architectural Manufacturers Association specifications and warranty information
* Environmental considerations in choosing a coatings provider
* How architectural finishing contributes to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™

Following the coursework, participants can earn 1.0 Learning Units (LUs) for Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) and Sustainable Design (SD). AIA-registered architects are required to earn 18 LUs in a calendar year. Of these, eight must be in HSW subjects. SD is a subset of HSW. Four of the eight HSW LUs must meet the established SD guidelines for mandatory continuing education.

In addition to “Choosing Sustainable Finishes,” Linetec’s “Introduction to Coatings: Field Performance and the Application Process” program helps the building community better understand field performance and the application process of architectural coatings. It explains the anodizing, painting and powder coating processes, describes specifications and compares the field performance of architectural finishes. Participants in either the online or in-person course are eligible for 1.0 LU/HSW.

“Fitting into architects’ busy schedules, these self-guided programs are available at their convenience 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. And, the content remains online for future reference by all,” says Linetec’s senior marketing specialist, Tammy Schroeder, LEED Green Associate.

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Window and Wall Systems has hired Chris Gall as its sales representative serving the Southeastern states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Ken Carpenter previously managed this territory during more than 25 years of employment with Wausau. Carpenter will retire at the end of February, officially transitioning to Gall.

“We appreciate Ken’s dedication and years of service. We are fortunate to have so many, highly-experienced, industry leaders at Wausau. We are proud to invest in continual improvement in our company and our people, including professional development and association involvement. We enjoy sharing this knowledge with our customers,” says John Bendt, Wausau’s vice president of sales.

Based in South Carolina, Gall works closely with the area’s building owners, architects, general contractors and glazing contractors. He began his career with Tubelite Inc., working his way up from warehouse manager to inside sales and estimating. For the last 14 years, his responsibilities included managing United States Aluminum Corporation’s sales teams and products, as well as its Government Services Administration/Department of Defense – Anti-Terrorist Force Protection group.

“Chris’ experience in the government market is a great complement to our team,” says David DeBettignies, Wausau’s regional sales manager. “His knowledge of blast hazard mitigation products and high-security applications, and of hurricane impact resistant products and high-wind applications, matches well with Wausau’s expertise to make him an ideal fit for the Southeast region.”

Part of the Advantage by Wausau standard products, Wausau’s Blast Hazard Mitigation (BHM) and Hurricane Series window systems are manufactured with recycled aluminum to meet green building goals and available with accelerated delivery to meet fast-track installation schedules. Combining environmentally-responsible finishes, recycled content, thermal performance, condensation resistance, natural ventilation, daylight and outside views, Wausau’s window systems may aid buildings seeking certification under such programs as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building Rating System™.

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