AAMA urges fenestration industry to contact Congress on tax credit modification and extension

On Dec. 4, 2010, the U.S. Senate rejected a proposal offered by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) that sought to extend and modify the Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit (Tax Code Section 25c) for windows that qualify toward energy-efficient home improvements. The current tax credit is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2010. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is calling on its members and the entire fenestration industry to contact their representatives and urge them to modify and extend this tax credit.

The cloture vote was rejected 53-36. Those in opposition to a floor vote included a bipartisan mix of all of the Republican Senators and a handful of other legislators: Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.).

“It is imperative for AAMA members – especially those whose representatives have opposed this legislation in the past – to contact their elected officials immediately,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s President and CEO. “Allowing the current tax credit to expire will have a significant, negative impact on American jobs that manufacture, sell and install qualifying, energy-efficient window products. As U.S. jobs are affected, so too are our local and national economies.”

Currently, the maximum $1,500 tax credit was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient windows and doors. Qualifying, fenestration products’ performance must be equal to or below a U-factor of .30 and SGHC of .30.

“Unfortunately, Sen. Baucus’ proposal was tied to the hotly-contested tax legislation that has taken center stage during the 2010 ‘lame duck’ session,” Walker continues. “Although there is talk of quickly building compromise legislation, the political divide on this issue continues to grow. And with compromise, as we have witnessed in past attempts to extend and modify the current tax credit, large portions of proposed legislation are jettisoned during the negotiation process.”

AAMA and its members are insisting that the proposed 25c tax credit extension and modification language remain intact and be included in any significant compromise legislation. In light of the opposition, AAMA continues its work to gain Congressional support for the introduction of stand-alone legislation to extend and modify the current tax credit.

For more information on AAMA’s advocacy efforts, please visit www.aamanet.org.
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Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Homes + Neighborhoods, Products | Comments Off on 12.08.10 Association News

Appleton Coated’s “Green Outlook” examines effective, environmental messaging for the green lifestyle

What is the Green Lifestyle? What sparks consumers’ interests? Where are the opportunities to communicate with these environmentally-thoughtful customers? How can companies share their green stories to build trust with consumers and successfully market their products and services? How are companies transforming their practices and processes to achieve green gains? Appleton Coated continues to ask – and answer – these important questions in the 2010 “Green Outlook.”
In its second-annual “Green Outlook,” Appleton Coated shares up-to-the moment trends, opportunities and statistics for effectively communicating with consumers who identify with the green lifestyle. To request a copy of the newly-released piece, please e-mail jsprangers@appletoncoated.com or visit www.utopiapaper.com.

“Our research found that consumers say it’s important to them that printed materials reflect an environmentally-responsible message. Knowing a company is mindful of its impact on the environment and society makes them more like to buy the products and services, less concerned about the purchase price, and more likely to recommend and be loyal to these companies,” says Ferkó Goldinger, advertising and promotion manager at Appleton Coated. “The research also reveals that, while CEOs believe sustainability is critical to the success of their business, many consumers are unsure who is telling the truth.”

Goldinger continues, “As the first coated mill to adopt extra post-consumer recovered fiber, Forest Stewardship Council£ certification and Green Power manufacturing, we have long-term experience in helping our customers meet the needs of their green messaging in print. We recommend the use of all three of these green product attributes, whenever possible. We work closely with customers to advise on the small choices that yield big rewards in optimizing their environmental savings.”

Appleton Coated’s “Green Outlook” showcases its Utopia® brand of premium, coated papers offered in a range of options to achieve the environmental goals of printed communication projects. All Utopia products are FSC®-certified and some are manufactured with up to 30% post-consumer fiber. All are either offered with Green Power as standard or with the ability to add it to the order.

In addition to Green Power manufacturing with renewable energy sources, Appleton Coated’s “Green Outlook” highlights the company’s focus on driving change through the supply chain, including:
* ISO 14001 Certification
* Solid waste reductions; re-use and recycling increases
* Fossil fuel reductions in manufacturing and transporting
* FSC certified products, pulp suppliers and post-consumer recovered fiber suppliers

Learn more about Appleton Coated’s environmental focus and features in the Utopia Green Zone. This online resource presents an easy, interactive format to compare up to four product choices and calculate the environmental savings.

Key Credits
Title: “Utopia Green Outlook: Your message for the green lifestyle”
Company: Appleton Coated LLC, Combined Locks, Wis.
Paper: Utopia U2:XG Matte, 80 lb. Cover, manufactured with Green-e® certified energy
Printing: four-color process + two match greens + match gray + dull aqueous coating
Research: Yankelovich, a part of the Futures Company, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Writing and Design: The Thorburn Group, Minneapolis
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Filed under: Appleton Coated, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Products, Type-Paper-Print | Comments Off on 12.07.10 Client News

U.S.A.’s Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC) and the Australasian Scientific Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems (ASFlow) to sign MoU at U.S. EPA headquarters

On Dec. 3, 2010 the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC) and the Australasian Scientific Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems (ASFlow) Committee will sign an historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Washington, D.C. Both organizations are working on research programs that seek to investigate the impact of reduced water flows in sanitary drainage systems resulting from reductions in water use from plumbing fixtures and fittings, appliances and commercial and institutional equipment.

The need to conduct this research is profound. Many plumbing experts are concerned that we are at or approaching a “tipping point” where a significant number of sanitary waste systems will be adversely affected by drainline transport problems, especially in larger commercial systems that have long horizontal drain lines to the sewer. In fact, the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense® incentive labeling program is holding off developing a specification for High Efficiency Commercial Toilets pending research in the area of drainline transport.

The MoU details several areas of collaboration to ensure that research efforts are not duplicated and that information and research results are shared between the two organizations. In addition, the MoU calls for both organizations to interact internationally with standards developing organizations and other researchers for the betterment of global water efficiency efforts.

Signing the MoU for ASFlow will be Jeffrey Clark of the South Australian Water Corporation and chair of the ASFlow Committee, and for PERC, Peter DeMarco of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), chair of the PERC Technical Committee.

“This is the first MoU that we are aware of that calls for international collaboration on water efficiency research efforts” says DeMarco. “We can learn a great deal from our interactions with ASFlow and being able to develop our efforts building upon their knowledge and experience will be extremely important for PERC.”

PERC has recently developed a low-cost work plan for investigating reduced flows in drainage systems, with input from ASFlow, and is seeking funding to conduct their research program. PERC is hopeful that their program will receive funding and that work will commence in 2011.

About PERC
The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition is a collaborative effort between the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the International Code Council (ICC), the Plumbing – Heating – Cooling Contractors – National Association (PHCC), and the Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI). PERC was formed as a mechanism to support voluntary participation on plumbing related research projects that pertain to water efficiency.
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Filed under: ASSOCIATION NEWS, Buildings + Infrastructure, Green Goals, Products | Comments Off on 12.01.10 Association News

University of Wisconsin at Whitewater’s Starin Hall reaches accessible, sustainable goals with help from Wausau’s windows

photo by Nels Akerlund, provided by Potter Lawson

In July 2010, the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater (UW-Whitewater) opened Starin Hall residence facility for juniors, seniors and graduate students. Its 119 suites boast expansive campus views, daylighting and natural ventilation, courtesy of Wausau Window and Wall Systems.

Wausau’s operable windows contribute to the hall’s energy efficiency, low maintenance, long lifespan and its anticipated Gold certification under the LEED® Green Rating System. If successful in achieving U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification, Starin Hall will be the first state-owned, LEED-certified residence hall in the state.

As the first new residence hall to be built on the UW-Whitewater campus in more than 40 years, much thought was given to the building’s design and construction. In lieu of the two separate buildings that Starin Hall replaced, Potter Lawson and design partner Cannon Design envisioned a single residence hall with two distinct north and south wings. J.P. Cullen & Sons; Janesville, Wis., served as the project’s general contractor, helping bring the $33 million project to life.

The resulting, new student residence includes 90 four-person, traditionally-designed suites; 10 Resident Assistant suites; and 19 four-person, “universal design” suites, doubling the number required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Universal design creates environments that are accessible for all users, regardless of age, mobility, visual, auditory or mental ability.

In addition to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for students with disabilities, University officials were committed to supporting the “UW Builds Green” initiative. Supporting this initiative, more than 550 projected, high-performance windows were provided by Wausau and installed by glazing contractor B&D Contractors, Inc. Manufactured in Wausau’s own LEED-Silver facility, the operable units feature Low-E glazing to maximize solar energy control for the majority of the suite’s southern exposures.

Along with thermal performance, interior comfort, daylighting and view, building projects

photo by Nels Akerlund, provided by Potter Lawson

seeking LEED certification also may benefit from recycled material content. As part of its Advantage by Wausau product offering, all standard, projected windows now are fabricated using recycled aluminum, while continuing to meet education facilities’ accelerated construction timelines and limited budgets.

The aluminum frames for both Wausau’s 3250 Series and 4250 Series windows are protected with a durable, two-coat, 70% fluropolymer, Sandstone-colored coating, painted by Linetec. Wausau’s finished window units are backed with up to a 10-year warranty for reliable, smooth-operating performance in buildings with high use and extreme climates.

Attaining the project’s environmental and accessibility goals meant taking a highly-collaborative approach. Early in the project’s planning stages, workshops on universal and sustainable design concepts were held on campus. Staff, students and university representatives teamed with project architects at Potter Lawson to establish the high level of accommodation desired in the new residence, as well as a common awareness of green-minded concepts that would be used throughout the building’s design. Students toured new residence halls on two other UW campuses to explore how various environmental design options could support and enrich their campus experience.

The resulting accessible and sustainable design elements are found throughout Starin Hall’s public and private spaces. All 436 residents can monitor their power usage through a touch-screen kiosk in the lobby area. Each energy-efficient suite includes four single-occupancy, 9-by-12-foot bedrooms; a common area, kitchenette and bathroom.

Students with disabilities will find multi-gender bathrooms to accommodate caregivers, roll-in showers with stools, as well as lowered service desks, two elevator banks, and hallways and doorways suitable to handle their wheelchairs. Other building amenities include office and support facilities, a front desk/main lounge area, a faculty office, two collaborative learning rooms, a dividable seminar room, a computer lab, game rooms and a multi-purpose basement. The basement common spaces and ground floor join Starin Hall’s two residential wings, as does a glass-enclosed bridge on the upper floors.

An external courtyard between the two wings includes a walking path and a small gathering space at the courtyard’s west end. The crushed limestone used for walking path’s base reduces the environmental impact of impervious surfaces, but still allows universal access. Several student entrances to the hall are level with an adjacent residence parking lot. The 50-stall parking lot offers eight parking stalls marked as handicapped accessible. The parking area also contains a trash/recycling enclosure and covered bike stalls.

photo by Nels Akerlund, provided by Potter Lawson

The site’s location preserved existing green space. The new landscaping includes deciduous trees, lawn areas, and low shrubs. No irrigation was included in the project, so plants were selected for drought tolerance, high disease resistance, and low maintenance.

Of the 1,134 students who applied to live in Starin Hall, less than one-third gained acceptance for the 2010-11 school year. All of those on UW’s campus can be proud to add the new residential hall to the university’s long list of accomplishments: national-champion football and wheelchair basketball teams, a place in history as Wisconsin’s second public college, a commitment to accommodating students with disabilities and a dedication to creating a sustainable, environmentally-friendly campus.

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Starin Hall, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis.
Owner:  University of Wisconsin
Architect:  Potter Lawson, Inc.; Madison, Wis.,
in partnership with Cannon Design; Chicago
Contractor:  J.P. Cullen & Sons; Janesville, Wis.
Glazing contractor:  B&D Contractors, Inc.; New Berlin, Wis.
Glazing systems – manufacturer:  Wausau Window and Wall Systems; 4250 Series and 3250 Series windows; Wausau, Wis.
Glazing systems – finisher:  Linetec; Wausau, Wis.

Filed under: Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Linetec, Projects, USGBC, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 11.30.10 Client News

aLuminate light shelves by Tubelite accentuate daylighting designs

Tubelite Inc. announces aLuminate™ light shelves, supporting U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System criteria for daylighting and views, thermal comfort, optimized energy performance and recycled content. aLuminate‘s reflector extrusions feature a wave-type pattern that diffuses sunlight and projects it deep into the room. Increasing the reach of natural light into an interior space helps reduce the energy demands associated with artificial lighting.

aLuminate light shelves are designed for use with Tubelite’s curtainwall and storefront systems. All of Tubelite’s framing systems, sun shades and light shelves are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly finishes. aLuminate light shelves also are compatible with many other manufacturers’ aluminum framing systems, during new construction or as a retrofit application.

The light shelves are available in 18-, 24-, 30- and 36-inch in-rigger projection depths with horizontal spans up to 60 inches. “They are easy-to-install thanks to a unique, in-rigger bracket that fastens at the interior vertical framing member, and snap-fits with the light-weight reflector blades,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “The bracket system and the light-weight material also makes it easy to remove individual sections for glass cleaning or future renovations.”

Typically, light shelves’ upward facing surfaces are painted bright white for maximum reflectivity and diffusion of sunlight. aLuminate light shelves also may be finished to match, or to accent, adjacent framing materials and décor. If desired, the reflector extrusions’ top and bottom surfaces can be finished in different colors. All of Tubelite’s architectural products’ painted finishes are applied in an environmentally effective manner to control 100% of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOC-free and ultra low-VOC finishing options also are available.

To learn more about aLuminate light shelves by Tubelite and other environmentally-responsible, energy-saving, finished products, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Products, Tubelite Inc., USGBC | Comments Off on 11.23.10 Client News

Environmentally-friendly finishes available on all of Wausau’s window and curtainwall framing

* displayed at Greenbuild 2010 *

With a palette exceeding 30,000 color choices, Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ assortment of durable finishes may be requested as liquid or powder coatings with ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and VOC-free content, or as eco-friendly, VOC-free anodize.

Environmentally-responsible finishes and secondary (recycled) aluminum billet are standard for all of Wausau’s products. These include high-performance windows, doors, sun shades, light shelves, curtainwall, window wall and other systems and components. Specified on recycled aluminum, these finishes contribute to a low-maintenance, long lifecycle and support the U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Rating System.

Linetec provides eco-friendly finishing services for Wausau, ensuring color consistency and quality for all finished, aluminum components on the building. Among Wausau’s eco-friendly anodize options is a proprietary, copper color that maintains its desired color over time and under harsh environmental conditions. According to Linetec, the copper anodize has been tested to meet all AAMA 611 Class 1 specifications and weathering tests. “Now, we can offer Wausau and its customers the look of rich, real copper without such shortcomings as salt run-off stains, galvanic corrosion and patina,” says Linetec’s senior marketing specialist, Tammy Schroeder, LEED Green Associate.

Choosing the eco-friendly anodize creates an aesthetically-appealing, matte finish that helps hide small imperfections that may occur on the aluminum surface of both primary and secondary billet. Compared with traditional etch processes, Linetec’s anodize process for Wausau consumes less energy and reduces waste sent to landfills by 90%. Furthermore, the eco-friendly anodize etch process has the viscosity of water and will not collect in the small recesses of aluminum extrusions or narrow aluminum tubes during processing.

In addition to eco-friendly anodize, Wausau’s recycled, aluminum framing may be finished with liquid or powder coatings. Because powder coatings lack solvents, they emit zero VOCs. Liquid coatings are made with solvents that contain VOCs, but their VOC content is off-gassed and cured at the factory before arrival on the building site. The liquid coating applied in Linetec’s factory uses a 100% air capture system and destroys the VOCs with a regenerative thermal oxidizer, so there is no adverse environmental impact.

For green building projects with flexible schedules using Wausau’s products, liquid paints may be composed of up to 100% post-industrial waste. Dual colors may be specified to match the building’s interior and exterior design palettes.

Further demonstrating its commitment to energy-efficiency and environmental leadership, Wausau’s LEED-Silver manufacturing center is constructed with the same high-performance systems and eco-friendly finishes that it provides to customers. Wausau’s products continue to be backed by the company’s long-standing warranty of up to 10 years.
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Filed under: Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Linetec, Products, USGBC, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 11.20.10 Client News

Tubelite’s 3700 Series windows manufactured with EcoLuminum recycled aluminum

* Tubelite will be exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #L516 *

Tubelite Inc. announces its 3700 Series window now are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Presenting the opportunity for natural ventilation, these operable windows are available as conventional, concealed and casement units.

Operable windows offer a seasonal opportunity to reduce energy demands and consumption, while enhancing occupants’ comfort. Coupled with the benefits of maximizing daylight and views, resources with recycled content, Tubelite’s windows may contribute to projects seeking certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System.

“Whether choosing casements; project-in or project-out vent designs — these windows are engineered to let fresh air into the building through a storefront or curtainwall system,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “The concealed vent design is virtually invisible from the outside of the building, with no visible frame.”

Special glazing pocket adapters allow the 3700 Series windows to be easily incorporated with Tubelite’s other framing systems. Because each profile is extruded using Tubelite’s EcoLuminum, it contains a minimum of 80% reclaimed aluminum. This incorporates a post-consumer content average of 34%. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100% reclaimed aluminum.

EcoLuminum consumes 95% less energy to produce than that of standard, non-recycled billet. In addition, Tubelite products finished in eco-friendly anodize send 90% less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing. Painted finishes also can be specified, applied and controlled in an environmentally-effective manner to minimize, or even eliminate, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These architectural-grade finishes minimize maintenance and further protect the windows for reliable operation.

Tubelite’s 3700 Series windows are tested to meet, or exceed, the industry’s most stringent criteria for resisting air leakage, water penetration, forced-entry, while upholding structural integrity. Contributing to its architectural-grade and long lifecycles, these windows are fabricated using mitered corners and screw-spline frame joinery.

These durable, operable windows accommodate up to 1-inch glass thickness. Along with selecting glass that promotes energy-efficiency, the units may be specified with a thermal barrier for enhanced performance and comfort.

Extending occupants’ comfort, screens are available to keep out insects. Those with aluminum frames can be finished to match the windows’ framing. Screens also may be specified with optional wickets for easy access to handles and locks through the inset windows. Other hardware choices may be requested, such as roto-crank handles on casements.

Tubelite’s 3700 Series windows joins the company’s other energy-saving, recycled-content products, which include the Therml=Block insulated door and 300ES Curtainwall, the Max/Block™ daylight control sunshade system, and aLuminate™ light shelves. To learn more about Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems manufactured using the company’s new EcoLuminum finished aluminum materials, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com.
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For high-resolution images, please see
http://heatherwestpr.com/webimages/Tubelite_3700Series_ConcealedVent.jpg
http://heatherwestpr.com/webimages/Tubelite_3700Series_CalvaryChurch2.jpg
http://heatherwestpr.com/webimages/Tubelite_3700Series_CalvaryChurch1.jpg

Filed under: Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Products, Tubelite Inc., USGBC | Comments Off on 11.18.10 Client News

AAMA Publishes Voluntary Specifications for Organic Coatings on Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Profiles

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has published three revised voluntary specifications related to factory-applied, organic coatings on fiber-reinforced thermoset profiles.

The three documents were revised by AAMA’s Fiberglass Material Council Finishes Committee, chaired by Tim Niland (Spraylat Corporation). Niland states, “The architectural community has recognized the outstanding attributes associated with fiber-reinforced thermoset profiles for windows, doors and other related building products. Many of these profiles have organic, applied coatings to provide selected colors and enhance the durability.”

AAMA 623-10, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles describes test procedures and performance requirements for organic coatings applied to fiber-reinforced thermoset profiles for windows, doors and similar products.

AAMA 624-10,Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles describes test procedures and performance requirements for high performance, organic coatings applied to fiber-reinforced thermoset profiles for windows, doors and similar products.

AAMA 625-10, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles describes test procedures and performance requirements for superior performance, organic, coatings applied to fiber-reinforced thermoset profiles for windows, doors and similar products.

Ken Brenden, AAMA Technical Services Manager states, “These three performance specification are intended to assist architects, owners and contractors in specifying and obtaining factory applied organic coatings, which will provide a certain level of performance in terms of film integrity, exterior durability and general appearance over a period of many years.”

Click here to view the chart comparing AAMA 623-10, 624-10 and 615-10.

AAMA 623-10, AAMA 624-10 and AAMA 625-10 are available in the online AAMA Publication Store. More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA Media Relations page  or at the AAMA website, www.aamanet.org.

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Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Products | Comments Off on 11.18.10 Association News

Tubelite’s entrance systems welcome students to Denver Public Schools’ LEED-Gold Evie Garrett Dennis Campus

* Tubelite will be exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #L516 *

Denver Public Schools’ Evie Garrett Dennis Campus is a testament to the power of innovation, environmental responsibility and community support. The first facility in Denver Public Schools to attain Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® for Schools Rating System, it is one of the most efficient school facilities in the State of Colorado. Contributing to this achievement, the E-12 campus features Tubelite Inc.‘s entrance systems manufactured with recycled aluminum and eco-friendly finishes.

Located in the rapidly growing Green Valley Ranch area of northeast Denver, the campus will serve 1,700 students in three separate schools when complete. SOAR K-5 charter elementary school and a second campus of the Denver School of Science & Technology 6-12 charter school opened in September 2010. A third school, Vista Academy, is expected to open in Fall 2011. The campus is named after retired Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Dr. Evie Garrett Dennis, Denver’s first African-American superintendent.

The 35-acre campus hosts four separate buildings totaling 190,000 square feet. Intentionally designed to resemble a small college campus, the grounds include shared space in a new student union and new regional sports complex. The project’s design goals were created through a collaborative group process comprised of members of the Green Valley River community and led by project architects DLR Group.

Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability were important elements of the Evie Dennis campus‘ $43 million design. Two of the four buildings are classified as net zero-energy facilities. Aiding in this, the complex includes some of the newest technologies that reduce the need for energy and other natural resources.

Contributing to the campus’ sustainability goals and aesthetic appeal are entrance systems from Tubelite. Manufactured using EcoLuminum™, Tubelite’s high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite formulated EcoLuminum’s standard billet composition to contain a minimum of 80% reclaimed aluminum. EcoLuminum’s recycled billet consumes 95% less energy to produce than that of standard, non-recycled billet.

In addition, Tubelite products using an eco-friendly anodize finish send 90% less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing. Painted finishes also can be specified, applied and controlled in an environmentally-effective manner to minimize, or even eliminate, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These architectural-grade finishes, applied by Linetec, help minimize maintenance and further protect the entrance systems’ rigorous operation.

Engineered to withstand heavy use in schools, public buildings and other high-traffic areas, Tubelite’s T14000 Storefront and Monumental Wide Stile doors were selected by general contractor Saunders Construction and installed by glazing contractor Metropolitan Glass.

“We’ve worked with Tubelite for many years,” says Jim Lynch of Metropolitan Glass. “The promptness of their deliveries is reliable and important to us and to keeping the projects’ on schedule. The installation of the doors went smoothly and was on time.”

The doors’ durable tie-rod construction, five-inch-wide stiles, up to 10-inch-high bottom rails, and heavy-duty hardware meet the school’s performance requirements. The entrance systems’ sightlines complement the overall, architectural balance.

DLR Group’s design also incorporated extensive daylighting as a key strategy to lower utility costs. Wausau Window and Wall Systems® fixed and projected 2250 Series windows were specified to assist with maximizing natural light, outdoor views, natural ventilation and thermal performance. Additional sustainability features within the complex include geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, water conservation, materials with recycled content, enhanced indoor air quality, and optimized operational and maintenance practices.

Technology was also an important component of the Evie Dennis campus. Each classroom offers an interactive whiteboard, touch-screen TVs are scattered throughout the four main buildings, and computer network and Wi-Fi capabilities encourage campus-wide connectivity.

The campus was funded through a $454 million bond, the largest school construction bond in Colorado history. The project was completed ahead of schedule and approximately $6 million under budget, allowing Denver Public Schools to add another school building to the two schools originally planned. Planning for the complex was done in partnership with Denver-based homebuilder Oakwood Homes and the Foundation for Educational Excellence.

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Evie Garrett Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride Street, Denver, Colo.
* Owner: Denver Public Schools; Denver
* Architect: DLR Group; Denver, Colo.
* Contractor: Saunders Construction; Centennial, Colo.
* Developer: HC Development/Oakwood Homes; Denver
* Glazing contractor: Metropolitan Glass; Denver
* Entrance systems –  manufacturer: Tubelite Inc.; Walker, Mich.
* Entrance systems –  finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wis.

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For a high-resolution images, please see http://heatherwestpr.com/webimages/Tubelite_DenverPubSchools1.jpg, http://heatherwestpr.com/webimages/Tubelite_DenverPubSchools2.jpg.

Filed under: Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Linetec, Projects, Tubelite Inc., USGBC, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 11.16.10 Client News

Kolbe offers engineered bamboo as a new, interior species option

* This product will be displayed at Greenbuild 2010 in booth #489 and at International Builders Show 2011 in booth #W929 *

Kolbe expands its selection of interior wood species to include a new, special option – Lamboo®, an engineered, laminated veneer bamboo (LVB) product.

“Bamboo is the most renewable material of its kind currently available for the building products industry,” Kolbe’s product and market analyst, Lance Premeau, LEED® Green Associate.  “Selected from more than 1600 species of bamboo, Lamboo LVB products are manufactured from four of the strongest, fast growing and sustainable species.”

He adds, “Similar in density to Hard Maple, Lamboo has no knots or voids and is pressed into two different grain types. The solid, uniform, engineered surface is easy to clean. This low maintenance and long lifecycle is enhanced by bamboo’s natural, antimicrobial properties that also help resist pests, molds and moisture.”

According to Kolbe’s supplier, Lamboo Inc. of Springfield, Ill., this LVB product is 20% more stable than wood in moisture and temperature changes, has 10 times the tensile strength of wood, uses 15% less embodied energy than wood, and sequesters 35% more carbon in the growing cycle than timber. As a rapidly renewable material, Lamboo allows a four- to six-year harvest cycle, about half of the harvest cycle allowable under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System.

In addition to LEED’s Materials and Resources credits, Lamboo’s use of ecologically responsible adhesives also may contribute to Indoor Environmental Quality credits for low-emitting materials within the composite wood and agrifiber products category. In addition to Kolbe’s materials sourcing, recycled content and manufacturing processes, its windows and doors support daylighting, outside views, energy-efficiency and other attributes that are recognized by LEED.

Those who request Kolbe’s Lamboo for the interior face of their windows and doors also may select from a choice of stain colors and custom-matched finishes. Kolbe’s products are finished with sensitivity to environmental air quality and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), enhancing these long-lasting, low-maintenance window and doors.

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Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Homes + Neighborhoods, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Products, USGBC | Comments Off on 11.15.10 Client News