Welcome to the January 2010 issue of Commercial Building Products' E-News industry newsletter. This newsletter is designed to keep you abreast of the business side of our industry. You are receiving this newsletter because you are a Commercial Building Products subscriber. See the instructions at the end of this issue if you no longer want to receive this newsletter. If you like what it has to offer, please share it with co-workers so they might also subscribe. We encourage your feedback.—Gary L. Parr, Editorial Director, gparr@cbpmagazine.com

Bayer supports UNEP Common Carbon Metric for Buildings

Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Pittsburgh, a provider of materials used in the global-construction industry, supports a proposal by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for a globally consistent Common Carbon Metric for Buildings, which will provide a common language for measuring greenhouse-gas emissions and energy efficiency of buildings.
   A report released by UNEP SBCI (Sustainable Building and Climate Initiative), "Buildings and Climate Change—Summary for Decision Makers," says energy-efficient buildings could significantly contribute to reducing the risks of climate change. It calls for buildings to be included in any declaration on emissions reductions arising from the recent COP15 meeting in Copenhagen.
   Patrick Thomas, CEO of Bayer MaterialScience, said that, as a member of the UNEP SBCI, Bayer MaterialScience fully supports proposals in the report. "Having one common tool—a common language—in place will provide an internationally coherent and consistent method for measuring the climate footprint of buildings for the first time," said Thomas. "Bayer MaterialScience has been involved in inventing and producing energy-efficient processes and products for the last 60 years. We fully agree with the directions being taken by UNEP SBCI and are delighted that it has included our EcoCommercial Building program in its deliberations."
   The EcoCommercial Building initiative was launched by Bayer MaterialScience in 2007 as part of the Bayer Climate Program. A key element is the network that the company has built up with suppliers, construction companies, architects, and property developers. Bayer contributes its expertise and high-tech products and arranges for the involvement of suitable companies from the network to facilitate tailored solutions for the construction of energy-optimized commercial and public buildings that range from low-energy and passive constructions to zero-emission buildings.

NCCER Green Module earns USGBC approval

The National Center for Construction Education and Research's (NCCER, Gainesville, FL), “Your Role in the Green Environment” curriculum has been approved by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, for 15 hours of continuing education under the Green Building Certification Institute’s (GBCI), Washington, Credentialing Maintenance Program.
   Under the new Credentialing Maintenance Program, LEED-Accredited Professionals (APs) must earn 30 continuing education (CE) hours every two years and LEED Green Associates must earn 15 CE hours every two years to maintain their LEED credentials.
   "We are very excited about having our green training program approved by USGBC to support maintenance of LEED-credentials," said Daniele Stacey, NCCER product-development director. "Having our program approved by USGBC for continuing education illustrates the value and instructional integrity of this training program."
   In addition to providing LEED credentials, students successfully completing NCCER’s green training program through an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor will earn industry-recognized credentials through the NCCER National Registry.
   "Your Role in the Green Environment” is also available in an e-book version through NCCER's online curricula, Contren Connect. For more information about the e-book version and all green updates, visit the online catalog at www.nccer.org. For more information about the LEED credentials, visit www.usgbc.org or www.gbci.org.

Lighting Science to work with NASA to develop space lighting

Lighting Science Group Corp., Satellite Beach, FL, a manufacturer of LED lighting products, and the NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center have signed a two-year agreement to jointly develop a high-illumination and good color-rendering LED light fixture for space exploration. "LED lighting is a perfect solution for space exploration because of its ability to function in extreme temperatures and its bright white and variable light." said Daniel C. Shultz, of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, "Any multipurpose light source used on spacecraft will also need to exhibit long life and excellent color rendering—important for our astronauts’ ability to see and to be aware of unknown surroundings."
   According to Zach Gibler, chief executive officer, Lighting Science, "This agreement opens up opportunities for Lighting Science to take lighting advances developed for space exploration and translate them into earth-bound LED lighting applications that benefit the day-to-day lives of people here and now."
   The two-year agreement calls for development of a lighting-fixture prototype that will meet the unique demands of space equipment and space travel including control, vibration, off-gassing, electromagnetic interference, and other spacecraft issues. With a life of 50,000 hours, LEDs require only infrequent maintenance, which is ideal for space exploration. LEDs are also easily controlled, providing smooth dimmability and constant color temperature throughout the dimming range.

PPG white paper helps you evaluate coatings warranties

PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, has published a white paper that helps architects, specifiers, consultants, and building owners evaluate and compare extrusion-coatings warranties from architectural coating suppliers. The six-page document examines warranty terms and conditions, and details performance variables such as film integrity, weathering, and corrosion resistance as they relate to industry-standard specifications from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), Schaumburg, IL, and Qualicoat, Zurich, Switzerland.
   Henry L. Lowman, PPG global director of extrusion coatings, said the white paper helps building professionals thoroughly understand warranty issues so they can more effectively protect their coatings investment. "The metal coating industry is constantly evolving and there are many suppliers in different parts of the world issuing different kinds of warranties," he explained. "This document will help people who buy metal coatings ask the right questions and negotiate the right warranty terms before they commit to a purchase that can costs millions of dollars."
   Click here to download a copy of the white paper or visit www.ppgideascapes.com

Shaw Contract's Design Is. . . Award program wants your entry

The Shaw Contract Group's (Cartersville, GA), Design Is... Award program asks entrants to define what design is through the challenges, processes, and results of their projects. Entries are now being accepted for the 5th annual awards. Design firms may enter their projects online at www.shawcontractgroup.com/designIs/entry through February 26, 2010.
   Shaw Contract Group will promote winning projects through marketing materials, media outreach, and an advertising campaign in leading publications. In addition, winning firms each receive $2,000 to donate to a school or organization of their choice.
   "Since 2006, Shaw Contract Group has donated $36,000 through the Design Is... Award program to support design education and social responsibility in the name of the winning firms," said John Stephens, vice president of marketing. "Not only do we feel that the Design Is... Award is identifying projects worthy of discussion by the community at large, we are proud that this program is doing so much to advance the power and reach of design, along with the solutions that design presents."
   In 2009, more than 300 projects were entered in the program, including work from top firms and installations around the globe. Because carpet is only a part of the project, the overall design of the space is considered. All design projects using Shaw Contract Group products, completed between February 2008 and February 2010 are eligible.

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