January 2010
Rubber Flooring
Freudenberg Building Systems Inc., manufacturer of nora rubber flooring, introduces noraplan fossil. The color granules that characterize the flooring resemble fossils found in nature. The multi-colored granules are embedded in one of 16 base colors, each a blend of three matched colors that supplement the existing flooring line’s range. The company says the floor’s smooth, nonglare finish makes it a compliment to wood, stone and other natural design elements.
Airflow Analysis
Flovent software from Flomerics Inc. simulates the flow of air through a structure and helps illustrate 3D airflow patterns, including velocities and distributions of variables, such as pressure and temperature. The product is a computational fluid dynamics software that predicts 3D airflow, heat transfer and contamination distribution in and around buildings of all types and sizes.
Waste Disposal
United Receptacle has recently become a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. The company manufactures steel products that contain more than 30% recycled steel, aluminum products that contain up to 70% recycled aluminum, and Perma-Wood products that are made from 100% recycled polyethylene.
The company’s products are powder-coated with Uni-Koat, which contains no VOCs. According to the company, using its products can help a building achieve LEED credits. In addition, it offers a line of recycling receptacles which also may help projects earn LEED credits.
Sun Shades
Tubelite Inc. recently introduced MaxBlock Sunshades to reduce solar heat gain by shading vision glass areas while allowing natural daylighting. Use of the sunshades can help lower building cooling costs and energy use attributed to air-conditioning. The sunshades are designed for use with Tubelite 200 Series and 400 Series curtainwalls and are available in a variety of styles. Finishes are available to match or contrast with the company’s curtainwall framing.
Flooring
Freudenberg Building Systems Inc. introduces noraplan environcare 3.0mm for educational facilities. It absorbs sound, contributing to improved classroom acoustics, and provides a soft underfoot for teachers who are on their feet all day. The flooring is slip- and wear-resistant and can withstand heavy traffic and indentations from classroom furniture.
Window Shade
Draper Flexshade Systems for sustainable solar control are available through the GreenSpec green building sector product directory. Draper offers mesh and blackout shades manufactured with Hexcel’s PVC-free 1260, 1277 and Screen Nature fabrics.
In addition to Hexcel fabrics, Draper’s PVC-free line also includes Roc-Rol, an opaque window shade fabric by Rockland , and Flocke and Obion fabrics from 3G Mermet.
Flooring systems
ECOsurfaces Commercial Flooring announces an expanded color collection for its most popular flooring line, ECOstone. Now offering 10 flexible and neutral colors and mirror contemporary commercial interior trends, ECOstone combines the classic look of marble with the resilience of ECOsurfaces products. The selection includes a palette of soft greys, warm beiges and bold charcoals.
Architectural Wall
KI’s Genius architectural walls are designed to offer a balance of aesthetic appeal, functional flexibility, acoustic privacy and environmental integrity. Manufactured using more than 70 percent recycled aluminum, Genius walls are 99 percent reusable and 96 percent recyclable. Genius walls are approved by the Greenguard Environmental Institute.
With a thickness of 3.5 inches and 22-gauge steel shells, Genius walls provide a sound transmission rating of 48. Increased functionality and VOC emissions reductions can be achieved by varying paint selection.