PODCAST: USGBC Raises Awareness About State of America’s Schools
WASHINGTON — On March 12, the Center for Green Schools at the U.S.
April 2013
George W. Bush Presidential Center Celebrates LEED Platinum
DALLAS — A dedication ceremony was held April 25 for the LEED Platinum-certified George W. Bush Presidential Center — home of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute.
PODCAST: Green Colleges Influence Student Applications
NEW YORK — On April 16, The Princeton Review published The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2013 Edition, the company’s fourth release of the free guidebook, which highlights 320 environmentally responsible campuses in the U.S. and two in Canada.
University Researchers Develop Wood-Based Recyclable Solar Cells
ATLANTA — By using natural substrates derived from plants, researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University developed recyclable solar cells that are partially made from trees. Plus, by fabricating them on cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) substrates, the solar cells can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle.
Temple University to Build High-Tech Library
PHILADELPHIA — Construction of a new $180 million research library building on Temple University’s Philadelphia campus is moving forward with the announcement earlier this month that Marlton, N.J.-headquartered Hill International will provide construction management services on the project. The 3.5-year contract is approximately $5 million.
Solvent-Free Treatments
Fila, a natural surface care specialist, launches three new eco-friendly products: the stain proofing Fila MP90 Eco, FilaFob Eco and color enhancing Filastone Plus Eco. Applicable on food contact surfaces, these LEED compliant solutions can treat polished porcelain, ceramics, polished natural stone, terrazzo and crackle-glaze tiles. Fila MP90 Eco seals, protects and promotes easy maintenance, while FilaFob provides stain protection and is ideal for absorbent surfaces including natural stone and brick, according to the company.
Efficient Toilet System
A new line of high-efficiency commercial toilet flushing systems from American Standard conserves nearly one-third the amount of water used by a standard toilet for a more earth-friendly solution. With combined FloWise water-saving technology and hands-free Selectronic controls, the system clears the bowl using 1.1 gallons per flush, according to the company. The product is suitable for the Afwall and Madera toilets, which come with an EverClean permanent finish to inhibit growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew for added bacteria.
Cynthia D. Walston
Cynthia D. Walston, FAIA, LEED AP was chosen to serve the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects due to her contributions to the advancement of the profession and specifically for her achievements in laboratory and educational environmental design. The leader of the science and education practice group at Houston-based FKP Architects, Walston is known for propelling research and science education design.
Alan Shepherd
Alan Shepherd, PE, LEED AP, the new vice president and director of the WSP Flack + Kurtz Built Ecology practice, is based at the firm’s San Francisco office. Overseeing the specialty practice, Shepherd will lead project teams to provide analysis, design and consulting to clients on issues related to energy and carbon, indoor environmental and water quality, as well as LEED.
Solar PV System Installed at CU-Boulder
BOULDER, Colo. — In January, Panasonic Eco Solutions North America completed the installation of a 500 kW solar photovoltaic power generation system at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder).