NEW YORK — Two studies from McGraw-Hill Construction (MGH) and one developed by Turner Construction, both international building contractors headquartered in New York, show that the demand for green buildings continues to increase despite the struggling worldwide economy.
In fact, one MGH study indicates that 81 percent of U.S. executives believe the public expects them to “institutionalize” sustainability.
SAN DIEGO — On Feb. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a total of five medical centers and universities with the Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award for their efforts to reduce emissions while increasing energy efficiency. The awards were presented at the International District Energy Association’s Annual Campus Energy Conference in San Diego.
ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Since opening in August 2012, the $956 million Palomar Medical Center West in Escondido has earned several accolades for its commitment to sustainable building practices.
HYDER, Ariz. — Construction on another Arizona solar photovoltaic facility, the Hyder II Solar Power Plant, will begin in April and is slated for completion in December.
After being promoted to vice president for Skanska USA Building’s northeast region, Norm O’Brien is now responsible for the environmental, health and safety plans of the company. O’Brien brings 25 years of experience as a construction safety professional to his new position. He has worked at Skanska for 13 years and operated as EHS director for the New England region for the past five years. He also served on the firm’s national EHS leadership team.
The environmentally friendly FloorFront finish by Spartan provides long-term high gloss and low maintenance for high traffic floors. Providing users cost savings and durable shine, the floor solution requires half the burnishing, recoating and stripping required for other zinc-free finishes, according to the company. The product meets Green Seal’s GS-40 standards for industrial and institutional floor care products, based on reduced human and aquatic toxicity and reduced smog production potential. It also contains no heavy metals for a greener effect.
Xero Flor America introduces its Green Roof System. The German technology-based system is 100 percent American made and grown on local farms. It uses pre-vegetated mats that have been engineered and refined for more than four decades, according to the company.
AUSTIN, Texas — Despite President Obama’s plans to increase renewable energies, such as wind and solar power, renewable energy advocates in Texas are struggling to make progress in those areas.
FEDERAL HEIGHTS, Colo. — On Jan. 30, a construction project began in which a 70-ton crane was used to lift 2,244 solar panels for the new 662-kilowatt solar energy system being added to The Pinnacle Charter School in Federal Heights.
The project is financed by Distributed Sun, a Washington-based commercial solar developer and platform service provider. Denver-based Bella Energy is the engineering, procurement and construction firm building the 662-kilowatt solar electric generation system for the K-12 campus.
