Tankless water heaters from Takagi heats water as it is used rather than heating and storing water, the method used with inefficient conventional water heaters. Coils inside the unit automatically turn on and become heated once the hot water tap is turned on. Cold water from the main line passes through the copper coils and is heated.
The Flo-Well storm water leaching system from NDS Inc. features a large plastic container with holes in the side walls. When buried in the ground, the plastic walls provide structural support and the container serves as a void into which water can be collected and slowly leached out in to the soil.
GreenGuard introduces the MAX building wrap, an air and water barrier material for commercial and residential buildings. Wall systems include exterior cladding and a water-restive barrier. A breathable coating allows moisture to escape and reduces the build-up of condensation.
The building wrap is available in sizes of 9 feet x 100 feet, 9 feet x 150 feet and 10 feet x 150 feet. It meets national, standard, uniform and international building codes for moisture protection and weather-resistant barriers.
Two hand soaps from Enviro-Solutions, ES 50 deodorant lotion soap and ES 59 soy and walnut shell hand cleaner, were certified by the independent EcoLogo program.
The certification verifies that the hand soaps perform as well or better than conventional hand cleaners, according to Enviro-Solutions. The certification also ensures that the products have limited toxicity, are biodegradable and produce minimal waste, are derived from sustainable sources, and have fewer ingredients that are considered harmful to peoples’ health and the environment.
ClimateMaster added 6-ton units to its Tranquility 27 series of geothermal and water-source heat pumps that use EarthPure zero ozone depletion refrigerant. The product line features double-isolated compressor mounting and an ECM variable speed fan motor, foil-backed air handler insulation, MERV11 pleated 2-inch filters and dehumidification mode.
Pumps are available in 2 to 6 tons with efficiencies up to 31.5 EER and 5.1 COP. They are rated for water loop heat pump, ground loop heat pump and ground water heat pump in upflow, downflow, horizontal and split system configurations.
Tradical Hemcrete from American Lime Technology is a sustainable system for the construction of walls, roofs and plasters. It is a blend of hemp shiv, which is a hemp aggregate made from the stem of the hemp plant, and a lime-based binder. Together they form a bio-composite building material that is fire- and pest-resistant that helps capture carbon dioxide emissions.
It is made from mostly renewable sources and is mixed on site for fast-track construction. The product is low density and has high thermal and sound insulation, and good vapor permeability.
The F-9000SS waterfree urinal from Falcon Waterfree Technologies saves approximately 40,000 gallons of water per year. The bowl is constructed of grade 304, 16-gauge stainless steel with a matte finish. It includes a patented cartridge with biodegradable sealant, which acts as a barrier against bacteria and odors.
The no-flush mechanism eliminates valve maintenance and water use costs. The urinal includes all installation hardware and an instructional DVD.
The QA Graphics energy dashboard provides information to educate occupants about real-time energy efficiencies, carbon footprint and green initiatives within a building. The information is presented on an interactive touch screen with a format similar to many Web sites. The product was recently installed at the Carroll County Public Library in Maryland.
DuHybrid air-conditioning system from DuCool is powered by solar thermal energy or electricity to reduce the energy required for cooling by up to 60 percent, compared to standard air conditioning, according to the company. The system combines desiccant dehumidification with evaporative or geothermal cooling to eliminate the need for conventional mechanical cooling. It utilizes solar thermal energy when available and automatically switches to electric power when needed.
Greenscreen offers three-dimensional welded wire trellising systems that provide a captive growing space for plants. Screens are made from recycled steel and feature an adaptable attachment clip system that allows screen panels to attach to a building façade. The wire-frame configuration can also span between structures to create a fence, free-standing screen or gazebo. The trellis system can help increase energy efficiency by adding a natural shading system to the building envelope, according to the company.
