04 Sep 08 Green Products for Green Builders

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McGraw-Hill Construction has released their latest newsletter highlighting many of the latest “green” products currently available for use by green home builders and those who wish to convert their existing home into a green home. The monthly newsletter features Stratica Eco-Polymeric flooring, Kirei Board, Country Estate vinyl decking and railing, and KEMIKO Stone Tone Sealer.

Stratica Eco-Polymeric flooring has several environmental benefits, which is why it is being used in the construction of many new hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, and offices. Stratica is chlorine-free, contains no plasticizers, and emits virtually no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Moreover, Stratica minimizes foot fatigue and noise levels, while qualifying for FloorScore and Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certification.

Kirei Board is a substitute for wood that is lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly. Manufactured from reclaimed sorghum straw and manufactured with no-added-formaldehyde, Kirei Board uses include cabinetry, furniture, casework, and interior design elements. Being comprised of 90 percent recycled material, rapidly renewable materials, and low-emitting composite wood, has earned Kirei Board a LEED Green Building credit.

Country Estate vinyl decking and railing is created from PVC and is a highly durable and price competitive alternative to using redwood. The 100 percent virgin PVC offers uniformed color throughout and will not suffer the same effects that weathering has on wood substitutes. Builders can choose from three colors white, almond, and gray and can rest assured knowing chemical cleaning and preservation treatments are not required maintenance.

KEMIKO Stone Tone Sealer offers ultra-low VOC, from its waterborne, water viscosity, single component, coalescing acrylic urethane polymer materials. KEMIKO is a stain resistant, user-friendly sealant, that cures to a hard resilient film. In addition, KEMIKO is UV resistant and can be used on concrete, plaster, wood, and metals.

For additional information on green building and green products on the market, visit McGraw-Hill Construction online.

Tags: country estate vinyl decking, eco-friendly homes, energy efficient homes, floorscore, green home builders, greengaurd, kemiko stone tone sealer, kirei board, LEED green building, mcgraw-hill construction, pvc, stratica eco-polymeric flooring, vocs, volatile organic compounds

04 Aug 08 Green Building and Materials

Green building is the process of creating houses, offices, and other structures with the least amount of negative impact on the environment. For example, a green home is often built of renewable materials, using the least amount of natural resources, and designed to conserve water and energy when occupied.

What comprises Green materials?

(i) Are typically low in toxicity – materials with reduced toxin levels or nontoxic products that avoid using carcinogenic compounds and ingredients.

(ii) Give off minimal emissions – low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

(iii) The use of recycled materials and materials that can be recycled at the end of their useful life, or reused (salvaged).

(iv) To be resource efficient – products designed to conserve energy, minimize waste, and reduce green house gas emissions.

Did you know?

(i) Every day we use an average of 140 – 170 gallons of water per person.

(ii) 27 percent of our domestic water use is from bathing/showering.

(iii) If every American home had a leaky faucet, that dripped once every second, a total of 928 million gallons of water would be wasted every day.

(iv) Every toilet flush uses 6.5 gallons of water – close to 900 gallons per week by the average household.

(v) Allowing the water to run while brushing your teeth wastes about 5 gallons of water.

For more water conservation and usage facts, visit Sunnyslope County Water District Water Conservation Facts and Tips.

Tags: carcinogenic compounds, cfcs, chlorofluorocarbons, efficiency, energy reduction, green building, green homes, green materials, recycled materials, salvaged materials, sunnyslope county water district, vocs, volatile organic compounds, water conservation