MILWAUKEE, WI (November 30, 2010) – Robert Zimmerman, Manager – Engineering, Water Conservation & Sustainability at Kohler Co., in Kohler, Wisconsin, has joined the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments. In his position at Kohler Co., Rob is involved with all aspects of water conservation and sustainability related to plumbing fixtures and faucets. Some of Rob’s responsibilities include working with government regulators and water utilities on water conservation program and code development, helping professionals in the green building industry understand how to design water-efficient buildings, and supporting and growing Kohler’s line of water-efficient plumbing products. Rob has presented training sessions on water conservation at national conferences, written numerous articles for trade publications, and is frequently quoted on water efficiency issues in the media. He is also actively involved in developing and implementing Kohler’s internal sustainability programs.
“I look forward to working with ASBE’s Board and its members to support our continued growth,” said Zimmerman. “ASBE’s mission of educating property owners, developers, facility managers, specifiers and the trades on the benefits of green building and sustainability is essential as society transitions toward more efficient use of water, energy and materials. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the Board.”
Founded in 2003, the mission of the Alliance is to transform the marketplace: to make green building best practices industry standards. To that end, it strives to raise awareness of sustainable development and promote the triple-bottom-line benefits delivered through high performance green buildings. Members include Eaton Corp., Forbo Flooring, Haworth, Johnson Controls Inc., Kohler Co., KONE, Milliken & Company, Philips Lighting, USG Corporation and Watertronics.
“We are delighted to have Rob join the ASBE Board,” said Craig Zurawski, Executive Director of ASBE. “He brings an extensive knowledge base and a background of practical application to an area of sustainability that is gathering a lot of attention and momentum in the green building industry. His vast experience and connections within the national water conservation community should help bring ASBE’s mission to a greater audience.”
Rob currently co-chairs the WaterSense and Water Efficient Products Committee for the Alliance for Water Efficiency, co-chairs the Water Efficiency and Sustainability Issue Committee for the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute, and is a member of the Green Technical Committee for IAPMO. He has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, and a MS in Engineering Management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
The Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments is a group of industry leaders who practice and are recognized for leadership in sustainability; that is economic, social and environmental responsibility. It is committed to delivering high performance sustainable solutions for the built environment. To learn more about the Alliance, its members and the green building industry, go to www.greenerfacilities.org or call 866-913-9473.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and an international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Stimulus funding helps get NOAA project off the ground
The award-winning design for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) new Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) replacement laboratory saw its first sign of movement on Sept 15 with a groundbreaking ceremony held in La Jolla, Calif. The $102 million project is funded primarily by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), resulting in a rapidly advanced construction plan for the facility.
| Aug 11, 2010
BIM adoption rate exceeds 80% among nation’s largest AEC firms
The nation’s largest architecture, engineering, and construction companies are on the BIM bandwagon in a big way, according to Building Design+Construction’s premier Top 170 BIM Adopters ranking, published as part of the 2009 Giants 300 survey. Of the 320 AEC firms that participated in Giants survey, 83% report having at least one BIM seat license in house, and nearly a quarter (23%) have 100-plus seats.
| Aug 11, 2010
PCA partners with MIT on concrete research center
MIT today announced the creation of the Concrete Sustainability Hub, a research center established at MIT in collaboration with the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) Research & Education Foundation.
| Aug 11, 2010
Study explains the financial value of green commercial buildings
Green building may be booming, especially in the Northwest, but the claims made for high-performance buildings have been slow to gain traction in the financial community. Appraisers, lenders, investors and brokers have found it difficult to confirm the value of high-performance green features and related savings. A new study of office buildings identifies how high-performance green features and systems can increase the value of commercial buildings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Architecture Billings Index flat in May, according to AIA
After a slight decline in April, the Architecture Billings Index was up a tenth of a point to 42.9 in May. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Architecture Billings Index drops to lowest level since June
Another stall in the recovery for the construction industry as the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped to its lowest level since June. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI rating was 41.7, down slightly from 43.1 in July. This score indicates a decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
| Aug 11, 2010
RTKL names Lance Josal president and CEO
Lance K. Josal FAIA has been named President and CEO of RTKL Associates Inc., the international planning, design and engineering firm. Josal succeeds RTKL’s current President and CEO, David C. Hudson AIA, who is retiring from the firm. The changes will take effect on 1 September 2009.
| Aug 11, 2010
Balfour Beatty agrees to acquire Parsons Brinckerhoff for $626 million
Balfour Beatty, the international engineering, construction, investment and services group, has agreed to acquire Parsons Brinckerhoff for $626 million. Balfour Beatty executives believe the merger will be a major step forward in accomplishing a number of Balfour Beatty’s objectives, including establishing a global professional services business of scale, creating a leading position in U.S. civil infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector, and enhancing its global reach.
