TWO NEW PV SYSTEMS OFFER NON-PENETRATING INSTALLATION
Two new PV systems are available: 1) a rigid glass-based polycrystalline silicon module that can be installed on standing seam metal roofs using a non-penetrating clamp, and 2) a flexible, thin film module that can be adhered to the metal roof panel in a factory environment, allowing the PV array and roof panels to be installed simultaneously. These PV systems can be installed on existing and new metal roofs because they don’t penetrate the substrate. Furthermore, a metal roof likely will outlive the solar equipment, saving removal and replacement costs associated with other roof materials.
LIGHT SHELF ALLOWS FOR EASY CLEANING
The InLighten light shelf features an extruded-aluminum chassis system in several panel choices. It comes in depths of up to 30 inches of reflective surface. InLighten light shelf’s new design incorporates a unique mounting bracket that allows the panel to be tilted for cleaning, an important maintenance factor in schools, daycare centers, offices, and other commercial and institutional applications. The light shelf can be attached to multiple curtain wall systems and storefront framing systems for application in new construction and retrofits.
NEW COMBINATION FIRE ALARM/ECS MEETS NFPA, UL, DOD STANDARDS
The Farenhyt Emergency Communication System (ECS) provides fire alarm technology and mass notification capabilities in an all-in-one system. This real-time communications system meets the latest NFPA 72, UL 2572, and Department of Defense standards and runs on most wire-types, making it an effective retrofit option. As many as seven ECS-RCUs (“remote command units”) can tie into a facility’s Farenhyt ECS system to provide live paging in specific areas of a property. BD+C
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| Aug 11, 2010
Construction employment declines in 48 states in August compared to last year
Construction employment saw significant declines in all but two states this August compared to last year according to an analysis of new state-by-state employment figures released today by the federal government. The analysis, conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, however did show that the number of states gaining construction jobs increased slightly in August compared to July 2009.
| 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
New book on ‘Green Workplace’ by HOK’s Leigh Stringer, a BD+C 40 under 40 winner
The new book The Green Workplace is a comprehensive guide that demonstrates how green businesses can reduce costs, improve recruitment and retention, increase shareholder value, and contribute to a healthier natural environment.
| 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.
