Content about Green Central

June 19, 2013
KB Homes wisens up with smart home features

In an effort to step up its commitment to energy efficiency and emerging technology, KB Home announced Tuesday that all of its new homes will be equipped with "smart" Wiser home management systems. The feature will allow homeowners to monitor their energy consumption in real time from their mobile devices or computers.

"This system is ... a sign of our times," said Jeffrey Mezger, president and CEO of KB Home. "Not only do consumers want 'smart' phones, they want 'smart' homes as well."

June 18, 2013
EPA proposes new standards for composite wood products

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed two new regulations last month that would help further protect Americans from formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products. The proposals are currently up for public discussion in the Federal Register, where woodworking professionals and other interested parties can submit formal comments through Aug. 9.

The legislation would apply to all composite wood products that are sold, manufactured, supplied, offered for sale or imported into the United States.

June 2, 2013
Shaped to beat high winds

What’s the secret to building a house to withstand hurricanes and high winds? Deltec Homes believes it has an answer: make them round.

Asheville, N.C.-based Deltec Homes makes prefabricated circular houses that have  sustained their structure through several rigorous storms, including Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. During its 45-year history, the company says it has have never lost a house to high winds. 

May 22, 2013
Bill would reform EPA Lead Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule is the subject of a bill in the House.

Congressman Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) and 21 co-sponsors introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that was crafted to reduce the burden of the regulation. 

May 13, 2013
Masco Home Services passes efficiency milestone

Masco Home Services and its affiliated company Energy Sense, part of the Masco Contractor Services family of companies, recently surpassed a milestone of verifying more than 200,000 Energy Star compliant homes combined.

May 8, 2013
Trex wins green award

Trex Co. has received the 2013 Green Award from Washingtonian magazine. The annual awards recognize citizens, companies and organizations in the D.C. metro area that are working to improve the environment and encourage eco-friendly living.

April 16, 2013
Walmart unveils sustainable commitments in global meeting

In its Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting on Monday, Walmart announced new commitments the retailer says will dramatically increase energy efficiency and renewables, and hasten its path toward being 100% supplied by renewable energy.

April 9, 2013
A conservation ad that’s just plain weird

WaterSense partners help promote a public service campaign called “Wasting Water is Weird.”

April 2, 2013
Philips LED 100-watt equivalent bulb first to be Energy Star-qualified

Designed to replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb while reducing energy consumption by more than 75%, the LED 22-watt offers a light output of about 1,800 lumens.

April 2, 2013
Shaw Industries' carpet-to-energy facility earns LEED Silver

Shaw Industries Group has achieved the USGBC's LEED Silver designation for New Construction for its Reclaim to Energy (Re2E) process building, in Dalton, Ga.

March 26, 2013
Mississippi endorses a more inclusive approach to forest certification approach

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed legislation Wednesday specifying that rating systems used in green building projects funded by the state government "shall not exclude certificate credits for forest products certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Forest Stewardship Council or the American Tree Farm System."

March 25, 2013
Acuity’s Antique Street Lamps shine with LEDs

Atlanta-based Acuity Brands launched four new post-top LED luminaires from Antique Street Lamps that combine modern LED light sources with a traditional appearance.

March 25, 2013
GAF sponsors Principia roofing conference

The Energy Efficient Roofing 2013 conference will be held April 8 and 9 in Charlotte, N.C.

March 19, 2013
Fighting words for the EPA

At the 2013 NLBMDA/WDMA Legislative Conference, a congressman rips out-of-control regulations.

March 18, 2013
Energy Star honors Sears Holdings

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Sears Holdings with a 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency.

March 18, 2013
Green Building Council still open for suggestions

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) opened its sixth and final public comment period for LEED version 4.

March 11, 2013
Eco Red Shield receives Certificate of 'Material Excellence'

Eco Building Products has announced that its Eco Red Shield protected lumber has been recognized for 'Material Excellence' and selected for inclusion into Material ConneXion's global material library.

March 8, 2013
Meritage cited for energy efficiency

Phoenix-based Meritage Homes has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award.

March 7, 2013
Toro reacts to EPA’s Tier 4 Standard in diesel engines

The Toro Co. will be introducing several new Tier 4 compliant Reelmaster and Groundsmaster mowers beginning in 2013 that incorporate more sophisticated electronic controls, as well as new engines, exhaust systems and after-treatment technology.

February 28, 2013
WDMA points to concerns over Energy Star Version 6.0

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asked for comments. The Window and Door Manufacturers Association has several.

February 21, 2013
Sustainable Forestry Initiative names new VP

Andrew de Vries has joined the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as VP conservation, indigenous and government relations.

February 21, 2013
Trex honored for 'greenest' decking

Trex Co. was recently honored in the decking products category of Green Builder Media's 2013 Reader's Choice Awards.

February 20, 2013
Solar fusion: Industry groups form alliance

The new U.S. Solar Heating & Cooling Alliance plans to help develop markets for solar businesses.

February 13, 2013
Electrolux earns green recognition

Electrolux has this year been included in the Global 100 ranking of the world’s most sustainable companies, returning to the list for the first time since 2005.

February 4, 2013
CertainTeed boosts eco integration

CertainTeed Corp. integrated its ceilings product line into ecoScorecard and SmartBIM online tools, a move the company says will streamline green building specification and documentation.

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