NCSU 4-H Center Uses UltraTouch
NCSU’s first LEED Silver targeted building the Eastern 4-H Conference Center, used UltraTouch cotton insulation from CaraGreen. The architecture firm that designed the project is MHAworks, who has offices in Durham and Greenville, NC. UltraTouch cotton insulation fills partition walls. UltraTouch cotton insulation contains 85% post-consumer recycled cotton, cotton is rapidly renewable, and the insulation is non-toxic with no added formaldehyde. The project is located on a 250-acre site in Columbia, NC. The new state-of-the-art facility includes flexible multipurpose rooms suitable for large group gatherings and weddings, a 200-seat dining hall, office space, and classrooms and mechanical/AV storage space.
Photos by Richard Barlow - MHAworks
Earn AIA CEUS Online While Learning About Specifying Sustainable Insulation
The June issue of Architectural Record features an AIA Continuing Education article sponsored by the manufacturer’s of UltraTouch cotton insulation on Specifying Building Insulation for Sustainable Design, Energy Savings, and Acoustic Control. There is an accompanying test that counts for 1 HSW/SD Credit, which is a great way to earn some CE credit.
After reading the article, you’ll be able to:
-Differentiate between traditional and emerging insulation materials, trends, and uses.
-Examine and recognize the different ways that insulation addresses energy losses in a building envelope.
-Compare and contrast the acoustic properties of insulation against its energy saving properties.
-Analyze and assess multiple other qualities of insulation that can contribute to green and sustainable building design.
To read the complete article, click here.
Duke Energy Tower Goes for LEED Gold
The newest addition to Charlotte’s skyline is the 54-story Duke Energy Center, located on South Tryon Street. To demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, the shell building is going for a LEED Gold rating, and all tenants have been asked to meet a minimum of LEED Silver for their spaces. Some of the features in place to earn the Gold rating include water saving features such as waterless urinals, dual flush water closets, and low flow lavatories. Storm water, ground water, and condensate will be collected to irrigate the green roof, and to offset potable water consumption for the cooling tower. Energy consumption has been optimized through various approaches such as high efficiency mechanical equipment, daylighting blinds and photosensors, along with dimmable ballasts. Indoor environmental quality has been addressed with low-emitting materials, increased ventilation, and thermal comfort control. And 90% of the indoor space will have access to views of the outside, with 75% having access to daylight.
As for materials, a minimum of 50% of construction waste was diverted from landfills, at least 20% of all materials will have recycled content, and at least half of the wood products will meet FSC guidelines. Caragreen is proud to be a part of this project; we supplied Durat solid surface material and UltraTouch cotton denim insulation. Durat contains 30% recycled plastic and has been used in break rooms for countertops. And, UltraTouch insulation has 85% recycled and rapidly renewable content and is used throughout the building.
New Products Fresh From Greenbuild
With 28,000 attendees and over 1000 exhibitors at Greenbuild in Phoenix, there was much to be seen at this year's show. We had our work cut out for us making it through the crowds to see all of the exhibitors in two days, but we did it. We saw many new products that excited us, including the latest offererings from our manufacturers who exhibited there, who are continually improving and expanding their offerings. Here are some of the highlights of what is coming from them in 2010:
TorZo Surfaces
- Edge banding! These strong, durable, and sustainable sheet goods are great for tabletops, desks, cabinets, etc. With edge banding coming out for the entire line, not only will the finished product be more beautiful, but the fabrication will be more cost effective.
- ½” Seeta (sunflower seed hull) boards that are more dense (fewer voids) and less expensive than the standard ¾” sheets – a great option for this unique look.
- We got a sneak preview of some new bio-based boards currently in development. They are top secret now, but stay tuned for new unique looks from this line of surfaces.
Bonded Logic /UltraTouch
- Duct insulation and Pipe wrap: Finally! You no longer need to wrap your duct work and pipe in fiberglass. This foil laminated, r-8, cotton fiber insulation has 85% recycled rapidly-renewable cotton fibers. The duct insulation will come in 12” wide, 2” thick, and 15’ long bundles. The pipe wrap is 3” wide, ½” thick, and 50’ long.
Coverings, Etc.
- Bio-Aluminum: 100% recycled aluminum from salvaged aircraft carriers. 100% recyclable and Cradle to Cradle certified. A great new option for high-traffic flooring and high-end wall treatments.
As samples and pricing become available, we will announce these new products through our monthly newsletter and on our website.
Golden Arches Going Green in Cary, NC
In mid-July, North Carolina’s first green McDonald’s restaurant opened at 1299 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary, NC marking it as only the third of its kind nationwide to be built using eco-friendly materials and technologies. Development of the restaurant began with McDonald’s Owner/Operator Ric Richards who wanted to refurbish the 25-year-old building. As reconstruction options evolved, Richards said the environmental impact became clear: building a structure dedicated to sustainability would mean significant cost savings and reduced energy consumption. “Even though the costs to build this McDonald’s were higher in the near term, we knew that going forward with this green initiative we would set the stage for more savings long-term, both financially and environmentally,” Richards said.
Comments