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At last months GreenBuild
Conference in Portland, Oregon, BuildingGreen, publisher of
the GreenSpec Directory and Environmental Building News, announced
the years top 10 green building products. Reflected
in our Top-10 list this year is a concern about energy,
says GreenSpec coeditor Alex Wilson. Other issues reflected
in the selections are water conservation, toxin reduction,
and longer product life cycles. For more info on these products,
check out www.BuildingGreen.com.
—Rita F. Catinella
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MSKs
semitransparent building-integrated photovoltaic glazing
element allows visible light transmission while generating
electricity. An edge-mounted electrical connection system
conceals all wiring within the laminated-glass edge framing.
MSK, Tokyo. www.msk.ne.jp
[ Reader
Service # 202] |
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The
ECO I Paver is a regionally available interlocking
concrete grid paver designed for porous paving applications.
Protrusions on the sides of the paver ensure proper rainwater
infiltration. E.P. Henry, Woodbury, N.J. www.ephenry.com
[ Reader
Service # 203 ] |
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The
EcoSpace traction elevator requires no lubricating
oil and consumes 60 percent less energy than conventional
hydraulic elevators. Kone, Moline, Ill.
www.kone.com [ Reader
Service # 206 ] |
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EcoVeil,
an interior shade-screen for commercial buildings made
from a thermoplastic olefin yarn called EarthTex, can
be returned to the company for recycling when no longer
wanted. MechoShade Systems, Long Island City, N.Y. www.mechoshade.com
[ Reader
Service # 204 ] |
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The
multiple-stage Cold Climate Heat Pump rivals many
geothermal heat pumps in performance and can operate efficiently
at much lower temperatures than conventional air-source
heat pumps. Nyle Special Products, Bangor, Maine. www.nyletherm.com
[ Reader
Service # 205 ] |
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Potlatch
is producing chain-of-custody Forest Stewardship Councilcertified
Hem-fir and Douglas fir-Larch framing lumber, inland red
cedar decking and siding, and Douglas fir and white fir
plywood from three mills in Idaho. Potlatch, Spokane,
Wash. www.potlatchcorp.com
[ Reader
Service # 207 ] |
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Ethos
carpet-cushion backing from C&A Floorcoverings
is made from nonchlorinated polyvinyl butyral safety-glass
film collected when auto windows and other safety-glass
panes are recycled. The backing is 96 percent postconsumer
recycled, resulting in carpet products with a total recycled
content of 4062 percent. Tandus Group, Dalton, Ga.
www.tandus.com
[ Reader
Service # 208 ] |
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The
Winston Series CPC Collector is a residential and
commercial solar water-heating system that is composed
of 12 small compound parabolic collectors that focus sunlight
onto absorber tubes through which heat-transfer fluid
is piped. Solargenix Energy, Raleigh, N.C. www.solargenix.com
[ Reader
Service # 209 ] |
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The
FlushMate IV pressure-assist toilet flush mechanism
features an inner airtight flushometer tank that is pressured
after the flush as the tank refills. During the flush
operation, this air pressure flushes the toilet with increased
velocity, improving flush performance. Sloan Valve, Franklin
Park, Ill. www.sloanvalve.com
[ Reader
Service # 210 ] |
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TimberSIL
is a sodium-silicate-based pressure-treatment system for
wood that relies on a mineralization process rather than
toxins to prevent infestations and decay. Timber Treatment
Technologies, Grosse Point Farms, Mich. www.timbersil.com
[ Reader
Service # 211 ] |
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