New coating

Alcoa has released a new smog-eating aluminum siding material made of aluminum coated with titanium dioxide. The material can clean itself, but also can clean the surrounding air. The company says that 10,000 square feet of the panel can have the air-cleaning power of around 80 trees. New products are being developed that will have a positive impact on the environment. I cannot wait to see what will be next.
Gil-

New AIA Guidelines

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced that it will release AIA Document D503™-2011, Guide for Sustainable Projects, including Agreement Amendments and Supplementary Conditions (“Guide”), in May 2011. The Guide is free and was developed to assist users of AIA Contract Documents in understanding contractual considerations unique to sustainable design and construction projects. The Guide also provides model language that can be used to amend or supplement key AIA Contract Documents in the A201 Family for use in these types of projects. Developed by the AIA’s Contract Documents Committee, with input from industry stakeholders, the Guide provides AIA Contract Documents users with a valuable tool for creating versions of AIA standard contract documents for sustainable projects.

You can see this press release online by clicking here.

“The AIA Contract Documents program continues to revise existing documents and develop new documents and guides, as necessary, to remain current with trends and changes in the industry and law,” said Ken Cobleigh, managing director and counsel for AIA Contract Documents content. “The development of the Guide reflects the shifting landscape in the industry and addresses key issues of interest to all parties involved in these types of projects.”

The Guide addresses the current state of sustainable design and construction, discussing issues and concepts including:

• Certification systems, codes and legislation affecting sustainable design and construction
projects,
• Risks and responsibilities faced by owners, contractors and architects on sustainable design
and construction projects, and
• Recommendations for model language to assist the architect in developing a scope of services
and to assist all project participants in appropriately allocating risks and responsibilities.

In addition to providing model language that may be used to amend or supplement documents in the AIA Contract Documents A201 Family for design-bid-build projects, the Guide discusses the applicability of key concepts to other delivery models such as design-build, construction management and integrated project delivery.

Because the AIA believes the Guide is an important resource for the design and construction industry, it will be available in May as a free download at www.aia.org/sustainableprojectsguide.

Another green promotion

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (MiLB) held a “going green” promotion recently to promote the use of public transportation and get fans excited about Opening Day. Partnering with the GRTC Transit System, the team’s mascot Nutzy rode on city buses on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for a period of time. If a fan spotted him, gave him a high-five, and said the password for that day, the fan won a prize package that included game tickets, and numerous items from the GRTC and RideFinders. The daily passwords were posted on www.ridegrtc.com and www.ridefinders.com. “Taking the bus to Squirrels games is a viable option for fans and hopefully this program will help make them aware of that option while also having some fun with Nutzy,” said Todd Parnell, the Flying Squirrels’ vice president and COO.

Amway Green

Orlando’s Amway Center has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the US Green Building Council for its sustainable design and construction methods. The announcement was commemorated with a monument dedication and garden planting in the Amway Center plaza.

Pepsi's new bottle

PepsiCo has launched a new bottle made entirely of plant material. The bottle is made from switch grass, pine bark, corn husks, and other material. At a later date they might also use orange peels, potato scraps, and other food related items. Maybe this could end our need on oil for plastic bottles.

Key recycling

The Providence Bruins (AHL) hosted an unwanted/unneeded key collection event for charity at their January 23 game. The keys will be recycled by Key For Hope (www.keyforhope.org), which will have an informational table at the game. The proceeds from the key recycling will be used to purchase food for those in need in the Providence area.

Green Grass

Ceres, a company out of Thousand Oaks, CA has been working on developing a genetically modified switchgrass plants. The plants can be grown in saltwater. The plants can be used for biodeisel fuel. Several years ago a company developed a type of grass that could grow in saltwater. The thought was that the grass can be used in golf courses where saltwater was available and could reduce watering costs and since bugs did not eat the grass, it reduced the need for pesticide. If Ceres can develop grass and other plants for the sport market it can produce great opportunities for the sport facility industry.
Gil-