Architectural Products Update

 
Green Shading System

The Mecho®/5 manual solar shading system with EcoVeil® shadecloth is Cradle to Cradle℠ silver-certified. The non-PVC screen cloth can be reclaimed and recycled, and is durable, washable, anti-microbial, and flame-retardant. It has a core of thermoplastic olefin (TPO) fiber filaments, with a TPO coating. Available in a range of colors. Solar-shading systems reduce solar heat gain and glare while transmitting daylight, thus facilitating increased building energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Mecho®/5 is one of the chain-driven roller screen systems available from MechoShade Systems.

mechoshadesystems.com

 
Integrated HVAC System

The Matrix Total Home System from NY Thermal Inc. is a single appliance that combines heating, water heating, and heat-recovery ventilation. The system includes a condensing water heater, condensing furnace, condensing boiler, and heat-recovery ventilator. It is also prewired for air conditioning. Compared to conventional natural gas furnaces and water heaters, the device is 60 percent more efficient in heat recovery, 30 percent more efficient in water heating, and is more efficient in space heating. It also uses less electricity than the total consumption of the component appliances in a conventional configuration. Exceeds the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) P.10 performance standard for integrated mechanical systems.

ntimatrix.com

 
Solar Water Heating System

The SunCache® solar water heating system from Harpiris Energy™ captures heat in 50 gallons (190 liters) of non-circulating water stored in an unpressurized rooftop panel. When a hot-water tap is turned on, cold water from the supply line flows through copper heat exchanger embedded in the panel, extracting heat from the stored water. Preheated water then flows passively, via cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing, to a conventional storage or tankless water heater. Developed through research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Inexpensive and easy to install. Designed for residential use in warm climates.

harpiris.com

 
Green Replacement for Concrete Block

Integrity Block™ is a sustainable replacement for conventional concrete block. Made from a proprietary soils composite, the compacted-earth block meets relevant ASTM (C-90) performance standards for load-bearing concrete masonry units (CMU). The blocks contain up to 50 percent recycled content, and production emits 40 percent less carbon dioxide than that of standard concrete blocks. The blocks come in natural soil colors, without any artificial dyes or pigments. One of BuildingGreen's 2008 Top 10 Green Building Products. Can contribute to LEED credits.

integrityblock.com

 
Zero-VOC Paint in 3,500 Colors

Natura™ Interior Acrylic Latex from Benjamin Moore is a zero-VOC paint available in thousands of colors. Zero-VOC paints have typically had restricted color options, because traditional colorants added the VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Natura is created using a waterborne colorant system that does not add to the VOC level. It is the "greenest" paint Benjamin Moore has manufactured. Natura is easy to apply, dries fast, has very little application odor, and is washable within days. The Natura range includes a primer plus three sheens: flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss. Available in all Benjamin Moore's colors; can be color-matched.

benjaminmoore.com