Environmental Building News
Volume 17, Number 8 — August 2008

Feature

Ductless Mini-Splits and Their Kin: The Revolution in Variable-Refrigerant-Flow Air Conditioning

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Ductless split systems using heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow offer an energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating and air-conditioning systems for a variety of settings, from homes to hotels and schools. Three major manufacturers—Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Sanyo—offer the greatest variety of products.

What's Happening

Autodesk, Bentley Continue to Expand, Agree to Collaborate
Design software giants Autodesk and Bentley Systems have announced plans to support each other’s software as both companies continue to push towards real-time performance feedback during the design process by acquiring and partnering with software companies that offer energy and other green design analyses.

Mazria Publishes Code Equivalents for 2030 Challenge
Architecture 2030 has published a white paper showing the amount by which buildings have to beat various codes to meet the 50% energy reductions called for by the 2030 Challenge. More than a dozen codes and standards are presented, with 20%-30% improvement required for most.

Solar Water Heating Required in New Homes in Hawaii
A new law in Hawaii requires solar water heaters for new houses, but several groups, including a solar energy organization, see problems with the legislation.

Jones Lang LaSalle Gives Green Globes a Boost
Property management and brokerage giant Jones Lang LaSalle now owns the creator of the Green Globes rating system, which it hopes to leverage into enhanced capabilities for assessing the environmental responsibility of clients’ buildings and entire real estate portfolios.

 

Newsbriefs

Product Review

Energy-Efficient Water Coolers from Elkay and Halsey Taylor
Elkay and Halsey Taylor have introduced two pressure water filters, the VRCGRN and HVRGRN, respectively, with improved compressor and bubbler technology that lowers energy and water consumption.

Product News

Product Briefs

From the Library

High-Performance Building: Perspective and Practice
This short video from the Rocky Mountain Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council makes the business case for green building.

BackPage Primer

All About Formaldehyde

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A naturally occurring organic compound used in binders for composite wood products, among other things, formaldehyde can create serious health problems in those exposed to high concentrations.

Calendar

Calendar of Events