February 9 , 2004—BuildingGreen, Inc., publisher of the GreenSpec Product Directory and Environmental Building News, recently announced its 2003 selections of the Top-10 new green building products. This second annual award recognizes products added to the GreenSpec Directory during the past year.
Information and downloadable images of the Top-10 products may be accessed on the BuildingGreen Web site or in the online edition of GreenSpec, which is available by subscription as part of the BuildingGreen Suite.
EnvironOxide pigment
EnvironOxide is an iron oxide pigment recovered from abandoned coal mine drainage. Iron Oxide Recovery, Inc., developed a process of extracting iron oxide from settling ponds and constructed wetlands that are used to contain the mine runoff. From the extracted iron oxide, Hoover Color Corporation produces a range of earth-tone pigments that are nontoxic, nonbleeding, and weather-resistant. The pigments can be used as a colorant in a wide range of building products, including concrete, cement block, paint, wood stain, and brick. For general information, contact IOR at 412/571-2204; for sales, contact Hoover Color. Iron oxide pigments made from EnvironOxide must be specifically requested.
BioBase 501 soy-based foam insulation
BioBase 501 is a low-density, open-cell polyurethane, spray-foam insulation derived in part from soybean oil. The insulation performs like petroleum-based open-cell polyurethane foam, but the polyol component of the two-part polyurethane consists of approximately 40% soy oil. The open-cell foam is installed at a density of 0.5 lbs/ft3 using carbon dioxide as the blowing agent. It expands to 100 times its liquid volume. The product has an R-value of 3.7/in. (R-13 at 3.5″) and is applied with customized equipment by certified installers. For more information visit Bio-Based Systems.
MemBrain “smart” vapor retarder
MemBrain is a vapor retarder made from a polyamide (nylon-6) film. The transparent film changes permeability according to relative humidity, varying from less than one perm at 20% relative humidity (R.H.), as would be found during winter months in a cold climate, to more than 10 perms at 70% R.H. and over 20 perms at 95% R.H. Thus, use of the MemBrain vapor retarder can protect against condensation in the winter, while allowing for the drying of the building envelope in the summer. The 2-mil-thick, high-tensile-strength sheeting is stronger and more durable than standard 6-mil polyethylene. MemBrain is intended for use in heating and mixed climates. Interior finish materials and cavity-fill insulation must also be highly permeable (for example, unfaced fiberglass and vapor-permeable paints). For more information visit CertainTeed Corporation.
American Pride latex paint
Southern Diversified Products has commercialized a line of high-performance, low-odor interior latex paints called “American Pride.” Developed by polymer science researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi, the paint contains latex that utilizes acrylated castor oil as the building block. While some oil-based paints are derived from biobased materials such as linseed oil, this is reportedly the first latex paint to utilize biobased materials in this novel way. American Pride does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and thus has virtually no smell, allowing interior painting while a building is occupied. American Pride is the second paint to be certified by Green Seal under its new paint standard. According to Green Seal and painting experts interviewed by EBN, the paint performs well compared to other high-end interior latex paints, while being priced competitively with them.
Keim Mineral silicate paints
Mineral silicate paints are new to many in North America, although Keim Mineral Systems invented them in Bavaria (Germany) in 1878, and Keim paints are used around the world today. The binder is potassium silicate dissolved in water (or “waterglass”). This is combined with inorganic fillers and natural earth oxides to produce an inorganic “liquid stone” finish through a process of petrification. Unlike conventional coatings, mineral silicate paints do not form surface films that can flake off; they soak into and permanently bond with the substrate, providing tremendous life expectancy. Durability in excess of 100 years has been reported, according to Keim. Other features include absence of VOCs and odor, excellent permeability to moisture, natural and nontoxic ingredients, absolute noncombustibility, resistance to acid rain, and natural resistance to fungi and algae. The paint is appropriate for stucco, plaster, concrete, brick, other mineral surfaces, and some metals; it is not suitable for wood, plastics, or any flexible surface. For more information visit Keim Mineral Systems.
EnviroGT wall and corner guards
In commercial and institutional buildings, wall and corner guards are made almost exclusively from vinyl (PVC). InPro Corporation, a large manufacturer of these products, has introduced a non-PVC product, EnviroGT, which is made from 100% post-industrial recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and, where wood is used, FSC-certified ash. Model G5100 Wall Guard has exposed ash on the top surface; Model G5000 has no exposed wood. The G160 Corner Guards are made from 100% post-industrial recycled HDPE. The company also offers recycled-HDPE handrails, and they plan to introduce a similar wall-base product in 2004. For more information visit InPro Corporation.
Case Systems laboratory casework
Case Systems is one of the largest US manufacturers of high-pressure-laminate laboratory casework used in schools, scientific laboratories, and healthcare facilities. In 2003, the company switched its entire manufacturing process from wood-fiber particleboard to straw-based particleboard (the Dow BioProducts WOODSTALK product). As a result, the casework has improved moisture resistance and does not offgas formaldehyde (as does conventional particleboard produced with urea-formaldehyde binder). Case Systems’ standard product is made with PVC edge banding, though ABS banding is available as an option. For more information visit Case Systems.
Mirra office chair
The Mirra chair is an ergonomic and reasonably priced office chair. It was designed by Studio 7.5 Berlin, utilizing Herman Miller’s new Design For the Environment (DFE) protocols now governing all new product development for the company. The protocols were developed in cooperation with McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) in Charlottesville, Virginia, using proprietary MBDC principles. The Mirra chair has a minimum number of components, with 96% of the chair’s content specifically designed for recycling. For more information visit Herman Miller, Inc.
Hot Water D’MAND system
According to Building Green, a typical American home wastes 9,000 gallons of water per year waiting for hot water to reach bathroom and kitchen fixtures. When continuous-recirculation systems are installed to provide instant hot water (an increasingly common practice), water waste is eliminated, but the energy penalty is great. Several products now provide a solution through on-demand water circulation. The newest such product is the Taco D’MAND System, introduced in mid-2003. The D’MAND pump is activated by pushing a button near the fixture, or by remote control, and it switches off when hot water reaches a temperature sensor at the fixture. For more information visit Taco, Inc.
TOTO EcoPower faucets
In 2003, the Japanese plumbing manufacturer TOTO introduced a unique hydro-powered sensor-activated faucet to the US market. This EcoPower faucet uses a tiny hydropower generator to keep a manganese dioxide lithium battery charged. Being battery-powered, it does not require hardwiring to the building’s electrical system, and the labor and environmental impacts of regular battery replacement and disposal are greatly reduced. TOTO estimates the battery will last 10 years with an average of 5 uses per day and as long as 19 years with high usage. The EcoPower faucet uses 0.17 gallons in a standard 10-second cycle and consumes 1.0 gallon per minute when running–both well below the federal standard and standard practice. EcoPower is available with a standard or gooseneck spout. For more information visit TOTO USA
