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New Energy Savings Company Launches to Introduce Solar Reflective and Security Window Films to Home and Business Owners
0City Island, NY (PRWEB) July 13, 2010
Launched in January 2010, Aligned Services is a company that offers energy-saving solutions to businesses and homeowners in the New York, New Jersey and Southern Connecticut regions. As an authorized dealer for industry leader Bekaert LLC, Aligned Services furnishes and installs solar and security films known as SolarGard and Armorcoat.
“SolarGard and Armorcoat are quick and simple energy-saving solutions that can be applied to any window in a home or commercial building,” said John Schwam, Owner of Aligned Services. “These films help to reduce energy costs by denying the penetration of solar heat that windows let in which dramatically improves the comfort and effectiveness of air conditioning systems.”
SolarGard and Armorcoat have been used for years in Europe, Asia and the southern states. In addition to offering energy-saving solutions, these films help to make it virtually impossible for there to be illegal entry into a home or business via a broken window, as nearly 90% of burglars enter a property by breaking a window. In fact, the US Department of Energy has chosen Armorcoat to protect the windows of its Washington DC headquarters in order to save money on energy, increase comfort and protect employees from flying glass from potential explosions and break-ins.
SolarGard deflects up to 80% of solar heat which reduces cooling costs by up to 20%. It also denies UV in excess of 99%. Unlike automobile window films that are designed to deny visible light and prevent interior visibility, SolarGard is designed to let visible light in, while providing a pleasing, glare-free view of the outside. “It’s a product that is so simple and effective everyone with windows should have it,”said Schwam. SolarGard products have even been recommended by The Skin Cancer Institute and are a key component of many LEED certified buildings worldwide.
SolarGard’s performance is backed by certifications from the National Fenestration Rating Council, the American Society of Testing and Materials and is Energy Star certified. SolarGard films are recognized as a key component in LEED Silver certifications.
SolarGard products are manufactured in the USA by Bekaert LLC, a subsidiary of the Belgium based Bekaert LTD, a 2 billion euro firm. Bekaert is an acknowledged global leader in engineered coatings and specialty metals and they provide a limited lifetime performance warranty on residential installations and twenty years on commercial installations.
For more information on Aligned Services and products such as SolarGard and Armorcoat, call 914-902-0072 or visit https://alignedserv.com. You can also send an email to info(at)alignedserv(dot)com or contact Aligned Services’ owner John Schwam at john(at)alignedserv(dot)com.
# # #
ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF SOLAR HEATING
0(PRWEB) August 10, 2003
SAVING THE PLANET. With Environmental issues a concern on everyoneÂ?s minds. Swimming pool heating contributes to one of the highest consumers of natural gas, propane and oil in a residential application with most heaters ranging in size from 250,000 to 400,000 BTUÂ?s.
Recent sergeÂ?s in natural, environmentally friendly heat sources are making there way to the forefront of the heating industries. Leading the advances is solar energy. Many states are offering tax credits or rebates towards the purchase and installation of solar heating (‘Solar Flaw heating or Flaw is water heated by the use of solar energy. Flaw heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a water storage tank or another point of usage, interconnecting pipes and flaw a fluid system systems.
The solar pool heating market has grown to $100,000,000 per year but growth has been slow. The industry has been plagued by design. Traditional solar heating (‘Solar Flaw heating or Flaw is water heated by the use of solar energy. Flaw heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a water storage tank or another point of usage, interconnecting pipes and flaw a fluid system systems for the swimming pool industry require large roof top areas for installation limiting the market place to favorable sites, the finish installation is usually unsightly, large black mats strapped to roof tops and prone to leaks. The industry hasnÂ?t changed in years. That is until now.
Unique Energy Systems Incorporated of London Ontario Canada has developed a state of the art solar heating (‘Solar Flaw heating or Flaw is water heated by the use of solar energy. Flaw heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a water storage tank or another point of usage, interconnecting pipes and flaw a fluid system system. The ground breaking technology has given the industry a face lift. Nine years of research and development have formed to combine the lightest, most compact, efficient and durable solar heat unit to reach the swimming pool industry in years.
Known as the Heat Wave the panel measures only four feet in width by six feet in length by six inches deep. The weight of the Heat Wave is less than one hundred pounds. The Heat WaveÂ?s heat manifold system are protected by a insulated woven mat fiberglass shell and UV coated polycarbonate lens, the shells aerodynamic design permits wind flow to pass cleanly around the unit reducing the risk of damage during high wind conditions.
Inside the unit the technology continues, the Heat Wave contains over two hundred square feet of heating surface pack into its twenty four square foot area, the use of 1,920 aluminum fins provide rapid heat transfer.
The water flow through the unit is controlled by a water management system which automatically regulates the rate of flow providing the optimum operating range for peek performance.
One of the greatest benefits of the Heat Wave is itÂ?s ability to maintain and even gain temperature during overcast conditions and night time operation, Unique Energy System has developed a heat recovery system which provides the induction of discharged heat from the pool pumps motor (between a 120 – 150 degrees F.) directly into the unit allowing for heat transfer to the manifold with out the presence of sunlight.
All these features combine to make one powerful heat generating system; one Heat Wave panel will heat a swimming pool up to 20Â?x40Â?.
The two greatest benefits of the Heat Wave are its flexibility and its cost. The Heat WaveÂ?s compact design allows the installations to be simple. The Heat Wave can be installed virtually anywhere, from a roof top of a house, pool house shed or garage or in a back yard on its free standing pedestal. Installations are simple and normally only take a few hours. The Heat WaveÂ?s retail price is comparable to that of a gas heater and in most case lower then traditional solar panels.
A spokesman for the company stated that the most commonly asked question is Â?how does a unit so small generate so much heat.Â? The answer is simple. In principal the system is similar to a car sitting in the sun with the windows up; now turn the heater on (the heat recovery system). Because the manifold system is complete enclosed the internal temperature is much higher then the external air temperature which will produces far greater heat transfer to the manifold, in addition to that the amount of heating surface (200 sq. feet) is similar to five 4Â?x10Â? traditional panels.
The company is currently developing a method of applying the incredible heating properties of the Heat Wave into heating applications for domestic hot water and structural heating, the out come looks positive and company spokesman expect the new line of heaters to reach the market in the fall of 2004.
The company is currently setting up a world wide distribution and dealer network to provide direct contact with the consumer and provide professional installation of there products. For information about the Heat Wave visit there website at http://www.unique-energy.com
Going Green For Earth Day: Tips On How To Green Your Home With Retractable Awnings
0Hialeah, FL (PRWEB) April 5, 2008
With the approach of Earth Day next month and the arrival of spring, energy efficiency efforts focus on controlling air conditioning use. Earth Day (US government) Earth Day Network, and Earth911, along with utility companies, have recommended retractable awnings as a simple yet effective way to reduce air conditioning use. As part of the energy efficiency awareness encouraged by Earth Day, RetractableAwnings.com is supplying five quick tips on how to maximize the energy efficiency possible from awnings.
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) published a ground-breaking study last year on the affect that awnings (exterior shade) has over energy use:
- Reduces interior heat buildup between 65% and 77%
- Cuts air conditioning use by a national overage of 25%
- Lowers energy bills an average of $100 per year
Retractable awnings can be a highly effective, yet relatively inexpensive, way to comfortably reduce air conditioning use. “Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment,” commented Eric Scop V.P. Sales & Internet Marketing for Retractableawnings.com. “[By promoting energy efficiency,] retractable awnings and retractable patio cover systems are a step in that direction.”
RetractableAwnings.com has five tips that maximize energy efficiency through simple sun protection systems:
Tip 1: Retractable awnings maximize energy savings. Fixed awnings can actually cost you money by increasing winter heating costs. Retractable awnings cut air conditioning use, then retract the awning in fall and winter so heating use is unaffected.
Tip 2: Every climate realizes energy savings. Even cooler climates save energy with awnings; Seattle, for example, cut cooling energy consumption as much as 69% and Boston by 33% (while Phoenix cut energy use about 26%). This means that regardless of climate, retractable awnings can moderate indoor temperatures and cut energy use.
Tip 3: Retractable awnings are great for regular-glass windows.
According to the PAMA study, using awnings to cut solar heat gains has the biggest effect on windows with regular glass. Installing retractable awnings is an efficient and low-impact solution for homeowners who don’t want to replace all of their windows with low solar-gain glass but still want to control solar heat and damaging UV rays.
Tip 4: Use a motor. According to a study, motorized retractable awnings are used 4 times more often than manual retractable awnings and are significantly easier to use than fixed awnings which have to be detached seasonally.
Tip 5: Select light-colored fabrics. Light color fabrics reflect sunlight better than dark ones, so lighter-colored awning fabric is even more effective in preventing solar heating (‘Solar Flaw heating or Flaw is water heated by the use of solar energy. Flaw heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a water storage tank or another point of usage, interconnecting pipes and flaw a fluid system indoors.
Retractable awnings have a number of factors that increase their energy efficiency with minimal effort: fabric selection, projection (how far out it extends), the pitch (angle of shade), and accessories like sun sensors and motors. RetractableAwnings.com makes it easier for you to experiment with these factors with our online 3D-Rendering Tool: with a simple picture of your home or building, you can draft and save different awning styles, sizes, and fabrics, and then get a free estimate based on your specific designs.
Retractableawnings.com has been shipping all types of RETRACTABLE sun, wind and rain protection systems to residential, commercial and institutional customers worldwide since 1998. Products manufactured include but are not limited to retractable lateral arm awnings, retractable window awnings, retractable vertical drop awnings, retractable telescoping awnings, retractable patio cover systems, retractable canopy awnings and retractable side arm awnings. All products are available with wind, rain, motion and sun sensors. For more information, call 305-628-2424 or 1-866-GET AWNINGS (1-866-438-2964) or visit http://www.retractableawnings.com.
# # #
The Ultimate Front Windshield Technology – Hüper Optik® Nano-Ceramic 70 Window Film
0Singapore (PRWEB) August 6, 2009
Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd – inventor of the world’s first multi-layered patented nano-ceramic window films has announced another great technological breakthrough with the successful global launch of a clear nano-ceramic coating for front windscreen application – Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70.
Conventional ceramic window films found in the market with high light transmission (mostly up to 60% visible light transmission) offers a Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) of less than 40%. Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70 provides 47% TSER and 91% infrared heat rejection while maintaining high visual clarity at 70% VLT.
Similar to Hüper Optik® Nano-Ceramic 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60, Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70 window film possesses several key characteristics, which include:
- Excellent solar heat rejection performance with high clarity at 70% VLT
- Cuts off harmful UV rays and substantially slows down fading process
- Superb durability – no de-metalizing and discoloration woes
- Increases safety by rendering window shatter-resistant
- No interference with wireless communication equipments and GPS navigation systems
- Lower air-conditioning bills and fuel consumption
- Low visible light reflectivity and neutral color that enhances overall aesthetics
“With the introduction of Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70, the Hüper Optik® distribution network now has a complete suite of nano-technology, advanced ceramic based, high solar heat control and superb durable performance window films ranging from a dark 20% VLT to a clear 70% VLT. This is truly
what automobile, residential & commercial and marine vessel owners have been yearning for – high real value-for-money products.” said Mr. Steven Teo, Deputy General Manager (Business Development) of Hüper Optik International.
“Within the first week of introducing Ceramic 70 to our customers, we sold out our inventory. It is a perfect film for front windshield and putting it on with the multi-layered Ceramic 20 for sides and rear, the car cabin temperature can be reduced by 10°C! The customers love it! Our installers love the product too as it is so easy to install!”, commented Francis Mu, Hüper Optik China dealer.
Being 100% metal-free and 100% dye-free, the nano-ceramic rejecting properties of Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70 is the perfect solar heat control solution for car owners to enjoy a safer and cooler ride.
About Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd
Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd is the world’s first and advanced multilayered ceramic sputtered films. Jointly developed by Fraunhofer Institute (Germany), Southwall Technologies Inc. (USA), PSB Corporation (Singapore) and Globamatrix Holdings (Singapore), Hüper Optik® Extreme (X3) nanoceramic window films are constructed with multi layers of advanced ceramic sputtered PET, where ordinary ceramic based window films commonly available in the market only have typically one layer.
The multi layers of Hüper Optik® X3 nano-ceramic window films easily outperform single-ply conventional ceramic window films by increasing heat rejection whilst lowering Visible Light Reflectance (VLR) to levels unattainable by conventional ceramic window films.
Hüper Optik® nano-ceramic window films are 100% metal-free, 100% dyefree. The films are hence free not susceptible to de-metalizing, discoloration nor fading and are widely known to be the most durable window films capable of enduring the harshest environments, on land and at sea.
Presently, Hüper Optik® X3 nano-ceramic series of window films is patented in many countries. It is also widely represented by distributors and dealers globally.
Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd
12 Jalan Kilang Barat, #04-03
Globamatrix Building
Singapore 159354
Tel: +65-62764555
Fax: +65-2769917
Website: http://www.huperoptik.com
For more information or media interviews, please contact,
Mr. Alvin Chiang
Regional Executive
Business Development
###
The Ultimate Front Windshield Technology – Hüper Optik® Nano-Ceramic 70 Window Film
0Singapore (PRWEB) August 6, 2009
Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd – inventor of the world’s first multi-layered patented nano-ceramic window films has announced another great technological breakthrough with the successful global launch of a clear nano-ceramic coating for front windscreen application – Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70.
Conventional ceramic window films found in the market with high light transmission (mostly up to 60% visible light transmission) offers a Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) of less than 40%. Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70 provides 47% TSER and 91% infrared heat rejection while maintaining high visual clarity at 70% VLT.
Similar to Hüper Optik® Nano-Ceramic 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60, Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70 window film possesses several key characteristics, which include:
- Excellent solar heat rejection performance with high clarity at 70% VLT
- Cuts off harmful UV rays and substantially slows down fading process
- Superb durability – no de-metalizing and discoloration woes
- Increases safety by rendering window shatter-resistant
- No interference with wireless communication equipments and GPS navigation systems
- Lower air-conditioning bills and fuel consumption
- Low visible light reflectivity and neutral color that enhances overall aesthetics
“With the introduction of Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70, the Hüper Optik® distribution network now has a complete suite of nano-technology, advanced ceramic based, high solar heat control and superb durable performance window films ranging from a dark 20% VLT to a clear 70% VLT. This is truly
what automobile, residential & commercial and marine vessel owners have been yearning for – high real value-for-money products.” said Mr. Steven Teo, Deputy General Manager (Business Development) of Hüper Optik International.
“Within the first week of introducing Ceramic 70 to our customers, we sold out our inventory. It is a perfect film for front windshield and putting it on with the multi-layered Ceramic 20 for sides and rear, the car cabin temperature can be reduced by 10°C! The customers love it! Our installers love the product too as it is so easy to install!”, commented Francis Mu, Hüper Optik China dealer.
Being 100% metal-free and 100% dye-free, the nano-ceramic rejecting properties of Hüper Optik® Ceramic 70 is the perfect solar heat control solution for car owners to enjoy a safer and cooler ride.
About Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd
Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd is the world’s first and advanced multilayered ceramic sputtered films. Jointly developed by Fraunhofer Institute (Germany), Southwall Technologies Inc. (USA), PSB Corporation (Singapore) and Globamatrix Holdings (Singapore), Hüper Optik® Extreme (X3) nanoceramic window films are constructed with multi layers of advanced ceramic sputtered PET, where ordinary ceramic based window films commonly available in the market only have typically one layer.
The multi layers of Hüper Optik® X3 nano-ceramic window films easily outperform single-ply conventional ceramic window films by increasing heat rejection whilst lowering Visible Light Reflectance (VLR) to levels unattainable by conventional ceramic window films.
Hüper Optik® nano-ceramic window films are 100% metal-free, 100% dyefree. The films are hence free not susceptible to de-metalizing, discoloration nor fading and are widely known to be the most durable window films capable of enduring the harshest environments, on land and at sea.
Presently, Hüper Optik® X3 nano-ceramic series of window films is patented in many countries. It is also widely represented by distributors and dealers globally.
Hüper Optik International Pte Ltd
12 Jalan Kilang Barat, #04-03
Globamatrix Building
Singapore 159354
Tel: +65-62764555
Fax: +65-2769917
Website: http://www.huperoptik.com
For more information or media interviews, please contact,
Mr. Alvin Chiang
Regional Executive
Business Development
###
Ocean Lakes Family Campground Installs Solar Panel To Heat Bathhouse Water And Conserve Energy
0Myrtle Beach, SC (PRWEB) January 30, 2010
Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, S.C. is testing its first solar water heated bathhouse as part of its successful iCare Program.
One Apricus solar panel has been mounted to the roof of an existing bathhouse to solar heat the water for 12 shower stalls and the sinks.
“Conceptually this is a great idea,” explains Lance Thompson, vice president and general manager. “With the amount of sun we get in Myrtle Beach, it seems like a ‘no-brainer.’ However, we are starting with one bathhouse as a pilot project to monitor the impact of the solar panel.”
Although substantial federal rebates are available to help underwrite the cost of the pilot project, future investments in solar bathhouses will be determined by the impact the solar power has on Ocean Lakes Family Campground’s energy costs (electric and gas). Ultimately, the impact must help offset the cost of the equipment and prove that it does enough to help conserve energy and further reduce the campground’s carbon footprint.
“The iCare Program’s slogan is ‘Awareness & Action Count’,” according to Thompson. “We want to be good stewards and do the right thing with regard to the environment, as well as in operating a successful business that has had a proven impact on both the Grand Strand and South Carolina’s economy.”
Ocean Lakes Family Campground was awarded the prestigious “2006 Governor’s Cup” for its impact on the state of South Carolina.
An interesting “side effect” of the solar heated water is improved customer service and water conservation. In the past, certain shower stalls had hot water much faster than other stalls. As the solar panel heats the water to 240 degrees, the water will be re-circulated through the system to cool it to the proper temperature for the bathers. The result will be a constant temperature providing “instant” hot water, making for a happier shower experience.
If the solar heated water project proves successful, Ocean Lakes plans to install more solar panels into its laundry operations, snack bars, and pools as part of its iCare Program.
The campground was awarded the 2009-2010 “Plan-It Green Award” by the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) in November for its iCare Program aimed at helping reduce the environmental impact of the campground and its guests. Ocean Lakes introduced its iCare Progam in August 2008, the program grew during 2009 to educate guests about the impact of pet pollution, litter and recycling. It also took the “Plan-It Green” pledge with ARVC to continue to find ways to operate responsibly.
About Ocean Lakes Family Campground
Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Ocean Lakes has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the 2008-2009 National “RV Park of the Year” and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) four times. In addition, Ocean Lakes is one of only 21 campgrounds and RV resorts around the United States to receive GuestRated.com’s overall “A” rating for 2008 and 2009 by maintaining a 4.7 out of 5 rating. In 2006, Ocean Lakes was honored with the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina.
Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,447 sites, including 893 campsites which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse on July 2, 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 – 30,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground is one of sixteen divisions of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned business that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, and the master-planned development SayeBrook.
# # #
Wasco Raises the Bar on Energy Efficiency with Triple Glazed Skylight
0Sanford, ME (PRWEB) February 3, 2010
Wasco Skylights, a national leader in daylighting solutions, has introduced a new energy efficient innovation to its residential line of skylights, Triple Glazed Series – a triple glazed skylight – making the company one of the first in the nation to offer this important advance over double glazed units. eMAX3®(pronounced eMAX cubed) gives homeowners another tool for creating an energy efficient living environment and qualifies them to receive a tax credit under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA).
“If we have a niche in the industry, it’s innovation,” said Jeff Frank, Wasco CEO. “Now we can offer customers a significant advance in energy efficiency and save them money on the purchase.”
Triple glazed eMAX3®consists of an inner and outer pane of Low-E glass with a pane of clear glass sandwiched between. Argon gas insulates the two airspaces. While Low-E glass has become standard for moderating solar heat gain and controlling heat loss, Wasco has gone a step further and selected what the company considers to be one of the clearest and highest performing Low-E products in the industry – Low-E3 from Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc. When combined with other high performance design elements, Wasco’s triple glazed Low-E3 skylights provide up to 55% greater insulating value than double-paned skylights with clear insulated glass. Low-E3, so named for its three layers of silver which limit solar heat gain and permit the maximum transmission of light, blocks 95% of ultraviolet rays and reduces window heat gain in the Wasco units by as much as 69% as compared to identical skylights constructed with two panes of clear glass.
For a comfortable home in the coldest weather, the Efficient Windows Collaborative, a partnership between industry representatives, NGOs and the U.S. Department of Energy, recommends that windows and skylights be constructed with glass that will maintain a room side temperature of at least 52 degrees when the outside temperature reaches -20°F, performance criteria that Cardinal reports Low-E3 can achieve with only a single pane of glass. According to the company, most other Low-E products on the market would measure 47° F under the same conditions; and ordinary glass would measure 0°F.
Under ARRA, homeowners who purchase an eMAX3®skylight in 2010 are eligible for a federal tax credit for up to $1,500 or as much as 30 percent of the product cost (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_taxcredits). In order to qualify, the skylight must have a U-factor (the rate of heat loss) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (a measure of how much heat due to solar radiation can be transmitted) of no more than 0.30. The eMAX3® in Wasco’s energy-efficient E-Class SkyWindow®, a self-flashing unit in either a fixed or venting style would qualify a homeowner for this tax credit. Wasco also offers the eMAX3® in the leak proof, economical curb-mount skylight. More information on these skylights and Wasco’s complete product offerings is available at http://www.wascoskylights.com.
Founded in 1935, Wasco is a family-owned company with New England roots and a determined drive to outdo the competition in performance, selection and fast, trouble-free installation of innovative skylighting products.
Contact:
Bonnie MacLeod, President
The MacLeod Group, LLC
646.284.8007
###
NFRC Approves Technical Procedures for Attachment Product Ratings
0Greenbelt, MD (Vocus) November 15, 2010
The NFRC Board of Directors has approved technical procedures for the development of U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and visible transmittance (VT) ratings for co-planar interior and exterior attachment products.
The new procedures, approved by unanimous voice vote last week at NFRC’s Fall Membership Meeting in San Francisco, will add co-planar attachments such as blinds and shades to the group’s existing portfolio of windows, doors, skylights, curtain walls, and window film.
“Approval of technical procedures for determining ratings for attachments represents a big step toward providing consumers of those products with the fair, accurate, and credible energy performance information they need to make informed choices,” said NFRC CEO Jim Benney.
NFRC 100A explains the procedures for determining fenestration attachment product U-factor ratings, while NFRC 200A describes the procedures for determining fenestration attachment product SHGC and VT ratings.
NFRC is also working on certification and labeling procedures for attachment products. Once those procedures are approved, attachment product manufacturers will be able to rate and certify their products.
NFRC has rated window film since 2008, when CPFilms became the first film manufacturer to certify a product.
“I’m very pleased that the Board approved the technical documents for attachment products,” said Mike Cienian, chair of the Attachments Subcommittee and vice president for quality assurance at HunterDouglas, a member of the Window Covering Manufacturers Association. “Our industry is eager to provide our customers with the kind of third-party performance information that NFRC provides, and we look forward to finalizing the certification and labeling side so we can begin certifying products.”
During its Fall meeting, NFRC also:
-
named Bipin Shah, president of WinBuild, Inc., as 2010 Member of the Year. Shah is a former NFRC staff member who is largely responsible for expanding NFRC’s reach overseas; - heard a presentation by EPA ENERGY STAR® Windows Program Manager Doug Anderson, who laid out the schedule for establishing new program criteria; and
- extended the sunset date for the use of WINDOW6/THERM6 software to July 1, 2011.
About NFRC
NFRC (http://www.nfrc.org) is a non-profit organization that administers a voluntary, uniform rating, labeling and certification system that can be used to compare the energy performance of windows, doors, curtain walls, skylights, and other fenestration products. Its members include manufacturers, suppliers, utilities, consumer groups, representatives from the building and code industries, scientific and educational organizations, and government agencies.
Media Contact:
Tom Herron
therron(at)nfrc(dot)org
301-589-1776, x205
# # #
Solatube International Helps 2008 Olympic Games Go Green
0Solatube International Logo
San Diego (PRWEB) June 20, 2008
As China set out to create the first-ever “Green Olympics,” designers turned to Solatube International Inc., the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) to provide natural lighting solutions for a new Olympic event-designated gymnasium at the Beijing Science & Technology University. The company announced today that the installation of 148 Solatube 750 DS Daylighting Systems (approximately each 21 in/530 mm in diameter) is now complete.
The gymnasium will host the judo and taekwondo Olympic competitions, as well as the Paralympics wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball events. The Solatube Daylighting Systems illuminate the facility’s main gymnasium, which includes a 2,400-square-meter competition arena that seats over 8,000 spectators.
This is the first public installation of the new Solatube 750 DS, which is the latest product innovation from Solatube International. The Solatube 750 DS collects light through a technologically advanced, transparent dome, transports it down a highly reflective tube and distributes it through a diffuser to provide superior lighting and extend the hours of daylight available within an interior space.
“We are honored to play a role in the greening of the Olympics this year and to help create such a beautiful and energy-efficient facility,” said David Rillie, CEO of Solatube International. “We are particularly proud to officially unveil our latest technological innovations on such a massive worldwide stage.”
The architects designing the facility sought a way to add natural light to the building that would satisfy the needs of athletes and spectators, while reducing the need for artificial lighting. However, with a steel-frame roof, numerous obstructions and a diffusion plane over 55.8 feet (17 meters) high, the building provided many design challenges. Skylights were not an option due to the building’s obstructions, for they would negatively impact light transmission and delivery.
The solution was the Solatube 750 DS Daylighting System. The design challenges were overcome largely due to the high light transmission properties of the Spectralight® Infinity Tubing, which allowed the daylight to be successfully transmitted over 26.1 feet (eight meters) and was angled around construction obstructions. Additionally, the building’s Solatube Daylighting Systems were equipped with OptiView® Diffusers to evenly disperse the daylight throughout the interior space and Daylight DimmersTM, so that the daylight could be adjusted anywhere from 100 percent to two percent for optimum energy efficiency, occupant comfort and changing space requirements.
“Compared with traditional lighting systems, Solatube Daylighting Systems have a unique advantage with a better progressed view and a wide application field,” said Weimin Shuang, architect and dean of the Architecture Design Institute of Qinghua University. “It reduces power usage and exceeds our environmental design goals.”
Coupled with an insulating inner dome, the Solatube 750 DS delivers consistent illumination, visual comfort and thermal performance. Of great importance to all participants within the facility, the product ensures a bright, consistent and comfortable level of daylighting by tempering glints and mixing light in its shaft.
Designers of the project also chose Solatube Daylighting Systems because in the intense Beijing sun of August, it eliminates powerful glare and hot spots, as well as stops UV rays and heat from entering the building. All year long, the product‘s proprietary Raybender 3000® Technology also lengthens the day by gathering early morning and late afternoon sunlight and bringing it into the building.
Lighting, both daylighting and artificial lighting, can often generate heat into interior spaces. However, the Solatube Daylighting System uses Raybender 3000 Technology to reduce the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, which significantly improves energy efficiency because it does not strain the HVAC system during the peak hours of the day. Thus, by installing Solatube 750 DS Daylighting Systems, the Beijing Science & Technology University Gymnasium is able to obtain the highest solar heat gain to visual transmission ratio currently available from any daylighting product (including every window and skylight on the market worldwide).
The Solatube 750 DS is now ready for specification and will be available for purchase and shipment in late summer 2008. All major building code compliances, as well as the coveted ENERGY STAR® rating, are currently pending.
Solatube International Inc., based in Vista, Calif. (northern San Diego County), is the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs). The company’s flagship product, the Solatube Daylighting System, provides a revolutionary natural lighting solution for all types of residential and commercial applications and is the only spec-grade TDD currently available on the market. The maxim “Innovation in DaylightingTM” reflects the company’s commitment to the development of breakthrough daylighting technologies, which has resulted in numerous patents dating back to the mid-1980s. Widely recognized as the industry innovator, Solatube International has earned acclaim around the globe for its unrivaled ability to transform interior spaces with the power of daylight. For more information on the Solatube Daylighting System or other products manufactured and marketed by Solatube International, including solar-powered attic ventilation fans, please visit the Solatube website at http://www.solatube.com or call 888-SOLATUBE (888-765-2882).
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