October 2011 Green Product Solutions

Green roofing benefits

Elementary school moves from energy consumer to energy producer

Lennox. When Root Elementary in Fayetteville, Ark., needed to replace aging rooftop units, plant director David Tate saw a unique opportunity: upgrading with equipment designed to use the least energy possible, with the ability to produce some of its own energy needed for operation.

Tate selected the SunSource Commercial Energy System from Lennox, a solar-power system integrated directly into a rooftop unit. The system is a factory-installed option for Energence light commercial rooftop units. Root Elementary uses three 17 SEER rated Energence units, each designed to accept up to 21 power-generating solar modules.

"In our school and our community, ‘green’ is extremely popular," Tate said. "We’re trying some new things—not just using high-efficiency equipment but rain barrels, LEED design principles and recycling programs—to see what can happen. It’s not only for the energy savings but also to educate our school system’s Green Team."

For Root Elementary, Tate and his maintenance staff had six solar modules installed for one rooftop unit. Designed with a plug-and-play system for simple installation, the system with modules was installed in about half a day with no changes to the building’s electrical wiring infrastructure required.

Tate was impressed that the modules not only capture the sun’s energy, but each also uses its own microinverter to convert the DC power harnessed to AC power and send it directly to the rooftop unit. Because the modules aren’t tied together with a high-voltage line, the system is safer and more reliable: If shade or dirt hampers one solar module, other modules aren’t affected.

Select the October 2011 issue RSN number 155 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Bedbug research

Allergy Technologies LLC. The company, manufacturer of ActiveGuard mattress liners, is sponsoring a new bedbug research program at The Ohio State University through an initial $100,000+ grant. This endeavor will examine the importance and effects of specific products, protocols and strategies relating to innovative bedbug treatment applications. The grant provides a second-year renewal opportunity for an additional $100,000 in funding.

Select the October 2011 issue RSN number 150 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Extended rebate

MovinCool.The company has extended the deadline of the rebate offer for its CM25 and CMW30 self-contained, ceiling-mount air conditioners to December 31, 2011. With this offer, customers (excluding resellers) who purchase a CM25 or CMW30 ceiling-mount air conditioner now through December 31, 2011, are eligible to receive a $300 prepaid gift card from a major credit-card company. More information about the offer is available at www.movincool.com/rebate.

Select the October 2011 issue RSN number 151on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Nylon flooring

Tandus Flooring. The Change Collection is inspired by the interplay of imagery that occurs on the manufacturing line when one style is transitioned to the next. Three reproductions—Change, Nonconform and Factory Floor—provide various pattern, scale and coordination options in 12 multi-colors that run from subtle to bold. The 100 percent solution-dyed Dynex SD nylon flooring is available in modular and Powerbond, a hybrid resilient sheet flooring. The collection is 100 percent sustainable and available with a variety of eco-friendly backings.

Select the October 2011 issue RSN number 152 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Athletic floor system

Action Floor Systems. GreenFlex F1 anchored resilient wood athletic floor system is designed for complete system expansion and contraction. The environmentally smart-designed floor system is highly resilient with uniform playability and consistent shock absorption to reduce injuries to athletes. GreenFlex F1 features factory-assembled panels for quick and efficient installation and is EN Certified. Action’s GreenFlex F1 floor system can be used for gymnasiums, dance floors, multipurpose, indoor running and aerobics facilities.

Select the October 2011 issue RSN number 153 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Energy-efficient faucet

Chicago Faucets. The new Self Sustaining Power System (SSPS), a new energy-efficient turbine power option, uses turbine technology to create and store power every time water is used. A six-pole magnet and dual-inductor rotor turbine create energy from water flow. The energy created by the turbine is stored in a rechargeable storage device that mounts under the sink and can be attached to the wall. The system comes with a backup battery and voltage regulator for smart power selection; an advanced electronic system regulates supply between primary and backup power sources.

Select the October 2011 issue RSN number 154 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.