Green Building Materials '08: Definitions, Design, and Delivery

Green Building Materials '08: Definitions, Design, and Delivery
November 3-4, 2008
UMASS Campus Center Complex
Amherst, Massachusetts, USA

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Program Outline and Registration Information (PDF)
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Hotel Information
Tabletop Display (Exhibit Space) and Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsored by the Forest Products Society.

CEU Credits

CEU credits are available! AIA Learning Units are available through the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the AIA. Certified Building Materials Specialist credits are available through the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association. Others are being applied for.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is $395 for Nonmembers, $295 for FPS Members and $100 for Students – includes conference materials, one continental breakfast, one luncheon, one reception, two coffee/refreshment breaks, and one optional tour (boxed lunch provided).

CONFERENCE CHAIR

David T. Damery, Associate Professor/Director, Building Materials &Wood Technology Program, Dept. of Natural Resources Conservation, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The rapidly changing Green Building industry poses challenges for:

Designers: Architects, Engineers

Material Suppliers: Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Retailers

Contractors/Builders and Inspectors

Homeowners

What is the current "state-of-the-art" in:

What are green building materials?

How to interpret and satisfy requirements of a variety of rating systems:

What’s the process for designing, specifying, and sourcing green building materials?

Documentation issues in the green chain-of-custody

What’s new in Green Building Materials?

Innovations in Local Sourcing of Materials

Source http://www.forestprod.org/confgreenbuilding08.html

Strand Bamboo Flooring: A Beautiful Choice For Your Home

by Doug Watson

There has been a shift toward more environmentally friendly home building materials in recent years to such an extent that it is possible to build an entire home from materials that have been manufactured using more sustainable methods and materials. If you are remodeling your existing home you can choose from among these green products for your home improvement projects as well.

Strand bamboo flooring has become one of the more popular green building materials in recent times. To make it, many small bamboo fibers are compressed and bound together with adhesive to create planks. The adhesive used in the manufacturing process of this type of bamboo wood flooring makes it harder than almost all other types of wood flooring.

There are many benefits to choosing strand bamboo. It’s almost impossible to destroy, which is probably the most talked about advantage. You can do almost anything to your floor, without any damage. That’s due to the durability of the bamboo. This woven bamboo flooring is not soft and will not scratch as easily as other bamboo flooring.

Another great feature that this flooring offers is that it looks beautiful when installed in your home. It is very durable so it can stand up heavy use both inside and outside of the home. While it looks like traditional hardwood flooring it is much more durable and is easier to maintain than a hardwood floor.

Strand bamboo flooring is considered the latest material to provide the beauty of hardwood floors without the worry about depleting the environment. Bamboo grows rapidly and replenishes itself continually, making this the choice of environmentally aware citizens. If your desire is to “go green” then the unique qualities of bamboo will fill that need. You will be proud of your home when it is enhanced by this kind of flooring.

The Internet is the best place to find the many different styles of bamboo available. Retailers who focus on selling wood floors are always willing to help you create your ideal flooring plan. In order to get an accurate price quote, you should have measured the area you are wanting the flooring for. Strand bamboo flooring is so beautiful, you are bound to fall in love with it, no matter who you purchase it from.

About the Author:

Beautiful strand bamboo flooring has become one of the more popular green building materials recently

Source http://blog.linksalad.com/2008/08/strand-bamboo-flooring-a-beautiful-choice-for-your-home/

Gulf Building Materials and Technology Congress 20th -21st January 2009, Dubai - U.A.E

An event produced and created by Fleming Gulf (Jacob Fleming Group)

Fleming GulfFleming Gulf is proud to present Gulf Building Materials and Technology congress-20th &21st January - Dubai. The Construction industry in the Gulf has predominantly contributed to the growing economy. With an estimated worth of $ 1 trillion every region are expected to generate billions of dollars worth of business opportunities in their various sectors. With massive construction projects currently under way and planned projects, there is an obvious demand for various construction materials such as steel, tiles & flooring materials, timber, glass, roof products and stones. As the construction and building materials industry's significant growth continues major issues are starting to raise, Market trends in building materials: Cost, Quality & Demand, and Implementation of Safety Standards & Government regulation on building constructions, Alerting environmental issues and the Future of Urban communities, Properties and Infrastructure in the region. Such are only few of the issues that the industry stakeholders must address; it has become a focal point for the industry to focus hardly on marketing and business opportunities and deserting the process and development of its integral components in order to build a sustainable and better community for the future generations.

The Gulf Building Materials & Technology Congress is bringing together 150 senior executives from construction companies and architecture firms to meet with international suppliers.

One of the main attractions of the event will be the educational conference featuring construction industry experts who will discuss various issues concerning building materials.

This must-attend event also provides exclusive networking opportunities for all leading industry players who want to expand their business and their knowledge.

Event Format

• Highly Selected ParticipantsTo ensure the exclusivity of the event, the event is strictly limited to upper-level executives and is by invitation only. The number of participants is limited to 150 industry decision makers only.

• Pre-scheduled Business Meetings One-to-one meetings are arranged according to preferences made prior to the congress between a high-caliber audience of buyers and the world's most respected solution providers. YOU select the people you want to meet

• Cutting-Edge Conference Agenda Keynote Addresses and Case Studies by industry visionaries, disclosing their insights which deliver the right perspective to be one step ahead of the Building Construction Industry.

• Unrivalled Networking Functions Network in style with the utmost echelons of the industry through carefully orchestrated business and social gatherings in the most luxurious and spectacular locations in Dubai.

• Business-Focused Environment An exclusive venue hosts the event to capitalize and capture opportunities in the world of building materials

For more information visit: www.buildingmaterialsbcm.com

Dhanushka Arjuna, Head of BCM (Business Club Meeting) at Fleming GulfFleming Gulf

Fleming Gulf

UAE Services

News Profile Officers

said, "Gulf Building Materials and Technology congress allows only a limited number of solution providers from each country and category to attend. We work proactively with solution providers before, during and after the event and that builds a true business-driven environment. Our speakers are recruited from top companies and relevant government departments, and represent the best in the industry. Their contributions and shared experiences bring our clients fresh perspectives and viewpoints on their industry, promoting growth and business development. This event would definitely be one amongst those which cannot be missed".

-Ends-

About Fleming Gulf
Fleming GulfFleming Gulf

Fleming Gulf

UAE Services

News Profile Officers

is part of the Jacob Fleming Group, one of the worlds's leading business intelligence companies that provide business-to-business conferences, consultancy services and market research. Jacob Fleming Group offices in Bratislava (Slovakia), Prague (Czech Republic), Budapest (Hungary), Barcelona (Spain), Dubai (UAE) and Cleveland (USA), specialize in organising prestigious international conferences for Europe and GCC region that provide groundbreaking strategies and proven technical expertise in business functional areas and vertical markets, which include the real estate, energy, finance, media, pharmaceutical and telecom sectors.

For more information please contact:
Mehwish Hilal
Marketing Manager
Fleming GulfFleming Gulf

Fleming Gulf

UAE Services

News Profile Officers

FZE
Dubai Airport Free Zone
P.O. Box 54772
Dubai, UAE
T: +971 4 60 91 564
F: +971 4 60 91 589
E: marketing@fleminggulf.com

Dhanushka Arjuna
BCM Head
Fleming GulfFleming Gulf

Fleming Gulf

UAE Services

News Profile Officers

FZE
Dubai Airport Free Zone
P.O.Box 54772
Dubai
T: + 971 4 60 91 559
F: + 971 4 60 91 589
E:darjuna@fleminggulf.com

© Press Release 2008 from Fleming Gulf

Source http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20080826061728

A Brief Introduction to Fond Du Lac Stone

Fond Du Lac Stone is quarried in the Town of Fond Due Lac, Wisconsin. Fond Du Lac is a type of flagstone and is noted for its muted tones reminiscent of the Arizona and New Mexico deserts. It comes in a variety of finishes and cuts.

One of the most popular styles of flagstone is the style of Fond Du Lac known as ledge Random Ashlar. This stone is available in finishes ranging from planned, tumbled, chiseled, natural, sanded, square, round, irregular, bush hammered, flame finished, rock face, and split rock.

What is included in most Fond Du Lac Stone Installations?

1. Work: The contract includes the furnishing of all exterior and interior facing. The stone available is known as Fond Du Lac Ledge Random Ashlar as shown and indicated in the picture.

2. Stone: Usually a guarantee by the particular company that they will manufacture your stone from their own quarries.

3. Setting: The stone supplied to you is guaranteed to be durable, sound, free from cracks, and when installed shall be jointed with mortar and include no air pockets or empty spaces. The mortar and stone will be free of stains and as clean as possible. When installed, the stone face will be free of mortar stains and damage.

4. Mortar: The mortar used in your professional installation will be composed of a specific matching color 1 part mortar cement, 3 parts clean sharp sand, and shall be free of iron and other impurities. Sufficient water shall be used to mix the mortar to the proper working consistency.

5. Joining: The joints will be of equal and of a pre specified depth and width.

6. Cleaning: When your Fond Du Lac Stone installation is completed your stones are to be cleaned with a soft bristled brush and water. No other cleaner shall be used. No acid cleaners of any type are to be used as they will adversely damage the stone.

7. Protecting the stone: The contractor is responsible for the protection of the stone from pickup through delivery, installation, and cleanup. Extreme care will be taken to prevent the staining from soil, clay, dirt, asphalt, oils, or any other impurities. While the stone is at the job site it will be covered by a water proof cover an elevated above the ground. It will also be protected from underneath with a splash guard.

8. Sample: Before your installation is underway a sample wall will be erected on the job site for a final approval.

What to Expect

You can except to be able to choose from a wide variety of flagstone including the Fond Du Lac quarry variety; Random Ashlar. This particular flagstone is available in a few different colors and many different finished including flame finished, rock faced, tumbled, planned, and more. In addition to thin stone veneer application, other Fond Du Lac stone applications exist.

Once installed, with proper care, your stone will last many, many years and add beauty, value, and curb appeal to your home and property. You can be quite confident that with proper installation you will be very satisfied with your purchase of your natural stone products. You can take great pride and care in the quarry, production, and installation of our natural stones. Prior to the start of your project, be sure to browse through different pictures online before making your final selection. When choosing a company to work with, look for online feedback from happy people whose homes have been upgraded with the elegance of natural stones.

Looking for a Fond du Lac Stone supplier? View the many different styles of Natural Thin Stone Veneer and granite countertops in Wisconsin that Halquist Stone has to offer. For more information, call (262) 246-9000 or visit HalquistStone.com to request a free brochure. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_Brown

Natural Stones Uses in Construction of Homes

Construction of home is not an easy task. It requires special skill, and especially if the construction to be done with stones. Architects and builders since long have given importance to stone for its permanence, strength and beauty. It is due to their exclusive look and great available designs; colors and textures as well as the royalty presented by these stones are also unique.

Natural stone is not just like ordinary stone. It is the creation of nature's greatness. Whether its granite, with its luxuriant, smooth, polished sheen, or the shimmering gossamer of marble; whether it is the understated elegance of beige or lemon of limestone, evocative browns of sandstone or the rustic grey hues of slate, natural stone adds a style of distinction to home. It creates more than a home. It creates a place that can be remembered pleasurably, a place where one can enjoy peace and quiet amid serene surroundings. A palette of colors and a variety of veining and textures provides aesthetic pleasures. Places where natural stones can add value of the home are:

Drawing Room: This is important section of all homes. The place where all family members gather and spend time with each other. It can be given lavish look by using excellent textured marbles for flooring along with a wonderful marble fireplace mantel. Perfect fireplace gives royal look to any drawing doom.

Bathrooms: This is the place of interest for everyone. People always give special stress to the design and look of bathrooms. Granite counter tops and silver beige marbles can be for bathrooms. Another aspect of bathroom design is bathtubs and other rock accessories. Using marbles for these subsections of bathroom is ideal choice because marble provides soothing effect and wonderful experience to eyes.

Kitchens: For kitchen planning, there is lot of importance of marbles and granites. Granite kitchen counters and granite marble tiles are perfect combination.

Terrace: This is the place for relaxation with family. Therefore, terrace is another important section of home, those days is gone when it was used for only to dry cloths. Now terrace gardens are the favorite place inside a home to sit and watch the stars and moon during night. Granite tiles flooring is popular for terrace gardens.

Floors - Traffic is obviously a major consideration in selecting floor stone whether heavy, medium or light duty. In heavy traffic situations, floors need be resistant to vehicles or carts, stiletto heels, mud marbles will be best.

Other natural stones include Laminated Aluminum Honeycomb for walls, ceilings, floors, wall connections, bathrooms, furniture tabletop. Laminated to Glass these products are made especially for decoration purpose. They create special designed effects with translucent lights.

Granite offers everlasting beauty and shine, which is the main purpose of using this stone in buildings and homes. Stones are good for interior and external designing purpose, they create lovely indoor atmosphere if properly used. Stones are resistant to heat, scratch, stains, spills, and moistures, therefore it is helpful in heat control, easy to clean and wash and they produce a glaze for long time.

Natural stones are a timeless creation. It offers grace, durability, incomparable qualities and astounding beauty. But most important it imparts that sense of pleasure; a reward that waits at the end of busy day. So with this unwind aura of immense beauty, one tends to forgets rest of world.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions, bid on your projects, or schedule an appointment to learn more about us. Visit us at: http://www.pacificbedrock.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexender_Smith

Glass Use in Contemporary Residential Buildings

A lot of advancements have been made in the manufacturing techniques of glass products for use in residential buildings. It is no longer the huge energy consuming product it once was with a new generation of products that conserve energy, block UV rays, minimize heat gain or radiate heat and offer privacy with a flick of a switch.

The use of glass in architecture has increased significantly as it evolved into the high-tech product it is today. Because of its transparent quality, glass will always play a vital role in architecture as people want to be connected with the outside world and prefer natural bright spaces opposed to electronically lit spaces and at the same time save energy. Big windows and open architecture in a home bring the light in, provide the opportunity for a wonderful view and create a special ambience.

Glass bricks

This material is not new to the building industry, but because of its structural properties, together with its transparency but at the same time providing privacy has remained a favourite in residential design. These bricks is not only aesthetically pleasing elements but also diffuses light into the home in such a way that overheating caused by the penetration of sunlight is reduced during the summer months. During the winter the thermal properties of glass bricks are comparable to double glazing.

Frosted glass

This type of glass is produced by the acid etching of clear sheet glass. This renders the glass translucent, obscuring the view while still passing light.

Laminated safety glass

This type of glass ensures your families' safety in the event of an accident and also makes it significantly more difficult for a burglar to gain entry trough such a glass barrier.

Solar energy control glass

This is a type of laminated safety glass designed to keep out as much of the sun's UV rays and solar radiation through the glass without limiting the amount of natural light into the building. This type of glass is especially useful in the construction of skylights and curtain walls.

Self-cleaning glass

Ideally used where windows or glass features are not within easy reach with a normal ladder. A titanium oxide coating ensures the break down of organic material when cleaned with warm soapy water and any residue washes away without leaving unsightly spots or streaks.

Written by Jere Botes, architect & founder of http://www.dreamhouses.co.za, a website dedicated to provide home builders, renovators, owners & developers with free professional advice on all aspects of home design, building & diy and http://www.cad-architect.net, a source of over 2000 CAD Symbols, Details, Drawings and lots of other information for Architects & Building designers. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing to either dreamhouses.co.za or cad-architect.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jere_Botes

Recycled Wood: For a greener environment

Recycling, a process of converting scrap into reusable form has been term long associated with electronic, chemical, glass and textile items but recently. Recycled wood is the latest popular word among the responsible citizens who care for the environment and the future. The concept of recycled wood is becoming popular because of its environment friendly aspect. Apparently, reusing wood will lessen the demand for green wood and thereby save a lot of trees.

So how is the wood recycled? Mostly demolishers of old buildings and bridges carefully strip out the wood used in the structures before demolition. This salvaged wood is sold to the merchants, who then re-mill the wood by manually scanning it with a metal detector. This allows them to denial the entire piece of wood. This recycled wood or recycled timber is then often sold to the consumer as recycled flooring, beams and decking.

However, the use of recycled wood doesn’t only stay limited to the construction aspect of a human living. Recycled wood furniture is becoming quite popular among the homemakers these days. Not only because the Recycled Furniture is environment friendly, but also because it is rather affordable. People are fast doing away with the stigma of second hand stores and looking towards recycled furniture for home decorations. To suit their personalities, they get the furniture coated with trendy colors.

Another use of recycled wood comes across when you plan to pick up windows for your home. Though glass windows cannot be recycled commercially, people are using recycled windows to build up complete news structures in their backyard. A greenhouse or a sun house made from recycled windows can not only give a new dimension to your home but also save a large part of your budget, you thought of spending on new construction materials.

With the increase in consciousness among the consumers, the producers are also gradually becoming innovative in the use of recycled wood. Woods are now not only recycled but are made water resistant, termite resistant before they are sent in to the market. Home decorators are now suggesting use of recycled wood in making balconies, court yards and garden paving.

Before purchasing the wood, you can always ask the supplier about the origin of the wood. Some suppliers may fail to answer the proper source from where the wood came from; in that case you can consider a different supplier. Breathing becomes much easier in your home when you know that you have saved a tree and contributed towards building a greener environment for the future generation.

Smit Mathur is an expert for writting Articles and is currently working for Heritagebuilding.For more information related recycled wood, recycled flooring, recycled furniture, stained glass supplies please visit:http://www.heritagebuilding.com.au

Article Source: http://www.articleset.com

About the Author

Smit Mathur is an expert for writting Articles and is currently working for Aussie Webhost.For more information related to Web Hosting, Affordable web hosting, Business web hosting, Web hosting provider, Ecommerce web hosting please visit http://www.aussiewebhost.com.au/ » Read more articles by Smit Mathur