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Welcome to GreenSpec Insights, an independent resource for architects, green consultants, and building product specifiers. Each week, we aim to bring you not only unbiased new product reviews, but also insights into what's really important for environmental performance in specific product categories. We hope you find it useful -- send your suggestions and other comments to Insights@GreenSpec.com.
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August 9 - 10, GreenExpo 365 brings you 10 prerecorded sessions helping you decipher rating systems, understand key terms, and choose the right product for your project. You can also join in on four LIVE sessions with industry leaders -- including BuildingGreen founder Alex Wilson's presentation on Evaluating Green Building Product Performance.
This online-only event is free. GreenExpo365 registration is required.
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- Brent Ehrlich
Appropriate for healthcare, education, and other public spaces prone to consistent, heavy foot traffic, this PVC-free commercial resilient sheet flooring uses a tough wear layer and low-emitting materials to create a durable surface.
Distributed in North America through Altro, LifeLine CS has an “ionomer” wear layer comprised of an ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer thermoplastic resin strengthened by ionically charged salts. The remainder of the material is approximately 60% calcium carbonate (limestone), small amounts of titanium dioxide, and 25% pre-consumer recycled LifeLine flooring from the trimming process that is melted back into the base. And though LifeLine CS is petroleum based, it provides several potential environmental advantages over other commercial flooring options.
LifeLine CS does not contain PVC, phthalates, plasticizers, halogens, or heavy metals, and it is FloorScore certified for low VOC emissions. But it is the ionomer wear layer that gives LifeLine CS its performance advantage. Similar to the Dupont Surlyn layer used in Stratica, this material is tough enough for use as a golf ball cover, according to Teemu Kesävaara, Upofloor’s export manager. It is non-porous and resists chemicals, stains, scratches, and dirt.
Read the rest of the product review
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- Tristan Roberts
It's easy to augment your existing windows to keep the heat in better, but some "window attachments" are better than others.
It's time to check windows for winter-readiness
With the weather this hot, it's hard to imagine that we would ever want to try to keep it in the building. (If you're still more focused on keeping heat out of your windows, check out last week's post.) But check your memory from January or so, and you may realize that we can't skip over a whole season, and that now is the time to get ready for this winter by checking your windows and seeing if any modifications can help them keep you warmer when the time comes.
Winter window attachments use one of two methods to keep heat in: adding insulation to the window assembly, or improving airtightness.
Read the rest of the blog post
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- Melissa Coffin
Earlier this month I was introduced to a new product for Pharos, a line of wall boards and panels made from a blend of cellulose sources – recycled cardboard, old newsprint, and something near and dear to my Vermont heart: bovine processed fibers.
Yes, BPFs as they’re known, are the fibers left over from the anaerobic digestion tanks used to harvest methane from cow manure. Otherwise a waste product, these and other animal-processed fibers contain lignin and proteins that make them well suited for a variety of bio-based applications. And, with 2 trillion pounds of manure generated on American farms each year, being creative about what to do with it is a good thing.
Read the rest of the article and Join the discussion
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Flooring & Floorcoverings
Flooring and floorcoverings are subject to physical abuse from feet and heavy objects, and because they’re the lowest spot in a room, they tend to collect dirt, moisture, and other contaminants.
A good flooring material should be very durable—to reduce the frequency of replacement—and it should be easy to clean. At the same time, softer surfaces may be preferred for reasons of comfort, noise absorption, and style, setting up a potential conflict in choices. Raw material and manufacturing impacts must also be considered with many types of carpeting and other floorcoverings.
Read more about the GreenSpec Flooring & Floorcoverings category including carpet tred and potential dangers, wood and bamboo flooring, specific information including things to be aware of about the types of product choices and GreenSpec listed products.
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