![Englert LEED-compliant standing seam metal roof with photovoltaic laminates delivers much of the energy needs of the average American home without tapping into local utility resources. (PRNewsFoto/Englert Environmental) (Newscom TagID: prnphotos079480) [Photo via Newscom]](/Images/tmp2058%2Etmp_tcm14-110231.jpg)
Englert LEED-compliant standing seam metal roof with photovoltaic laminates delivers much of the energy needs of the average American home without tapping into local utility resources. (PRNewsFoto/Englert Environmental) (Newscom TagID: prnphotos079480) [Photo via Newscom]
SmartCool Systems. Added to existing controls on air conditioners and refrigeration systems, the Eco3 controller tracks, analyzes, adjusts, and optimizes the compressor to reduce energy consumption up to 15%, says the company. The Eco3 wires directly between the existing controller and the compressor. According to the firm, the device offers a two- to three-year return on investment. 713.263.7888. www.smartcool.net
Icynene. The company’s LD-R-50 spray-foam insulation has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred status for use of rapidly renewable materials. The insulation is made using castor oil, a natural product that is extracted from the castor plant. The product is water-blown and free of HCFCs and PBDEs. 800.758.7325. www.icynene.com
Trout River Lumber. Martha Mills antique heart pine flooring is reclaimed from a textile mill in Thomaston, Ga., that once supplied cotton tire cord to B.F. Goodrich. The wood has a tight growth ring pattern and an amber color. It is available unfinished with a 61/4-inch face width or prefinished in a 51/8-inch face width. 434.645.2600. www.troutriverlumber.com
Tiger Mountain Innovations. Rustic-looking Squak Mountain Stone slabs are made of recycled paper, cement, fly ash, and recycled glass. The material contains at least 49% post-industrial recycled content. The 11/2-inch-thick slabs are available in five colors: natural, latte, otter, thunder, and quinault. Each piece is unique, the manufacturer says. 425.486.3417. www.squakmountainstone.com
Vantage. The company’s energy management system provides real-time information on home energy usage; it also can provide recommendations on ways to reduce energy use and can predict how much money users will save if they implement the strategies. For example, the system can estimate how much money a home will save by setting the house to use occupancy sensors. 800.555.9891. www.vantagecontrols.com
MasterChem Industries. Suitable for interior and exterior use, Kilz Clean Start zero-VOC water-based primer, sealer, and stainblocker improves, strengthens, and reduces top-coat paint appearance, the maker says. The low-odor product provides a mildew-resistant finish, blocks tannin bleed, and cleans up with soap and water. 866.774.6371. www.kilz.com
Benjamin Moore. The company has expanded its Aura low-VOC paint line to include Aura Bath & Spa, a matte-finish product specially formulated to lock out moisture and withstand heat and humidity, allowing its use in the steamy master bath. With its Color Lock technology, the paint never needs more than two coats, regardless of color, according to the firm. The paint is resistant to mildew and stains and is easy to clean. 800.344.0400. www.benjaminmoore.com
Gorell Windows and Doors. Combining three panes of glass, a 50/50 blend of argon and krypton gas fill, two SolarControl Plus low-E coatings, and an Intercept spacer system, the Energy Star–qualified Solar Master III triple-glass system offers a U-value of 0.19, and an SHGC of 0.26, says the firm. Double-hung units with Solar Master III carry Green Seal certification. 724.465.1800. www.gorell.com
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Crossville. Echo glass tiles are made from 10% to 100% post-industrial recycled content. Ideal for walls, countertops, and floors, the tiles are made from centuries-old techniques where the product is cast from translucent glass that is textured on the front and back. They are available in 15 colors, three finishes, and five sizes. 800.221.9093. www.crossvilleinc.com
PureOFlow. The PureOFlow whole-house reverse-osmosis water purification system provides desalination and purification in one system. According to the company, the system reduces up to 98% of substances such as arsenic, lead, and radium, and it softens the water without the need for salts. PureOFlow takes up about the same amount of space as a traditional soft water system. 763.497.8500. www.pureoflow.com
Knauf. EcoBatt fiberglass insulation utilizes Ecose technology, which converts natural organic materials into an inert polymer, binding the insulation fibers; the technology, which is also up to 70% less energy intensive than traditional binders, allows for the same performance but greater sustainability, says the firm. The insulation, which is brown in color, contains no formaldehyde, acrylics, or artificial colors. It contains a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled glass. 317.398.4434. www.ecobatt.us
Sustainable Flooring. Showercork flooring is made with ¼-inch pieces of cork cut from post-industrial wine corks. The durable material is suitable for wet applications such as shower floors and pool surrounds, is slip resistant, comes prefinished or unfinished, and offers thermal and acoustical properties. The sheets, which come 12 inches by 24 inches, are adhered with thinset or glue and then grouted. 303.544.6076. www.sustainableflooring.com
Solatube. The ventilation add-on kit for the company’s daylighting systems can be used in moist areas like baths and laundry rooms. The fan, which turns on with a switch, attaches seamlessly to the 160 Daylighting System, which illuminates up to 200 square feet, or the 290 DS, which lights 300 square feet. 888.765.2882. www.solatube.com
US Tile. Manufactured with all-weather clay, ProSlate roofing offers the look of natural slate and is lightweight, strong, and durable, the maker says. The roofing carries a Class A fire rating, and it is 100% recyclable. It is available in light gray, dark gray, charcoal, and green. 800.252.9548. www.ustile.com
Everpure. The ViruPure single-cartridge commercial-grade residential water filtration system removes 99% of bacteria, viruses, and cysts down to 0.019 micron, as well as reducing VOCs, THMs, MTBEs, chlorine, chloramines, and lead, says the maker. The system, which mounts under the sink, has a 500-gallon life span, which lasts a family of four about a year. 800.323.7873. www.everpure.com
Duo-Gard. Translucent illumaWALL is made of polycarbonate or resin art panels that transmit diffused natural light. At night, integral LEDs can be programmed to change colors. The double-glazed walls filled with Nanogel Aerogel (optional) achieve R-10 with high light transmission. 800.872.4404. www.duo-gard.com
GE. The Energy Star–qualified Hybrid Electric water heater, targeted for the fourth quarter, uses about half the energy of standard tank units of the same size, says the manufacturer. The unit’s hybrid technology absorbs heat in the ambient air and transfers it to water, a process that requires less energy than generating heat. It fits in the same footprint as a regular tank unit and uses existing water and electrical connections. 800.626.2000. www.ge.com
Whirlpool. The Resource Saver side-by-side refrigerator exceeds federal efficiency standards by 30% and uses the same energy as a 60-watt bulb, according to the company. The refrigerator automatically adjusts cooling to bring food to the desired temperature, and then returns to normal operating temperatures. The ice dispenser and removable collection bin are located in the freezer door to increase storage space. 800.253.3977. www.whirlpool.com
Boral Bricks. The company’s new permeable pavers allow water to drain through the surface, reducing runoff. The 4-inch-by-8-inch pavers are notched every 3 inches around their perimeter to create six rectangular voids that mate together to form a 1-inch-by-7/8-inch opening and a 12% void area per square foot. Nine standard colors are available. 800.526.7255. www.boralbricks.com