Greenbuild Roundup: Day 1 Showcases Building Products, Design Tools

Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, to be held this week in Chicago, is expected to be a launching pad for a host of new sustainable building products from windows and floorings to building design tools.

Here’s a sampling of today’s Greenbuild news.

YKK AP America and Serious Materials announced a partnership that integrates Serious’ advanced energy-saving glazing technology with YKK AP’s line of energy-efficient aluminum fenestration systems, enerGfacade. This will give architects, building owners and designers access to readily deployable facade solutions that achieve overall system U-factors as low as 0.17 and COG U-factors of 0.06.

The first phase of this program includes system solutions for YKK AP’s Megatherm XT entrances and new YCW 750XT curtain wall, designed for various options of SeriousGlass that enhance overall thermal performance while balancing solar control and high visible light transmission, say the companies.

NanaWall Systems has launched its NanaGlass SL25 frameless opening glass system, which evolved from the European concept of balcony glazing and provides developers and builders with an energy-efficient architectural technology.

The NanaGlass SL25 is a frameless opening glass wall system installed on the exterior of balconies, patios, and under second-story decks. With no vertical stiles, the NanaGlass system provides uninterrupted views and natural light while forming an insulating air pocket over the building facade.

In addition to upgrading the appearance of building facades, the European-style NanaGlass SL25 also significantly improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions, according to the company.

Autodesk is demonstrating its latest conceptual energy analysis (CEA) tools at the Greenbuild Expo. Products showcased include the Autodesk Revit Conceptual Energy Analysis tool, which converts conceptual design models into analytical energy models for analysis in Autodesk Revit Architecture and Autodesk Revit MEP software.

This tool addresses the early phases of building design by helping designers to see the energy required for their initial concepts. It was released as part of the Autodesk Subscription Advantage Packs for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011 and Autodesk Revit MEP 2011.

Autodesk also demonstrated Project Vasari, a standalone conceptual modeling and energy analysis tool based on the Revit platform, which is currently available as a technology preview on Autodesk Labs. Project Vasari is designed to increase accessibility for early design phase conceptual energy analysis beyond current Autodesk Revit Architecture software users, says Autodesk.

Mondo is showcasing Harmoni Smooth, one of its flooring products that has received both GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification and the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.

The Harmoni Smooth flooring is free of toxic components, and is antibacterial and antimicrobial. The flooring is well-suited for a variety of commercial applications, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities, fitness centers, churches, retail environments, schools and light industrial installations. It also is 100 percent recyclable.

The other 12 Mondo rubber flooring products that have received both GREENGUARD certifications are Advance, Geode MD, Highjolt, Mondoflex II, Mondotrack, Natura, Ramflex, Sport Impact, Sportflex, Sportflex M, Super X and Terranova.

Duo-Gard Industries, a provider of translucent daylighting, architectural illumination and specialty structures, is showcasing the LUMENHAUS zero-energy home design that is completely powered by the sun. Duo-Gard contributed its energy-efficient vertical glazing system to the home, which will be located in Millennium Park.

LUMENHAUS uses some of the most advanced technologies to maximize user comfort and environmental protection, says Duo-Gard. By incorporating Duo-Gard’s vertical glazing system, specifically its Series 3000 BPC 40mm tongue and grove system filled with Nanogel, LUMENHAUS obtains a U-value of .1 and light transmittance of 33 percent. The solution also is 100 percent recyclable.