Greenbuild Briefing: Johnson Controls, Dow, Noveda, American Standard

Here is the latest news from the Greenbuild conference and expo, taking place in Toronto this week:

Johnson Controls unveiled Panoptix, a building efficiency offering that combines an open technology platform and suite of efficiency applications with on-line, phone-based and on-site services. The company says Panoptix collects and manages data from disparate building systems and other data sources, such as meter and weather data.

Johnson Controls says the new product cuts capital costs by expanding on existing building management systems, and through a software-as-a-service subscription offering. Customers can also manage their investment by configuring the system to focus on their most critical priorities, such as energy usage and equipment performance, the company says.

Dow Chemical has announced that it will bring the Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle (pictured) to U.S. markets this month, starting in Colorado and rolling into about a dozen other states through 2012. D.R. Horton’s Colorado division will be the first national homebuilder to offer the product on new homes.

The Powerhouse is designed to offer the performance and protection of a conventional asphalt roof, but with an integrated photovoltaic (PV) system to power the home – avoiding aesthetic objections encountered by rack-mounted systems, Dow says.

Dow chairman and CEO Andrew N. Liveris said the launch is integral to Dow’s strategy of creating significant product lines based around “megatrends” such as energy.

Noveda Technologies has launched the Building EKG energy and water saving mobile app. The product is the first in a series and will initially be available on Apple devices. Noveda says the application combines the capabilities of its suite of monitoring products (EnergyFlow Monitor, SunFlow Monitor, and Carbon Footprint Monitor), giving an integrated view of all critical energy costs, including electric, gas, steam, and oil, to help identify inefficiencies

EMerge Alliance – an industry association advocating adoption of safe direct-current (DC) power distribution standards for commercial buildings – is demonstrating several new DC power applications, including a ceiling cloud demo, desktop concepts, and integration of on-site solar panels and electric vehicle charging. The alliance says that DC power generated from on-site sources that directly support DC loads can dramatically improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and reduce environmental impact.

American Standard Brands has introduced several new products. The Decorum FloWise high-efficiency urinal, designed for clubs, resorts and other luxury buildings, uses 0.5 gallons per flush, 50 percent less than a standard urinal. The Studio dual flush toilets are described as “luxury performance” toilets offering a choice between a standard 1.6 gallon and reduced 1.1 gallon flush, meeting WaterSense standards.

The company also announced product bundling designed to help commercial specifiers, with 34 pairings of commercial urinals, toilets and flush valves helping to speed up delivery and paperwork for large volume commercial projects.