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	<title>Accelerated Commercial Projects</title>
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	<link>http://acpatl.com</link>
	<description>Obtaining building permits in Metro Atlanta</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:08:20 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Green Industry LEED Rating System</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/27/green-industry-leed-rating-system/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/27/green-industry-leed-rating-system/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:08:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LEED Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEED rating systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEED system]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/?p=218</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ray_C._Subs]Ray C. Subs LEED rating systems and standards relate to specific construction components and to the building as a whole. This rating system measures the Green capacities. There are many establishments that have applied green principles without knowledge of the LEED ratings established by the US Green building Council. This LEED system is the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ray_C._Subs]Ray C. Subs</p>
<p>LEED rating systems and standards relate to specific construction components and to the building as a whole. This rating system measures the Green capacities. There are many establishments that have applied green principles without knowledge of the LEED ratings established by the US Green building Council. This LEED system is the most well-known and whole building Green standard in the US.</p>
<p>Green construction and revamps offer many benefits including water savings, energy savings, clean air, and money savings. These high-performance buildings offer clean places to live and work. Many buildings are becoming green and are following the specific LEED rating. Following this system will allow a building to reduce their energy consumption by approximately 62% and to reduce their gas emissions by approximately 33%. LEED systems of analysis allows the establishment to be broken down into two aspects of LEED requirements. The building can be rated as a whole or in specific building components.</p>
<p>&#8220;Going Green&#8221; is a trend that is fast becoming the norm. Why should buildings be wasting so much energy and attributing to global warming when they can make changes that will substantially reduce their energy costs as well as help to better the environment? Studies show that larger structures contribute to approximately 40% of the overall global warming emissions and that they consume approximately 70% of the electrical power within the US. There are many benefits for having your strucure transformed in order to meet the LEED requirements. There are also many benefits to receiving the training needed for doing Green jobs which include transforming buildings to meet the LEED requirements.</p>
<p>The LEED rating is applicable to new commercial, institutional and high-rise residential buildings as well as to existing building&#8217;s criteria for LEED operations, maintenance, and reverberations. LEED has the best green building rating system within the US. With this applicable LEED system you can have your structure properly analyzed as to its Green money saving capabilities as well to as its potential for saving energy and decreasing its environmentally harmful emissions. As a LEED AP or a LEED Green Associate you can assist in converting older buildings into efficient Green buildings that receive sound LEED rates or in establishing newly constructed structures that rank high in the LEED rating system.</p>
<p>For the best LEED information and training available visit http://www.usgbc.org/</p>
<p>Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Industry-LEED-Rating-System&amp;id=3994694] Green Industry LEED Rating System</p>
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		<title>LEED GA Green Associate V3 Help and Practice Exams Now Available</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/27/leed-ga-green-associate-v3-help-and-practice-exams-now-available/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/27/leed-ga-green-associate-v3-help-and-practice-exams-now-available/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:59:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LEED Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GA LEED]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leed AP V3 certification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LEED exams]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/?p=213</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susana_Meisenhelder]Susana Meisenhelder Leed stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a step towards development of sustainable green building. Leed AP v3 certification is the recognition that is given to green building projects. If you are an architect, facility manager, real estate professional, engineer, landscape architect, interior designer, or construction manager then [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susana_Meisenhelder]Susana Meisenhelder</p>
<p>Leed stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a step towards development of sustainable green building. Leed AP v3 certification is the recognition that is given to green building projects. If you are an architect, facility manager, real estate professional, engineer, landscape architect, interior designer, or construction manager then you can apply for the Leed certification. In order to get Leed certified, you will need to clear the Leed examination but the question is: which is the best Leed exam for you?</p>
<p>Which LEED Exam?</p>
<p>Are you thinking of a USGBC Leed certification? If yes then you need to know that there are different types of Leed examination tracks that can help you get closer to the Leeds certification. The three primary Leed examination tracks that you can apply for as of September includes:</p>
<p>Leed for new construction version v3 LEED GA Green Associate</p>
<p>One of the salient points of any of the above Leed exams is that you need to clear just one of them to achieve the status of a Leed AP for all applicable Leed rating systems. These basically means that if you appear for the Leed for version v3 LEED GA Green Associate exam and clear it then you will be able to work on the certification of a home or existing building under Leed EB or the homes rating system. Most people apply and sit for the Leed new construction NC v2.2 exam as it is considered to be the best of the lot. What next?</p>
<p>Once you have decided to appear for the Leed v3 LEED GA Green Associate exam, you will need to prepare for the exam as well. Most of the questions for this Leed exam are taken from the Leed reference guide. But if you want your preparation to be absolutely thorough then you need to use the Leed reference guide as well as the Leed AP walkthrough. The reference guide that you need to use will be the third edition of the Leed v3 LEED GA Green Associate reference guide. It is available on the USGBC website for $150.00.</p>
<p>Signing Up for the Leed Exam?</p>
<p>The next step for you will be downloading the Leed AP Canditate handbook, which is available on the GBCI (Green Building Certification Institute) website. This handbook will be your bible as it will take you through the various procedures of signing up for the Leed AP certification exam as well as the requirements. Some of the primary steps for signing up for the v3 LEED GA Green Associate exam include:</p>
<p>You will need to register at   rel=nofollow [http://www.gbci.org]http://www.gbci.org. Once you are at the website, click on the exam registration tab in Blue on your right hand top corner. You will be asked certain information both personal and professional, which you need to provide. Once that is done, click register to complete the process. Here are two important tips:</p>
<p>Tip#1: Ensure that your name is exactly the same as it is in your ID<br />
Tip#2: If you are working for a company that is already a member of USGBC then mention it because you will be able to save $100 on your v3 LEED GA Green Associate.</p>
<p>Once you have submitted all the required information, you will be provided an &#8220;eligibility ID&#8221;. Write down this ID, remember it or save the mail as you will require it later. The entire process of registration is actually quite simple.</p>
<p>LEED GA Green Associate v3</p>
<p>leed green building http://www.amazon.com/Associate-Sample-Questions-Rationale-Certification/dp/B002RJ1MJU</p>
<p>Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?LEED-GA-Green-Associate-V3-Help-and-Practice-Exams-Now-Available&amp;id=3071934] LEED GA Green Associate V3 Help and Practice Exams Now Available</p>
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		<title>Passive Fire Protection Methods &#8211; Intumescent Coatings</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/27/passive-fire-protection-methods-intumescent-coatings/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/27/passive-fire-protection-methods-intumescent-coatings/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:35:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fire retardant coatings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green construction products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intumescent paint]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/?p=209</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Naylor]Scott Naylor What is an intumescent coating? An intumescent coating is a passive fire protection specialist paint that chemically reacts when heated in a fire. The coating expands in size to form a char, which protects the steelwork for a specified period of time from the heat of the fire. Why do you need [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Naylor]Scott Naylor </p>
<p>What is an intumescent coating?</p>
<p>An intumescent coating is a passive fire protection specialist paint that chemically reacts when heated in a fire. The coating expands in size to form a char, which protects the steelwork for a specified period of time from the heat of the fire.</p>
<p>Why do you need an intumescent coating?</p>
<p>The purpose of passive fire protection and protecting structural steel is to give the building occupants time to leave the building. Steel is a very strong and versatile building material, but at temperatures of 550ºC it begins to loose its structural integrity.</p>
<p>Intumescent for steel protection is commonly thick and opaque and finished with a thin protective fire retardant coat, similar to a gloss. Intumescent coatings are normally applied by airless spray to provide a smooth decorative finish, which remains stable at ambient temperatures.. These coating compositions are based on organic resin binders, which are typically acrylated rubber or epoxy.</p>
<p>When dry, a passive fire protection intumescent coating is a reactive layer, so it is very important to achieve the correct thickness of dry film to obtain the required fire resistance. The film thickness is measured wet with a wet-film gauge, as a certain wet film thickness will dry to a specific dry film. Several coats may need to be applied to build up to a total dry coat thickness to give the required heat protection.</p>
<p>The resins are filled with active ingredients, that will react in a fire at temperatures around 250°C to form a thermally insulating carbonaceous char or foam. The char can swell up to 50 times the original coating thickness.</p>
<p>As described above the basic formulation of an passive fire protection intumescent comprises of an organic binder, a carbonific, usually a penta or dipentaerythritol, a spumific or blowing agent which could be melamine or a melamine formaldehyde derivative, a source of an acid catalyst such as ammonium polyphosphate and additionally a char reinforcing pigment.</p>
<p>As the temperature rises the binder begins to melt and the blowing agent liberates gases causing a controlled expansion. At the same time there is degradation of the carbon backbone and fusion of the inorganic reinforcing materials, resulting in char solidification.</p>
<p>In this age of steel and glass commercial buildings, exposed steelwork is sometimes an integral design feature. Intumescent coatings allow steel to be used as an design feature (where fire protection boards would not) while also conforming to building regulations.</p>
<p>Intumescent passive fire protection coatings provide steel structures with corrosion protection, fire protection and a visualdecorative element if required.</p>
<p>Until the last 10years, the typical airless unit for applying intumescent coatings was a pneumatic pump having an air motor and capable of providing up to 4 &#8211; 5,000 psi at the pump. Such a unit requires a road compressor of about 150 cfm and is a heavy unit.</p>
<p>Improvements in passive fire protection intumescent formulation have reduced the weight of coatings and the need for high pressure application. Today, almost all intumescent coatings can be applied with a more compact self contained unit with either a petrol engine or an electric motor.</p>
<p>In the UK, petrol engine units are more widely used over electric because electric power is often not available on site at the early stage of construction when the intumescent is applied.</p>
<p>Special conditions..</p>
<p>Hydrocarbon fires tend to show a very rapid rate of heating combined with extreme turbulence and result from the burning of hydrocarbon based fuels such as oil and gas. Therefore a special passive fire protection paint is required. Specialist intumescent coatings have been developed to cope with the aggressive nature of hydrocarbon fires, where resistance to blast overpressure and jet fire is a strong probability.</p>
<p>Oil and gas projects exist in some of the most aggressive environmental conditions and require not just fire protection but also exceptionally durable coatings. Epoxy intumescents are able to provide not only the fire protection requirements, but also blast resistance and extreme durability to the worst weather conditions.</p>
<p>If you have any question regarding   passive fire protection or for more information on passive fire protection please visit http://www.alltask.co.uk/index.php?pagecode=p105</p>
<p>Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Passive-Fire-Protection-Methods---Intumescent-Coatings&#038;id=4746321] Passive Fire Protection Methods &#8211; Intumescent Coatings</p>
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		<title>The Green Solution for Your Building’s Exit Signs and Egress Markings</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/the-green-solution-for-your-buildings-exit-signs-and-egress-markings/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/the-green-solution-for-your-buildings-exit-signs-and-egress-markings/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green exit and egress signage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/the-green-solution-for-your-buildings-exit-signs-and-egress-markings/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;ve been tasked with coming up with and implementing a green solution for your company&#8217;s exits signs and egress markings, then you need to take a long look into the new kid on the block—photoluminescent exit signs and egress markings. These next generation exit signs have become the best answer for saving not only [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>
<p>If you&#8217;ve been tasked with coming up with and implementing a green solution for your company&#8217;s exits signs and egress markings, then you need to take a long look into the new kid on the block—photoluminescent exit signs and egress markings. These next generation exit signs have become the best answer for saving not only energy, but also a considerable amount of money. In today&#8217;s cost-conscious climate, that is not only a good thing, it&#8217;s a matter or survival! Let&#8217;s examine how the use of photoluminescent materials in your building&#8217;s emergency exit sign strategy can be beneficial to you.</p>
<p>First of all, these <a href="http://www.GloBriteSystem.com" target="_blank">photoluminescent exit signs</a> are composed of a luminescent coating which collects and saves ambient light. They require no electricity or wiring, no batteries, and are simple and easy to install. They have no maintenance, except for the occasional cleaning that&#8217;s necessary due to the dust and grime associated with any building environment. They are 100% recyclable, and can simply be disposed of by tossing them into the nearest metal recycling container. </p>
<p>Compare this to the issues involved with either incandescent lighting or tritium ext signs. The  bulbs constantly need replacement, the batteries die (meaning they&#8217;re unreliable), and the wiring can go bad and require attention.  In other words, they involve a whole host of regular maintenance concerns. In the case of tritium exit signs, there are an entire other range of issues dealing with their radioactivity, including the mounds of paperwork required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission! They need to be disposed of by a licensed hazardous materials handler, which is another hassle to deal with. Who needs a headache like that?</p>
<p>These exit signs and egress markings are 100% reliable. You can be sure  that they will be there and operate when they are needed. No worries about whether a backup generator will kick in, or if batteries are charged. They are designed to be visible to around 100 feet in a blackout or smoke-filled environments, and they are also rated bomb-proof for those building managers that need concern themselves with that classification. </p>
<p>Using photoluminescent materials in your building can save you a considerable amount of money. For a typical building, the replacement of their exits signs with photoluminescent materials can save an average of $3,500 a year in direct costs of energy, reduced maintenance, and materials. That savings will no doubt be increased in the future, as costs continue to rise. In today&#8217;s cost-cutting economic climate, this is a real no-brainer!</p>
<p>In addition, the use of photoluminescent materials in your building&#8217;s exit signs will reduce your carbon footprint by some half million tons of CO2 over the life of the products. That is a significant amount, and you&#8217;ll get a pat on the back for this accomplishment alone!        </p>
<p>The best (and only) U.S. manufacturer of photoluminescent exit signs and egress markings is a company called Jessop Manufacturing, located in McHenry, Illinois. They offer a wide range of photoluminescent safety products, including exit signs, egress markings, fire signs, glow in the dark tape, and much more. Their products can be found at GloBriteSystem.com.</p>
<p> Alan King<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/the-green-solution-for-your-buildings-exit-signs-and-egress-markings-721593.html</p>
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		<title>The Use of Photoluminescent Materials in Sustainable Building Design</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/the-use-of-photoluminescent-materials-in-sustainable-building-design/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/the-use-of-photoluminescent-materials-in-sustainable-building-design/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[photoluminescent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/the-use-of-photoluminescent-materials-in-sustainable-building-design/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With today&#8217;s political environment focusing on keeping everything as green as possible, the use of photoluminescent materials in sustainable building design is an idea whose time has come. The employment of photoluminescent exits signs and other self-luminous emergency egress indicators is an easy choice given all the advantages they afford. Let&#8217;s take a brief look [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>
<p>With today&#8217;s political environment focusing on keeping everything as green as possible, the use of <a href="http://www.GloBriteSystem.com" target="_blank">photoluminescent materials</a> in sustainable building design is an idea whose time has come. The employment of photoluminescent exits signs and other self-luminous emergency egress indicators is an easy choice given all the advantages they afford. Let&#8217;s take a brief look at some of the reasons why using these types of emergency exit signs is a terrific idea.</p>
<p>First of all, photoluminescent materials are about as environmentally friendly as you can get. These exit signs use no electricity, consume no batteries, and are virtually maintenance-free. There is no more hard wiring, having to search out electrical problems, or the constant purchase and disposal of batteries. You simply mount these exit signs to the wall and forget about them. They collect and store the ambient light that is available when the building is in use, and make that energy available when there is an emergency need. If the need arises, these  photoluminescent exits signs can store enough of this energy to stay illuminated for up to three days. They are visible to a distance of around 100 feet in dark or smoky conditions, serving as a beacon during a blackout or fire.</p>
<p>As a result of this energy conservation, these photoluminescent exits signs can save your company thousands of dollars yearly in energy costs, as well as dramatically improve the carbon footprint left by your building. Use of photoluminescent materials in your sustainable building design can reduce air pollution by nearly a half a million pounds of CO2 when compared with incandescent signs over the life of the product. They are also 100% recyclable, and when or if you ever have need to dispose of them, they can simply go into the nearest metal recycling container. They are easy to install and a snap to move if needed; simply move the mounting to the new desired location.</p>
<p>Compare this to the hands-on time and energy required by incandescent signs and the other choice, tritium signs. Incandescent exit signs pose problems such as replacement, electrical issues, and more. Tritium exit signs are a wholly different matter, and have a large number of undesirable issues. They are made of a radioactive substance that is tracked and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and require special handling by a certified hazardous materials expert to dispose of properly. Moreover, they are no longer manufactured in the US because of environmental concerns and must now be imported from abroad. There are other issues to consider, but I think toxic waste is just about enough for anyone!  </p>
<p>The best solution in luminescent signs available today is a company called Jessop Manufacturing, who have been in business since 1956.  They offer a wide range of eco-friendly exits signs and egress indicators, available at a very reasonable cost and in several colors and configurations. They have become the unquestioned leader in this market, and you can find their products online at GloBriteSystem.com.</p>
<p> Alan King<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/the-use-of-photoluminescent-materials-in-sustainable-building-design-721581.html</p>
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		<title>Sustainable Building With Environmental Value</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/sustainable-building-with-environmental-value/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/sustainable-building-with-environmental-value/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/sustainable-building-with-environmental-value/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sustainable building has been in vogue, ever since the green building concept came into existence. Green building means resource efficient and environmentally conscious, sustainable design which is usually dependent on three areas such as conservation, energy, resource conservation and indoor air quality. You can also identify which properties will save you funds when it comes [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>
<p>Sustainable building has been in vogue, ever since the green building concept came into existence. Green building means resource efficient and environmentally conscious, sustainable design which is usually dependent on three areas such as conservation, energy, resource conservation and indoor air quality. You can also identify which properties will save you funds when it comes to fuel costs and making repairs.</p>
<p> 
<p>Viewed as new-age in construction circles, sustainable design looks at homes holistically, and not just a bunch of unrelated systems thrown together. Natural forms of energy, such as wind, solar, and geo-thermal if available on-site are maximized. Make important decisions between one property and another with enough awareness on how carefully has the construction taken into account the weight of environmental protection. And if you plan to put up additional buildings or extensions to your property, you&#8217;ll know how to go about it in a responsible way. However, experts are of the opinion that both green building and sustainable building have some difference between them. But, both consider environmental conservation has its prime aim. Viewed as new-age in construction circles, sustainable design looks at homes holistically, and not just a bunch of unrelated systems thrown together.</p>
<p> 
<p>You must look at the various factors for having a sustainable housing:</p>
<p> 
<p>Environmental factors: We need to consider the conservation of environment in order to improve the biodiversity and ecology.</p>
<p> 
<p>Water: rain water reuse, minimising and attenuating surface water run-off to prevent flooding and pollution, make use of water efficient appliances.</p>
<p> 
<p>Energy: high levels of insulation and reduce energy consumption, make use of energy efficient lighting and appliances, building orientation to maximise solar gains and shelter from prevailing winds.</p>
<p> 
<p>Materials: make use of materials with longer shelf life, but it should be of lesser environmental impact during extraction, manufacture and us, use of materials which can be reused / recycled, use of locally produced materials to reduce transportation requirements and avoid using non renewable and unsustainable ONES.</p>
<p> 
<p>Affordability: reduce the cost of ownership &#8211; if it isn&#8217;t affordable &#8211; it cannot be sustainable, flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs of present and future occupiers.</p>
<p> 
<p>Transport:  Your house should be close to public transport routes, access to amenities and place of work should be easy or have some space to work from home itself, to reduce your commuting problem.</p>
<p> 
<p>Health and wellbeing: make use of non toxic materials, with adequate day lighting, ventilation provided. Private outdoor space, green space, &#8216;sense of place&#8217;, integration with the surroundings / landscape.</p>
<p> Kirthy Shetty<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/sustainable-building-with-environmental-value-697798.html</p>
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		<title>Steel Buildings Go Green</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/steel-buildings-go-green/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/steel-buildings-go-green/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steel buildings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/steel-buildings-go-green/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Steel Buildings &#8211; Green Applications Gone are the outdated corrugated metal buildings of the past. The new generation of pre engineered steel buildings are finding use in an ever growing variety of Green building projects. Steel buildings are leading the way in the Green building revolution, meeting Green building design goals with innovative building design, [...]]]></description>
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<p>Steel Buildings &#8211; Green Applications</p>
<p>Gone are the outdated corrugated metal buildings of the past. The new generation of pre engineered steel buildings are finding use in an ever growing variety of Green building projects. Steel buildings are leading the way in the Green building revolution, meeting Green building design goals with innovative building design, engineering and use of materials.</p>
<p>Building Green</p>
<p>Green building design, also known as &#8220;sustainable building&#8221; is coming of age as we recognize that global resources are limited and that climate change is inevitable &#8211; unless we take positive action now.</p>
<p>Green building recognizes the environmental impact of buildings, their construction, lifecycle and ultimate demolition, and works to lessen this impact through</p>
<p>* Energy efficiency * Environmentally sound building materials * Innovative building design * Healthy indoor environment</p>
<p>Environmentally Friendly Pre-engineered Steel Buildings</p>
<p>Pre-engineered steel buildings also known as prefabricated buildings or prefab metal buildings are an innovative building solution featuring solid steel I-beam building construction.</p>
<p>* Pre-engineered steel buildings are designed and engineered by trained and certified structural metal building engineers to meet all local building codes for snow and wind load and seismic conditions.</p>
<p>* Steel building components are engineered and fabricated to precise specifications in a steel building factory using the highest grade commercial steel available.</p>
<p>* Modern steel manufacturers employ energy efficient methods in steel production that help to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.</p>
<p>* When a steel building is demolished to make way for new construction the metal building materials don&#8217;t end up in a landfill like asphalt shingles, concrete, brick and wood. The steel is recycled instead.</p>
<p>* Steel can be recycled over and over again without loss of the quality of the steel.</p>
<p>* More steel is recycled than all other recyclable materials combined.</p>
<p>Cool Coatings Get Cool Energy Credit</p>
<p>&#8220;Cool&#8221; coatings are special siliconized polyester paints with superior reflective qualities. &#8220;Cool&#8221; coatings applied to steel buildings act as a thermal barrier to keep the insides of steel buildings cool in summer. This means that steel buildings coated with &#8220;cool&#8221; coatings use less energy, making steel buildings more energy efficient. The use of &#8220;cool&#8221; coatings for steel buildings saves money and the environment through reduced energy costs over the life of the building and can even qualify for Federal tax credits.</p>
<p>Urban Heat Islands: Cool Roofs Bring Relief</p>
<p>Savvy builders are taking advantage of the fact that metal building roofs reflect light and heat keeping buildings cooler in hot weather. Plus, metal building roofs don&#8217;t store heat and radiate it back at night like other types of roofs. This saves energy in cooling costs and helps save the environment by lessening the urban &#8220;heat island&#8221; effect. An &#8220;urban heat island&#8221; happens when urban concrete and asphalt construction absorbs heat during the day then radiates it back at night so that temperatures don&#8217;t fall at night as they normally would, and is a powerful contributor to climate change and global warming.</p>
<p>In places like California, Texas and Florida, commercial building construction is taking advantage of the &#8220;cool&#8221; properties of steel building metal roofs for commercial buildings such as warehouses, industrial manufacturing plants, aircraft hangars, storage buildings, retail outlet stores, auto dealerships, strip malls and more.</p>
<p>Metal building roofs also work to save energy and the environment in cooler climates. A painted metal roof not only reflects heat in summer, but also retains heat inside the building on cool days, saving on heating costs and keeping the indoor environment healthy and comfortable in both summer and winter. New metal building roofs qualify for Federal tax credits.</p>
<p>Steel Buildings: Cost Effective, Energy Efficient and Green</p>
<p>* Steel buildings don&#8217;t require cutting down valuable forests.</p>
<p>* Steel buildings are manufactured with a high proportion of recycled content.</p>
<p>* Steel buildings employ sustainable building design and construction and erect in less time than conventional building construction.</p>
<p>* Steel buildings are fire and rust resistant and steel buildings are virtually maintenance free.</p>
<p>* By their very nature, steel buildings are durable, cost-effective, energy efficient and Green.</p>
<p> Linda Falorio<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/steel-buildings-go-green-384423.html</p>
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		<title>Green Building and Its Advantages</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/green-building-and-its-advantages/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/green-building-and-its-advantages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/green-building-and-its-advantages/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Green building concept has emerged from the need to meet high standards of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Focus is mainly on resources such as energy, water and materials and attains efficiency of these resources. It is said to reduce the energy bills and offer a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Reduce the effect [...]]]></description>
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<p>Green building concept has emerged from the need to meet high standards of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Focus is mainly on resources such as energy, water and materials and attains efficiency of these resources. It is said to reduce the energy bills and offer a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Reduce the effect of environmental hazards and ease its effects on human health and environment too. It is said that natural daylight design reduces a building&#8217;s electricity needs, and improves people&#8217;s health and productivity. Use of non-toxic materials and products will improve indoor air quality, and reduce the rate of asthma, allergy and sick building syndrome. These materials are emission-free, have low or no VOC content, and are moisture resistant to deter moulds, spores and other microbes.</p>
<p> 
<p>It is the use of eco friendly materials that highlights the concept of green building. Purchase eco friendly products to build a green home or a sustainable environmental building. Enhance the energy efficiency of your building! Put to use environmental friendly technology and see how energy efficient your building can get. Passive solar design can dramatically lower down the heating and cooling costs of a building, as with high levels of insulation and energy-efficient windows. Indoor air quality is also addressed through ventilation systems and materials that control humidity and allow a building to breathe.</p>
<p> 
<p>It usually requires a systemic attention to the full life cycle impacts of resources which is embodied in such green building and to the resource consumption and pollution emissions over the building’s complete life cycle. Green buildings are also popularly known as eco homes or sustainable buildings. It is generally agreed that green buildings are structures which are designed, sited, built, renovated and operated to energy-efficient guidelines, and that they will have a positive environmental, economic and social impact over their life cycle. Green specifications provide a good set of guidelines for the building industry, but these are still in the process of being formalised into UK regulation and many are open to interpretation. Make use of low energy appliances, energy efficient lighting and renewable energy technologies which uses solar panels and wind turbines.</p>
<p> 
<p>In addition to addressing the above areas, a green building should provide cost savings to the builder and occupants, and meet the broader needs of the community, by using local labour, providing affordable housing, and ensuring the building is sited appropriately for community needs.</p>
<p> Kirthy Shetty<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/green-building-and-its-advantages-716704.html</p>
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		<title>Commercial Real Estate: the Importance of Population Trends</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/commercial-real-estate-the-importance-of-population-trends/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/commercial-real-estate-the-importance-of-population-trends/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:02:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Commercial Office Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Population trends]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/commercial-real-estate-the-importance-of-population-trends/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While commercial real estate can be an excellent investment, it’s all but impossible to succeed in this competitive environment without some sort of game plan. The most successful professional real estate investors are those who are able to look at a given area and accurately predict which parts of a given city are likely to [...]]]></description>
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<p>While commercial real estate can be an excellent investment, it’s all but impossible to succeed in this competitive environment without some sort of game plan.  The most successful professional real estate investors are those who are able to look at a given area and accurately predict which parts of a given city are likely to experience the most growth in relation to other areas in or near that city.  Those who are able to gauge such trends can enjoy enormous advantages in the real estate investment marketplace.</p>
<p>One of the major advantages of this approach is the investor’s ability to often purchase properties at significant discounts to their future, improved market values.  One example of this in urban areas is where some neighborhoods go into decline over a period of years.  Property values decline, but local populations remain high.  Should the city council decide to “re-zone” or offer incentives to developers to rehabilitate the neighborhood, savvy investors have an opportunity to come in while real estate prices are still “low.”  Thus, they can enjoy excellent profits once those blighted neighborhoods begin to turn around.</p>
<p>One of the methods used by these professional real estate investors is a thorough analysis of current and future population trends.  Tracking the trends in population growth and population movement can provide an accurate predication of which neighborhoods are likely to succeed and which ones are doomed to at least short term failure.</p>
<p>Over the past several years it has been those markets with the strongest and fastest population growth that have been the hottest markets in the country.  This trend has held true both in residential and in commercial real estate, and those investors who took advantage of this fact were able to realize excellent profits through the buying and selling of residential and commercial properties.</p>
<p>It is easy to see how population movement and population growth impact the housing market, since a higher population density increases the demand for local real estate.  In turn companies looking to open new facilities or new branches often look to areas with high population growth, causing a spike in commercial real estate prices as well.</p>
<p>The movement of population from one area of the country to another can also be an accurate predictor of when it is time to sell.  The nature of the neighborhoods in which investors own property can sometimes be difficult to determine, especially from a distance.  So, tracking population trends can be a big help to business owners and owners of commercial real estate around the country.</p>
<p>Whether you are planning to buy commercial property, sell commercial property, or do a little bit of both, paying attention to the growth and movement of the local population can be a huge help.  Real estate investors need to be cognizant of the trends which could effect their investments and population growth is one of the most important to track.</p>
<p> Craig Higdon<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/commercial-real-estate-the-importance-of-population-trends-81983.html</p>
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		<title>Guide to Cutting Costs With a Green Office</title>
		<link>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/guide-to-cutting-costs-with-a-green-office/</link>
		<comments>http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/guide-to-cutting-costs-with-a-green-office/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:44:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diane Cox</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green office]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainability]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://acpatl.com/2010/08/17/guide-to-cutting-costs-with-a-green-office/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sustainability has always been about saving money – in the short and long term. Rising energy costs and other economic factors make a compelling case for a greener workplace. Now, Morgan Lovell – which specialises in cost-effective sustainable office refurbishment &#8211; has outlined the top 10 business reasons of going green, into one handy document. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Sustainability has always been about saving money – in the short and long term.</p>
<p>Rising energy costs and other economic factors make a compelling case for a greener workplace.</p>
<p>Now, Morgan Lovell – which specialises in cost-effective sustainable office refurbishment &#8211; has outlined the top 10 business reasons of going green, into one handy document.</p>
<p>Lara Conaway, Morgan Lovell’s sustainability manager, said: “A company can make considerable financial savings by taking a green approach in the office.</p>
<p>“The document has been written to pull together some of the advantages in one easy-to-access paper and highlights some of the government incentive schemes currently in place in the UK.</p>
<p>“It offers a comprehensive overview and helps point businesses in the right direction to take positive action.”</p>
<p>‘The Top Ten Reasons To Green Your Office’ is available as a free download at Morgan Lovell’s website <a href="http://www.morganlovell.co.uk/ten-business-reasons">http://www.morganlovell.co.uk/ten-business-reasons</a></p>
<p>It joins another popular free download in the sustainability section at the company’s website. This guide offers a wealth of ideas – including small scale changes that can be easily introduced into the workplace &#8211; to make offices more cost effective and greener.</p>
<p><strong>ENDS</strong></p>
<p><strong>Notes To Editors</strong></p>
<p><strong>About Morgan Lovell</strong></p>
<p>Located in London, Birmingham and the Thames Valley, Morgan Lovell is the UK’s leading office interior design, fit out and refurbishment specialist. With its own teams of designers, surveyors and project managers, the company can design and deliver entire projects, with the benefit of just one point of contact.</p>
<p>It is part of Morgan Sindall plc, a top UK construction and regeneration group which operates through five specialist divisions of fit out, construction, infrastructure services, affordable housing and urban regeneration.</p>
<p>Morgan Lovell is a licensed BREEAM Offices Assessment Organisation. This means it is now licensed to measure the sustainability score of an office in order to identify ways companies can reduce high energy usage and waste, whilst increasing comfort and satisfaction for users of the building.</p>
<p><strong>ENDS</strong></p>
<p>About Morgan Lovell</p>
<p>Located in London, Birmingham and the Thames Valley, Morgan Lovell is the UK’s leading office interior design, fit out and refurbishment specialist. With its own teams of designers, surveyors and project managers, the company can design and deliver entire projects, with the benefit of just one point of contact.</p>
<p>It is part of top five UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall plc which operates through five specialist divisions of fit out, construction, infrastructure services, affordable housing and urban regeneration.<strong> </strong></p>
<p>Morgan Lovell is a licensed BREEAM Offices Assessment Organisation. This means it is now licensed to measure the sustainability score of an office in order to identify ways companies can reduce high energy usage and waste, whilst increasing comfort and satisfaction for users of the building.</p>
<p><strong>Contact Jane Shepherd or Jo Foster, Shepherd PR Limited. </strong><strong>Tel 01538 308685/308099. Mobile 07985 129315</strong></p>
<p><a href="mailto:jane@shepherd-pr.com"></a></p>
<p><a href="mailto:jo@shepherd-pr.com"></a></p>
<p>Jane Shepherd</p>
<p>http://www.articlesbase.com/press-releases-articles/guide-to-cutting-costs-with-a-green-office-681312.html</p>
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