Johnsonite reduces waste, water and energy usage

Johnsonite, a Tarkett company, reduced its water usage by 10 percent, waste by 15 percent and energy usage by four percent in 2010. Additionally, Johnsonite’s ReStart Recycling and Reclamation program recycled approximately 35 million pounds of post-consumer flooring in North America.

“Every aspect of our company is geared toward fulfilling our Balanced Choice philosophy of sustainable practice and we are so pleased with the progress we made in 2010 and continue to make,” said Diane Martel, Tarkett’s vp environmental planning and strategy.

As part of its ReStart program, Johnsonite honors individuals who fully utilize the program. For 2011, the company is expanding the ReStart award base to include distributors in two categories: Dedication to Continuous Recycling and Largest Volume of Recycled Product. Distributors will be recognized during Surfaces 2012 in Las Vegas.


More than 10,000 U.S. homes certified under LEED program

More than 10,000 U.S. homes have been certified through the LEED for Homes program, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Since its 2008 launch, 10,161 homes have been certified, with more than 38,000 additional units in the pipeline. LEED for Homes is a national voluntary certification system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.

The 10,000th home to earn LEED certification was Tacoma Housing Authority’s 91-unit development, Salishan 7 in Washington. The project was designed to be at least 30% more energy efficient than the average home, the equivalent of removing 27 homes from Tacoma Power’s electrical grid.

“We are proud to be a part of the community of over 10,000 homes that have committed to excellence through the LEED for Homes program,” said Michael Mirra, exec. director, Tacoma Housing Authority. “Our LEED Platinum housing projects are less expensive to operate and are healthier inside, which means a world of difference to our residents.”


Lees Carpet plant in Va. honored for green efforts

Mohawk Industries recently received the 2011 Virginia Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award (GEEA) in the Project category for its Lees Carpet manufacturing facility in Glasgow, Va. Presented by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the GEEA annually honors leaders in environmental conservation.

“Receiving the GEEA is further confirmation that, through our commitment to environmental management initiatives, we are succeeding -- making steady progress toward further minimizing the environmental footprint of our organization and that of our industry here in Virginia and beyond,” said Roger Miller, manufacturing director for the Glasgow, Va., plant.

Mohawk received the award for its efforts in ensuring little to no impact to the environment surrounding the facility. Mohawk adjusted its manufacturing processes to reduce the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen utilized in the carpet dyeing process.


Free Virtual Green Expo to focus on green schools

BNP Media will host the Virtual Green Expo, a free online event focusing on green schools, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4. Professionals attending the event can earn AIA and USGBC continuing education credits, as well as attend keynotes and webinars, visit virtual show booths and network with peers.

This year’s show will cover high-performance K-12, college/university and educational facilities. Topics will include specifying interior, exterior and mechanical systems including flooring, plumbing, roofing and wall systems; creating a high-performance, healthy learning environment; and financing, operating, maintaining and cleaning a green school.

The Virtual Green Expo is sponsored by Environmental Design + Construction, The NEWS, Roofing Contractor, Sustainable Facility and Walls & Ceilings. For more information and to register, visit www.thevirtualgreenexpo.com.



Sponsored by: MAPEI