Sustainable Economic Development

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable community development is a reflection of the new economic geography and related geospatial relationship influencing global competitiveness. It refers to the urbanregional ecosystem within the built environment which generally consists of the air, arts, buildings, culture, economy, education, energy, food, green space, recreation, spirit, transportation and water. Sustainability practices within the urbanregional ecosystem provides the overall environment, clean energy source alternatives, infrastructure and quality of life amenities required to produce competitive “tech savvy” innovation-driven economic growth communities. Technology-based economies most often require such urbanregional community ecosystems to perform at the highest levels.

Community development also reflects a paradigm shift to a single urbanregional growth mindset which is consists of multiple individual jurisdictions. These strategic globally-focused local urbanregional strategies alliances are required for competitiveness in the 21st century global marketplace. This approach is contrasted with multiple individual and independent jurisdictions located within the same region mindset of the 20th century.

It also refers to knowledge-based professional development, training and continuing education in sustainable development principles, practices and emerging technology applications for the incumbent workforce and practicing industry professionals.

Roofs are the protective covering that protects or forms the top of the buildings. However at present, roofs equipped with the latest technologies in building materials offer advantages which are cost effective, efficient and aesthetically pleasing, while offering considerable savings in terms of energy cost. Numerous roofing systems used in building structures can be summarized briefly as below.

Photovoltaic (PV) roofs¹ (which converts sunlight into electricity) with PV modules integrated into roofing materials produce free electricity from sunlight that when attached to the appliances or lighting systems can supply much of the homes energy needs. It requires a portion of the roof to be exposed to direct sunlight.

The wide variety of roofing materials available can be categorized into metal roofing and non-metal roofing materials. The metal roofing shingles, depending upon the surface finish, can provide enhanced efficiency with solar reflectance and infrared emittance properties.

Non-metal roofing includes roofing shingles made out of asphalt, clay, slate, etc., available in different shades and configurations, and are best suited for residential requirements.

Figure 2: Wood roofing

Wood roofing² is used to protect homes and give it a rustic, natural look which ages beautifully. Its visual appeal and natural protection from weather has made it popular among the other roofing options.

Figure 3: Green roof

Roof tops³ covered with vegetated green layers are also an attractive alternative to traditional roofing practices. They serve the dual purpose of offering a protective covering to the building, in addition to retaining drain water. Other benefits include: reducing roofing membrane temperature, providing substantial noise insulation, absorb air-borne toxins, and providing additional land area.

1http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=1402&DocumentID=2143
2http://www.riverroofing.com/wood.html
3http://www.roofmeadow.com/assemblies.html

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Figure 1: Composites⁴

A typical composite material⁴ is a system of materials composing of two or more materials (mixed and bonded) on a macroscopic scale. For example, concrete is made up of cement, sand, stones, and water. If the composition occurs on a microscopic scale (molecular level), the new material is then called an alloy for metals or a polymer for plastics.

Fiber Reinforced Plastics⁵ (FRP) can be made into constant cross-sectional structural shapes, such as W-sections and tube sections, through the pultrusion process of manufacturing. FRP can be used to create structural systems that have enough strength to resist service loads and can decrease life-cycle costs as compared with traditional materials. The benefits include: low weight, high strength, ease of erection, and corrosion resistance. These factors combined lead to lower installation costs and lower maintenance costs. As improvements in the manufacturing process occur, it is expected the initial costs of these material will decrease as well. All of these factors could lead to lower life-cycle costs than using traditional materials.

Civil engineers use steel, fiberglass and other similar materials to increase concrete's strength and toughness, but using those materials often requires costly construction techniques. Advances in short-wire reinforced concrete is making use of this technology increasingly more accessible, since the process is compatible with standard construction processes and the steel used for the bone-shaped fibers is relatively cheap.

Figure 2: Composite structural applications

Composite materials are widely used in various construction practices including bridges, sky-scrapers, highways, beams, columns, and other structural components as an alternative to conventional metals like steel and aluminum.

Figure 3: Composite material insight
Generally, a composite material is composed of reinforcement (fibers, particles, flakes, and/or fillers) embedded in a matrix (polymers, metals, or ceramics). The matrix holds the reinforcement to form the desired shape while the reinforcement improves the overall mechanical properties of the matrix. When designed properly, the new combined material exhibits better strength than would each individual material. Depending upon its configuration and orientation of fibers inside the matrix, the application of a composite is affected.

4 http://www.science.org.au/nova/059/059key.htm
5 http://www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/frp.htm

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Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver

1. Colorado Springs

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

                 -- Green Power program
                 -- ENERGY STAR makeover contest
                 -- Efficiency rebates
                 -- Solar photovoltaic systems

APPLICATION

                 -- Green power program offers customer the option to pay a premium on their bill to receive electricity from wind power source.
                 -- ENERGY STAR makeover contest provided winning homeowner with $25,000 worth of energy efficient measures.
                 -- Energy efficiency rebates for residential customer on
                      -- Clothes
                      -- Washer
                      -- Furnace
                      -- Insulation
                      -- Windows
                      -- Lighting

                 -- Energy efficiency rebates for commercial customer on
                       -- Building lighting
                       -- Custom peak demand
                       -- LED traffic signals

-- $4 per watt rebate to install solar photovoltaic system in homes and business.

2. Denver

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

                 -- Bio-diesel Fuel.
                 -- Reduce global warming
                 -- Hybrid vehicles.
                 -- Energy conservation policies.
                 -- Traffic light retrofit program.
                 -- Energy Star label program.
                 -- Environmental management system.

APPLICATION

                 -- Convert entire diesel fleet to bio-diesel.
                 -- Replace all general passenger vehicles and light duty trucks with hybrid vehicles or high fuel mileage vehicles.
                 -- Traffic light retrofit to new light emitting diode (LED).

                 -- Energy Star Program
                 -- Installation of solar wall at Athmar Rec. Center.
                 -- Fire station windows retrofit.
                 -- Air destratifier units increase building efficiency in the Webb Municipal Building.
                 -- Environmental Management System at Denver International Airport helped lead progress in climate protection.

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Figure 1: Integrated Ceilings

Integrated ceilings⁶ (Figure 1) with cable support reduce the building costs and offer a wide range of new opportunities. Ventilation systems, tubing, structural elements as well as power, telephone and data cables can be embedded inside the ceiling to create the right atmosphere, ambience and acoustic environment.

Fireguard ceilings⁷ proposed by Armstrong ceiling systems are specially formulated to provide enhanced resistance against structural failure. These ceiling materials are in compliance with a UL approved rating system for flame spreading and fire-resistant material properties, and offer a wide variety of textured ceilings.

Ceilings with anti-bacterial treatment called the “anti-microbial ceilings”⁸ include an intersept coating that destabilizes the cellular membrane of certain microorganisms preventing them from multiplying and surviving. The coating inhibits the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria on the treated surface of the ceiling tile. Armstrong ceiling systems also provide a key component of in-building wireless networks called the “wireless” and “i-ceilings” network. I-ceilings panels are ceiling tiles with wireless antennas for WLAN networks, mobile phone systems and flat panel speakers embedded inside. The antennas are “hidden”, so they are invisible from below and hence, maximize the communication options without compromising the aesthetics.

The Humiguard Plus⁹ and Humiguard Max ceilings provides validated performance required for all high humidity applications - just short of standing water, direct contact with water or exteriors where condensation is likely. These products can be installed earlier in the construction process (before the building is enclosed), wherever HVAC systems might be shut down, or in all high humidity applications other than outdoors or in the areas that are subjected to standing water.

Figure 2: High Light Reflectance Ceilings

High Light Reflectance ceilings¹⁰ as shown in Figure 2, provide substantially brighter spaces with reduced energy costs and consumption and provide an exceptionally balanced light diffusion and reduces light loss factor.

6 http://www.wibe.se/wk2/documents/%7Ba00a2204-a312-43ba-af8f-d35dfe9997e8%7D_int.ceil._systems.pdf
7 http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/article7906.html
8 http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/article11200.html
9 http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/article11027.html
10 http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/article7916.html

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Figure 1: All Wall System

The type of wall materials available today is practically unlimited. They can range from wood, brick and block, tilt up panels to metal panels. From the viewpoint of building construction, walls are divided into two major groups: load-bearing wall and skeleton-frame construction. Tilt-up wall systems include load-bearing panels, non-load bearing panels and wainscoting.

Stay-in-place-form-wall¹¹ is an energy efficient wall system proposed by All wall systems. The Concrete Forms with Insulation (CFI) are basically forms for poured concrete walls that stay in place as a permanent part of the wall assembly. They not only provide continuous insulation and sound barrier, but also replace drywall on the inside and also replace the first two steps of the stucco application process on the outside. The All wall system can be considered as a “Post and Beam” system which has gained popularity due to its energy efficient characteristics and because of its masonry-based wall system that is not structurally vulnerable to termites.

Exhibit wall systems¹² (Figure 2) used extensively for displays and exhibitions in museums and galleries comprise of multiple frames, pop-up curves or fabric panels.

Multiple Frame Pop-up Curves Fabric Panel

Figure 2: Exhibit wall

Rewards iForm¹³ is an innovative, universal flat wall form that is horizontally and vertically reversible. It is used to build highly insulated, steel-reinforced concrete walls in all types of residential, light commercial and large and high-rise commercial constructions.

Figure 3: Reward iForm

“All-around” ledge form, in addition to serving as a ledge for the application of brick and stone exterior finishes, can serve many other functions, such as supporting slabs, floors, and in some cases, roofs.

11 http://www.allwallsystem.com/design/submitdata.pdf
12 http://www.oceancolor.com/Pages/CompareSystems.html
13http://www.arcat.com/arcatcos/cos38/arc38552.cfm

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Figure 1: Insulated door

Choosing an insulated garage door¹⁴ means increased energy efficiency, soundproofing, and quieter operation. The insulation is obtained using the polyurethane insulation which is blown between the door's steel skins and expanded to fill 100% of the door's interior space. To help keep out wind and rain, all Raynor garage doors feature a vinyl bottom weather seal attached to a sturdy aluminum retainer.

Figure 2: Fire resistant accordion door system

Fire resistant accordion door systems¹⁵ provide physical security along with fire security. Fireguard is a revolutionary ceiling tracked, horizontally sliding, motorized, steel, accordion type door system that is stored in a recessed pocket until it is activated by a fire alarm system or manually commanded to close with companion Advanced Synchronized Locking (ASL) software. The Fireguard is designed to provide 20, 60, 90 or 180 minute fire protection and comes in single or Bi-parting door segments.

Figure 3: Automatic Platform Gate door

Curtis door systems¹⁶, Automatic Platform Gate (APG) door utilizes the service proven rolling stock technology to provide an alternative to full height Platform Screen Door Systems. (PSDS). Unlike PSDS, APG does not interfere with the station air conditioning and heating systems providing the same safety and consistency of operation as PSDS.

Figure 4: Storm door

Like other components of the shell, doors are subject to several types of heat loss: conduction, infiltration, and radiant losses. A wooden door can be made more energy efficient by adding a storm door. Like a storm window, a storm door works by creating an insulating air space between the storm and primary doors. A tight-fitting storm door can also help reduce air leakage or infiltration.

14 http://www.peakwindow.com/weather_shield_doors.htm
15 http://www.govsupply.com/Products/DoorSystems/AccordionFire.cfm
16 http://www.curtisdoorsystems.com/images/APGRev1.pdf

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Figure 1: Valzon Flame Resistant Fabric

Valzon¹⁷ flame resistant fabrics are blends of 60% FR Acrylic fiber and 40% Cotton. Each lot of fabric is tested by Westex rigorous quality control standards to certify both the initial and wash durable flame resistance characteristic. The blend level established for these fabrics is important to permit classification of the fabric as "inherently" flame resistant. The flame retardant chemical is an integral part of the acrylic fiber put into it at the fiber-forming stage. The blended cotton component is not treated for flame retardancy but derives its self-extinguishing characteristics from the presence of the FR acrylic fiber.

Figure 2: Dupont Fire Resistant Material

The Dupont¹⁸ fire resistant materials are two layer constructions with different weights and performance levels. The base level is a blend of aramid and proprietary fibers that imparts structural integrity, inhibits gas ingression and provides mattress coverage. The outside layer consists of char-forming and flame suppressing fibers that insulate the mattress and inhibit the spread of flames on exterior fabric, and provides a white exterior aesthetic.

ULTEM®¹⁹ resin is an amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide offering outstanding high heat resistance, high strength, modulus and broad chemical resistance. Its balance of properties and processability offers design engineers exceptional flexibility and freedom to innovate. ULTEM® resins are inherently flame resistant with low smoke emission. In fact, they are eco-conforming, which helps customers meet stringent eco-label requirements.

Figure 3: ULTEM Flame resistant plastic

Hydroweave²⁰ technology improves the performance and endurance of the wearer by reducing the amount of energy wasted cooling the body and battling heat stress. Harnessing the power of evaporation, Hydroweave actively cools the wearer while helping to maintain core body temperature, provide comfort, enhance performance, and help eliminate the hazards of working, playing, and competing in high heat environments.

17 http://www.westexinc.com/valzon.htm

18 http://www.dupont.com/kevlar/pdfs/Product_Bulletin_4.pdf
19 http://www.geplastics.com/resins/materials/ultem.html

20 http://www.hydroweave.com/apps-medical.htm

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Figure 1: Fastenerless Steel Framing

Fastenerless Steel Framing Clinching²¹ technology is used for attaching residential steel framing members. Steel framing promises to be a synch with clinching. Clinching is a method of joining two pieces of sheet metal by pressing them together into a die that forms a connection similar to a rivet. Fasteners such as rivet or self-tapping screw are not required with clinching.

Clinching reduces the amount of screws, rivets or welding needed. Clinching connections are less susceptible to loosening over time than other types of connections. It also facilitates the penalization process. Again, the costs per clinch have been reported to be a fraction of a screw connection. There are several types of clinching equipment. The majority of clinched connections are made with pneumatic or hydraulic tools.

A clincher makes a connection by driving a punch into a die through overlapping material. When the material is forced to the bottom of the die, the die begins to mushroom. The die expands to allow full development of the connection. When the punch reaches its final position, it is withdrawn and the die returns to its original shape. The result is a connection very similar to that of a rivet.

Figure 2: Clinching equipment

Engineered wood wall framing²² is used as a replacement of traditional lumber, installed with same process, tools, and fasteners. The framing is made from Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL). The strands are coated with adhesive and compressed into large billets that are sawn into standard lumber dimensions. Engineered wood framing uses fast-growing, plentiful lumber species, reducing the amount of old-growth timber that is harvested. It also uses logs more efficiently than solid-sawn lumber. It also may result in less material and total installed costs. For example, wider spacing of wall studs can be implemented due to its superior strength, and it can be used for tall walls, such as in open foyers.

Figure 3: Engineered Wood Wall Framing

21http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=2009&CategoryID=1402
22http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=2056&CategoryID=1152

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Illinois: Chicago, Perkin, Village of Palatine

1. Chicago

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

                 -- Wind turbines
                 -- LEED certification
                 -- Solar Panels
                 -- Hybrid vehicles
                 -- Energy efficient lighting
                 -- Recycling

APPLICATION

                 -- Four wind turbines on the roof of the Richard J. Daley center
                 -- Fire stations, school and libraries registered for LEED certification
                 -- Use of solar panel for hot-water heating in
                      -- fire stations
                      -- affordable housing
                      -- social service
                      -- Coin laundries

                      -- Hybrid vehicles in city’s fleet
                      -- 100% recycled aggregate in residential streets and sidewalks
                      -- Replace stop lights with high efficient and low cost LED lights
                      -- Plant medians and street trees throughout the city for clean air.

2. Perkin

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Conversion of vehicle fleets to flexible fuel(E-85) vehicles

BENEFITS

-- Local businesses benefit, becoming less reliant on foreign oil while running on cleaner burning engines

PARTNERS

-- Public Utility and Private (Ethanol Plants)

3. Village of Palatine

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Emission reductions using catalytic mufflers

BENEFITS

-- Catalytic mufflers are installed on some of the diesel vehicles which in turn reduces emission

PARTNERS

-- Clean air funds

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Non-metal roofing includes roofing shingles made out of asphalt, clay, slate, etc., available in different shades and configurations, and are best suited for residential requirements.

Figure 2: Wood roofing

Figure 3: Green roof

1http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=1402&DocumentID=2143
2http://www.riverroofing.com/wood.html
3http://www.roofmeadow.com/assemblies.html

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Kentucky, Louisville

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- To increase efficiency
-- Conserve energy while reducing costs and to decrease air pollution

APPLICATION

-- LED traffic light displays reduced energy consumption by about 80 percent, increased savings and reduced air emissions including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide

PARTNERS

-- CMAQ funds

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Figure 1: Integrated Ceilings

Figure 2: High Light Reflectance Ceilings

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Massachusetts: Boston, Medford

1. Boston

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Alternative fuel source
-- Alternative energy

APPLICATION

                -- New vehicles will be alternative fuel vehicles
                -- Vehicles with similar fuel economy
                -- 450 city vehicles will use bio-diesel fuel.
                -- 500 school busses with pollution control equipment.
                -- Walk around the city campaign

PARTNERS

-- Green building task force
-- Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

2. Medford

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Vehicle emission reduction program.
-- Energy efficient policy.

APPLICATION

                -- Vehicle emission reduction program.
                -- Anti-idling campaign.
                -- Traffic lights to highly efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s).
                -- Solar panels on municipal buildings

Michigan: Ann Arbor, Dearborn

1. Ann Arbor

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Municipal Energy Program

APPLICATION

                -- Regional and National leader in Municipal energy program.
                -- Successful at monitoring and reducing energy use at all city owned facilities
                -- Implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy program

2. Dearborn

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Urban forestry program
-- Energy efficient public lighting

APPLICATION

-- Professional management of mature urban forest.

PROJECT 2

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Providing clean air and reducing cooling cost.
-- Energy efficient florescent and compact fluorescent lamps.

APPLICATION

-- General Fund Momies

Minnesota: Minneapolis, Saint Paul

1. Minneapolis

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

                 -- Use of ultra low sulfur unleaded gasoline to lower emissions
                 -- Development of an E85 fueling station at its most heavily used maintenance facility
                 -- Develop engine idling policy
                 -- Acquiring LED lights for squad cars
                 -- Landscaping or Green Roofs

BENEFITS

-- E85 is cleaner. E85 reduces ozone-forming pollution by 20% and greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 30%
-- Ethanol is less toxic. Gasoline contains compounds like benzene, toluene, and xylene. Use of E85 reduces the release of these chemicals into the environment

PARTNERS

-- The new E85 Fueling Station is being jointly funded by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County

2. Saint Paul

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

                 -- Expanding Green Space.
                 -- Reduce fuel consumption.
                 -- Reduce Energy.
                 -- Promote use of alternative energy sources.
                 -- Develop Transit policies.
                 -- Energy conservation and retrofits.

APPLICATIONS

                 -- Expanding green space and strategic planting of trees and shrubs to shelter building.
                 -- Reduce fuel consumption needed to cool buildings
                 -- Air-handing

                 -- Reduce energy through installation of cost effective efficiency measures such as
                 -- Lighting
                 -- Air-handing
                 -- Installation in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

                 -- Promote use alternative energy sources such as
                 -- Photovoltaic
                 -- Wind
                 -- Biomass
                 -- Fuel cells
                 -- Develop transit policies that emphasize. pedestrians, bikers, commuter rail, light rail and buses.

                 -- Energy conservation and retrofits using such as
                 -- Energy Star purchasing
                 -- Street lighting
                 -- Signal light conversion
                 -- Pumping peak demand pricing
                 -- Lime sludge dewatering
                 -- Private sector natural gas and electricity usage reduction.

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New Mexico, Albquerque

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Air aware- gas cap exchange project
-- High density, automated ambient air monitoring system for the Albuquerque

APPLICATION

-- Leaking, missing, off- specification or otherwise faulty gas caps, which can leak volatile organic compounds into the air contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone, were exchanged for new ones

-- Data from the system enable the City to demonstrate compliance with the Federal ambient air quality standards and to effectively utilize staff resources

PROJECT 2

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Climate protection agreement committing to meeting or exceeding the Kyoto Protocol on a local level

APPLICATION

-- The City of Albuquerque has decreased municipal service greenhouse gas emissions, as of 2005, to 64% of its 1990 GHG emissions
-- The City has also completed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the geographic area of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, including a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the City of Albuquerque Government Operations

PROJECT 3

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Photovoltaic Solar.
-- Methane gas.

APPLICATION

-- Installing Solar thermal and solar photovoltaic system in public building.

PROJECT 4

PROJECT FOCUS

-- All motor vehicle purchases, in the city of Albuquerque, be alternative fuel vehicles
-- City of Albuquerque’s Transit Department is in the process of acquiring new software that will enable all customer service representatives to provide carpool matches when they call 243-RIDE

APPLICATION

-- With the introduction of Albuquerque’s Rapid Ride system, additional hybrid diesel/electric buses will provide and enhance transportation alternatives for Albuquerque’s citizens

PROJECT 5

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Provide public transportation with alternative fuel vehicles.

PARTNERS

-- Sandia National lab., New Mexico Tech., Technology Ventures Corporation

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North Carolina: Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte

1. Asheville

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Alternative Fueled Vehicle Policy
-- Encourage residential and commercial Green Buildings and energy efficiency

APPLICATION

-- emission reductions, fuel savings by decreasing its vehicle fleet by 70 vehicles

PARTNERS

-- General Fund and Grants

2. Chapel Hill

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Reduce carbon emission.
-- Use alternative fuel vehicles

APPLICATION

                 -- Hybrid buses.
                 -- Replacing heating and cooling units with efficient models.
                 -- Vestibule doors in public building.

3. Charlotte

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Regional Air Quality Board is sponsoring a pilot project known as “Clean Air Works!”

APPLICATION

-- Reduces NOx emissions

PARTNERS

-- Mecklenburg County and the federal/state/local CMAQ fund

PROJECT 2

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Lowering vehicle emission.
-- ULSD, DPF, Hybrid buses and cars programs.

APPLICATION

                 -- North Carolina Area Transit System has lowered vehicle emissions and promoting environmental stewardship

                 -- Implementation of
                 -- Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).
                 -- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system
                 -- Hybrid bus pilot program
                 -- Hybrid staff car program
                 -- Anti-Idling policy

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Oregon: Eugene, Portland

1. Eugene

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- Implementing energy saving measures.

APPLICATION

-- Installing solar water heaters in city swimming pools.
-- Making operational changes in city buildings and requiring more stringent energy efficient standards for city building

PARTNERS

-- Mecklenburg County and the federal/state/local CMAQ fund

2. Portland

PROJECT 1

PROJECT FOCUS

-- City of Portland’s Transportation Options Division developed an innovative outreach project to improve air quality by promoting smart travel and reducing car trips
-- Improve the timing of traffic signals.
Government and industrial operation.

APPLICATION

                 -- Surveys indicate the program reduced drive-alone or solo car trips by 9 percent, increased bicycling by 23 percent, increased transit use by 41 percent and walking by 7 percent
                 -- Improve the timing of traffic signals in seventeen major metropolitan arteries.
                 -- Designed, installed, and monitored the 2,500-watt mobile solar generator (MSG).

PARTNERS

                 -- Office of Sustainable Development and Transportation.
                 -- Climate Trust.
                 -- Office of Transportation- bureau of Maintenance and Portland General Electric

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Figure 1: Fastenerless Steel Framing

Figure 2: Clinching equipment

Figure 3: Engineered Wood Wall Framing

21http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=2009&CategoryID=1402
22http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=2056&CategoryID=1152

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Figure 1: Electrochromic glass windows

Glazing materials²³ include glass, acrylics, fiberglass, and other materials. Although different glazing materials have very specific applications, the use of glass has proven the most diverse. Single panes have a high solar transmission, but have poor insulation - the R-value is about 1.0. Single pane glass can be effective when used as storm windows, in warm climate construction (unless air conditioning is being used), for certain solar collectors, and in seasonal greenhouses.

Double pane glass is just that: two panes manufactured into one unit. Isolated glass (thermo pane) incorporates a spacer bar (filled with a moisture absorbing material called a desiccant) between the panes and is typically sealed with silicone. The spacer creates a dead air space between the panes. This air space increases the resistance to heat transfer and provides a comfortable, illuminated ambience.

Lutron Electronics first introduced the Sivoia QED (Quiet Electronic Drive) roller shade system²⁴ that operate with ultra-quiet precision (so shades always operate in unison) and offer numerous options for shade fabrics and remote controls to coordinate with the home's décor. QED banishes harsh glare and protects the home interiors from the harmful effects of UV light. Controllable window treatment systems are available in a variety of styles, including roller shades, Roman shades and draperies.

Figure 2: Roller Shade System

Figure 3: Vinyl windows

Vinyl glass windows²⁵ possess advanced coating technology, insulating gas and a low-conductance spacer to deliver optimal heating and cooling performance. This not only helps to save money, but can limit condensation buildup on glass surfaces, and ensures locks blend well with the sash and frame, while providing a water-tight seal.

23 http://www.windowanddoor.net/articles.php?id=248
24http://www.napsnet.com/home/64769.html
25http://www.napsnet.com/home/64030.html

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Non-metal roofing includes roofing shingles made out of asphalt, clay, slate, etc., available in different shades and configurations, and are best suited for residential requirements.

Figure 2: Wood roofing

Figure 3: Green roof

1http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=1402&DocumentID=2143
2http://www.riverroofing.com/wood.html
3http://www.roofmeadow.com/assemblies.html

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Figure 1: Composites⁴

Figure 2: Composite structural applications

Composite materials are widely used in various construction practices including bridges, sky-