W.W. Grainger headquarters earns LEED Gold-certification

LAKE FOREST, IL — The corporate headquarters of JanSan distributor W.W. Grainger Inc. recently received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level, according to the News-Sun.

The certification is the second-highest level of certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the story stated.

Gail Edgar, Grainger's vice president of corporate facility services, said: "Our LEED project in Lake Forest uses natural resources wisely and will positively impact future generations in Lake County."

The certification, verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), was granted based on several sustainable design and construction features such as reduced energy, lighting and water use and the use of environmentally preferable materials, the story noted.

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Hyatt Hotel housekeepers lose jobs to outsourcing

BOSTON — When housekeepers at three Boston area Hyatt Hotels were asked to train new employees, none of them suspected that they would be training their replacements, according to The Boston Globe.

About 100 housekeeping employees at the Hyatt Regency Boston, Hyatt Regency Cambridge, and Hyatt Harborside at Logan International Airport were outsourced to Georgia-based Hospitality Staffing Solutions, the story stated.

Many of the laid-off employees had been with Hyatt for more than a decade and earned upwards of $15 per hour plus health, dental, and 401(k) benefits, the story noted.

According to the story, Hyatt officials confirmed the layoffs at the three hotels, but declined to say whether the chain was considering similar moves in other locations across the country.

The dismissed workers received two weeks of pay upon termination, plus one week of pay for every year they worked at the Hyatt up to five or 10 years, depending on the hotel, the story added.

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Feminine hygiene dispensers removed from campus

SACRAMENTO — Addressing budget constraints on every level, California State University at Sacramento has instructed their facilities services department to remove all feminine hygiene dispensers from all buildings across campus, according to the State Hornet.

The decision will save the school roughly $12,000 per year and will eliminate the need for custodians to stock, clean and fix the dispensers that were continually vandalized, the story stated.

Ron Richardson, associate vice president of facilities, said: "We have been providing them free of charge to the university community at a cost to us. But back then, there was no budget issue. I know several campuses have removed them and, in fact, it's always good to find out how other campuses are dealing with various situations. I try to do what's right for my campus."

Several female students have expressed reservations over possible health concerns, but many realize that the dispensers are a luxury, and in these tough economic times, only the bare necessities are budgeted for, the story noted.

Heather Diaz, assistant professor in the department of Kinesiology and Health Science, said: "I think the fact that we even offer them for free is an exception. With all the budget cuts we're experiencing, it's a very small resource to take out. And it's not like they're not available. If someone doesn't wear a tampon or pad for several days, that's a health issue. But if you're just waiting to get to the store and buy one, that's not a health issue."

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University of Massachusetts combats mold at Dartmouth campus

DARTMOUTH, MA — Mold growth, attributed to an unusually wet spring and summer, was discovered inside two residential complexes at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth two weeks before the start of the fall 2009 semester, according to the Herald News.

Mold discovered inside the Cedar Dell townhouses and the Woodlands Community apartments was "very aggressively" cleaned and most of the fungus was completely remediated by the time students moved in, the story stated.

According to the story, the majority of the mold growth was in first-floor units and only a handful of students were temporarily displaced.

Mold, which a university spokesperson said was "very superficial" and not found in areas where it would cause long-term or serious damage, was discovered on some floors, walls and ceilings, and in some units, carpets were replaced with tiles, the story noted.

David Ferguson, the university's facilities director, said: "The rooms were all extremely cold, but the hallways were considerably warmer. You could actually see water running down the metal door jambs. There was an incredible amount of moisture in some of those rooms, which is what caused the problem."

The situation has caused the university to take a hard look at their ventilation systems and consider changing practices, including opening windows over the summer, to avoid similar incidents in the future, the story added.

xpedx chosen as sole supplier for University of Washington

SEATTLE — JanSan distributor xpedx recently expanded its decade-long relationship with the University of Washington by becoming their exclusive supplier, according to a press release.

According to the release, before contracting with xpedx as its sole supplier, the University of Washington relied on multiple distributors to provide cleaning supplies for its 10 million-plus square feet of research laboratories, libraries, offices and lecture halls that total 180 buildings.

Following an intensive vendor selection process, xpedx was chosen because of its ability to provide the University of Washington with documentable cost savings, expertise on sustainable cleaning products, an online ordering platform and personalized support from an entire xpedx team dedicated to the university, the release stated.

After winning the contract, the first project xpedx tackled was getting the university custodial purchasing functions consolidated and online, which standardized ordering across 11 campus service areas, the release noted.

The xpedx team helped the University of Washington benchmark its use of environmentally responsible cleaning products and worked with them to expand green cleaning campus-wide, the release added.

Gene Woodard, director of facility services at University of Washington, said: "When we started our search for a single supplier of cleaning products, we knew we wanted to cut costs, expand green cleaning and have close, personalized support from our supplier. We made big leaps in efficiencies by ordering online and streamlining product selection and delivery dates. xpedx got the online platform up and running with very few hiccups. It’s a very successful system, a key 'nerve center' in our campus-wide cleaning operation. And it’s saving us increasing amounts of money each year."

USGBC wants environmental label on every building

WASHINGTON — The president of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) said at the Healthy Buildings 2009 Conference — a five-day international conference in Syracuse, New York — that every building in the United States should have a label disclosing its environmental impact, according to the Environmental Leader.

Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president and keynote speaker at the Healthy Buildings 2009 Conference, would like to see a label similar to food packaging nutrition labels on the side of every building, that discloses the indoor air quality (IAQ), water usage and other environmental factors of the structure, the story stated.

Many believe that buildings need to be smarter because they consume 70 percent of the world's electricity, 12 percent of its potable water and 40 percent of the raw materials used globally, the story noted.

Fedrizzi said that indoor environmental quality ranks near the bottom of the nation’s policy issues, and to change that, more research is needed to demonstrate the links between health and indoor air quality.

According to the story, having visible environmental labels on each building would encourage landlords and building occupants to increase sustainable efforts.

Environmental labels would serve as benchmarks for buildings and would make it easier for organizations such as the Association of Green Property Owners and Managers (AGPOM) to help building owners garner financial savings from green building practices, the story added.

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CityCenter receives three LEED Gold certifications

LAS VEGAS — CityCenter, a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE and Infinity World Development Corporation, announced that it has received three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a press release.

The certifications are for: ARIA Resort's Hotel Tower; ARIA Resort's Convention Center and Theater; and the Vdara Hotel, the release stated.

According to the release, ARIA and Vdara, which will open in December on the Las Vegas Strip, are the first of CityCenter's developments to be LEED-certified.

Water conservation technology incorporated into the ARIA Resort and the Vdara Hotel will save between 30 percent and 43 percent of water within the buildings and 60 percent in outdoor landscaping, the release noted.

Bobby Baldwin, CityCenter's president and chief executive officer (CEO), said: "From the beginning, we believed that intelligent design and sustainable practices would reinforce a sense of permanence for CityCenter and create a healthier, more appealing environment for guests, residents and our workforce. The LEED Gold-certification for ARIA and Vdara is a great leap forward in our effort to redefine the destination resort experience and provide a true cultural center to the Las Vegas Strip."

Additional energy-efficiency initiatives in the hotels provide a savings equivalent to powering 8,800 households annually, the release added.

Click here to read the complete release.

Courtroom closed for disinfection after H1N1 scare

CLEVELAND, OH — The Cuyahoga County Courthouse was closed for disinfection after a woman wearing a surgical mask appeared at a hearing claiming to be carrying the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to The Plain Dealer.

Within minutes of the plaintiff's proclamation, the courthouse cleaning crew was called in and signs were put up on doors around the courtroom on the 17^th floor, saying: "Courtroom is being disinfected," and "Do not use computer, phone or desk. Swine flu scare," the story stated.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Bob Reid said: "If there is a situation where we believe there is any infectious disease, we'll call central services, the maintenance personnel for county offices. That's the protocol we've had in the 90 days I've been in office."

Matt Carroll, the director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, said disinfecting the courtroom is not something they would recommend because it does not provide meaningful protection against the spread of the illness, and instead stressed that the best prevention is for people to wash their hands frequently and avoid people who appear to be ill, the story noted.

According to the story, about five years ago, a person spit in a courtroom; officials had the room disinfected then as well.

This incident appears to be the first time a county office was closed because of fears related to the H1N1 virus, the story added.

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Toronto YMCA unveils green roof

TORONTO, ON, Canada — A short 4 months after the Metro Central YMCA announced plans to build a green roof atop their facility, the fruits of their labor have been unveiled, according to the Torontoist. Though it won't be very "green" until the plants fill out next spring, the roof will be teeming with life as people use the running track that covers the perimeter and designated open spaces for yoga, stretching or simply relaxing, the story stated. According to the story, upon reviewing suggestions from 2,500 members, the YMCA revised their final selection to make room for more trees and seating, as well as incorporating raised edging on the track to assist the visually impaired. The majority of materials used on the roof, which had to be carried up by hand from the forth floor because the service elevator does not go to the roof, are sustainable and made from recycled products, the story noted. Though the roof is, for the most part, finished, crews continue to work and add finishing touches to give the roof a less synthetic, more realistic feel, the story added. Click here to read the complete article.

New white paper answers questions about bed bugs

ATLANTA — With increasing national coverage of beg bug infestations, Orkin Inc. and the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) of the American Hospital Association (AHA) have released a new white paper to answer questions about bed bugs and their implications for health care and long-term care providers, according to a press release.

In "Pulling Back the Sheets on the Bed Bug Controversy: Research, Prevention and Management in Hospital & Long-Term Care Facilities,” Orkin entomologists Ron Harrison, Ph.D. and Bill Lawrence, Ph.D. examine the current position of the medical and pest management communities on the bed bug issue, share Orkin technical and field research and offer tips on prevention, early detection and remediation, the release stated.

According to the release, the white paper will be distributed at the ASHES Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition in Reno, Nevada, September 21-22, after which it will be available for download at www.ashes.org.

ASHES and Orkin have partnered on educational materials in the past, including the ASHES Recommended Practice on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the health care industry, the release noted.

ASHES Executive Director Patti Costello said: "Concern about bed bugs has grown steadily over the past decade alongside the bed bugs resurgence. We asked Orkin to provide some insight to help our members better understand the practical issues and solutions surrounding these pests."

LEED Gold-certified homeless shelter

LEESBURG, VA — The new combined homeless shelter and transitional housing center is Loudoun County's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building, according to the Loudoun Times-Mirror.

Achieving certification on the Gold level, the building features low-flow fixtures, no volatile organic compound (VOC) paint, carpet and furniture, an ultraviolet (UV) light air filtration system and occupancy sensors for lighting, the story stated.

Ninety-seven percent of construction waste generated from the project was recycled rather than put into a landfill, the story noted.

According to the story, additional LEED points were earned by incorporating bikes racks to encourage non-fossil fuel transportation and offering preferred parking for low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles.

Bill Clark of the Department of Construction and Solid Waste Management, said: "[This is] a good thing for us to do, to build this sort of structure and not ignore these people and not judge them but to help them. It defines us as a community. [This is a project] everyone should be proud of, a really good use of tax dollars."

The shelter, which was worked on by Waynesboro Construction and is operated by Volunteers of America, was expanded from 8,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet and is set to open later this month, the story added.

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Memphis City Schools lose a couple hundred custodians

MEMPHIS, TN — After several rounds of layoffs have lessened the number of custodians cleaning Memphis City Schools by a couple hundred, many are concerned that limited personnel will hinder efforts to clean and sanitize the schools, according to WHBQ-TV.

Memphis City Schools consist of more than 200 schools and each has only three custodians and a building engineer to perform all of the necessary work, the story stated.

To avoid outbreaks from a number of viruses, Memphis City Schools are following government protocols and cleaning restrooms three times daily and disinfecting sports equipment after each use, the story noted.

School Board member Reverend Kenneth Whalum Junior said: "I hope they can do the job with fewer numbers. It seems to me, though, that common sense would say it's going to be a lot harder to do so."

To ensure that a quality job is still done despite fewer custodians, all surfaces in Memphis City Schools, including students' and teachers' desks, window sills, floors and other high-touch surfaces are cleaned with a damp mop, wet mopped and then treated with an antibacterial solution, the story added.

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Allegations of racially motivated firings

MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama State Representative Alvin Holmes has called for an official investigation into the firing of 44 city janitors, a move he claims was racially motivated, according to WSFA-TV.

In a letter sent to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Holmes points out that 99 percent of the laid-off janitors are black, and he contends their termination violates federal anti-discrimination laws, the story stated.

City of Montgomery spokesman Michael Briddell said: "At no point in the process did we look at the ethnicity of the people affected. All we looked at were job functions that could be reduced or eliminated so we could save the money we needed to in the upcoming budget."

Many of the laid-off janitors have already found other positions with similar pay and benefits, including some who will now work for the private janitorial service the city has hired to replace them, the story noted.

Upwards of 100 city employees are losing their jobs as a result of reduced revenue, and the city claims race was never a deciding factor in their decision-making process, the story added.

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NY's Cornell University reports swine flu outbreak

As of 9/8/09 the total number of students diagnosed by Gannett Health Services with probable H1N1 influenza has increased to 291. On 9/4/09 reports show 140 students with probable cases of the H1N1 virus.

Swine flu hits University of Virginia

at the University of Virginia, the health service had diagnosed 27 students with flu by Thursday. That stunned Dr. James Turner, director of Virginia’s Department of Student Health, who has spent 25 years tending to students on college campuses. “I’ve never seen a flu season ever in September,’’ said Turner, who is also president of the American College Health Association. “I use the word ‘explosive’ to describe it. I don’t recall flu that appears and spreads so rapidly.’’

University of Maryland more than 250 possible swine flu cases

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 -

Less than two weeks into the semester, more than 250 students at the University of Maryland, College Park, have come down with flu-like symptoms, and university officials are working to combat what could be the spread of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.

As of Wednesday, 256 students had visited the university's health center with swine flu symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat and runny nose since the first day of classes on Aug. 31, according to university spokesman Neil Tickner.

Asbestos removal complete at Craven Early College High School

NEW BERN, NC — Craven Early College High School was slated to begin classes August 5, but the Mary Dale Bender Building was closed in late July after asbestos was found in the old floor tile and in the ceiling during renovations, according to the Sun Journal.

According to the story, The Craven Early College is a five-year program located on the Craven Community College campus that gives high school students the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or transferable college credits.

The asbestos remediation cost more than $150,000, a price tag added to the $74,200 in building renovations, the story stated.

Students were moved to other classrooms while the project, which took longer than expected because crews decided to remove tiles in additional classrooms, was completed, the story noted.

Craven Early College offered physical examinations for concerned employees who continued working in the building during the asbestos removal, but only one took them up on the offer, the story added.

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Enviro-Solutions' products re-certified under GS 37-4th Edition

PETERBOROUGH, ON, Canada — Green Seal Inc. recently notified Enviro-Solutions Ltd. that eight of their cleaning products have been re-certified to meet the organization's new green criteria: GS 37-4^th Edition, according to a press release.

Close to 40 of Enviro-Solutions' products, which range from floor and carpet cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners, heavy-duty degreasers to hand soaps and other products, are certified green by either Green Seal^® or EcoLogo™, the release stated.

Mike Sawchuk, vice president and general manager of Enviro-Solutions, said: "We are only the second company with cleaning products re-certified by Green Seal and one of only [about] 15 companies to have met the new GS 37-4^th Edition criteria. Our goal is for all of our products to be 'proven green.' Green certification by an independent, third-party organization adds value to a company and its products and validation for all the work and engineering put into developing these products."

Enviro-Solutions now has greatest number of green-certified products and stock keeping units (SKU) in the industry, the release noted.

Enviro-Solutions has been exclusively manufacturing environmentally responsible products for more than 15 years, the release added.

Custodians fight outsourcing and save district money

HORTON, MI — Hanover-Horton School District custodians defied the odds and not only kept their jobs after threats of outsourcing, but actually saved the district money in the process, according to the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

According to the story, two years ago, the Hanover-Horton School Board agreed to keep the current custodial staff if they made some cutbacks and worked toward more efficient practices.

Custodians took concessions, including accepting limited insurance benefits and fewer hours, to ensure their job security, the story stated.

The district, on top of purchasing $38,000 in equipment that greatly increased productivity and reduced man hours, brought in consultants who taught new cleaning techniques to save time and helped the custodial department establish benchmarks, the story noted.

Superintendent Linda Brian said: "We really operate now like the private companies do. "

The custodial department, which was a runner-up for a National Custodial Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide (CLEAN) Award from the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEAHIN) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was able to reduce operating costs by 22 percent, from $641,425 in the 2006-2007 school year to $502,112 in 2008-2009, the story added.

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GS-46: First national standard for green restaurants

WASHINGTON — GS-46, the Environmental Standard for Restaurants and Food Services from Green Seal Inc., has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), according to a press release.

GS-46, which is based on real data on the environmental impacts of restaurants and food services including the impacts of food, energy and water use and supplies, provides a comprehensive framework to guide operations on how to reduce their environmental impacts, the release stated.

According to the release, GS-46 was first published in May 2009 and was developed with input from over 100 stakeholders including industry trade groups, operators, suppliers, academia and environmental and health organizations.

Dr. Arthur Weissman, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Green Seal^®, said: "Green Seal is proud to have this important standard approved by ANSI. ANSI approval validates the consensus and procedural processes used by Green Seal in developing GS-46 as an American National Standard."

Green Seal follows International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14024 guidelines in developing environmental standards and certifying products, the release noted.

The more than 40 Green Seal standards, which comply with Global Ecolabelling Network criteria, are developed using a credible and transparent process and have been applied to more than 3,300 products and services, the release added.

Click here to read the complete release.

Students and staff sick and tired of mold

CHARLESTON, SC — The Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center at the College of Charleston is riddled with mold contamination and it is making students and staff ill, according to The Sun News.

According to the story, maintenance crews recently removed several sections of drywall from the 34-year-old building that were covered in green mold.

Many have developed allergic reactions and respiratory problems because the mold easily spreads throughout the three-story brick building due to the lack of ventilation, the story stated.

Mitchell Colgan, chair of the department of Geology and Environmental Geoscience, said: "My colleagues feel ill as soon as they walk into their offices. Some have come to my office with their eyes watering and their skin red. They want to work but they've had to go home."

When building occupants complained that leaks were making ceiling tiles moldy, maintenance workers simply replaced the tiles and did not repair the leaks, prompting some to believe the college has sidestepped their pleas for help by doing minor or cosmetic repairs, the story noted.

The Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center will be renovated to address any potential hazards when the new science building, which is nearing completion, is finished and when funds become available, the story added.

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ProTeam Inc. acquired by Emerson Electric Company

BOISE, ID — ProTeam Inc. recently announced that it has been acquired by Emerson Electric Company, effective Wednesday, September 2, 2009, according to a press release.

This acquisition brings a leading manufacturer of wet/dry utility vacuums and a leading provider of commercial vacuums together, the release stated.

ProTeam President Matt Wood said: "This is the partnership of two very successful companies. This strategic acquisition will strengthen and broaden Emerson's line of products, while providing ProTeam with new growth opportunities and synergies through complementary product portfolios, channels and operations."

ProTeam will become part of the globally operating Emerson Professional Tools platform, the release noted.

Tim Ferry, president of Emerson Tool Company, said: "ProTeam's outstanding reputation for products and service is a perfect fit for helping us build the Emerson Professional Tools platform."

Sales for fiscal year 2008 were $24.8 billion, contributing to Emerson's rank of 94^th on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies, the release added.

Procter & Gamble will sponsor 2010 Winter Olympics

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble Company is set to pay $10 million as a U.S. Olympic Committee sponsor of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver in February 2010, according to Forbes.
Procter & Gamble, which sponsored the U.S. gymnastics team in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, is increasingly becoming a major player in sports sponsorships, the story stated.
According to the story, Procter & Gamble's deal with the U.S. Olympic Committee comes just a month after the company signed a $10 million sponsorship deal with the National Football League (NFL).
Procter & Gamble plans to use the Olympic rings to promote 17 of its brands and will start a packaging and an advertising campaign in January 2010, the story noted.
Kirk Perry, Procter & Gamble's vice president for North America, said: "We expect women to be heavily watching female athletes."
While not yet official, promotions with Olympic athletes will include female athletes from sports such as figure skating and downhill skiing, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

Survey indicates ambivalence about outsourcing

CHICAGO — According to a survey conducted by AlturaSolutions Communications and requested by Tornado Industries Inc., cleaning contractors have mixed views about outsourcing janitorial work, according to a press release.
The survey was performed through various social media websites and includes roughly 100 respondents, the release stated.
Jolynn Kennedy, marketing manager for Tornado, said: "Instead of hiring employees, some building service contractors outsource cleaning work to independent/sub contractors. This can be a cost savings, and with the current state of the economy, we wanted to know if more building service contractors were considering this option. Interestingly, even though there are mixed feelings about outsourcing, nearly 60 percent say they believe outsourcing will play a greater role in the industry five years from now. This may be a reflection of the tight economy and hopes that building service contractors can cut costs by outsourcing instead of hiring employees directly."
Compared to five years ago, 55 percent say they are not outsourcing more janitorial work today; thirty-six percent say they are; and the remainder indicate that their use of outside contractors is "about the same," the release noted.
According to the release, nearly 42 percent of respondents say they would not recommend outsourcing janitorial work to other building service contractors — 33 percent say they would.
Nearly 67 percent indicate the key benefit of outsourcing janitorial work was "cost savings" while 42 percent say the main problem with outsourcing janitorial work is "too little control over the work performed," the release added.

Janitor dies after contracting H1N1 virus

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A janitor at Albuquerque International Sunport, the largest commercial airport in the state of New Mexico, died after contracting the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to KOB-TV.
Katie Francia, who suffered from emphysema, was in and out of a coma for the past few weeks before passing around 5 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2009, the story stated.
It remains unclear where Francia contracted the virus, and although no other employees at the Sunport have shown flu-like symptoms, it remains possible that she fell ill while performing her janitorial tasks, the story noted.
Dan Jiron, a spokesman for the Sunport, said: "No one can be certain where she may have contracted this. We feel confident it was not here at the Sunport."
According to the story, since the outbreak first struck in April, the Sunport has posted signs asking people to cover their cough and have installed hand sanitizer stations around the airport.
Sunport officials are asking passengers with flu-like symptoms to avoid flying and are urging employees to stay home if there is a possibility they might be sick, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

Procter & Gamble plant celebrates 40th anniversary

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO — About 4,000 current and former employees came out to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Procter & Gamble Company's Cape Girardeau plant with community and state leaders this past Saturday, according to the Southeast Missourian.
According to the story, throughout the day, children went down inflatable slides, a rock band played a few tunes, about 30 classic and antique cars were on display and hot dogs and hamburgers were served.
The 3.48 million-square-foot facility opened in 1969 and encompasses 1,311 acres, making it the largest of Procter & Gamble's 140 facilities, the story stated.
Tom Sutterer, a Procter & Gamble employee since 1985, said: "When I look back on what has taken place in the years I've been here, it makes me proud to think of how the company has benefited so many families like mine through the years. I've seen quite a few changes through the years, but the company's commitment to taking care of us has remained the same."
The Cape Girardeau plant produces three of the company's top grossing products — Bounty, Charmin and Pampers, the story noted.
Nearly 1,200 people are employed at the plant that has a combined payroll of $73 million, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

Sanitizing machines give facilities the upper hand

HOWELL, NJ — To further increase its efforts to clean and sanitize surfaces, Howell Township Public Schools have purchased three decontamination systems from Zimek Technologies IP LLC, according to the Asbury Park Press.
At $54,000 each, the Zimek machines convert a hospital-grade disinfectant into a micro-mist capable of killing any bacteria or virus it comes into contact with before cleaning the area with a built-in vacuum, the story stated.
According to the story, the Zimek, recently made available to the public, was designed as a federal government in-house product and later was retrofitted to handle most pathogens.
The cost of the machines will be financed over five years and will add approximately $32,000 to the district's annual budget, the story noted.
The cleaning and disinfecting chemicals used in the machine will cost an additional $1,750 annually and have a two-year shelf life, the story added.
According to the article, custodians will be trained hands-on by disinfecting nurse's offices once the school year is under way.
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Sixteen sickened by norovirus

ORLANDO, FL — Just over a week ago, an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease whose eradication requires extensive cleaning of surfaces, struck an assisted living center, according to WESH-TV.
During the outbreak, 16 residents at Emeritus at Crossing Pointe fell ill and several required hospitalization, the story stated.
According to the story, the Orange County Health Department confirmed yesterday that norovirus was the culprit that caused the residents to become sick.
The facility, which was closed for several days so it could be properly cleaned and sanitized by cleaning and maintenance crews, is open and operating again, the story noted.
It remains unclear whether or not the state of Florida will conduct a follow-up inspection of the nursing home, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

The Binghamton University Downtown Center is LEED-certified

BINGHAMTON, NY — The Binghamton University Downtown Center (UDC) has been Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified at the Silver level, according to WBGH-TV.
According to the story, this is the first building in downtown Binghamton to be certified green by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Home to the College of Community and Public Affairs, the $29 million UDC has been honored for its design by the American Institute of Architects Southern New York Chapter (AIASNY), the story stated.
During construction, 11 percent of the building materials used for the UDC came from recycled sources, 16.5 percent of materials were sourced from the region and 262 tons of waste was kept out of the landfill, the story noted.
Binghamton University President Lois DeFleur said: "We're proud of this recognition and will continue our commitment to protect our environment and conserve natural resources in future building projects. All new building or major renovation projects will be built to at least LEED-Silver standards or the equivalent including our current construction projects for Science 5, the Engineering and Science Building and the East Campus Housing project."
LEED certification serves to protect and save precious natural resources while also making good economic sense by verifying environmental performance, occupant health and financial return, the story added.
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California debuts LEED-certified energy plant

SACRAMENTO — Earlier this week, the state of California unveiled its new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified "central plant" in downtown Sacramento that will provide heat and cool air to about 20,000 state workers, according to the Sacramento Business Journal.
Designed and constructed by Skanska USA Building Inc., the new LEED Gold-certified facility uses cooling towers to release heat from state buildings, a 95 percent reduction in water usage compared to the former plant, the story stated.
The $181 million project replaces the original, inefficient plant that dates back to 1968, the story noted.
According to the story, demolition of the old energy plant will begin in October.
Construction of the plant that will heat and cool the California State Capitol Museum and 22 other office buildings required as many as 375 full-time workers each day for more than two years, the story added.
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Swine flu cases lead to increased sanitization efforts

POWDERLY, KY — Muhlenberg County Schools have three confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) and are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the virus does not continue to spread as students and staff return for the 2009-2010 school year, according to WKBO-TV.
In Muhlenberg County High School, the location of the district's first confirmed swine flu case, custodians have put alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel and Clorox disinfecting wipes in all the classrooms for students and teachers to use and to wipe down desks and computers after use, the story stated.
Muhlenberg County Schools Superintendent Dale Todd said: "Right now, we have three confirmed cases of swine flu in our schools. I've talked to epidemiologists, as well as the Muhlenberg County Health Department, and they are advising us on what directions to go."
Every available method, including bringing in extra custodians and increasing sanitization efforts, is being utilized to prevent the spread of the virus, the story noted.
Nancy Propes, a registered nurse at Muhlenberg County High School, said: "When the students first come into me, they complain of a headache and body aches. If they have a low-grade fever, I'll call the parents and see if they want them to come home, and usually they do."
Todd says that parents need to understand what the swine flu is and the precautions the district is taking to ensure the safety and well-being of their students, the story added.
Click here to read the letter sent to parents and guardians of Muhlenberg County Schools students.
For more information on the H1N1 influenza A virus, click here.
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Green roof desert oasis in El Paso

EL PASO, TX — The University of Texas at El Paso has taken a step toward sustainability by recently unveiling the first green roof on a commercial building within the Southwest region of the United States, according to KFOX-TV.
The 9,156-square-foot roof, which is covered in plants like regal mist, white evening primrose, sun gold gazania and other native foliage, includes a 6,304-square-foot designated area where faculty can perform environmental research, the story stated.
Ed Soltero, director of Planning and Construction, said: "You know we have neighbors here that are actually able to look into the green roofs, namely the people here at bioscience, the building behind us ... so you're actually able to see migratory birds ... hummingbirds, bees and a lot of other insects, so it's a self-sustainable micro-environment that we're creating."
Not only will the green roof help to maintain a comfortable building temperature while using less energy, but it is also creating a biodiverse environment and providing a sanctuary for plants, animals and insects alike, the story noted.
The green roof on the Biology Building is part of the University of Texas at El Paso Goes Green program and will add to the $2.5 million in annual energy savings resulting from sustainable efforts, the story added.
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Confirmed MRSA case in Higley High School

GILBERT, AZ — A student athlete at Higley High School recently came down with a confirmed case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a contagious, antibiotic-resistant skin infection, according to KUPT-TV.
The student was hospitalized for treatment and has not practiced with the team since the infection was identified, the story stated.
A letter was sent home to parents and guardians of Higley students notifying them of the situation and offering tips to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves as well as the students, the story noted.
According to the story, the district has taken all the necessary precautions as outlined by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), including cleaning the Higley High School locker rooms, weight room, restrooms, classrooms, door handles and cafeteria areas with a cleaning solution recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC strongly recommends thorough and frequent hand washing, covering of wounds, washing of athletic clothing every day and insists that students do not share clothing articles, towels, razors, personal items, etc., the story added.
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Mercury contamination prompts district closure

FORSYTH, MO — Classes at the Forsyth R-III School District were cancelled last week due to mercury contamination resulting from inadequate and improper cleanup, according to the Branson Daily News.
According to the story, the mercury, which was brought to the middle school by a science teacher, was released when the plastic container it was stored in was knocked over during class, spilling over a student’s notebook and onto the floor.
Air samples confirmed suspicions that the mercury was tracked throughout the school by students traveling from the spill site to different areas of the building, the story stated.
Superintendent Brent Blevins said: "The administration wasn't notified until after the school day. The cleaning process that had taken place was inappropriate and caused matters to be worse. We contacted the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and after taking readings, we felt the readings were too high to have school."
The building was ventilated and an environmental contractor was brought in to remediate the mercury found in dozens of spots around the school, the story noted.
Because students were only exposed to mercury vapors for a short time, there is no reason to believe any adverse health effects will result from the situation, the story added.
To read the release sent to parents and guardians, click here.
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Mold delays move-in for some Duke students

DURHAM, NC — Move-in to the Edens dormitory at Duke University was delayed because of the discovery of common mold in the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to The Chronicle, Duke University's independent daily newspaper.
Custodians discovered the "crumbly, moss-like mold" August 13 and worked incessantly to ensure complete remediation before students moved in for the upcoming school year, the story stated.
Wayne Thomann, director of the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office at the university, said: "There was some particulate that came out of some of the diffusers. When I saw it, I was pretty sure what it was based on the particulate ... it was obviously a Cladosporium species."
According to the story, mold of the genus Cladosporium is allergenic, but most need not worry about having a reaction to exposure as the mold is commonly found outside.
Mold was found in Edens back in 2007, and after it was removed, a special coating was installed on ventilation ducts to prevent mold from returning, the story noted.
The Occupational and Environmental Safety Office, with the assistance of third-party professionals, performed indoor air quality tests to ensure the building was safe for human occupation before allowing students to formally move-in on Saturday, August 22, 2009, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

Dow to close former Rohm & Hass plant

PHILADELPHIA — Dow Chemical Company announced late last week that it will be closing the former Rohm & Haas chemical plant in Philadelphia's Bridesburg section, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Roughly 25 employees from the 63-acre facility will lose their jobs when the plant officially closes "by the middle of 2010," the story stated.
According to the story, some 20 employees will be out of jobs by as early as the end of the month as the company extinguishes less crucial processes immediately.
Dow says that fixed costs are too high to keep the plant operational while maintaining a profit, the story noted.
It remains unclear whether or not the site will be sold and company spokesman Bob Plishka confirmed only that the "environmental decommissioning process will begin when production ends," the story added.
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U.S. Air Force builds green roof in Germany

RAMSTEIN, Germany — The 10-acre roof on the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center, located on the Ramstein Air Force Base, is having work performed so it can be brought to life, according to Stars and Stripes.
The green roof, which was supposed to be completed last year, had to be ripped up during the final planting stage after leaks were discovered in April 2008, the story stated.
Colonel David Reynolds, U.S. Air Force in Europe's engineering programs division chief, said: "We're going to leave the project this time with a working green roof, and a green roof that doesn’t leak."
The idea to make the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center roof green was agreed upon by the U.S. Air Force and the German government in order to meet environmental and energy savings requirements, the story noted.
According to the story, the cost of the green roof was $7 million before it had to be scrapped and rebuilt, a process that added $10 million to the price tag.
The roof repairs are being financed by a loan provided by the German and United States governments and both still need to work out the details of who will ultimately pay those costs, the story added.
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JohnsonDiversey donates $1 million for water stewardship

STURTEVANT, WI — The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has accepted a four-year $1 million grant from JohnsonDiversey Inc. to support establishing global standards for water stewardship with the goal of addressing the global threat of water stress, the increasing pollution of rivers and a decline in freshwater wildlife species, which is being convened through the Alliance for Water Stewardship, according to a press release.
When finished, these new standards will seek to recognize and reward water users who take steps to minimize the impacts of their water use on people and the environment, the release stated.
Curt Johnson, chairman of JohnsonDiversey and a member of WWF's board of directors, said: "JohnsonDiversey is pleased to support an initiative that addresses one of the world's most urgent conservation issues. Preservation of a vital natural resource such as fresh water is central to our commitment to pursue a cleaner, healthier future for the world."
In addition to funding the WWF's work over four years, the company's water management experts will also provide technical and operational input to establishing the new standards, the release noted.
JohnsonDiversey is a member of WWF's Climate Savers Program and supports WWF's Freshwater Science Program, the release added.
Click here to read the complete release.

Five Charlottesville City Schools receive Energy Star rating

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Charlottesville City Schools officials announced Wednesday that five of their elementary schools are now Energy Star-rated, according to WCAV-TV.
According to the story, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards the Energy Star designation to schools that rate in the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide in terms of energy efficiency.
The five newly Energy Star-rated schools are: Johnson Elementary; Clark Elementary; Venable Elementary; Burnley-Moran Elementary; and Jackson-Via Elementary, the story stated.
Lance Stewart, Charlottesville City Schools facilities maintenance manager, said: "It takes the teachers making sure the doors are shut when the kids come in the building and that custodial closet lights are off and that problems with the building are reported properly. There are 21,000 schools through out the country that are being tracked. Only less than 1,500 are Energy Star-certified. Even our lowest rank[ed] school of 75 is in the top seven percent of schools who track."
School administrators emphasize monthly checks on building energy consumption and urge students and staff to recycle, the story noted.
The state of Virginia has a total of 33 Energy Star-certified schools, which use an average of 40 percent less energy than comparable, non-certified schools, the story added.
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Illinois' first LEED-certified pharmacy

CHICAGO — A new Walgreens, the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified drugstore in the state of Illinois, opened yesterday in Logan Square, according to the Examiner.
The site of Walgreens' second LEED-certified drugstore was a former brownfield site before it was cleaned up and redeveloped, the story stated.
The environmentally friendly drugstore features a green roof complete with a light-reflecting white coating to help reduce heating and cooling costs and energy-efficient lighting that is 50 percent more efficient than traditional lighting, the story noted.
Sadhu Johnston, chief environmental officer for the city of Chicago, said: "The environmentally friendly features of this store will contribute to making Chicago a greener city while reducing Walgreens' impact on the planet. We encourage all Chicago businesses to consider ways that they can be more environmentally friendly and save electricity."
Low-flow water fixtures are expected to save 34,000 gallons of water per year while the overall energy and water savings each year from the store are estimated to be enough to power more than five homes, the story added.
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A proactive approach to combat sickness

TAMPA, FL — Hillsborough County Public Schools are hoping their proactive approach to combat H1N1 (swine flu) is enough to avoid disruptions in the classroom, according to WTVT-TV.
Janitors are being told to check soap dispensers and paper towel holders twice a day to ensure they are clean and fully stocked, the story stated.
According to the story, teachers are urged to report any students who are constantly coughing and sneezing or appear to be sick.
To keep kids out of the hospital, schools will become flu shot clinics, and once the vaccine is available, nurses will administer the shots to students who want one, the story noted.
The school district says they will not send out letters to parents every time a student is expected or confirmed of having the swine flu because it is too widespread and not necessary, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

S.C. Johnson and Procter & Gamble argue over ads

RACINE, WI — According to a ruling by the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. has provided reasonable support for its claim that Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator "penetrates deeper" into carpet than Febreze from Procter & Gamble Company, according to the Business Journal of Mikwaukee.
However, the advertising regulatory forum recommended that S.C. Johnson discontinue its depiction of deeper penetration in television ads because the visuals are not supported by evidence, the story stated.
According to the story, the disputed television commercial depicts a consumer spraying the Glade product in a closet and on a dog bed as the announcer introduces the product and then states: That Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator "penetrates deeper than Febreze on carpet."
Procter & Gamble noted that it had conducted three different tests to assess the relative abilities of Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator and Febreze to penetrate carpets, resulting in data that demonstrated Febreze actually penetrates deeper on carpets than the S.C. Johnson product; S.C. Johnson provided data demonstrating the opposite, the story noted.
A statement from S.C. Johnson said: "While we do not feel that the visuals in the commercial were misleading, S.C. Johnson is a strong supporter of the industry self-regulatory process and we will take the NAD's views into consideration in future advertising."
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Window washer dies after 18-story fall

MONTREAL, QC, Canada — A window washer died after falling from the Blue Cross building and landing on the roof of the Maison du Jazz restaurant 18 stories below, according to the Montreal Gazette.
The man, who worked for Mon laveur de vitre Inc. was connected to a 20-foot platform when it broke loose around 1:15 p.m. and plummeted to the rooftop of the restaurant below, the story stated.
Two other men were working with the victim and were taken to the hospital and treated for nervous shock, the story noted.
Mark Crispino, a witness who spoke to the window washers the day before the accident, said: "Just yesterday I asked them for a business card because I need window washing at home. I asked if accidents ever happened. He said nothing serious ever happens, because we have belts. So we always wear our safety belts, because otherwise we’re not insured."
It remains unclear what caused the malfunction, but when an Occupational Health and Safety Commission (CSST) investigation is complete the information will be released, the story added.
According to the story, four Montreal window washers have died on the job since 2000.
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Iowa gets first LEED-certified school

IOWA CITY, IA — Willowwind School, an independent elementary and pre-school for children ages three through 12, was recently awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level, according to the Press-Citizen.
The school, a converted Moose Lodge remodeled in 2007 for $3.5 million, is currently the only school in the state of Iowa to achieve certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the story stated.
Designed by Neumann Monson Architects, Willowwind has many sustainable features, including: Natural daylight; a geothermal heating and cooling system; and prairie grass in an outdoor classroom, the story noted.
Click here to read the complete article.

Roughly 300 janitors walk off job

TORONTO, ON, Canada — After rejecting the latest contract offer, about 300 janitors have walked off the job at Terminal 1 at Pearson International Airport, according to The Toronto Star.
The janitors, represented by Local 183 of the Labourers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), have left management staff with no other option but to perform the duties themselves until a contract is agreed upon, the story stated.
The Greater Toronto Airport Authority said that passengers could see an impact in cleanliness, but they are not anticipating it to be issue, the story noted.
Michael O'Brian, spokesperson for LIUNA Local 183, said: "The belief is that the scope of the work and the amount of work has increased in magnitude, but the wages have not. It was the individuals in the bargaining unit who were upset and we represent their interests."
The strike began shortly after midnight on Friday, August 14 and it remains unclear if and when it will end, the story added.
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Three major hotel companies green their headquarters

WASHINGTON — Three of the largest hotel companies in the United States have taken major steps to green their headquarters, moves that are likely to filter down to chain locations, according to GreenerBuildings.
Wyndham Worldwide, based in Parsippany, New Jersey, is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for Commercial Interiors for their headquarters and expects a Silver-level certification by early 2010, the story stated.
Hilton Hotels Corporation recently moved its headquarters from Beverly Hills to an 11-story, 323,000-square-foot LEED Gold-certified building in McLean, Virginia, the story noted.
Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International is seeking LEED certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (OB&M), the story added.
According to the release, all three companies are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and cut down on waste by adopting, among other initiatives, low-flow fixtures, energy-efficient roofing systems, low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting materials, energy-efficient lighting and rainwater recovery systems.

Judge flattens cleaning lady's tire

LA PLATA, MD — The cleaning lady at the Charles County Courthouse was the victim of a childish misdeed after she discovered that the air was let out of the rear passenger side tire of her 2004 Toyota Corolla, according to The Washington Post.
According to the story, Jean Washington had just arrived to start her shift Monday afternoon when a sheriff's deputy warned her that Judge Robert Nalley was going to let the air out of her tire if she didn't move her car.
When Washington went to move her car, it was already too late; her tire was flat, the story stated.
A jail officer confirmed Washington's suspicion of Nalley by capturing the incident with pictures from the camera on his cellular telephone, the story noted.
Washington said: "When I actually saw that my tire was flat, I was almost in tears, and not because of the fact that the air was out of my tire. It was because of who did it."
There is an ongoing investigation into the matter, and even though there is picture evidence, nobody has been changed as of yet, the story added.
According to the article, one of the officers was kind enough to lend a hand and inflate Washington's tire with a pump.
Click here to read the complete article.

Janitor tries to sell stolen medical equipment

IRVINE, CA — A janitor at Kaiser Permanente Hospital has been arrested on charges of suspicion of grand theft and possession of stolen property for allegedly stealing $150,000 worth of medical equipment and attempting to sell it to a used medical supply dealer, according to the Orange County Register.
Luis Curiel was arrested by the Irvine Police Department after Lee Allard, president of Pre-owned Endoscopes Inc., became suspicious because Curiel was trying to sell the equipment for prices far below its market value, the story stated.
According to the story, the equipment was worth $60,000 retail, but Curiel was selling it for only $24,000.
Allard, who met with Curiel in a hotel room where he wrote down the serial numbers to the equipment, later called the equipment manufacturer and the hospital before determining the situation was suspicious, the story noted.
Allard said: "I thought it was ridiculously low priced, so that set off a red flag, and he wanted cash only, not a business check. Also, the equipment usually comes in a carrying case, and it was just loose. I'm really glad I didn't end up holding the bag. Let the buyer beware, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is."
Two Olympus endoscopes, which police believe were stolen sometime in July, have been recovered; the rest of Kaiser Hospital's missing equipment has yet to be located, the story added.
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Boise's first LEED Gold-certified building

BOISE, ID — Ada County recently received its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification with the recognition of the Assessor's Office and the Indigent Services Department into the Civic Plaza complex from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to the Idaho Statesman.
According to the story, this marks the sixth LEED certification for the county, but the first at the Gold level.
The LEED-specific features for the Assessor's Office and Indigent Services Department office remodel projects include: Energy Star technology; using recycled construction waste; energy-efficient lighting; and a storm water management system, the story stated.
The project was awarded "Best Green Building Project under $5 million" by the Intermountain Contractor magazine in 2008, the story noted.
A central recycling center was incorporated into the building as a way to further promote sustainability, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

EPA fines nation's largest manufacturer of hospital-grade disinfectants

ALLENDALE, NJ — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently settled a third pesticide enforcement case against Lonza Inc., the nation’s largest manufacturer of hospital-grade disinfectants, for multiple violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) — the federal law that regulates pesticides, according to a press release.
The combined fines for all three cases exceeds $640,000, making it one of the largest civil penalties assessed under FIFRA, the release stated.
George Pavlou, acting EPA regional administrator, said: "It may surprise people to know that part of EPA’s job is to make sure disinfectants are as effective as they claim, and we take this job very seriously. Products that make claims that are not met put people at risk of getting sick. We are pleased that Lonza has agreed to not only pay penalties but to take steps that will go a long way toward rectifying the problem."
The two products cited for inefficacy in the most recent case were: Saniphor No. 450, registered as a tuberculocide, but found ineffective against a bacterium that causes tuberculosis; and 7 Healthcare Disinfectant Neutral Cleaner, which EPA tests determined did not kill the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as claimed on the label, the release noted.
According to the release, before any pesticide is sold in the U.S., it must go through EPA's vigorous registration process, during which companies must provide health studies and environmental information about the product to ensure that its proper use does not cause any negative human or environmental effects.
In addition to monetary fines, the EPA’s earlier settlement with Lonza Inc. required the company to develop a $390,000 supplemental environmental project to institute rigorous quality assurance and product efficacy testing at more than 470 formulators of Lonza products nationwide, the release added.
Click here to read the complete release.

Mold, leaky pipes and more mold

BEECH GROVE, IN — The Beech Grove City Hall is a health inspector's nightmare and an unfortunate reality for city employees, according to WTHR-TV.
Inspectors cited the building for a number of health violations after discovering puddles on tables, rotting ceiling tiles, warped walls and carpets and mold on every level from the vents to the water-logged basement, the story stated.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold has been shown to weaken the immune system, trigger asthma attacks, cause infections and migraines and over time can attack the brain and even cause death.
Although Mayor Donald Wright and his assistants, along with city council meetings and court hearings have all been moved to alternate locations, some city employees are still required to work in the hazardous, mold-infested building, the story noted.
According to the story, city council members say they were told the meetings were being moved because the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system wasn't working; there was no mention of a mold problem.
A Marion County Health Department inspection report lists violations due to mold as far back as March 2008, the story added.
City Council Member Ed Bell said: "It was clearly obvious that mold was the reason we were moving out. It's a slap in the face. We've asked the mayor to come before the council and answer questions but he refuses to do that. He wants to do it in private but we've had enough of the private. They're trying to put a Band-Aid on the situation when it's a serious problem."
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JC Penney's first LEED-certified store

PLANO, TX — JC Penney Company Inc. recently held the grand opening of its first store designed to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, according to a press release.
The 115,000-square-foot store, which is an anchor at The Village at Fairview, is designed to use 41 percent less energy than a similar sized, non-LEED building, the release stated.
Sustainable features of the new store include: A reflective white roof; energy-efficient lighting; landscape materials that will reduce irrigation needs by 50 percent; low-flow fixtures that reduce water consumption by 20 percent; use of recycled materials during construction; and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is 21 percent more energy efficient, the release noted.
The store has also been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "Designed to Earn the Energy Star," making JC Penney the first national retailer to receive this designation from the design stage, the release added.
According to the story, based on its design, the store's annual energy performance is expected to be in the top 25 percent of comparable retail buildings.
Click here to read the complete article.

Mold discovered in school's HVAC system

COLFAX, NC — Mold was recently discovered in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at Colfax Elementary School, according to WGHP-TV.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends keeping the school closed until the problem is completely remedied, the story stated.
Haley Miller, a spokesperson for Guilford County Schools, said: "The mold found can be cleaned with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) [filter equipped] vacuum, per the industrial hygienist."
It is suggested that the school: Remove the carpet; decommission the HVAC system rather than simply clean the ductwork; adjust moisture levels by installing a vapor barrier in the crawl space under the building; and remediate any mold discovered during the process, the story noted.
Guilford County Schools Board of Education members were urging school officials that the HVAC system was contributing to poor indoor air quality as far back as 2005, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

EarthRight-certified dental office

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN — A two-year, $1 million renovation project of a dental office that focused on making the building more environmentally friendly is now complete, according to the Eden Prairie News.
Bruce Hultgren, D.D.S, said: "With the changes that we made, we’ve been certified by an organization called EarthRight."
The building includes a green roof, energy efficient lighting, a low-maintenance heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and landscaping that requires minimal watering, the story stated.
The green roof feature of the building is expected to pay for itself within five years because of the energy savings it will promote, the story noted.
Patients are able to see the hard work Family Dentistry did in planning and implementing the green roof with a view of the sedum-covered roof from the dental chair, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

Sustainable Prisons Project gains support

LITTLEROCK, WA — The Sustainable Prisons Project, a partnership of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) and Evergreen State College, began with a pilot program at the Cedar Creek Corrections Center in 2004, according to the Examiner.
The aim of the project is to reduce operational costs and the environmental impact of prisons by teaching staff and inmates sustainability skills, the story stated.
There are several projects participants are partaking in, including: A greenhouse and garden which produces roughly 15,000 pounds of vegetables annually, saving more than $17,000 per year; composting and recycling to cut down on landfill waste; and beekeeping, which has added honey to the dining hall menu and created beeswax for the on-site production of lotion, the story noted.
The program stands to serve as a model for other prisons and enforced residential institutions to help scientists conduct and share ecological research to improve the welfare of society as a whole, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.

U.S. Marshals seize sanitizing products from Clarcon

ROY, UTAH — The U.S. Marshals have seized all skin sanitizers and skin protectants at Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory, according to the Associated Press.

According to the story, the seizure came after a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that revealed that there were high levels of potentially disease-causing bacteria in Clarcon products.

The seizure of these finished products, as well as their ingredients, occurred after Clarcon did not agree to promptly destroy them as was requested by the FDA, the story stated.

Deborah Autor, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Office of Compliance, said: "The FDA is committed to taking enforcement action against firms that do not manufacture drugs in accordance with our current good manufacturing practice requirements."

Clarcon produced and distributed over 800,000 bottles of hand-sanitizing products throughout the U.S. since 2007, the story noted.

Some of the bacteria present in the contaminated products can cause opportunistic infections of the skin and underlying tissues and according to the FDA, such infections may need medical or surgical attention and may result in permanent damage, the story added.