Green Street

First Supply (Madison, WI) hosted three HVAC-focused green seminars this spring that attracted more than 100 dealers. Customers at the New Brighton, MN, branch and attendees of the 2009 HVAC Dealer Meeting and Trade show learned about the best practices and most effective products for building greener, healthier and more sustainable buildings and how to qualify for LEED credit. The keynote speaker was Robin Pharo, president of Healthy Homes and director of the Wisconsin's Green Built Home Program. Moen's Commercial Division introduced FreeHand high-efficiency flush valves (pictured) that promote water and energy savings. An infrared sensor beam activates a flush cycle when a user is in range. Bradley Corp. said its Terreon solid surface and Terreon RE recycled solid surface have received GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification and GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. Whirlpool Corp. said it has been selected as a Centex Sustainability Partner by homebuilder Centex Corp. Centex Energy Advantage homes will use ENERGY STAR-qualified Whirlpool appliances. Read more.

Supply House Times 2009 Showroom Of The Year Competition
Entries are due August 14. Watch www.supplyht.com, www.bathandkitchenpro.com and Bath & Kitchen Pro eNews for information and the nomination form.

"Solar Combi-Systems for Space Heating and Domestic Hot Water: The latest design and control concepts," a Webinar by John Siegenthaler , PE, is scheduled for May 21 at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET. Register today for only $49! This Webinar discusses several state-of-the-art approaches to using solar energy for combined space and water heating. Learn more.

The Home Design Trend Survey from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) found that although kitchen and bath renovations are down, the number of people remodeling with energy-efficient and renewable materials has increased. These include such elements as renewable flooring, renewable countertops and recycling centers.

Also popular: Design that makes home life easier and safer for the aging Boomer population. Among the survey's findings:

Kitchen:
An increase in the number of consumers building in-kitchen recycling centers,  48% in 2008 vs. 45% in 2007.
A decrease in the number of consumers requesting wine refrigerators/wine storage, 27% in 2008 vs. 49% in 2007.

Bath:
An increase in the number of consumers requesting LED lighting, 41% in 2008 vs. 39% in 2007.
A decrease in the number of consumers building multi-head showers, 42% in 2008 vs. 59% in 2007.

AIA noted that the increase in requests for LED lighting options and a drop in interest of multi-head showers are reflective of both greater environmental awareness and desire to keep utility costs manageable.

The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector.

Courtesy of American Institute of Architects, www.aia.org

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ThermaSol introduced a Standalone Light and Music System that can be installed in any shower. A Deluxe Lighting System and Premium Lighting System are now available. Both systems offer a full spectrum of red, blue and green. The sound is generated via a built-in FM receiver with two additional input source interfaces. Both the light and sound components are self-contained within the single light and sound module.

RAPSEL , a Milan-based luxury sanitary product company, has unveiled an "invisible bath environment" with its "Il Bagno Che Non C'e" via the 'One Collection' designed by architect Matteo Thun. The Invisible Bath One Collection is a combination of transparent basin, toilet and shower manufactured in sustainable larch wood atop ceramic and stainless steel. Rapsel products are distributed in North America exclusively through AF New York and several satellite showrooms in other locations.

Quick Drain USA , a manufacturer of low profile, linear shower drains, received both a "Gold Award" and the "Best of Competition" award for the Bath category in the Best of K/BIS 2009 competition. The channel drain system works for both residential and commercial applications, including showers, deck drains, pool drains, public shower trenches and trough drain applications.

The Kirei Collection - Kirei Board, Kirei Bamboo, Kirei Coco Tiles and Kirei Wheatboard  - is manufactured from renewable and reclaimed agricultural fiber and low-or no-added-formaldehyde adhesives. These eco-friendly interior design materials have been used  as wall covering, millwork, cabinetry, retail fixtures and architectural accents in commercial, hospitality, retail, residential and  finished product applications.