WEIRD WEDNESDAY: Strange Coffee Break Activities

When you have project files piled so high on your desk that you can’t see your neighbor in the next cubicle, what’s the only thing that gets you through the day? For many workers, it’s their daily coffee break.

According to a CareerBuilder.com survey, 49% of workers take a coffee break at least once during the workday, and 32% take a coffee break twice a day or more. However, not all workers are merely drinking java during these breaks, and CareerBuilder.com has named the top 10 most unusual activities workers did on their coffee breaks in its 2007 survey:

1. Proposed marriage
2. Judged a “Best Legs” contest
3. Shrink wrapped a co-worker’s new car
4. Did step aerobics by his cubicle
5. Left the office to chase a weasel outside
6. Had a burping contest
7. Ran a race in a wedding dress
8. Kissed another employee in the stairwell
9. Did a fast re-enactment of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”
10. Walked a new-born turkey around the building

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 5,600 US employees, (employed full-time; not self-employed; with no involvement in hiring decisions), ages 18 and over within U.S. between June 1 and June 13, 2007. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region, and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. The data has been weighted to reflect the composition of U.S. employers, and propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

With a pure probability sample of 5,600, one could say with a 95% probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-1.3 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated. A full methodology is available upon request.

Electric Utility Substation in Texas Secured; Copper Thieves Apprehended

Copper theft is an increasing nationwide problem, causing challenges for businesses across multiple industries. Particularly hard hit are electric utilities, due to the considerable amount of copper used in frequently remote locations.

In an effort to prevent copper theft, a northern Texas cooperative electric utility installed an intrusion detection system from Smarter Security Systems to augment its security provisions. In early February, the investment in SmarterFence delivered its payback, as thieves attempting yet another strike on one of the co-op substations were scared away. The electric co-op is working to protect the remainder of its substations the same way.

SmarterFence is a highly intelligent fiber optic sensor system that mounts to any chain-link fence. Its ability to tune out environmental nuisances and detect real intrusion attempts allows it to provide reliable early warning of intruders by detecting any attempt to cut or climb a perimeter security fence.

Jeff Brown, president of Smarter Security Systems explains, “Copper theft is an annoying and costly problem that we are working to help prevent. Our wide breadth of outdoor security solutions gives utilities and other organizations multiple options for securing their perimeters.”

The northern Texas electric cooperative mentioned in this story provides electrical and telecommunications services to more than 15,000 members in two rural counties. In early February, thieves who had broken into its substation were interrupted by police responding to an alarm triggered by the SmarterFence. The thieves were scared away but left personal property behind which led police to the arrest of one of the perpetrators. Since the primary suspect has named accomplices, perhaps even more copper thefts will be stopped.

Watercolors By Architect Steven Holl Displayed In Bejing

New York’s Frederieke Taylor Gallery exhibited a series of 10 watercolors (each in a limited and personalized edition of two) by architect Steven Holl at the China International Gallery Exposition (CIGE), which took place in Bejing from April 25 to April 28. Holl produced these watercolors throughout the design process of a number of his projects in China.

Throughout his career, Holl has been an avid watercolorist, painting as often as possible in order to connect the subjective and the objective in his signature style. Speaking on the process, he said, “There is a joy in this way of beginning; it’s inspiring and light, and I feel it’s in my blood. I open my eyes. It’s a new unpredictable day; I have a yearning, and it’s unappeasable sometimes.”

Two of the projects represented in the exhibition are currently under construction and scheduled for completion later this year. These are seen in the images here-- (at bottom) the Linked Hybrid in Beijing (a group of eight towers and 660 geothermal wells linked by public sky-bridges) and (at top and middle) the Museum of Architecture and Art in Nanjing.

Real Estate Issues Raised on Capitol Hill

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM® ) and the CCIM Institute recently joined forces to raise awareness on Capitol Hill of key issues affecting the commercial real estate industry. Approximately 275 IREM and CCIM Institute members representing 40 states and the District of Columbia held 220 meetings with their respective senators, representatives, and their staffs to voice the industry’s concerns about these critical topics: Energy Tax Credits; Climate Change/Energy; Natural Disaster Insurance; Leasehold Improvements; and Capital Gains/Depreciation Recapture.

Energy Tax Credits
IREM and CCIM Institute believe that incentives for energy efficiency investments are the best way to promote conservation. While many legislative proposals threaten to require mandates for green buildings and “zero-net” energy, the two organizations support positive incentives as the best way to achieve the goal.

IREM and CCIM Institute support H.R. 5351, the “Renewable Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008.” This legislation will extend tax incentives for energy efficiency in commercial buildings and allow a five-year recovery period for the depreciation of qualified energy management devices.

Climate Change/Energy
Today, commercial buildings make up 73 billion square feet of real estate in this country. IREM and CCIM Institute believe that lawmakers need to understand the benefits of market based incentives to retrofit existing buildings for energy efficiency and the serious consequences to mandating the same.

Natural Disaster Insurance
The intensity of large natural disasters in recent years has made the acquisition of adequate property insurance very difficult in some areas. Insurers are declining to write policies, canceling existing policies, or increasing premiums on existing policies. Recently, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have refocused attention on this issue. The viability of the insurance market is critical to real estate financing. IREM and CCIM Institute believe that both commercial and multifamily properties should be covered, in addition to homeowner’s insurance.

IREM and CCIM Institute Members lobbied their legislators to amend the “Homeowners Defense Act” (H.R. 3355 and S.2310) to include protection for commercial and multifamily properties.

Leasehold Improvements
IREM and CCIM Institute believe that it would be unrealistic to revert to the prior recovery period of 39 years depreciable life for tenant improvements. In their view, a realistic cost recovery period, such as 10-15 years, is a reasonable incentive to keep downtown office, commercial and retail space modern, efficient, and competitive with suburban space. In addition, such a change would more closely mirror corresponding lease terms for these properties.

IREM and CCIM Institute support the “Leasehold Improvement Depreciation Act of 2007” (H.R. 2014/ S. 1361), which would make the 15-year recovery period for leasehold improvements permanent.

Capital Gains/Depreciation Recapture
Under current law, capital gains are taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. This rate is temporary and will revert to 20% as of January 1, 2011. When capital gains tax rates were reduced to 15% from 20% in 2003, the depreciation recapture rate remained at 25%. Before 1997, depreciation recapture amounts were taxed at the same rate as capital gains.

IREM and CCIM Institute support a level playing field for those who choose to invest in real estate and thus oppose rates for depreciation recapture that are higher than the capital gains rate.

HVAC Association In China To Work With AHRI

An agreement between the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the China Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Association (CRAA) is aimed at encouraging Chinese HVACR equipment manufacturers to voluntarily participate in AHRI's performance certification programs.

"The confluence of skyrocketing market demand for air conditioning in China and the current emphasis of the Chinese government to reduce energy use has created an acute need for performance certification there," said AHRI president Stephen Yurek. "This agreement is indicative of the global HVACR market and the need for standard and certification program harmonization. We hope participation by Chinese manufacturers in our certification programs will be accelerated by empowering CRAA to facilitate the application process for manufacturers."

The agreement, which was signed on April 10, 2008 during an industry event in Shanghai, authorizes CRAA to serve as AHRI's exclusive certification agent in China. It authorizes CRAA to begin promoting AHRI certification next year to Chinese HVACR manufacturers and also to assist interested companies with the certification application process. Additionally, the agreement provides a framework for future cooperation in certification testing.

"Building AHRI's capacity to test and certify HVACR equipment and component performance outside of North America supports our objective of creating a level playing field by allowing consumers to make fair product comparisons," said Yurek. "This agreement is a significant step toward increasing global access to high quality HVACR equipment that provides indoor comfort efficiently and reliably."

Landscape Architecture Projects Recognized

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recently announced the recipients of its 2008 Professional Awards. The jury considered over 500 entries and selected 29 projects to receive awards.

The winning projects are a mix of commercial, institutional, and residential landscape projects. They include:
General Design Category
Award of Excellence: The Lurie Garden, Millenium Park in Chicago
Honors: Boston Children's Museum in Boston; Walden Studios in Alexander Valley, CA; Lost Dog Wash Trailhead in Scottsdale, AZ; Fountain Promenade at Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, Mexico; Lagoon Park in Santa Barbara, CA; Washington Monument in Washington, DC; James Clarkson Environmental Discovery Center in White Lake Township, MI; and Gannett/USA Today Headquarters in McLean, VA

These projects and the other winners can be viewed at: http://asla.org/awards/2008/08winners/

“These awards represent the pinnacle of design achievement by the world’s leading landscape architects,” said ASLA’s President, Perry Howard, FASLA. The awards will be presented on October 6 at the ASLA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia at a ceremony sponsored by Landscape Forms.

Common Floor Area Measurement Definitions Announced

The International Facility Management Association and the Building Owners and Managers Association International have published A Unified Approach to Measuring Office Space, a report outlining common definitions for floor area measurements as well as major revisions to IFMA and BOMA’s respective area measurement standards. These common definitions will be incorporated into the standards supported by each organization, with the primary goal being to clarify building measurement and industry comparisons based on floor area measurements.

Currently, IFMA recognizes The ASTM Standard Classification for Building Floor Area Measurements for Facility Management, while BOMA supports The ANSI/BOMA Standard Method for Measuring Floor Area in Office Buildings. Together, the two standards form the foundation for benchmarking and best practice. They are commonly used by facility professionals and building owners and managers to measure floor area in office buildings.

IFMA and BOMA appointed a working group comprised of key members of both organizations to develop these common definitions. The professionals included had extensive experience in floor measurement issues.

Their mandate was to develop commonly agreed upon definitions to be contained in each floor measurement standard as well as commentaries with parallel definitions that elaborate on the floor area measurement process. The definitions and commentaries are available in the new joint publication, and are meant to be uniform and easily understood by non-technical readers.

“We’ve known that the members of our community need a common communication protocol. They need one set of measurements and one methodology,” said Lynne Blair, IFMA chair of the working group and president of LY Blair Associates in Ottawa. “It’s important to help them save time, effort and money, and with this new unified approach, we can do that.”

“The major benefit of this publication is that it establishes common terms and approaches for measurement that each organization will use as they revise their respective standards,” said Kent C. Gibson, CPM, BOMA chair of the working group and vice president of Zions Securities Corporation in Salt Lake City. “This allows both organizations to be consistent in going forward in the development of their standards. Part of the foundation has been laid.”

A Unified Approach to Measuring Office Space is currently being offered by IFMA and BOMA.

Safety Homework Suggested for Teens Entering Summer Job Market

Last year, more than 5700 people died and millions more suffered injuries and illnesses from on-the-job accidents, including thousands of teen workers. The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and its 32,000+ occupational safety, health, and environmental professional members urge teens and their parents to be aware of workplace safety prevention measures before they go to work this summer, whether for a part-time job or their first full-time position.

"Teens don't often think of safety when they step into their first job, but they should. We're offering teens, parents, and employers the resources they need to help them stay safe at work," ASSE member Cindy Lewis, co-chair of the annual Houston YouthRules! Rally, Job and Career Fair, said. "We work to educate this audience...by providing free resources such as our free brochures, safety tips for teens handout, the teen safety Web page, the safety suitcase for young children, and the annual ASSE safety-on-the-job poster contest for those aged 5-14. But more needs to be done."

Approximately 80% of U.S. teens work annually at some time during their high school years, many during the summer. While they earn extra money and gain valuable work experience, the risk of serious injury or even a fatal injury is present.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in 2004 alone, more than 38,000 teen workers were injured on the job, and 134 were fatally injured. Workers aged 15 to 17 spend most of their work hours in food preparation and service jobs, handling stock or in labor jobs, farming, forestry or in fishing. Common injuries sustained among teens include sprains, strains, contusions, lacerations, and fractures. Some injuries can affect a teen for their lifetime.

There are many workplace risks and laws young workers should know. For instance, the most common job-related injury for first time workers under 18 is muscle sprain or strain; trips and falls, eye strain, and excessive noise are just some of the hazards teens face at work.

By law, an employer must provide protective clothing and equipment necessary for each job, payment for medical expenses if a worker is injured at work, on-the-job safety training, and, that on a school day, a 15-year-old is only permitted to work up to three hours a day. Sixteen year-olds are limited to the type of work they can do. For instance, out of these jobs -- operating a meat slicing machine at a deli counter, driving a forklift at a warehouse, waiting tables at a restaurant, or performing demolition work at a construction site -- a 16 year-old is legally only allowed to work waiting tables.

“Teens and their parents should be aware that newly hired teens miss work most often because they are suffering from on-the-job muscle sprains, strains, or tears; that fatigue from trying to balance work and school may contribute to injuries among young workers; that nearly 70% of 14- to 16-year-olds injured on the job miss work, school, and other activities for at least a day,” Lewis said. “A quarter of those injured teens are sidelined for more than a week. About a third of fatal injuries to young workers occur in family businesses, such as on a farm, according to federal officials.”

Teens are not allowed to work in mining, logging, meatpacking, roofing, excavation, or demolition, according to labor laws. They cannot drive a car or forklift or work with saws, explosives, radioactive materials, or most machines.

The U.S. Department of Labor has established two laws to protect the safety and health of teens -- the Fair Labor Standards Act restricts the types of jobs teens under 18 can hold and the hours they can work. The 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide safe and healthful work environments for all workers. Employers must comply with occupational safety and health standards.

It is important to ask safety questions before starting a job such as: What are the physical demands of my job? What are my hours? Will I be working alone or with others? What kind of safety gear will I need to wear? What workplace hazards should I be aware of (noise, chemicals, etc.)? What safety training will I receive and when will I receive it? Where are the first-aid supplies and fire extinguishers kept? Do you have a worker safety policy and an emergency plan? Is there an occupational safety and health professional on staff?

For a free copy of the ASSE “Important Workplace Safety Guide for Young Workers” and other youth workplace safety tips contact ASSE customer service at 847-699-2929.

Monitoring Wind Turbine Performance

Onset Computer Corporation, maker of “HOBO” data loggers, is offering an on-demand video entitled, "Monitoring Wind Turbine Efficiency." The video is available free of charge on the Onset Web site. (Basic registration information is required to access the video.)

The video shows viewers how data logging weather stations can be used to monitor the performance of a 10 kilowatt wind turbine. The video documents the process of launching and deploying a weather station and sensors, and analyzing the data in graph form on a PC or Mac computer.

Utility Based Efficiency Programs Can Cut Energy More Than Previously Thought

That is the finding from a preliminary analysis released from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Energy efficiency improvements in the U.S. electric power sector could reduce electric consumption by 7% to 11% more than currently projected over the next two decades if key barriers can be addressed, according to the EPRI findings.

The analysis comes at a time when utilities, regulators, and policymakers are seeking ways to meet growing electricity demand, while reducing the carbon footprint of the U.S. economy, notes EPRI. The key challenge is to maximize potential gains in energy efficiency, while ensuring adequate new electric generation to maintain reliability and meet future demand.

The draft findings were presented by EPRI and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) during an Edison Foundation conference. That demand growth projection would be even higher without the implementation of existing building codes, appliance standards and market-driven consumer incentives, which will shave electricity consumption by 23%, according to the EPRI-EEI study. However, additional efficiency gains could be achieved by overcoming major market, regulatory and consumer barriers, the analysis found.

“This study demonstrates the potential of energy efficiency to offset some of the projected need for new electric generation as cutting-edge technologies become available and are adopted,” said Dr. Michael Howard, senior vice president at EPRI. “We think a 7% efficiency improvement is realistic – and gains of 11% or more are technologically feasible – depending on the degree to which various obstacles can be overcome.”

Essential steps, according to the analysis, include increased consumer education; adoption and enforcement of aggressive building codes and appliance standards; creation of utility business models that promote increased efficiency within the power sector; and adoption of electricity pricing policies that more accurately reflect the cost of providing electricity to consumers.

Diane Munns, executive director at EEI, said the power sector will seek the greatest efficiency gains possible, but cautioned that this will be no easy task and that utilities still must plan for substantial new generation and transmission to assure reliability.

“Achieving efficiency improvements going significantly beyond those already in the pipeline will be a major undertaking,” Munns said. “No matter how you slice it, we’ll have to build significant new generation to ensure that we meet demand. The greater gains we make in energy efficiency, the better off everyone will be, because we’ll have more cost-effective options for serving our customers. But if we overestimate what can be accomplished, we could find ourselves without an adequate supply of electricity to meet consumer needs.”

Much of the research involved in realizing more efficiency is being conducted by EPRI at its Living Laboratory for Energy Efficiency in Knoxville, TN. “While electricity rates will rise due to increasing across the board costs of producing electricity, energy efficiency improvements can help reduce some of these costs to consumers,” Munns said. “To maximize utility investment in efficiency programs, energy efficiency must be treated as an energy resource on par with new generation.”

“We are making remarkable technological advances in the area of efficiency,” Howard said. “The question is how much more can we achieve? The key will be finding the will to fully demonstrate and adopt both currently available and emerging, hyper-efficient electric technologies.”

Copies of the EPRI-EEI presentation are available on the Edison Foundation’s Web site.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: The Power of Uniforms

Whether its lawn care, building maintenance or another business-to-business service, your employees are your organization’s first impression. A clean, professional look is essential, and your choice of uniforms can make or break your success.

The right uniform not only reflects the level of service, but it can also distinguish your team from other trades around the building. Employees in every service industry are highly visible to the customer and public, so take advantage of your uniform as an opportunity to strengthen your department's "brand" image.

Nobody likes to let strangers into their places of business. A uniform with your logo increases the professional appearance of your employees and gives customers an increased level of comfort and trust in their abilities to perform professional work.

When you take better care of your staff, they take better care of your customers. The more professional employees feel, the more professional they will act. And if they feel confident in the uniform they’re wearing, they will exude a sense of pride for the work they’re doing and the company they represent.

Service industry employees tend to face situations where safety can be an issue. With the walking, stretching, kneeling, and twisting required to get these jobs done, it’s important to make sure uniforms do not get in the way and become hazardous.

Purchasing new uniforms upfront can be costly, but there are many rentable products on the market that allow you to spread the cost over a longer period of time. You also might find these products to be more durable, and the companies that provide them are concerned with long-term care and maintenance, rather than a one-time sale.

When selecting the right uniform for your employees, think of it as a walking, talking advertisement for your department. If your employee is unkempt, the impression he or she leaves will be that of a disorganized team with a lack of attention to detail. On the other hand, if he or she is dressed professionally, with proper identifiers, you not only notice an increased level of performance, but customers have a higher level of confidence in the work they’re doing.

This Web Exclusive comes from Chuck Helmes, director of marketing and technology solutions for Cintas Corporation, based in Cincinnati, OH.

FRIDAY FUNNY: Understanding Engineers

*Understanding Engineers - One*

Two engineering students were walking across a university campus when one said: "Where did you get such a great bike?"

The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said: "Take what you want."

The first engineer nodded approvingly and said: "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't fit you anyway."

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*Understanding Engineers - Two*

To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

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*Understanding Engineers - Three*

A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers.

The engineer fumed, "What's with those guys? We must have been waiting for 15 minutes!"

The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such inept golf!"

The priest said, "Here comes the greenskeeper. Let's have a word with him."

He said, "Hello George, what's wrong with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?"

The greenskeeper replied, "Oh, yes. That's a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime."

The group fell silent for a moment. The priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight."

The doctor said, "Good idea. I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there's anything he can do for them."

The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?"

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*Understanding Engineers - Four*

What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers?

Mechanical engineers build weapons and civil engineers build targets.

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*Understanding Engineers - Five*

The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work?"

The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"

The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?"

The graduate with an arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that?"

----------------------------------------------------

*Understanding Engineers - Six*

Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet.

Many thanks to Peter SJF Bance, for these oldies but goodies.

Groups Unite to Support Employer Right to Determine Workplace Safety Rules

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) joined with ASIS International and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence in recently filing an amici curiae brief urging the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm a 2007 federal district court ruling that found two so-called “forced entry laws” in Oklahoma unconstitutional. The Oklahoma laws would have prevented employers from setting workplace safety rules barring guns to be brought on employer property in a locked vehicle.

The U.S. Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, in a suit filed against Oklahoma by ConocoPhillips and other employer plaintiffs (ConocoPhillips v. Henry), held that the Oklahoma’s “forced entry laws” conflicted with the general duty clause of the federal Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970. The general duty clause requires employers to protect their employees against avoidable and recognizable hazards that may not be addressed by specific workplace safety and health standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Since federal laws preempt state law, the OSH Act preempted the Oklahoma laws.

“We are pleased to be able to support employers’ most fundamental right, which is to determine how best to run their businesses and keep their employees and property safe,” said ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP. “Employers hire our member safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) professionals to determine just how best to protect workers. Whether, in their best judgment, protecting workers and property means keeping guns out of parking lots or not, that decision must be made by an employer and an SH&E professional. Those sometimes difficult decisions cannot be made by a state governor or legislature substituting political decisions for professional judgment about how best to protect workers under duties employers have under the OSH Act’s general duty clause.

“Preventing violence is just one of many workplace safety, health, and environmental issues our members work hard each day with employers to address so that workers are able to go home safe and healthy from their jobs each day,” added Thompson. “A law such as Oklahoma’s forced entry laws, if reinstated, would undermine our members’ professional ability to give advice to Oklahoma employers on workplace safety and it means that Oklahoma workplaces would be less safe.”

The cost of workplace violence to employers alone has been estimated at $4 billion a year, which is supported by ASSE’s “2004 Workplace Violence Survey and White Paper.”

According to the Department of Labor’s BLS National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries for 2006, workplace homicides ranked as the fourth cause of on-the-job deaths, claiming the lives of 516 workers with more than 80% of those workers being shot.

New Standard Provides for Assessment of Potential for Vapor Intrusion into Structures

Vapor intrusion from contaminated soil and groundwater into structures can potentially create significant liability and have a material impact on property value. Because of this, accurately determining whether a property has vapor intrusion issues is a concern for property owners, prospective purchasers and environmental professionals conducting due diligence.

ASTM International Committee E50 on Environmental Assessment has now approved a new standard, E 2600, Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions, which will provide guidance for vapor intrusion testing. The standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E50.02 on Real Estate Assessment and Management.

Anthony J. Buonicore, chair of ASTM Task Group E50.02.06 on Vapor Intrusion, says E 2600 defines good commercial and customary practice for conducting a vapor intrusion assessment on a property parcel involved in real estate transactions.

“The specific intent was to establish a methodology to determine whether or not there is a reasonable probability that vapor intrusion could present an environmental risk and liability,” says Buonicore. For commercial real estate transactions, Buonicore notes that the vapor intrusion investigation, as defined by E 2600, could be used independently of, or as a supplement to, E 1527, Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process.

The evaluation process, as described in E 2600, consists of four tiers. The first two screening tiers are used to assess the potential for a vapor intrusion issue to exist, so that properties with a low risk can be screened out quickly and inexpensively. The third tier provides for more site-specific and comprehensive investigations if the potential for vapor intrusion cannot reasonably be eliminated at the Tier 1/Tier 2 levels while Tier 4 addresses mitigation alternatives.

According to Buonicore, because timeliness may be more important than investigation or mitigation costs during real estate transactions, an E 2600 user does not need to proceed sequentially through the tiers in the standard.

“In most cases, however, it is expected that it would be more cost effective and sufficient time would be available in the real estate transaction to conduct at a minimum a Tier 1 screening evaluation and, if necessary, a Tier 2 screening evaluation before proceeding to a more costly and time-consuming Tier 3 investigation or to Tier 4 mitigation,” says Buonicore. He also notes that the process described in E 2600 is designed to complement existing federal and state vapor intrusion policies or guidance.

“ASTM was selected as the best venue to develop the standard because of ASTM’s internationally recognized consensus-based process that has been used so successfully over the years,” says Buonicore. “ASTM is able to bring together stakeholders representing all sides of an issue and work with them to achieve consensus.”

ASTM International standards can be purchased from customer service (phone: 610-832-9585).

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: Earth Day Goes to the Worms, So What?

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced winners of the 2008 national Professional Awards on April 15 in Washington, D.C. Culver City-based ah'bé landscape architects was selected for an Honor Award in Communications for the short film So What?, which chronicles the planning and implementation of an art installation composed of 2/3 ton of paper waste generated by the firm over a 12-week period.

The film, which was hailed by the professional awards jury as "an incredible message that speaks beautifully to designers and the public about an important issue, was produced by firm president Calvin Abe, FASLA, and created and directed in-house by Evan Mather, an award-winning filmmaker and landscape architect who has a unique insight into the design process and the core issues raised in ah'bé's recent series of art installations.

"The basic premise of the film, and indeed of the installation itself, is that the term 'sustainability' has been overused to the point of becoming meaningless, and that it is time to reflect on the true meaning of the word," says Abe. "The firm created towers of shredded paper that were exhibited at a local gallery space in the form of a reconstructed forest to create a provocative statement on the nature of sustainability. By manifesting the concept of sustainability in a uniquely entertaining fashion, the film seeks to educate viewers and spur them to action.

The film, which follows the project from start to finish, when the "trees" were fed to worms to create compost, forces viewers to confront the impact even small businesses have on the environment. As the narrator informs us, American companies produce enough paper every day to circle the globe.

According to Abe, the impact of the installations has been surprising: while many viewers were amazed or amused, most expressed a profound sadness at witnessing the quantity of paper generated by a small company in such a short period of time. "These installations are not only temporary 'gardens,' but awakenings."

Chief Employees To Receive CTS Certification

Chief, a leader in projector and flat panel mounting solutions, is dedicated to providing the best service to its clients through up-to-date CTS certification and training for employees. Chief is a certified InfoComm Certified AudioVisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP). Each member of the company's inside sales technical support staff and Pro AV regional sales managers are certified, or on schedule, to be certified.

The CTS certification is highly regarded within the audiovisual industry. For more than 30 years, Infocomm has offered certification programs to establish and maintain widespread credibility for AV professionals. The CAVSP is based on the percentage of a company's employees who have achieved CTS certification. Chief has achieved the basic CAVSP, meaning that 25% of the employees are CTS certified.

About Chief
Chief Manufacturing, a division of Milestone AV Technologies, has more than 30 years of proven product and service excellence. Committed to responding to industry needs in the Pro AV, Residential and Office markets, Chief offers a complete line of mounts, lifts and accessories for flat panel displays and projectors. Chief distribution centers are located in Minnesota and the Netherlands.

About InfoComm
InfoComm International® is the leading non-profit association serving the professional AV communications industry worldwide. Founded in 1939, the association offers industry expertise and market research serving press and others seeking information about the industry.

Animal Planet Channel Forging Partnership With Zoos And Aquariums

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Animal Planet channel today kicks off a strategic partnership that will support wildlife conservation and connect Animal Planet viewers to up-close experiences at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

"The connection between Animal Planet and great zoos and aquariums is a natural fit," said Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager, Animal Planet Media. "Both Animal Planet and the members of Association of Zoos and Aquariums are committed to great animal care and to the protection of wildlife."

More than 100 of the top zoos and aquariums across North America are throwing a Party for the Planet™, making it the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America. Festivities will feature environmental education activities, amazing animal encounters, and fantastic family fun.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago which held its "Party" events on April 20 and today, April 22, is also the site of The TFM Show Facility Tour today.

"Party for the Planet Earth Day events spotlight zoos and aquariums as the ideal place to connect with conservation in communities across North America," said AZA president and CEO Jim Maddy. "Animal Planet is a great partner for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums because we share the important mission of connecting people and animals."

The new three-year Proud Partner relationship will feature a number of key elements, including an on-air commitment by Animal Planet to highlight the conservation work of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Zoos and Aquariums will host interactive on-site technology using Animal Planet content to enhance the visitor experience. Animal Planet is the exclusive national media sponsor of Party for the Planet™.

About APM
Animal Planet Media (APM) is a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications. Via multiple platforms, APM offers the Animal Planet television network, available in more than 94 million homes in the US; online assets www.animalplanet.com; the 24/7 broadband channel, Animal Planet Beyond; Petfinder.com, the #1 pet-related Web property globally that facilitates pet adoption; PetsIncredible, a major producer and distributor of pet-training videos and includes web service PetVideo.com; and other media platforms including a Video-on-Demand (VOD) service; mobile content; and merchandising extensions.

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation.

Earth Day Coverage: Study Indicates Lack of Standards is Slowing Green Data Center Initiatives

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is reporting results from a new study of green data center trends that show significant changes since 2007. The findings are based on a survey of senior decision makers at leading North American corporations who are directly responsible for data center strategy, planning, and technology. Digital Realty Trust conducted a similar study in 2007, one of the first in-depth analyses of green trends in the data center industry.

“When we conducted our first green data center study last year, respondents expressed concern about the lack of industry standards for green data centers. The impact of that concern is very evident in this year’s survey. Companies are looking for leadership and clarity on how to define a green data center, how to design their green data center plans, and how to put them into action,” said Jim Smith, vice president of engineering at Digital Realty Trust. “In the past, the question may have been how to convince companies of the value of green data centers. The good news is that is no longer a problem. Companies are convinced. The challenge is that the data center industry needs to step up and show the way with clear standards.”

Key findings from the research study are provided below:

• 51% of companies have a green data center strategy, a decline since the 2007 study when 55% of companies answered the question affirmatively. This indicates that corporate adoption of green data center strategies has stalled or perhaps taken a step back since last year.
• 82% of companies say there is no clear industry standard for green data centers. This figure is up from 75% in 2007, indicating that there is more ambiguity than clarity in the industry. One area where there was broad agreement was in what elements an industry standard should comprise. The top two responses were: 94% agreed that a standard should outline how to achieve efficient power usage (i.e. maximizing energy delivered to IT equipment by the facility); and 83% agreed that a standard should also outline how to enhance HVAC systems to use energy more efficiently. 
• In the absence of green data center standards, companies site LEED certification as the best alternative. More than 60% of companies look to LEED general building standards as a model for their green data center initiatives. The Green Grid was also cited as a resource for green data center initiatives, indicating that the consortium is gaining visibility and momentum in the industry.
• Of the companies that do have a green data center strategy, 82% are taking a holistic approach that encompasses not only servers and other datacenter hardware, but also facility design and data center operations. This is nearly identical to the 2007 metric (81%), indicating that companies understand the value of taking a comprehensive approach that maximizes energy efficiency by addressing not just the equipment in the data center, but the facility itself.
• Only 18% of companies are planning to include carbon credits in their green data center plans, down from a figure of 25% in 2007. This indicates that companies are focusing on directly reducing their data center energy consumption rather than displacing it through carbon credits solutions.

Digital Realty Trust is also publishing results from a Europe-focused study of green data center trends. The European survey shows that green data center initiatives currently have greater momentum in the U.K., Germany, France, the Netherlands and Ireland. For example, 60% of European companies have green data center plans, more than 70% plan to make green upgrades to existing facilities, and a significant portion have already begun requiring their data center vendors to have a green strategy that meets their standards. The European study does, however, find that companies in those countries see a similar lack of industry standards, an issue that could slow momentum as it appears to have done in North America.

New Publication Provides Energy Saving Guidance for K-12 Schools

A full 16% of schools districts’ controllable costs is spent on energy. A new publication written specifically for K-12 school buildings will aid design teams in constructing energy-smart schools using off-the-shelf technology that can cut energy use 30% or more annually.

The Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings, published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, instructs architects, engineers, and others on building design teams how to use best design practices to create energy saving buildings. Written in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, the U.S. Green Building Council and the U.S. Department of Energy, the book is available for free in electronic form here: AEDG_K12.pdf

ASHRAE and its partners are sending more than 14,000 complimentary copies of the publication to school district officials nationwide to assist with the design of energy efficient schools that create safe and comfortable environments conducive to learning.

“Many schools throughout the country have increased energy efficiency, cut costs, and reduced their environmental footprints through energy efficiency measures,” says Paul Torcellini, chair of the committee that wrote the book. “Many others, however, still spend more money on energy than they do on educational supplies. It’s like money just goes out the single-pane windows or through the poorly insulated ceiling. Just think of all the things a school could do each year with the money it saves on energy: buy more books and computers, increase teachers’ salaries, upgrade the media center and gymnasium . . . the list goes on and on.”

The publication features easy-to-follow recommendations for various climate zones and how-to implementation tips via a series of real-life school construction case studies. Included are suggested steps for achieving LEED energy credits and supplemental strategies for achieving advanced energy savings beyond 30%.

Some of the design tips included in the guide are:
Provide daylighting to the classrooms and gym so that lights can be off most of the day, but design it carefully so additional cooling needs are not required.

Design lighting systems that use the most current energy-efficient lamps, ballasts and integrated controls.

• Control the HVAC system bas on actual occupancy of each space at a given time. This requires the school to be zoned so that a zone’s HVAC system can be shut down when that specific part of the school is unoccupied.
• Design a well-insulated “envelope”, including good wall and roof insulation and low-e windows.
• Use high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment.

The cost of the print version of Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings, is $59 ($47 members).

Plan a Spring Garden Makeover Now for Big Summer Savings

Water costs continue to rise. However, smart landscape design and simple watering habits can significantly reduce utility bills. By planning now, facility managers can save hundreds of dollars and thousands of gallons of water this summer. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends the following steps for a water-saving garden makeover:

Start Early. Plan ahead so that all new plantings take place in the spring. It keeps you out of the summer heat and plants require much less water to get situated compared to the warmer months.

Go Native. When deciding what to install, consider native and drought resistant plants. They typically require less maintenance and little watering once established (sometimes none at all!).

Must Mulch. Use compost when planting and cover the area with mulch afterwards. Compost helps keep the water by the plant’s roots and mulch prevents evaporation. Make sure to leave some space around the base of each plant and resist creating mulch mounds around plants and trees.

Less Lawn. Consider replacing grass with an attractive groundcover which is drought resistant, covers a large area, and requires zero mowing.

Super Soak. Up to a third of all water from sprinklers can evaporate during the heat of the day. Instead, give your plants fewer, heavy soakings. If you must use sprinklers, only use them in the morning.

Grey is Good. Recapturing grey water or rainwater can provide a free source of garden irrigation. These systems can be easily installed and even incorporated into irrigation systems.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip irrigation systems water plants right at the root and serve as an efficient alternative to sprinkler systems. Be sure to get a timer for maximum effectiveness.

Two Voluntary Specs Address Window Assemblies

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has recently released two revamped specifications relating to acoustics and impact and cycle testing.

Acoustics
The first revamped document is AAMA 1801-08, a voluntary specification for acoustical testing. According to Ken Brenden, AAMA technical standards manager, the eight-page document, first published in 1995 and titled "Voluntary Specification for the Acoustical Rating of Windows, Doors and Glazed Wall Sections," includes several updates.

The test specification describes the sound transmission loss measurement procedure for windows, doors, and glazed wall sections.

“In addition to various editorial changes, the most significant changes were the addition of new sections 6.0, Test Specimen Installation and 7.0, Conditioning,” states Brenden. “New sub-sections under Test Reports were also added addressing the verification of the manufacturer’s statement, filler wall transmission loss and items to include in the detailed description of the glazing material.”

In addition, a reference to ASTM E 90 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements was added, as well as a diagram detailing test specimen installation, according to Brenden.

Impact And Cycle Testing
The second updated document is AAMA 506-08, a voluntary specification for impact and cycle testing. The revamped seven-page document, first published in 2000 and titled "Voluntary Specifications for Impact and Cycle Testing of Fenestration Products," also includes several updates.

The document is designed to provide a system for rating the ability of windows, doors, skylights, and sliding glass doors to withstand impact and pressure cycling generally associated with hurricane conditions.

Says Brendan, “In addition to various editorial changes, the most significant changes were the addition of a new section 8.0, ‘Qualification of Alternate Constructions,’ although these alternate constructions or details must also successfully complete all requirements of Section 6.0 to be qualified, therefore, some additional testing may be required.”

An exception was also allowed in Section 6.2 regarding mullions and the addition of cladding or a wrapped material. In addition to the three previous versions of the 101/I.S. 2 standard, AAMA 506-08 also recognizes products that have satisfied the minimum requirements associated with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440-08, NAFS-North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights.

In addition, the reference to storefronts and curtain walls was removed and the text “surrounding building substrate for which qualification by this standard is sought” was added in Section 7.1 that deals with test specimen preparation, according to Brenden.

Each document is available to AAMA members at a cost of $10 for download, $20 for paper copy and $25 for CD. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $25 for download, $50 for paper copy and $55 for CD. Information can be found at the AAMA Online Publication Store or call AAMA at (847) 303-5664.

About AAMA
AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry. (SM)

Studies Confirm Superior Sale, Rental, And Occupancy Rates for LEED, ENERGY STAR Buildings

Two recently released studies, one by the New Buildings Institute (NBI) and one by CoStar Group, have validated what the green building community has known all along: third party certified buildings outperform their conventional counterparts across a wide variety of metrics, including energy savings, occupancy rates, sale price, and rental rates.

In the NBI study, the results indicate that new buildings certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED certification system are, on average, performing 25% to 30% better than non-LEED certified buildings in terms of energy use. The study also demonstrates that there is a correlation between increasing levels of LEED certification and increased energy savings. Gold and Platinum LEED certified buildings have average energy savings approaching 50%.

To download a PDF of the study, click this link:
NIBS.pdf

Energy savings under EPA's ENERGY STAR program are equally impressive: buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR label use an average of almost 40% less energy than average buildings, and emit 35% less carbon. But beyond the obvious implications of reduced energy use and reduced carbon emissions, the results from both studies strengthen the "business case" for green buildings as financially sound investments.

According to the CoStar study, LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.24 per square foot over their non-LEED peers and have 3.8% higher occupancy. Rental rates in ENERGY STAR buildings represent a $2.38 per square foot premium over comparable non-ENERGY STAR buildings and have 3.6% higher occupancy. And, in a trend that could signal greater attention from institutional investors, ENERGY STAR buildings are selling for an average of $61 per square foot more than their peers, while LEED buildings command a remarkable $171 more per square foot.

The group analyzed more than 1,300 LEED Certified and ENERGY STAR buildings representing about 351 million square feet in CoStar’s commercial property database of roughly 44 billion square feet, and assessed those buildings against non-green properties with similar size, location, class, tenancy, and year-built characteristics to generate the results.

FRIDAY FUNNY: New Drug May Help Facility Managers

When you hear that someone is hot or cold - do you make snide remarks? When someone slips and falls - do you secretly chuckle? Do you have Dilbert cartoons taped all over your office? Do you work in a cubicle? Do you hate Monday mornings?

Have you attributed your agony to an ulcer, schizophrenia, diverticulitis or irritible bowel syndrome? Maybe you simply need SARCASMA!

Ask your doctor about SARCASMA or click on the ad below for more information!




Found on http://www.sarcasma.net/
Copyright 2008, Archer Creative Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Alliance Focuses On Decorative Glass

PPG Industries recently announced a marketing alliance with Walker Glass Co., Ltd., of Montreal. The companies will jointly market the Walker TexturesTM line of acid-etched glass and mirrors with Starphire® ultra-clear glass by PPG.

Acid-etched, or frosted, glass is created when an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid is applied to a glass surface, resulting in a smooth satin appearance or a matted translucent appearance.

Walker Glass currently produces its full-surface, acid-etched Walker Textures line in three finishes: satin, velour and opaque. These products also are available in Walker Textures Select glass - custom partial-sheet etched products - and Walker Textures Nuance glass - a series of patterned etched products launched on March 31, 2008. (Shown in photo: The Walker Textures Nuance line of acid-etched glass and mirror, manufactured with PPG's Starphire Ultra-Clear glass, in Walker's pattern 101)

Acid-etched glass products are typically used for dividing walls, wall coverings, office partitions, show and bath enclosures, doors, display shelving and other interior applications. They also can be employed for exterior uses such as insulating glass units.

The alliance between Walker Glass and PPG is designed to take advantage of the enhancements Starphire glass and Walker Textures offer each other. It will enable the companies to leverage each other's marketing efforts to the U.S. and Canadian design communities.

Walker Glass Co., Ltd., joins IIMAK, Amherst, N.Y., and ICD High-Performance Coatings, Vancouver, Wash., as PPG marketing alliance partners.

About Walker Glass
Walker Glass Co. Ltd., based in Montreal, is the only manufacturer of acid-etched glass and mirror in North America.

About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries.

Starphire is a trademark of PPG Industries.
Walker Textures is a trademark of Walker Glass Co., Ltd.

OSHA Rule Standardizes Distribution of Employer Paid Personal Protective Equipment

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has recognized the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) efforts in publishing a standard for employer-paid personal protective equipment (PPE).

“ASSE is pleased that OSHA issued its long awaited standard addressing employer payment for PPE,” said ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP. “ASSE’s member safety, health, and environmental professionals view the provisions of the standard as a realistic reflection of how they see this issue dealt with on the job each day and as an appropriate balance between the several interests that determine who should pay for PPE.”

Thompson added, “ASSE hopes that the publication of this standard signals a renewed commitment from OSHA to continue to advance appropriate standard setting.”

According to OSHA, under the final rule, all PPE, with a few exceptions, will be provided to employees at no cost. The few exceptions include ordinary safety-toed footwear and ordinary prescription safety eyewear the employer allows to be worn off the job site, logging boots, and ordinary clothing and weather related gear. Employers also must pay for replacement PPE unless the employee loses or intentionally damages the PPE.

OSHA estimates that the final rule, which was published in the Federal Register today, will lead to more than 21,000 fewer occupational injuries per year. The standard is available at this link.