DESTIN, FLA.—After a fire ravaged the outdoor space at the Hilton SanDestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, the resort looked to MoistureShield composite decking to create an expansive new 17,000 square foot multi-purpose deck. The new deck leaves the Gulf Coast views unobstructed for hotel guests to enjoy, while preserving beachfront habitat. The fire started on the hotel’s beachfront area in October 2010. It ignited an adjacent deck, destroying most of the hotel’s deck structure and outdoor restaurant. In response to the fire, Hilton SanDestin’s management and construction team sought to build a new and improved outdoor experience. One...

PORTLAND, ORE.—Viridian Reclaimed Wood announced the introduction of Truck Deck, a line of domestically sourced flooring and paneling derived from reclaimed red oak and white oak truck decking, according to Viridian co-owner Joe Mitchoff.“The giant tractor-trailers used to transport goods from coast to coast typically contain wide planks of heavy oak decking, but the hard-driven miles take their toll on these truck decks,” Mitchoff said. “Even though they are plenty thick they have to be replaced at regular intervals. We upcycle them into flooring and panels of unparalleled character.”Viridian’s most rustic products by far, Truck Deck’s top face has...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In an effort to accelerate sustainable development around the world, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building program, announced a new campaign offering free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in the 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root.Coined “LEED Earth,” this campaign aims to bring LEED certification and thereby better-performing buildings into new markets. LEED is a global approach to more efficient, environmentally-sound buildings and is universally adaptable to address issues such as energy and potable water use, environmental toxins and human health concerns related to indoor environments....

CHICAGO—Carpet tile manufacturer Interface introduces Net Effect, inspired both by the ocean’s life-giving power and its plight—marine life and habitats that are endangered by discarded fishing nets, acidification, over-fishing, pollution and climate change. Net Effect debuted at NeoCon this week in Interface’s Chicago Merchandise Mart showroom, and will roll out globally throughout 2013. Manufacturing will take place locally in Interface’s North American, European, and Asia-Pacific facilities. This uniform global production allows for specification on six continents.The collection was born of Net-Works, an innovative global business and conservation association between Interface and the conservation charity the Zoological Society of London...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed two rules to help protect Americans from exposure to the harmful chemical formaldehyde, consistent with a Federal law unanimously passed by Congress in 2010. These rules ensure that composite wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States meet the formaldehyde emission standards established by Congress. Formaldehyde is used in adhesives to make a wide range of building materials and products. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause adverse public health effects including eye, nose and throat irritation, other respiratory symptoms and, in certain cases, cancer.“The proposed regulations announced today reflect...

BUFFALO, N.Y.—The 120-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Buffalo, N.Y., is scheduled to open Tuesday, June 11. The TownePlace Suites Buffalo Airport will operate as a Marriott franchise managed by Buffalo Lodging Associates of Buffalo, N.Y. The hotel will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified for its contributions in making the environment a healthier place by reducing waste and conserving energy and water. It is the latest TownePlace Suites to receive this certification.Located directly across from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown, the Courtyard Buffalo Airport offers guests convenient access to the Walden...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Green Building Initiative (GBI) announced the release of the most significant upgrade to the Green Globes for New Construction (NC) program since it first became available in the United States in 2006. Green Globes is a web-based program for green building guidance and certification that includes an on-site assessment by a certified third party. The program is a user-friendly and affordable alternative to LEED used to advance the overall environmental performance and sustainability of commercial buildings.Green Globes NC is now based on an ANSI standard: ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings. The standard was...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—GSky Plant Systems, Inc., a provider of living green wall systems, recently installed a 106-square-foot Versa Green Wall in a new dual-brand hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown-Convention Center. The property, which includes 302 rooms and 4,355 square feet of meeting space, will split a lobby between the two brands. This shared lobby is where the living green wall has been installed.“The green wall adds a unique urban touch to our new property,” said Tom Sprankle, general manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown-Convention...

SANTA BARBARA—Mighty Bright, designer and manufacturer of LED lighting products, will unveil three new LED task and floor lights designed for corporate workplaces, hospitality environments, and residential interiors markets at NeoCon 2013, June 10 to 12, 2013, at The Merchandise Mart, Chicago.LUX high-performing LED task lights reduce energy usage while enhancing spaces with style. Streamlined and sophisticated, LUX LED Lights are functional, eco-friendly and embody a simple aesthetic elegance, compromising neither form nor function.At NeoCon 2013, Mighty Bright will showcase three new lights designed to enhance spaces and provide the best sustainable lighting available on the market today:•    LUX...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will give the opening keynote address at its 2013 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. This year’s conference will take place November 20 to 22 in Philadelphia at the LEED Gold certified Pennsylvania Convention Center. Registration opens June 5, 2013.Hillary Rodham Clinton served as the 67th U.S. Secretary of State from 2009 until 2013, after nearly four decades in public service. Her “smart power” approach to foreign policy repositioned American diplomacy and development for the 21st century. Clinton played a central role in restoring...