EASTHAMPTON, MASS.—Treefrog Veneer has introduced seven new real wood veneer laminates for 2006, including horizontal cross-grains, popular verticals and on-the-cusp teaks. The new horizontal finishes—Asian Cherry and Tahoe Birch—plus five vertical and figured finishes, (Silver Ash, Teak & Ebony Sabbiata, Green Willow and Palmwood) represent Treefrog’s commitment to offering designers real wood veneers. “Asian and natural influences abound,” says Treefrog creative director Geoff Schaefer. Treefrog Veneer offers a complete selection of 35 real wood veneer laminates, in traditional wood grains, birdseyes, burls and exotics. Treefrog features composite wood technology, a unique manufacturing process that, utilizing Italian...

NATIONAL REPORT—One of the most extensive and comprehensive studies to date, an analysis by the California Sustainable Building Task Force released in October 2003, found that “a minimal upfront investment of about 2 percent of design and construction costs to integrate green or sustainable building practices into a facility typically yields life cycle savings of more than 10 times the initial investment.” The study indicated, for example, that an initial investment of approximately $100,000 to incorporate green and sustainable building upgrades into a $5 million facility would result in a savings of at least $1 million over the...

GUILFORD, ME.—Interface Fabrics, a textile manufacturer, introduced its first open line collection of Terratex fabrics designed specifically for the hospitality market at the HD Expo, April 27-29, in Las Vegas. Terratex, introduced in 1996, is a family of environmentally friendly textiles made from 100 percent recycled and/or renewable materials using state-of-the-art technology to reduce waste and emissions and to conserve valuable resources such as energy and water. Sizeable financial paybacks resulting from environmental conservation initiatives have recently motivated numerous companies in the hotel and lodging industry to look even deeper to see endless potential in the emerging green...

ONTARIO, CALIF.—Met-Tile Inc. has become an Energy Star partner for its metal tile panel roofing system, which combines the popular look of tile with the high performance of metal. The new “cool roof” Met-Tile line combines all-weather performance and aesthetics with energy savings. The updated roofing line features a Super Series 4800 Super Cool architectural coating system in 10 designer colors. Manufactured by Specialty Finishes Co. (Fontana, Calif.), these coatings have solar reflectivity values ranging from 26 percent up to more than 67 percent, meeting and in some cases greatly exceeding Energy Star requirements. (For every 5 percent...