RALEIGH, N.C.—Sustainable materials distributor, CaraGreen, was recently nominated as a finalist for USGBC Carolina’s Sustainable Business Awards under the Community Change Agent—Professional Services category. This award, which will be given in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 28, recognizes any leader, organization, company or governmental entity that has demonstrated leadership in sustainability at an exceptional scale. This is demonstrated through their commitment to providing the local community with sustainable materials for interiors and exteriors. They also serve as a resource to design professionals for education on sustainable subjects, ranging from Biophilic design to the WELL Building Standard. Founded in 2008, CaraGreen’s mission...

SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIF.—Green Spa Network (GSN), a nonprofit trade association supporting sustainability in the spa and wellness industry, has just launched a new podcast, “Vital Stories”, featuring ideas and stories from environmental leaders and industry experts. “We are thrilled to partner with WNCK Nantucket Public Radio for the production of our new podcast,” says Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Green Spa Network. “It’s time to share the stories and experiences that connect sustainable and regenerative work in all areas of our communities. Listen to learn and be inspired.” Every other week, “Vital Stories” hosts thoughtful conversations that promote the vital connections...

FARMINGTON, N.Y.—Pioneer Millworks will share their reclaimed and sustainable wood products in Chicago, November 14 to 16 at the 2018 Greenbuild Expo, the premier sustainable building event for innovative products and services for the built environment. They’ll join more than 750 suppliers and top manufacturers of the latest green building equipment, products, services and technology available in today’s market. “We’re excited to connect with designers, architects, builders, and homeowners, new and known,” said Jered Slusser, Northeast Sales Market Manager for Pioneer Millworks. “Folks who join us in the drive for sustainable, ethically sourced, and made in USA products. We’ll share...

DALLAS—Informa Exhibitions and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that the current mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Carmen Cruz, will address conference participants during the Closing Plenary at this year’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, taking place November 14 to 16 in Chicago. The Closing Plenary will take place Friday, November 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the LEED-certified McCormick Place Convention Center. Registration for Greenbuild is now open. In September 2017, Hurricane Maria ravaged the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, leading to widespread power outages, lack of suitable shelter and unsafe drinking water. Cruz has since...

JASPER, IND.—Kimball International, Inc. announced that Kristine (Kristie) L. Juster, a member of the Kimball International Board of Directors since 2016, has been appointed CEO, effective November 1, 2018. Juster succeeds Bob Schneider, who previously announced his intent to retire as CEO and Chairman effective October 31, 2018. Juster comes to Kimball International with over 20 years of experience as a global executive at Newell Brands. During her tenure at Newell Brands she held the role of CEO/President of the Home Décor Segment with the design driven brands, Levelor and Kirsh; the Culinary Lifestyle Segment with Calphalon, a premier brand...

NATIONAL REPORT—Non-organic Cotton linen is standard in hotels today but their environmental impact—from the cotton field to the guestroom—is significant. According to Anna Sova, a provider of luxury organic cotton linen, conventional cotton makes up only 3 percent of the world’s crops but uses 25 percent of the world’s pesticides annually. Every pound of cotton grown has been treated with one-third pound of pesticides. Pesticide residues often can remain in the fabric through the processing and finishing stages of the garment. It is not just the pesticides that pose an environmental and health risk—especially for those workers applying it—it is...

CINCINNATI—Finalists have been announced for Hospitality Media Group’s 38th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, the industry’s oldest and most prestigious awards program, sponsored by Boutique Design magazine. Winners in 21 categories will be announced at the Gold Key Awards Gala, to be held November 12 at Gotham Hall in Midtown Manhattan. Sundukovy Sisters, Moscow, the Designer of the Year will also be honored. The gala is presented in conjunction with the Boutique Design New York (BDNY) trade fair and conference, November 11 to 12, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Both finalists and winners will...

JASPER, IND.—Kimball, a subsidiary of Kimball International, Inc., announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all the assets and assume certain specified limited liabilities of David Edward headquartered in Baltimore. The closing is expected to be completed within the next 30 days, subject to customary closing conditions. David Edward is a premier designer and manufacturer of contract furniture, sold in the healthcare, corporate, education and premium hospitality markets. David Edward sells primarily in the North American and Middle Eastern markets. The David Edward name is synonymous with the highest quality upholstery products in the furniture industry. Their products are...

KALAMAZOO, MICH.—Landscape Forms, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-design LED lighting, site furniture, and accessories introduces the Harvest line, a collaboration with Duluth, Minn.-based Loll Designs. “We take our design partnerships seriously,” says Landscape Forms President Richard Heriford. “A collaboration like this allows us to bring new solutions to our clients and expose us to new opportunities.” The standing- or dining-height table comes in four vibrant colors. The dining-height table is offered with matching bench seating. Table and bench top surfaces are made of 100 percent post-consumer plastic—primarily from recycled milk cartons—for a long, low-maintenance life. The metal legs...

Two articles published this past week hammer home the importance and value in creating a green and healthy workplace for employees and others. The first article details the results of a survey conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The second article, published by JLL, highlights what building design techniques and technologies help enhance the health and wellbeing of a building’s residents (watch for the article soon on GLN). According to the USGBC survey of 1,001 workers, employees who work in LEED-certified green buildings are happier, healthier and more productive than employees in conventional and non-LEED buildings. When people work...