WriterJillie's blog

ORLANDO – Global Hybrid Roofing Solutions (www.globalhybridroofingsolutions.com), a subsidiary of Global Hybrid Solutions, has acquired the rights to manufacture and market a line of innovative synthetic composite roofing products formerly offered by Titan Manufacturing. Global Hybrid Roofing Solutions (GHRS) forecasts investment of $50 million over the next three years in global product development, by way of both manufacturing and licensing.

In recent months, GHRS has established manufacturing facilities in Iowa and Kentucky, creating 25 new jobs. GHRS also plans to establish a location in the United Kingdom, which will create at least six new jobs in the midst of the current global recession. GHRS intends to open four additional manufacturing facilities in the United States, with its corporate headquarters located in Central Florida.

GHRS’ buildup coincides with its acquisition of numerous intellectual property rights in relation to a unique color blending and proprietary material composition process integral to the manufacture of its synthetic roofing products. The Renovar process—and the unique material produced by the process—incorporates UV components and formulations that use recycled materials, while ensuring the products’ lasting color and performance. GHRS’ product line also has received National Test Approval Certification.

GHRS was established by a consortium of successful American and European entrepreneurs in 2008 with the intention of meeting the global demand for green energy and products that are not just environmentally friendly but are produced from recycled (as much as 40% post-consumer and 20% pre-consumer) resources.
The products offered by GHRS come in a variety of colors, are impact resistant, and come in Class A and Class C fire ratings in the profiles of Old World Slate, Old World Spanish barrel tile, slate roofing and shake roofing. The GHRS line also features the only Class A and Class 4 hail impact approved and certified composite barrel tile on the market—Old World Spanish A4. Not only are these products manufactured from recycled materials, they are 100% recyclable.

CINCINNATI – After an extensive, year-long process, Champion has earned Green Seal™ certification for its window, door and patio room products. Green Seal identifies products that are designed and manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner.

Green Seal inspectors visited Champion’s Cincinnati and Denver manufacturing facilities to ensure that it met its energy efficiency and environmental standards. A team led by Rik Vonderhaar, Champion’s Customer Service Manager, answered questions and helped facilitate the thorough examination process. Green Seal announced that Champion successfully met their manufacturing requirements and received certification on July 8.

“Champion is proud that our products not only save customers money, but are also manufactured in an environmentally friendly way,” said Don Jones, President and COO of Champion. “The Green Seal certification is evidence of our hard work and demonstrates that we want the best for the homeowners who use our products and services.”

Champion will be using the Green Seal trademarked logo on their products, website and advertising to demonstrate their commitment to continue to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Champion has also earned the Good Housekeeping seal and is certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and is ENERGY STAR® qualified in all 50 states. Champion is only the fourth window manufacturing company to achieve the Green Seal certification.

Through its standard setting, certification and education programs, Green Seal offers scientific analyses to help consumers make educated purchasing decisions regarding environmental impacts; ensures consumers that any product bearing the Green Seal Certification Mark has earned the right to use it; and encourages manufacturers to develop new products that are significantly less damaging to the environment than their predecessors.

The intent of Green Seal’s environmental requirements is to reduce, to the extent technologically and economically feasible, the environmental impacts associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of products. Set on a category-by-category basis, Green Seal Environmental Standards focus on significant opportunities to reduce a product’s environmental impact.

Started in 1953, Champion Window, Door and Patio Room Company builds and installs more vinyl replacement windows, entry doors, patio rooms and siding than any other company in the United States. Over 40,000 homeowners join the ranks of customers on an annual basis. The company operates factories in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado. Champion's control over every aspect of manufacturing, distribution, installation and servicing removes all customer concerns about who is responsible for their home improvement project. This makes choosing Champion the easiest decision in home improvement. More information about their products and services is at www.ChampionFactoryDirect.com.

Green Seal was established in 1989 as an independent non-profit organization. As a third-party ecolabel, Green Seal uses science-based standards and the power of the marketplace to create a more sustainable world. Green Seal is dedicated to safeguarding the health of people and environment by promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services. For more information on Green Seal, visit www.greenseal.org or call 1(202)872-6400.

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (http://usgbc-cincinnati.org/) recently honored Mark Mallory, Mayor of the City of Cincinnati, as its 2008 Sustainable Leader of the Year.

The USGBC-Cincinnati’s Board of Directors presents the award each year to the individual they feel has demonstrated the most significant leadership in making the City of Cincinnati more sustainable. Business and civic leaders, community organizers, educators and political leaders are among those eligible for the award. The 2007 award was presented to Steve Melink of the Melink Corporation.

Of the numerous sustainable initiatives occurring throughout Cincinnati, many are earning attention from other USGBC chapters and cities around the country. From the city's LEED Tax Incentive program, Climate Protection Plan, green streets pilot projects, proposed streetcar, and the LEED policy for government buildings, it was determined that these initiatives would not be possible without Mayor Mallory's leadership and support.

Perhaps the largest reason Mayor Mallory was selected for this award is his decision to re-instate the Office of Environmental Quality, the first major step in making Cincinnati a greener place, and the tool for making many of the city’s noteworthy initiatives possible.
"Protecting our environment has been a priority of mine throughout my career in public service," Mallory said, "and I am truly honored to receive this distinguished recognition. We have made great strides in our city, but we have more work to do. I am looking forward to working with the USGBC to continue our efforts to make Cincinnati a more sustainable, greener, and healthier place to live."

To view Mayor Mark Mallory’s acceptance of the award, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCAiaG3RMNE.

The United States Green Building Council-Cincinnati Regional Chapter's Vision is that all buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health, prosperity and vitality of all
life within a generation. The Chapter's Mission is to transform the way regional buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous built and natural environment that improves
the quality of life. Learn more about USGBC-Cincinnati at: http://usgbc-cincinnati.org.

SHARONVILLE, OH — The Cincinnati chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (http://usgbc-cincinnati.org/) will share information about Greater Cincinnati LEED-certified buildings and “green” initiatives during the CSI Construction Products Showcase, “Build Green Cincinnati and Build Green Workshops” on March 11 from 5 to 8:30 pm at the Sharonville Convention Center, 11344 Chester Road. Attendees can visit the USGBC-Cincinnati’s exhibit at booth #415.

Attendees at the 30th annual Showcase will see examples and demonstrations of the newest, most innovative products and services available in the design and building industry, as well as the people committed to advancing these products and services. “Build Green Workshops” will be available prior to the Showcase from 1:30 to 5 pm. Cost is $25 for all workshops combined.

The Showcase is a collaboration of the Construction Specifications Institute, the American Institute of Architects—Committee on the Environment, the International Interior Design Association, and the U.S. Green Building Council.

More Information is available at www.csicincinnati.org/exhibitors.html.

The United States Green Building Council-Cincinnati Regional Chapter's Vision is that all buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health, prosperity and vitality of all life within a generation. The Chapter's Mission is to transform the way regional buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous built and natural environment that improves the quality of life. Learn more about USGBC-Cincinnati at: http://usgbc-cincinnati.org.

CINCINNATI, OH—Contingent Network Services (www.contingent.com) will soon have one of the tri-state’s “greenest” and most state-of-the-art buildings with its new 50,000-square-foot headquarters. The groundbreaking at “Eco-Tech Park” will take place on Aug. 8. The facility could be open as soon as December 2008.

Contingent is seeking certification for the building from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) through its Green Building Rating System™. The building will be evaluated based on its many green design points, including its use of:
• Alternative energy (photovoltaic solar cells and windmills),
• Water management (natural, native landscape),
• Site design (maximum use of natural light, water runoff filter),
• Light pollution reduction, and
• Use of rapidly renewable and low-emitting materials.

The new facility will even have dedicated parking spaces for high-efficiency vehicles.

“We are very excited to have such a one-of-a-kind building,” said Mark Stuhlreyer, Contingent Network Services Managing Partner. “We think the state-of-the-art and forward-thinking facility will greatly enhance the type of industry-leading efforts that will go on inside its walls on a daily basis. It is extremely important to us to preserve the natural surroundings and take advantage of the site’s spectacular views in order to attract and maintain the very best talent our market has to offer. Working up there will be a lifestyle, not just a job.”

Architecture firm Designhaus PLLC of Rochester, MI, has worked together with Contingent to create the concept behind the Eco-Tech Park headquarters. The environmentally conscious building will be located at Port Union Road, south of and parallel to Union Center Blvd., in West Chester, OH. Haglage Construction has been awarded the construction contract. The project is being financed by Franklin Savings & Loan of Blue Ash, OH.

Contingent Holdings LLC and The Everest Group are currently marketing available sites at Eco-Tech Park. These parcels share the same views and are available as “Build to Suit” (Class A Flex Building) opportunities for like-minded businesses that are looking for a way to differentiate themselves in this challenging economy.

Contingent has created a new blog to document the creation of the Eco-Tech Park and share some of the steps taking place during the design and construction process. Guests can visit http://cincyecotech.wordpress.com/ for a look inside Contingent’s journey.
For more information on Contingent Network Services, contact Chad Mattix at (800) 506-9609 or cmattix@contingent.net, or visit www.contingent.net.

About Contingent Network Services
Founded in 1984 and based in West Chester, Ohio, Contingent Network Services designs, deploys, and supports the highest quality data communications networks and systems available, and manages it all through a single point of contact. Full-service network integration and technology solutions include managed and project services for wireless systems, virtual private networks, local area networks, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), network management, server/desktop installation and implementation, structured distribution and support.