Solatube International Inc. Spearheads Successful Campaign for New TDD CategoryThe Construction Specifications Institute Announces New MasterFormat Subsection for Tubular Daylighting Devices

(Vista, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007): Solatube International Inc., the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs), will never stop innovating. Most recently, Solatube International actively – and successfully – pursued the inclusion of a special subsection for TDDs within the Construction Specifications Institute's (CSI) widely-recognized MasterFormat. MasterFormat is a structured hierarchy of divisions and sections within each division to standardize information for construction project manuals.

MasterFormat helps reduce confusion and miscommunication within the construction industry, which results in fewer costly delays, errors and omissions. Previously, TDD products did not have a specific placement within the MasterFormat system and instead, ended up being placed in arbitrary sections that did not adequately define the product. Now, after much deliberation, the Tubular Daylighting Device has earned its own subsection: 08 62 23.

Daylighting System

"Architects and spec writers formerly used to group a TDD with a unit skylight, roof accessory or window opening, but it doesn't abide by the specifications of any of these categories," said Neall Digert, Ph.D., MIES, Solatube International's vice president, commercial market development. "Creating this new subsection allows the integrity of each building's design and overall construction plan to be upheld."

A Tubular Daylighting Device is an optical system composed of four major components: (1) daylight collection; (2) daylight redirection and transportation; (3) modulation; and (4) diffusion of daylight. The daylight collection refers to the dome and optical technologies used at the roof level to bring daylight down the tube. Following the collection of daylight, the light must be efficiently transmitted (daylight redirection and transportation) from the rooftop to the interior ceiling. An optional component of more advanced TDD systems is modulation, which can help control light output for full or dimmed light, as desired. At the bottom of the tube, the daylight is diffused and distributed through one or more lens technologies. Each component is critical in determining the overall performance of a TDD, and these elements will also determine the daily and seasonal daylight variation of the system.

Solatube International's team began the formal proposal process with CSI in December 2006 and remained the exclusive advocate for TDD specifications within MasterFormat throughout CSI's decision process. The Solatube Daylighting System is a thoroughly technology-based and passive-optic system that delivers the brightest and most consistent daylight into any interior space. The Solatube Daylighting System breakthrough technologies include Raybender® 3000 Technology to collect low-angle sunlight and deflect over-powering mid-day rays; Spectralight® Infinity, the world's most reflective tubing material; the in-dome LightTracker™ Reflector, which increases light input for increased light output; and highly engineered diffuser options.

"The Solatube Daylighting System is the only spec-grade TDD available," said Kate DeBellis, LEED AP, CSI, CDT, Solatube International's territory manager, commercial division. "We're proud that we are able to initiate the creation of easily accessible and comprehensive TDD spec information; for everyone within the commercial and residential building communities."

Solatube International Inc., based in Vista, Calif. (northern San Diego County), is the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs). The company's flagship product, the Solatube Daylighting System, provides a revolutionary natural lighting solution for all types of residential and commercial applications and is the only spec-grade TDD currently available on the market. The maxim "Innovation in Daylighting™" reflects the company's commitment to the development of breakthrough daylighting technologies, which has resulted in numerous patents dating back to the mid-1980s. Widely recognized as the industry innovator, Solatube International has earned acclaim around the globe for its unrivaled ability to transform interior spaces with the power of daylight. For more information on the Solatube Daylighting System or other products manufactured and marketed by Solatube International, including solar-powered attic ventilation fans, please visit the Solatube website at www.solatube.com or call 888-SOLATUBE (888-765-2882).