Green Finds: New Products for Sustainable HomesNew products for sustainable homes

  • By Jeffrey Lee
  • Source: BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine
  • Publication date: 2008-01-25
IceStone. IceStone surfaces are made with 100 percent recycled glass in a cement matrix. According to the firm, the product is the first and only durable surface in the world to receive McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry's Cradle to Cradle certification. Suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor applications, including kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom vanities, and patio surfacing, IceStone is strong, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, the company says. Twenty-seven standard colors are available. 718-624-4900. www.icestone.biz.
IceStone surfaces are made with 100 percent recycled glass in a cement matrix. According to the firm, the product is the first and only durable surface in the world to receive McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry's Cradle to Cradle certification. Suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor applications, including kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom vanities, and patio surfacing, IceStone is strong, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, the company says. Twenty-seven standard colors are available.

Seneca Plus roof tiles replicate the look of thick, hand-split cedar shakes. Made from recycled EPDM rubber and TPO plastic, the tiles are made for steep-slope roofs and come in three widths and nine colors.

EcoStar. Seneca Plus roof tiles replicate the look of thick, hand-split cedar shakes. Made from recycled EPDM rubber and TPO plastic, the tiles are made for steep-slope roofs and come in three widths and nine colors. The tiles resist decay and algae growth and come with a 50-year warranty, according to the maker. 800-211-7170. www.ecostar.carlisle.com.
Cooper Lighting. Halo dimmable compact fluorescent downlights are Energy Star-rated, and the 26- and 32-watt housings can now be dimmed from 15 percent to 100 percent. Halo lights meet California's Title 24 energy-efficiency standards and include 5-inch and 6-inch new-construction and retrofit housings. The housings accept triple twin tube or double twin tube (quad) compact fluorescent lamps. 770-486-4800. www.haloltg.com.
Halo dimmable compact fluorescent downlights are Energy Star-rated, and the 26- and 32-watt housings can now be dimmed from 15 percent to 100 percent.

The manufacturer now offers urea-formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring and plywood. The company's adhesive process accommodates the production challenges that have hindered past attempts to manufacture formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring, the maker says.

Smith & Fong. The manufacturer now offers urea-formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring and plywood. The company's adhesive process accommodates the production challenges that have hindered past attempts to manufacture formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring, the maker says. This year, 50 percent of the manufacturer's bamboo plywood and flooring product lines will be converted to a UF-free process, the company adds. 866-835-9859. www.plyboo.com.
Ann Sacks and Erin Adams Design. Designed by award-winning designer Erin Adams, Luna tiles marry glass and aluminum in a setting that highlights the differences and similarities of each, according to the design firm. All aluminum used in Luna is recycled, and the oil used to heat up the metals during production is recycled car oil, the firm adds. 800-278-8453. www.annsacks.com.
Designed by award-winning designer Erin Adams, Luna tiles marry glass and aluminum in a setting that highlights the differences and similarities of each, according to the design firm.

EcoElements organization products are constructed from the maker's Standard panels, which are made of 100 percent recycled material, and Plus panels, which also contain no added urea formaldehyde. ORG panels are the basic products used to build organization systems for closets, kitchens, home offices, pantries, laundry rooms, and garages.

ORG. EcoElements organization products are constructed from the maker's Standard panels, which are made of 100 percent recycled material, and Plus panels, which also contain no added urea formaldehyde. ORG panels are the basic products used to build organization systems for closets, kitchens, home offices, pantries, laundry rooms, and garages. The recycled content in both panel types is independently certified by Scientific Certification Systems. 800-562-4257. www.orghomesolutions.com.
Craft-Art. This manufacturer takes lumber from old mills, barns, river bottoms, and swamps to make custom countertops; only resawn beam material is used, resulting in vertical wood grains, according to the maker. The majority of antique heart pine countertops are made of Southern longleaf yellow pine and are a yellow-brown straw color with reddish-brown accent rings. 404-352-5625. www.craft-art.com.
This manufacturer takes lumber from old mills, barns, river bottoms, and swamps to make custom countertops; only resawn beam material is used, resulting in vertical wood grains, according to the maker.

The company has introduced new green formulations for its under-layment materials. The GreenGuard-certified, low-emissions products contribute minimal levels of pollutants to indoor environments, the maker says.

Maxxon. The company has introduced new green formulations for its under-layment materials. The GreenGuard-certified, low-emissions products contribute minimal levels of pollutants to indoor environments, the maker says. The green product line includes Gyp-Crete 2000, Therma-Floor, Rapid Floor Plus, and Rapid Radiant. 800-356-7887. www.maxxon.com.
Heat Transfer. The Phoenix solar water heater combines domestic hot-water storage with a 97 percent efficient, gas-fired backup in one unit. In addition, the unit features side tappings in the jacket that permit auxiliary connections to a hydro-air system for space heating. Made from stainless steel, the product incorporates a dedicated solar heat exchanger. 800-323-9651. www.htproducts.com.
The Phoenix solar water heater combines domestic hot-water storage with a 97 percent efficient, gas-fired backup in one unit.

A bio-composite surface material for countertops, tabletops, floors, and walls, EcoTop is chic, durable, and environmentally friendly, according to the manufacturer.

KlipBio Technologies. A bio-composite surface material for countertops, tabletops, floors, and walls, EcoTop is chic, durable, and environmentally friendly, according to the manufacturer. The product is composed of an FSC-certified 50/50 blend of bamboo fiber and recycled wood fiber salvaged from demolition sites, bound together by a water-based resin formula that is petroleum-free and VOC-free. 253-904-8608. www.kliptech.com.