Recycled Motor Oils Help the Environment

 

LEOLA, PA – If you’re like many car owners, you pride yourself on getting an oil change every 3,000 miles to keep your car in top working condition. But, have you ever considered what happens to all the used motor oils drained from cars each day? Unfortunately, much of the oil is hauled away and disposed of, putting the environment at risk. Not so at Cloister Car Wash & Lube in Pennsylvania, where they recycle 40,000 gallons of used motor oil each year.

 

By recycling the used motor oil on site through Clean Burn Used-Oil Coil Tube Boilers, Cloister Car Wash & Lube is able to generate hot water for radiant floor heating and to use in the car wash along with hot air that’s pumped back to heat the company’s quick lube operation.

 

            “Clean Burn products help our company play a responsible environmental stewardship role in the communities where we operate,” says Mike Mountz, owner, Cloister Car Wash & Lube. “Transporting used oils from our facilities to disposal areas is an expensive effort that always contains the potential for spills and environmental contamination. By having our own used-oil recycling systems on site, we eliminate this liability while doing something positive with the used motor oils that are generated in our daily operations.

 

            “The boilers and furnaces from Clean Burn are a good fit for us from a business standpoint. More importantly, the units eliminate potential dangers to the local environment that can happen if used motor oils are not recycled properly. We live in the communities we operate in so our decision to recycle our own used-oil on site impacts each of us personally.”

 

            In addition to the positive environmental aspects, Cloister Car Wash & Lube has found that the energy generated from the Clean Burn units provides inexpensive hot water for its car wash operations and snow melt.

 

            “We’ve invested in Clean Burn units for the past 11 years because they’re a critical part of our successful operations,” says Mountz. “As we’ve grown in locations, we’ve added in used-oil coil tube boilers and hot air units as part of our standard practices. These units are an economical way for us to dispose of our used motor oils, transmission fluid and other fluids while gaining back on-site energy recovery. This makes a great deal of economic and environmental sense. I believe the return-on-investment is strong for any facility with oil change operations.”

 

Another company recycling used motor oil is McCormick Motors in Indiana. Before installing their Clean Burn used-oil recycling furnace in 1998, McCormick Motors paid to have 11,000 gallons of used motor oil removed from their facility each year. Today, with four furnaces in place, they remove just a 55 gallon drum of used-oil yearly. And, more impressively, they abandoned their old boiler system and have had flat energy bills for the past ten years while using energy from the recycled oil to heat their 40,000-square foot service center and showroom.

 

“We recycle almost 10,000 gallons of used-oils each year with our Clean Burn units,” according to Gordon Moore, vice president of McCormick Motors in Nappanee, Indiana. “The energy savings are significant. However, the most important aspect is that we’ve eliminated our liability for transporting the used-oils to a disposal site and we’re doing something positive for the environment.”

 

Clean Burn products are used widely in the truck fleet industry, by fast lube service centers, in automobile dealerships and in the heavy construction industry. In addition, the RV, home building and marine industries are also finding valuable uses for Clean Burn products to offset rising energy costs. Clean Burn’s Used-Oil Coil Tube Boilers recycle used oils into hot water technology for use in car washes, baseboard and in-floor heating, and ice melt applications. The company’s Low Profile Used-Oil Furnaces are ideal for small to mid-sized facilities, and those areas with limited ceiling heights. These systems can be utilized as unit heaters or can be ducted as central furnaces. Hot air discharge louvers can be installed to direct heat precisely where it’s needed in a facility.

 

For large auto or truck fleet service centers, the Clean Burn Large Volume Used-Oil Furnaces provide high volume heating capacity along with a patented true heat exchanger that delivers more heat. These systems can be used as unit heaters or can be ducted as central furnaces. Finally, the Used-Oil Recycling Center from Clean Burn is a self-contained, on-site recycling and heating system that allows businesses to store and burn used oil conveniently and efficiently. The Recycling Center works in tandem with Clean Burn used-oil furnaces and has a UL-listed 250 gallon storage tank that supplies oil to the furnace.

 

Clean Burn holds numerous industry certifications and works with the U.S. government, the Environmental Protection Agency and various associations to help coordinate the establishment of standards and regulations related to heat recovery and recycling efforts involving used motor oils. For more information on Clean Burn, visit www.cleanburn.com or call 1-800-331-0183.

Friday's Green Building Video

Here is your green building video for June 13, 2008 from iGreenBuild.com. Eco-Realty has arrived on the east end of Long Island, New York! In this video you'll learn about a builder who is refurbishing a 9,000-square foot home with just about every "green" upgrade possible and the property's realtor hopes to sell the home for upwards of $15 million. Regardless of what your green home budget is, this clip will give you and your architect some great design and product ideas.

Timing is everything and this issue is no exception. Don't miss our Sr. Editor Jerry Yudelson's latest book "Choosing Green, The Homebuyer's Guide to Good Green Homes." This is a first of it's kind.

KKE's design wins Gold in 50+ Housing competition

KKE’s design for Santa Barbara Palms wins Gold Award
in 2008 NAHB 50+ Housing competition

MINNEAPOLIS -- KKE Architects, Inc. won a Gold Award in the 2008 NAHB 50+ Housing Council for its design of Santa Barbara Palms, an affordable, energy-efficient, multi-housing property for seniors being built in the Las Vegas area. Held May 20th in New Orleans, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Best of 50+ Housing Awards are considered the premier design and marketing competition for the seniors housing industry.
 
Winning in the Multifamily “On the Boards” Income Qualified Rental category, the Santa Barbara Palms is configured into two three-story units, with a total of 120 one- and two-bedroom apartments. With total construction costs estimated at $20 million, the 120 units with rent-restricted, affordable leases are anticipated to start at $352/month when the property opens in August 2010.
 
Located in a mature Nevada neighborhood, Santa Barbara Palms enables residents to “age in place” near family, friends and familiar services. According to AARP, more than 84% of people age 50 and older want to stay in their homes as they age. NAHB’s research supports this and reports, “With 10,000 people turning 50 every single day and 50+ consumers accounting for more than one quarter of all new home sales, it's the fastest growing segment of the housing industry.”
 
A 2007 NAHB poll of housing-minded consumers found energy efficiency was a top concern. Helping Santa Barbara Palms conserve financial and environmental resources, the residential complex is designed in adherence with ENERGY STAR requirements. To earn ENERGY STAR certification, these homes must include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20% to 30% more efficient than standard homes and save up to 15% on energy costs. Toward this goal, Santa Barbara Palms showcases high-performance windows, reversible ceiling fans, a solar-heated outdoor pool, and water-conserving zeroscape desert landscaping.
 
To enjoy the natural setting, all apartments will provide residents with a patio or balcony. Additional amenities will include a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse that features a full kitchen, media/library room, computer/business center and Internet access, crafts room, billiards room, piano bar, laundry rooms, health room and fitness center, and a spa.
 
Architect Steve Rogers of KKE’s Las Vegas office noted that one of his major design challenges on the Santa Barbara Palms project was the site’s shape: “The challenge with long and narrow sites is trying to achieve the necessary density, while also maintaining comfortable open spaces for residents to dwell, both interior and exterior. By successfully marrying the two, Santa Barbara Palms creates an attractive appeal for the residents, and makes an affordable development live and feel like an upscale resort. It was very rewarding to design this project, pull it off, and be recognized for it.”
 
George Gekakis, Inc., the developer/builder of Santa Barbara Palms, has been building affordable senior housing in the Las Vegas Valley since the mid-1990s. “It is our commitment to provide a development of quality and safety for our residents; one that will be an asset to the neighborhood, and will be a force in the process of  relieving the problem of affordable housing in Las Vegas,” said Gekakis.
 
“The caliber of competition was high this year, both in the active adult and service-enriched categories, and the marketing entries clearly reflect emerging trends,” added Doug Van Lerberghe, the 2008 chairman of the Best of 50+ Housing Awards Committee. “It’s obvious that builders, architects and marketing professionals better understand what today’s mature buyers want, and how to communicate with them.”
 
About the 50+ Housing Council
Since 1989, the 50+ Housing Council has served the special needs and interests of NAHB members and others in the housing industry that build for the growing 50+ market. The 50+ Housing Council provides information, education and research to its members and offers advocacy support to NAHB members on key 50+ housing issues
 
About KKE Architects, Inc.
KKE Architects, Inc. is a full-service firm providing a wide range of architectural, interior design and comprehensive planning services. Founded in 1968, this award-winning company has grown to become one of the Top 50 architectural firms in the country.

 

 

Video: Green Home Building In Arkansas

Little Rock, AR -- FOX16 Top Stories of the day - The hot bed of Arkansas' green construction movement is right here is central Arkansas. North Little Rock is where you will find the first homes in the state certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Canada Green Building Council's Toronto summit June 11-12 is SOLD OUT

The CaGBC's summit Shifting Into the Mainstream to be held next week June 11-12 in Toronto, is sold out.

Folks who were planning to register on-site at the conference now only have limited registration available to them - and for these events only:

• Green Building in Education Day (Tuesday, June 10)
• Chapter Day (Tuesday, June 10)
• Post-Summit CaGBC workshops (Friday June 13)

Register for the above events at:
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building - East Registration Desk
First-come, first-served until capacity #s are reached
Beginning Tuesday, June 10, at 8 am

For delegates who are already registered - your Summit packages will be at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre:
Tuesday, June 10: 4-7 pm and
Wednesday, June 11: beginning at 7 am

Welcome to Toronto...
See you at the Summit!!

Canada Joins World Bioenergy Association

This news just in to iGreenBuild.com and we're proud to help spread the word. CANBIO, the Canadian Bioenergy Association (www.canbio.ca) has recently joined the World Bioenergy Association which aims to be the global voice for bioenergy, and to promote the use of biomass in a sustainable and economically efficient way. The organisation will also promote trade with biofuels and biomass, standardisation of fuels, technical development and research. An important task is to monitor potential for bioenergy in different parts of the world. WBA also plans to help to develop certification systems to ensure that bioenergy is produced in an environmentally-friendly way, and under acceptable working conditions.

You can read the full release on iGreenBuild.com here.

Environmental Nature Center Grand "Green" Opening in Newport Beach

Irvine-based LPA, Inc. Announces the Design of a new

LEED Platinum Facility – the First in Orange County

Irvine and Newport Beach, CA – June 3, 2008 – The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in Newport Beach takes center stage this spring, with the opening of their highly anticipated building and learning center.

Designed by the seasoned sustainability experts at LPA, Inc., the ENC is on track to become the first LEED Platinum building in Orange County, pending approval from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The sustainable strategies implemented by LPA will potentially save the ENC over $20,000 on an annual basis.

Set within the suburbs of Orange County, the ENC provides hands on education with nature and demonstrates indigenous California vegetation and habitats. The new facility will add an additional educational tool that will showcase smart green design.

“The sustainable elements that make up this learning center will demonstrate to students and visitors that green design is the wave of the future,” said Bo Glover, Executive Director of the ENC. “LPA understood that we were in need of a building to complement our commitment to natural science education.”

The 9,000-square-foot facility is located on a 3.5-acre site at 1601 16^th Street in Newport Beach, CA. It provides 16,000 students the opportunity to study local ecology in 15 on-site, native Southern California plant communities.

LPA, Inc., one of the largest architectural, planning, landscape, engineer and interior design firms in California, developed the facility for the ENC together with Griffin Structures, Inc., which provided program management. By using a holistic, integrated design approach, where architects and engineers work together from the beginning of a project through its completion, LPA was able to offer a cohesive vision for a building that was unified and sustainable from the ground up.

“We integrated sustainability into every aspect of this building,” comments Rick D’Amato, design principle at LPA, Inc.“The learning center educates visitors about the benefits of environmentally-conscious design through the application of new technologies. These include powering the building from renewable resources such as solar panels and maintaining the health of the ENC staff and visitors through the implementation of green design strategies which provide a healthier indoor environment.”

Other sustainable features at the ENC include:

· Bicycle storage and shower facilities

· Drought tolerant, indigenous landscape

· Fixtures that promote water conservation – such as waterless urinals and low-flow faucets

· Efficient storm water management

· Photovoltaic roof panels which convert light into power and provide for 100 percent of the building’s power needs

· Natural ventilation – no heating or air conditioning is needed in the building

· Daylight harvesting

· An aggressive Sustainable Education program

· Green housekeeping

· Dimming systems and occupancy sensors

· Heat island reduction

· Extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials:

o Insulation made of recycled blue jeans

o Natural linoleum for countertops (100% organic and recyclable)

o Composite wood for exterior skin (made from saw dust and natural resin)

o Pressed organic materials for millwork and shelving units

o Natural concrete

o Carpet tiles with high recycled content

o Recycled fabrics/finishes for furnishings and work stations

LPA’s principal in charge of the project is Jim Wirick, with Rick D’Amato serving as design principal and Dave Duff as project manager. Lake Forest, CA-based Culp & Tanner served as the structural engineer. Griffin Structures served as the program manager, with Gentosi Builders acting as the general contractor.

The Grand Green Opening for the ENC is invite only. To be included on the Media Entrance List, please RSVP to Rochelle Veturis at (949) 701-4148 or e-mail rveturis@LPAinc.com.

###

About the Environmental Nature Center

For over 30 years, the Environmental Nature Center (ENC), a non-profit 501 (c)-3 public benefit corporation, has been serving over 16,000 local students. The ENC is recognized as a leader in science and social science education, providing opportunities for increasing the community’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural world. For additional information, visit www.ENcenter.org.

About LPA, Inc.

With offices in Irvine and Roseville, CA, LPA, Inc. is one of the largest multi-disciplinary organizations in California, providing professional services in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, land planning, urban development and interior design. Since its establishment in 1965, LPA has been known for its design solutions and strong project management skills. With over 60 percent of its staff holding LEED® accreditations, the firm and its principals have been repeatedly recognized for their leadership in providing innovative solutions in all aspects of the built environment. LPA has also received more than 300 awards for design excellence.

A leading firm with the largest number of LEED-certified projects in the state, LPA has designed a wide variety of sustainable facilities, including K-12 schools, higher education buildings, office buildings, corporate campuses, libraries and police stations. Prominent clients include Blizzard Entertainment, the Cities of Anaheim, Mission Viejo and Orange, the Coastline Community College District, Disney, Dioceses of Orange, E*Trade Financial, Ford, Surfrider Foundation, The Irvine Company, Toyota, Verizon Wireless, United States Dept. of Defense, University of California (Davis, Irvine, and Los Angeles), Urban Decay, Volcom and Wal-Mart. For additional information about LPA, visit www.LPAinc.com.

About Griffin Structures, Inc.

Griffin Structures, Inc. provides program management, owner representation, construction management, and program management “at risk.” For more information about Griffin Structures, call (949) 497-9000 or visit http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?519891x1363x227247.

Solar incentives threaten local ownership

Minneapolis, Minn.—(May 28, 2008). Large, remote concentrating solar power systems are the new darlings of the solar industry. Some observers now see centralized, not decentralized solar as the future. But a new report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance reveals that the economic advantage of centralized solar and absentee owned solar arrays rests on federal tax incentives that discriminate against locally owned, decentralized solar arrays.

John Farrell, the report's author and a strong voice in the energy community, calls for Congress to change federal tax incentives to give equal benefits to residential solar arrays, instead of favoring commercial and centralized projects.

"Decentralized solar arrays avoid the cost and hassle of building new high voltage transmission lines", says Farrell. "They also enable local ownership, which should be a goal of public policy."

Concentrating solar power plants work more like conventional power plants than solar photovoltaic panels. They use large arrays of mirrors to focus sunlight for heat, using the heat to create steam and generate electricity. These plants, mostly built in the deserts of the American Southwest, must send their power over long-distance transmission lines and are much larger than the rooftop solar panels that were previously the dominant form of solar power production.

The size of concentrating solar plants precludes local ownership, a benefit that renewable energy policy must factor in. "Ownership converts citizens into energy producers, which in turn gives them a personal stake in expanding the use of renewable energy," notes Farrell. "It also encourages them to maximize energy efficiency, because the greater the efficiency the more independent they become, perhaps even becoming a net exporter of electricity."

The full report, Concentrating Solar and Decentralized Power: Government Incentives Hinder Local Ownership, is available online at http://www.newrules.org/.

For more information, or to arrange an interview with John Farrell, please contact Brooke Gullikson.

About ILSR and the New Rules Project: Since 1974, ILSR has worked with citizen groups, governments and private businesses in developing practices that extract the maximum value from local resources. A program of ILSR, the New Rules Project was designed to build community by supporting humanly scaled politics and economics.

Don't miss the CaGBC summit 'Shifting Into the Mainstream' on June 11-12 in Toronto

There's still time to register for Shifting Into the Mainstream, the Canada Green Building Council's summit in Toronto, June 11-12.

Don't miss this must-attend event of the year, where you will learn about the CaGBC's plans for enabling green building certification over a building's entire lifecycle... for all building types.

Delegates from commercial, institutional & residential sectors will hear about:

• the LEED Canada for Existing Buildings rating system (planned for release in early 2009) which will enable financial, energy efficiency and tenant benefits in high performance buildings.
• actual energy use in existing buildings from CaGBC national pilot projects involving various sectors, including over 70 government administration buildings (> 1 million m2), 60 commercial buildings (> 3 million m2) and 200 schools
• the LEED Canada for Homes rating system (planned for release in Spring 2009)
• the LEED for Homes delivery model which makes the rating system accessible for home builders
• financial, energy efficiency and market benefits of green homes from the nearly 500 green home projects across Canada.

Readers may also be interested in two market reports the CaGBC published that are helpful for the leased properties sector, and which can now be downloaded from their website. Authors were: Sonja Persram, BSc., MBA, LEED AP, Mark Lucuik, P.Eng., LEED AP & Nils Larsson, FRAIC:
Marketing Green Buildings for Owners of Leased Properties
Marketing Green Buildings for Tenants of Leased Properties

Registration for summit delegates (online) closes May 30, and reopens at the summit venue.

See you there!

Michaels Engineering Completes Comprehensive Ground-Source Heat Pump Study for State of Minnesota

La Crosse, WI - May 9, 2008 - Michaels Engineering has recently completed a ground-source heat pump study for the state of Minnesota.

The study compares the performance of ground source heat pumps to conventional gas heating / electric cooling systems in school, office, and residential buildings.  Results include annual electric and gas energy usage, annual energy costs, simple payback, life-cycle costs, and annual emissions levels.  The study includes 120 building simulations of varying building types and sizes, age (new construction or retrofit), and climate zones.  Results are presented in concise tables for ease of comparison.  The study also includes the current status of the industry and market potential of ground-source heat pump systems for the state.

The study can be found at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website by clicking here.