Green

A CertainTeed roofing plant in Shreveport, La., recently strengthened the sustainability of its operations and achieved the globally recognized ISO 14001 certification. 

The Washington, D.C.-based Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) forest certification program is inviting applications for its Conservation and Community Partnerships Grants program. 

The program is now in its third year and continues to support research and outreach on responsible forestry.

Home furnishings retailer IKEA said it plugged in its solar energy system at its store in Baltimore.

The 77,300-sq.-ft. PV array consists of a 618.2-kW system, built with 2,576 panels.  IKEA Baltimore’s program will produce approximately 823,500 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 626 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 111 cars or powering 71 homes yearly, according to the company.

LG is highlighting 14 of its duct-free air conditioners that have earned the Energy Star "Most Efficient" 2014 designation.

Five of those 14 hail from the LG "Art Cool" duct-free split series, which brings design-minded appeal together with energy-efficient features.

California-based e-commerce retailer Thomason Ventures has launched a new website, AlternativeHomeProducts.com, which features such energy-saving household products as inverter fuses, inverter remotes, solar panels, rechargeable lights, solar kits, solar accessories, wireless HD tuners, tools and power packs. 

Miracle-Gro and celebrity chef Rachael Ray installed the Camden Children's Garden in South Philadelphia, introducing the neighborhood to fresh produce from the garden to the dinner table.

Washdrops, a new product from Cequent Consumer Products, promotes the ability to wash cars or trucks with only one bucket of water.

Washdrops is described as a green, non-foaming solution that makes car washing easy. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will not be able to enforce its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule until it approves a reliable lead test as mandated by its own regulations, according to an amendment adopted yesterday by the House Appropriations Committee. The amendment, supported by the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA), was sponsored by Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and was approved by a committee voice vote.