Green

Wayne, N.J.-based roofing and ventilation manufacturer GAF was recently awarded four American Graphic Design Awards. 

The company also won an American Package Design Award for its TruSlate Sample Box. There were over 1,500 submissions in this contest, organized by Graphic Design USA magazine, which rewards packaging, p-o-p and related projects that are visually attractive and which feature designs that advance the brand and forge an emotional connection with the purchaser.

Solar power systems provider EchoFirst, formerly known as PVT Solar, appointed Surinder Brar to its advisory board. Brar is the chief strategist of the worldwide partner organization at Cisco Systems.

EchoFirst CEO Vikas Desai called the appointment a boost for the Fremont, Calif.-based supplier. Brar's "proven Silicon Valley experience and the industry perspectives he brings to building great companies, as well as his deep understanding of technology adoption, will prove invaluable to EchoFirst."

Leviton has launched a campaign to encourage homeowners and businesses to evaluate their lighting control needs in order to make the kinds of decision that could make a difference in energy consumption. 

The "Make the Switch" campaign in support of Earth Day 2011 includes the educational campaign "10 Smart Tips for a Greener Home.' Among the tips:

• Dimming lights 25% cuts energy usage by 20% and extends a bulbs life four times longer;

Miami-based CGI Windows & Doors introduced Targa by CGI, a new vinyl impact window line designed to maximize security, protection and energy efficiency.

“CGI products are known for their superior strength, quality and beauty, and the new Targa line will blend in perfectly,” said Tom Riscili, president and CEO, CGI Windows & Doors. 

Demand for landscaping products in the United States is projected to increase 7.6% per year through 2015, according to a study just released by the Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based market research firm.  Part of the rebound will be the result of a strong improvement from depressed sales following the 2007-to-2009 recession. Overall growth in landscaping products demand will also get a boost from the recovery in U.S.