Green Products Awards 2009

Green products are a need of today’s modern and fast moving life. As we all know that climate of globe is changing rapidly, therefore all of us need to be vigilant about our earth’s environment and prove helpful in retaining the normal temperature. This is why use of green products is very important these days. Green Products Awards 2009 is a step towards better environment as it encourages energy efficient products to be used instead of more energy consuming goods.

Photo by visit~fingerlakes

Traits of Winning Products:

The main attributes that led a product to attaining award for being green included:

1. Energy efficiency
2. Resource efficiency
3. Health efficiency
4. Comfort level
5. Value to contractor
6. Sustainability
7. Innovation

The products that were considered for rating were brought up in the time span commencing form January 2008 till April 2009. The contest revolved around residential building products. As there were a lot of products, it was almost impossible for the judges to inspect and scrutinize every single entry. Therefore, they mostly relied upon the snapshots supplied by the manufacturers, brochures, written material, published substance, testimonials and information regarding prices.

Let us review some of the winning products now:

1. Styrofoam Sis:

This is a product of Dow Chemical Company, and it also received an award for being Most Valuable Product. SIS stands for Structural Insulated Sheathing. This three in one building material gives the customer a safe and sound shielding of the house by providing:

• Resistance against air penetration
• Resistance against moisture invasion
• High energy efficiency with high R value; R-3.0 at 0.5″; R-5.5 at 1″
• Lesser energy consumption hence reduced green house effect
• Ease to the consumer as it reduces the time for installation, material and effort
• Insulation
• Code compliant structural strength
• Water resistive barrier

According to the company, it is made up of almost 80 percent post consumer recycled content. The product can save between $200 and $500 on electricity and related bills every year. According to a judge, “This appears to be an excellent product, providing wall bracing, energy performance, and the potential for weatherization all in one. The labor savings alone is huge.” The product costs around 4×8, $18. Also, it is an Energy Star qualified product.

2. XL20i Communicating Air Conditioner:

What do we want from our air conditioners? We need them to be cooler than all other available ACs and that they are energy efficient. TRANE has come up with such an invention, its new XL202i communicating air conditioner that has won an award at the Green Products Awards 2009. When we talk about its attributes, there are many.

Comfort-R is a special feature of this AC that enhances air flow and provides greater humidity control. Temperature inconsistency is handled by running the fan at considerably low pace when the cooling begins.

The XL20i has two compressors instead of an ordinary one. The smaller one is for days when the whether is mild and warm, whereas the large compressor works for exceptionally hot days. It has SEER rating of 20.00. Settings can be adjusted by phone if optional Telephone Access Module (TAM) is added to the unit.

Due to energy efficiency and great cooling ability, the XL20i helps in reducing the electricity bills. The product is noise free, and does not tell you that it is working by producing grand noise like usual ACs.

The materials that have been used in this product have been thoroughly tested so as to avoid fragility and enhance durability. TRANE CleanEffects is another notable feature of this product which filters the air in your room by dust and pollen etc from the air. The feature has saved the users from 99 percent of common influenza virus. A judge commented, “The ease of installation and service, along with the added efficiencies make this a very attractive option for AC.” This AC will cost you around $10,000 to $15,000.

3. Micropro:

This is a produce of Osmose Inc. which creates wood preservation products. This is an avant-garde technology which is used to pressure treat the wood that is to be used for general manufacture, decks, landscaping and fences. One of the most shocking trait of this technology is that the lumber which is treated by it releases 90 to 99 percent less copper into the environment when compared with the ordinary products. Also, the minute amount of copper that is released into the air bonds with the organic matter. This process makes it inactive and therefore, it is harmless regarding toxic effect on the environment. Based on life cycle assessment, the Scientific Certification Systems has certified it as an EPP; Environmentally Preferable Product.

The lumber is treated with micronized copper preservative which is a wonderful fighter against fungal decay and termite damage. It gives more natural appearance to the wood, hence offers better paint surface. Color choices even include redwood and cedar.

4. Ultra Silent Humidity Sensing Fans:

As the name suggest, these fans are used for controlling extra humidity and moisture at a certain area. These fans are Energy Star qualified and are specialist at sensing rapid increase in humidity. Also, the fan is automatic. Thus as soon as it senses a rapid increase in humidity, exhaust fan will begin working and will keep on doing so for 20 minutes, after which it will automatically turn off. It utilizes 65 percent less energy than ordinary fans. Moreover, this fan is recommended for use over the bath tubs and showers, only when joined to a GFCI protected branch circuit. This fan is a product of BROAN.

5. Natura Paints:

This is a product of Benjamin Moore and Co. Natura paint is an eco friendly paint that has no pungent odor which is generally found in almost all the paints. This specific smell not only makes walking about the home difficult, but it also creates difficulty in breathing to people who are sensitive to such agents. It provides a finish which resists fading out processes, and the paint is not only durable but it leaves the painted surface washable. Therefore, there is no need to scold the kids when they draw their imagination on the walls; let them play and simply wash the surface when they are done and are out of sight!

A fact which is disbelievingly wonderful about Natura paint is that it dries within thirty minute, and the surface can be re-coated with the paint just in an hour! Surprised, aren’t you? You can find around 3500 colors in Natura paints. It meets very strict environmental requirements like LEED, MPI Green, Green Guard, Green Seal and CHPS. The paint costs $50 per gallon.

6. ICESTONE DURABLE SURFACES:

If you are searching for environment friendly counter tops, then IceStone surfaces are the best choice for you for their durability and green factor. Manufactured out of 100 percent recycled cement and glass these surfaces can either be used horizontally or vertically. Also, these surfaces are not only limited to countertops, but you can also use them in table tops, bar tops, interior walls, bathroom vanities, backsplashes, commercial floors, shower surrounds bath tub surrounds and kitchen sinks.

As the non toxic pigments and colorful glass is mixed, nice colors can be seen in IceStone surfaces. At present, there are 29 offered colors, whereas custom color option rests with commercial projects.

We are the dwellers of this planet, thus the obligation to protect and safeguard it lies upon all the mankind. If we won’t take care of our earth, the climate changes will expedite. We have to wake up from the slumber of negligence. Let us unite, join hands and proceed towards saving our planet by using eco friendly products.

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