Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this edition's sponsor -- Caroma: leaders in high efficiency dual flush toilets (HETs) and urinals (HEUs). New Caroma Smart Technology* provides significant water savings, averaging 0.9 gallons/flush, saving up to 44% compared to 1.6 gpf and 74% compared to 3.5 gpf toilets. The Smart technology is also used in the recently introduced waterless and 1 pint urinals. All Caroma toilets have a large trapway, virtually eliminating blockages. With 45 WaterSense labeled toilets, Caroma provides exceptional performance while conserving valuable water resources. www.caromausa.com
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Plumbing Engineer sales rep by visiting www.plumbingengineer.com.
Historic Hotel Andaluz:
Conserving Water Resources and Seeking LEED Gold Certification
Following a $30 million renovation, the historic La Posada de Albuquerque Hotel has been transformed into the pre-eminent boutique hotel in the Southwest. The redesigned Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, New Mexico has installed 388 Caroma high efficiency dual flush toilets. When searching for toilets, water conservation was critical along with an attractive design.
The results have been impressive. Caroma toilets have helped the Hotel Andaluz reduce water use by more than 45%. During the remodeling of the bathrooms, it was discovered that even though the expectations were for a 10” rough-in, they were actually, 10”, 11”, 12”, or somewhere in-between. The offset connector included with the HETs made it easy during the installation to adjust to the variations in rough-in dimensions in the hotel guest rooms. Additionally, using Caroma toilets was a key component in helping the hotel receive three points towards LEED Gold certification. Finally, since the hotel has reopened, there have been no clogs or overflows, reducing maintenance costs and eliminating the possibility of guest frustration and embarrassment.
Read the full case study and find out more about Caroma.
Engineering firm Buro Happold North America
wins NYSSPE ‘Project of the Year’
The New York Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) honored Buro Happold with the 2010 Project of the Year Award. Buro Happold was recognized for its work on the first section of the High Line – Manhattan’s abandoned elevated railroad that was transformed into an urban park. Buro Happold provided structural engineering in support of the new landscape architecture and architecture components and mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering services.
“The New York Chapter of NYSSPE is pleased to honor the High Line and Buro Happold with the Project of the Year award. The goal of the society is to recognize and promote the value that professional engineers bring to our daily lives. The unique challenges that were met and the success of the High Line exemplify the contributions of engineering firms such as Buro Happold and professional engineers,” said Erich Arcement, PE, PTOE, President of the New York Chapter, NYSSPE.
Buro Happold faced challenges of incorporating the existing structure with the new infrastructure, at 30 feet above the ground. A number of the existing girders had to be removed to make room for staircases from the former railroad down to the street. Buro Happold engineers created a new drainage system to serve the new elevated park. A new mechanical system was also designed with an extensive electrical system for lighting and security.
NFPA and Fire Protection Research Foundation
to co-sponsor health care summit
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Fire Protection Research Foundation will be co-sponsoring a one day health care summit, National Trends in the Delivery of Health and Long Term Care: Implications for Safety Codes and Standards, set to take place July 21 at the Holiday Inn Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Md.
“Information shared at this summit on emerging issues in health care delivery is key in updating and developing codes and standards that set safety requirements in this area,” said James M. Shannon, president of NFPA. “This is also a topic that everyone can relate to on a personal level as issues related to health care delivery, whether it is for ourselves, friends, or family members, are things we all have to deal with from time to time.”
The health care summit will look at emerging trends in the delivery of health care, long term care, and personal care. Government and industry leaders in the field will speak about the changing culture, design and health care models for a range of facilities, from hospitals to board and care facilities, and the impact it all may have on NFPA codes and standards, specifically NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, and NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities.
For registration, visit www.nfpa.org/foundation.
How do we perceive solar in the U.S.?
Solar is one of the "hottest" topics and technologies in the PHC industry these days. But how is it really doing in the U.S.? A recent MSNBC.com story examines solar in the United States. “Solar power accounts for less than 1 percent of U.S. energy usage, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a trade group. And although many industry watchers see big potential, the giant U.S. market currently ranks fourth in solar electric capacity — behind Germany, Italy and Japan.” Click here for the rest of the story.
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