School Facility Design, Maintenance and Operations

HVAC ROI: beyond energy efficiency

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:51:00 +0000

(Dallas, TX May 7, 2013) When it comes to helping your customers get the most out of their HVAC investment, there's more to the bottom line than swapping out an old, out-of-date system for a shiny, new, high-efficiency model. While the new, higher-performing system will instantly result in monthly utility savings they can see, there's more to ROI than efficiency ratings and first cost.

As businesses consider the purchase of packaged HVAC units, tallying the total ROI—from first cost, setup and installation to ongoing service and maintenance—is the best way to determine which system will offer your customers the best return in the long run.

Here's what to look for when choosing or replacing an HVAC unit:

Easy installation
Did the HVAC manufacturer do its research to find out what the contractor needs in order to make the system easier to install? Simplifying the installation process is a win-win for both the contractor and the end user. It all comes down to less time spent on the job, and fewer subcontractors needed to get the job done—which in turn equates to less cost to the end user, and potentially more time for contractors to add another job to the day's roster. Look for intelligent controls that verify proper system setup with a guided menu that reduces complexity of start-up and commissioning, and keyed and color-coded wire connectors that simplify field sensor or thermostat installation and prevent miswiring. These features add up to a quicker and easier installation process, ensuring equipment is installed correctly and helping contractors get to the next job quicker.

Factory-installed options
Everyone benefits from features that help save time and money. Factory-installed options are another way HVAC manufacturers help contractors, as well as end users, save money. These add-ons are typically created to ensure the unit runs at its maximum capability and efficiency, offering peace of mind to the contractor and increased savings to the end user. Look for intelligent controls <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/products/commercial-controls.asp> that record and track the runtime of every major system component for quick and easy troubleshooting, and multi-stage air volume supply fan technology <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/landing/msav.asp> that provides customers with increased comfort and savings all year long.

Service and maintenance savings According to research, facilities in which proper HVAC maintenance is completed will use at least 15 to 20 percent less energy than those where systems are allowed to deteriorate. Performing regular preventive maintenance can keep equipment operating at peak efficiency, helping customers save time and money in the process. Look for:

* Hinged door panels that make units easier to service and eliminate the need for screws, which can come loose during service and cause rooftop penetration
* Units with slide-out blower motor compartments that provide quicker, easier access to the unit's belt, blower motor and coils
* An isolated compressor compartment that allows performance checks during normal compressor operation without disrupting airflow

Choose a reliable HVAC manufacturer
When it comes to selecting energy-efficient HVAC for light commercial buildings <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/products/packaged-rooftop-units/Landmark/> , Lennox Commercial is an industry leader. Lennox' 18 SEER Energence® units <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/products/packaged-rooftop-units/Energence/> are designed with comfort, reliability, efficiency and ease of use and service in mind, providing peace of mind to contractors as well as end users. For more information, visit www.lennoxcommercial.com.

About Lennox Industries Inc.
A worldwide leader in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems, Lennox Industries Inc. is based near Dallas, Texas. Deeply committed to helping consumers and businesses reduce energy needs and lessen their environmental impact, the company offers a wide range of resources for improving efficiency, including a selection of ENERGY STAR® qualified products. Lennox Industries is a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. and is a global leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration markets. Lennox International stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LII." To learn more about Lennox International, visit www.lennoxinternational.com. To learn more about Lennox Industries, contact a Lennox sales representative or visit www.lennox.com <http://www.lennox.com/> .

Modular classroom cost?

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Sat, 04 May 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Here is a helpful post and several questions with answers about the cost of modular classrooms. The post is on iModularbuildings.com - a blog I write to help schools make good decisions and save money when it comes to modular, portable classrooms in the United states. Be sure to look at the comments below the post.

Read: How much should a modular classroom cost? My school is searching for a new modular classroom (portable) for twenty-five students and we wanted to get the best price possible. How?

LEED School Campus Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Here is Part 2 of a super informative video about a LEED certified school campus in Arizona. We had many re-Tweets and views after posting Part 1 on www.iBuildGreen.com.

How many portable classrooms are in the United States?

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:03:00 +0000

According to Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories in 2011 there were 600,000 relocatable classrooms serving about 1.4 million students in the United States.

Can you imagine how much energy could be generated if half of these "boxes" had photovoltaic systems installed?

Can you imagine how much energy could be saved if these modulars had energy management systems and were being maintained properly?

Food for thought!

Special Windows for Green Modular Classrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:20:00 +0000

Here is a quick video with information about windows for eco friendly "green" modular classrooms. This GreenZone modular classroom was on display at the 2012 GreenBuild conference.

CyberLock Releases New Features to Access Control Management Software

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:47:00 +0000

CORVALLIS, OREGON, March 21, 2013 — CyberLock, Inc., a security systems supplier, announced the release of several software enhancements to its CyberAudit Professional management system. CyberAudit Professional 3.0 software offers streamlined reporting and notification capabilities, compatibility with CyberKey Vaults and Flex System input and output devices, and provides activation for the Flex System Door & I/O module relay device.

By using the CyberLock Flex System Door & I/O module, organizations can integrate with 3rd party Wiegand compatible access control devices, making the technology more suitable for organizations looking for a cost-effective way to expand their access control systems. Functions of the Door & I/O module include:

Locking and unlocking doors
Arming and disarming alarms
Activating other relay based devices

"A CyberLock System is built to the customer's specifications based on need. Many of the components are rated for outdoor use and can be mixed and matched to meet the unique requirements of a diverse market place," stated James McGowan, VP of Sales & Marketing. "With CyberLock and the Flex System, all access control requirements can be met and managed using one comprehensive and unified software platform."

The CyberAudit Professional management software is part of a smart key solution comprised of electronic locks and programmable keys. The software allows users to assign key access schedules, set expirations, add new CyberLock electronic lock cylinders to the system, monitor employee and contractor access activities, and generate audit trails and custom reports.

About CyberLock, Inc.
CyberLock, Inc. is a high technology supplier of CyberLock access control products that are made in the U.S.A. and shipped worldwide directly from their headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon. For more information, please contact CyberLock, Inc. by phone at (541) 738-5500, by fax at (541) 738-5501, by email at sales@cyberlock.com, or visit the web site at www.cyberlock.com.

2012 Green School Award Winner: Ventura Charter School of Arts & Education

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 13:13:00 +0000

This is a really helpful video for facility managers, administrators and teachers who are responsible for initiating eco friendly practices within any k-12 school. Educating kids about more than just "not littering" is a smart move.

'Green Schools' Go on National Display

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:00:00 +0000

This is a really good article that bridges the gap between modular building and "green" school construction. Read Green Schools' Go on National Display.

An Intelligent System for School Building Repairs

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:07:00 +0000

Door Hardware for Harsh Conditions

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:17:00 +0000

Von Duprin Compiles “Harsh Environment” Suite

of Door Hardware

Water, Salt or High Winds, Von Duprin Provides

Products that Fight Extreme Environments

CARMEL, Ind., March 7, 2013 – For facilities in code-driven regions and humid, salty and high wind conditions, such as outdoor venues, coastal buildings or wet environments including pools, aquariums, water parks and zoos that require extra protection, Von Duprin has brought together a suite of products that assure buildings remain safe and secure. Products include coatings that inhibit rust and those that are designed, tested and certified to WS9827/9927 and 237 standards, which both meet the FEMA 361 and 320 building codes for windstorm resistance.

“Harsh environments can damage exit devices and other door hardware quickly, whether the abuse comes from salt, water or excessive winds,” explains Joseph Vaida, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, portfolio marketing manager-mechanical. “For these applications, the same door hardware that’s used in one place in the facility may not be appropriate for areas that needed to fight these harsh conditions. Therefore, Von Duprin offers this suite of hardware to fight abusive elements.”

Exit devices exposed to extreme conditions and weather need additional protection against the elements. For these applications, Von Duprin can apply a clear protective coating to the exterior and interior of an exit device’s mechanical parts to help prevent the effects of weather or chemical corrosion, extending the life of the device. This clear protective coating improves chemical and corrosion resistance and additionally provides antimicrobial protection.

Exit devices on the exterior of a building are often exposed to the weather. Humidity and heavy rain can find its way into the exit device and cause electronics to malfunction. By water-proofing switches, designed to function safely in humid or wet conditions, Von Duprin helps prevent the effects of humidity and rain.

Exit devices mounted to exterior doors are often exposed to rain and other elements. Water enters the exit device and causes critical components to potentially rust or function improperly. Von Duprin can add drainage holes to assure exterior exit devices don’t hold water in the mechanism case and rust the mechanics. These drainage holes let water leave the exit device and are essential for products mounted on exterior doors to deliver long-lasting functionality and durability.

Severe wind and tornadoes requires a safe and secure shelter. Such extreme conditions require specialized testing to both the exit device and the total opening. Von Duprin offers certified and tested products to help keep people safe in the event of an environmental incident, providing superior protection from severe weather. FEMA- and ICC-compliant, reinforced components help secure the building and its occupants from wind and debris. Harsh environment exit devices are certified for hurricane and tornado resistant applications.

“For a long lasting doorway that will endure through some of the harshest conditions, Von Duprin products with these harsh environment options are what facility managers challenged by such applications need,” adds Vaida. “It’s imperative that integrators and their customers specify door hardware that matches the need of each and every access point.”

The harsh environment suite of Von Duprin door hardware is available now. More information is available at http://w3.securitytechnologies.com/Products/exit_devices/solutions/Pages/default.aspx.

# # #

About Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane® —work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; secure homes and commercial properties; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies’ market-leading products include electronic and biometric access control systems; time-and-attendance and personnel scheduling systems; mechanical locks; portable security; door closers, exit devices, architectural hardware, and steel doors and frames; and other technologies and services for global security markets. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit ingersollrand.com or securitytechnologies.ingersollrand.com.

Loyola building achieves LEED Silver status for its sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:02:00 +0000

The Loyola University New Orleans College of Law’s Broadway Building has achieved LEED Silver Certification for its environmentally friendly characteristics, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. The Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice, along with the Career Development and Law Practice Center and the Office of Law Skills and Experiential Learning, are located in the building.

Originally built in 1959, the Broadway Building, formerly known as the Dominican Conference Center and designed by Fernandez & Johnson Architecture, underwent a nearly $7.5 million renovation, which was completed in spring 2011. DonahueFavret Contractors Inc., was the general contractor on the project.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to set a benchmark for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED Silver is the third highest level of achievement by the council and its Green Building Certification Institute.

Some of the environmental design features that contributed to LEED Silver Certification of the Broadway Building include:

Building reuse: The building is a renovation of an existing building. By maintaining the original walls, floor and roof, the impact of construction on the environment is greatly reduced.
Energy performance: The Broadway Building features the latest energy efficient components, including low-emittance glazed windows, energy efficient lighting systems with sensors that turn on for occupants, and efficient HVAC systems. These green characteristics reduce the building’s energy costs by 14 percent.
Alternative transportation: Building is within a half-mile walking distance to public transportation, reducing pollution and land development impacts on the environment from automobile use.
Water use reduction: All plumbing fixtures are low-flow fixtures, which use minimal potable water, reducing the building’s burden on the city’s water supply by 35 percent.
Heat island effect: The building also uses dark, non-reflective surfaces for roofs, walkways and other paved surfaces, which help lessen the so-called heat island effect. Because of the heat island effect, ambient temperatures in urban areas are artificially elevated by 2 to10 degrees Fahrenheit. Loyola’s Broadway Building minimizes the effect through its reflective materials, providing shade and minimizing pavement.
Recycled content: The project incorporated recycled building materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of harvesting and processing virgin materials. Products with recycled content reduce solid waste volumes.

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED Certification is the most recognized global standard for high performance buildings that are efficient, cost-effective and better for occupants and the environment.

For more information, contact James Shields in the Office of Public Affairs at 504-861-5888.

Urban Green Council Releases Important NYC Study

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:07:00 +0000

This is a start with a goal. Measuring the progress is going to be another story.

New York City Can Mitigate Climate Change through Buildings and Infrastructure

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 14 --- The country's largest city can feasibly reduce its carbon emissions 90 percent by 2050, according to a study released today by Urban Green Council.

President Obama stressed the importance of building efficiency in his State of the Union, announcing a goal to cut energy waste from homes and businesses in half over the next 20 years. The timely study, 90 By 50, finds that by updating and streamlining the city's buildings and infrastructure, New York City can meet that goal and more, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to the levels identified by scientists as necessary to contain climate change.

Issued in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other unprecedented weather events that re-focused attention on building preparedness, 90 By 50 shows the dramatic role urban buildings can play in mitigating climate change.

Buildings are New York City's greatest contributor to carbon pollution, producing 75 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector accounts for another 21 percent. Climate scientists say carbon pollution must be reduced 80 percent worldwide by 2050 to ensure a safe, sustainable environment.

To do the study, a virtual New York City was created using key building types. The model was then adjusted to improve future buildings using currently available technologies like improved insulation, the use of heat pumps, and transportation electrification. The result: a building sector that is essentially free of carbon pollution.

Environmental and urban leaders agree that our current infrastructure is unsustainable but disagree on the feasibility of finding a solution. 90 By 50 is the first study to tactically demonstrate how an American city can tangibly and affordably meet the challenges of climate change.

"The buildings we live in can play a crucial role in the sustainability of society and the planet. This study shows us that an energy-efficient and innovative New York is possible—and necessary. If New York—the complicated nerve center of the country—can do this without breaking the bank, any city in the world can," said Urban Green Council Executive Director Russell Unger.

The study assumes that buildings will remain functionally the same as today, without sacrificing physical comfort. All tactics tested are either currently available or reasonably foreseeable. The cost of the changes is neutral when the economy and other factors are considered.

About Urban Green Council

Urban Green Council is the New York Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Its mission is to advance the sustainability of urban buildings through education, advocacy and research. The nonprofit is a trusted advisor to Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City government on building resiliency and efficiency. Urban Green Council recently convened the city's Building Resiliency Task Force in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and will release recommendations in June.

Copyright © 2012 Urban Green Council, U.S. Green Building Council New York Chapter. All Rights Reserved.
20 Broad Street, Suite 709, New York, NY 10005

Used Modular Classroom - Massachusetts, Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:34:00 +0000

If you manage a school facility, daycare center or church in New England here is a classified listing for a Used Modular Classroom featured on www.iModular.com. iModular is a reliable source of information and prices for all types of modular buildings and prefabricated classrooms from suppliers around the nation.

If you have questions and would like free assistance designing, buying or renting a modular structure you can also call Matt Banes at iModular.com directly (714) 442-2757 ext. 502.

Modular Classroom Design Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:40:00 +0000

This is a helpful article about Modular Classroom Design. If a school or church is going to rent or buy a modular classroom the facility manager, administrators and teachers should be involved - particularly if the structure will be used for a long period of time. Read these six tips and be really prepared when the time comes to talk to a supplier about renting or buying a modular.

This post was approved by the Senior Editor of www.imodular.com, a GBM Marketing, Inc. web property.

Announcing March 13-14 High Performance Sustainable Schools Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 02:16:00 +0000

HIGH PERFORMANCE SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS: THE PROOF AND THE PROMISE

March 13-14, 2013

Marriott RiverCenter - Covington, KY

If you aspire to high performance buildings for your clients, for your
school, for your students-this workshop is for you.

This two-day workshop will demonstrate proven results of the high
performance building process in Kentucky schools and districts. Sessions
will be led by architects, engineers and facilities directors who have
successfully designed, built, operated and maintained high performance
school buildings.

Day one will include a tour of Turkey Foot Middle School, a net-zero ready
middle school featuring natural lighting, solar collection, insulated
concrete, rainwater harvesting and a green roof. The tour will include one
track for the design professional and one track that will focus on
educational opportunities.

REGISTER NOW: WWW.REGONLINE.COM/HPSS2013 <http://www.regonline.com/HPSS2013>

Lennox’ Environ™ Coil system now available on all Energence® rooftop units up to 25 tons

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 02:15:00 +0000

Lennox' Environ™ Coil system now available on all Energence® rooftop units up to 25 tons

Dallas, TX – (January 29, 2013) –Lennox has expanded the availability of its Environ™ Coil System to 4-, 6-, 13-, 17.5- and 25-ton Energence® rooftop unit models, completing the product lineup to 25 tons. The Environ Coil System will now come standard on Energence rooftop unit models, with the tube-and-fin condenser coil available as an option.

The all-aluminum Environ condenser coil offers a significant reduction in refrigerant charge requirements, with innovative technology that helps maximize reliability and sustainability. It uses up to 52% less refrigerant than a traditional tube-and-fin condenser coil, providing sustainable savings. Additionally, the coil's all-aluminum construction results in a significantly lighter unit weight - up to 59% lighter than traditional coils - shaving a total of approximately 149 pounds, for example, from a 15-ton rooftop unit. Less brazed joints, up to 20% less compared to that of tube and fin coils, decreases the potential for leakage, increasing the reliability of the system. Finally, a mounting configuration that uses rubber inserts, provides vibration dampening to prevent damage during shipping as well as isolation to protect against corrosion. A 3-year warranty is included with the Environ Coil System.

About Lennox Industries Inc.
A worldwide leader in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems, Lennox Industries Inc. is based near Dallas, Texas. Deeply committed to helping consumers and businesses reduce energy needs and lessen their environmental impact, the company offers a wide range of resources for improving efficiency, including a selection of ENERGY STAR® qualified products. Lennox Industries is a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. and is a global leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration markets. Lennox International stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LII." To learn more about Lennox International, visit www.lennoxinternational.com. To learn more about Lennox Industries, contact a Lennox sales representative or visit www.lennox.com.

"High Security" Door Hardware Suite from Ingersoll Rand

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:44:00 +0000

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Constructs

“High Security” Door Hardware Suite

CARMEL, Ind., January 17, 2013 – Hospitals, schools, military, commercial and retail facilities often require openings that need increased monitoring, extra protection against theft or vandalism, or unique safety and notification solutions. For these applications, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies has brought together a suite of Von Duprin products that provide high security exit devices and indicators.

“There are many openings that require elevated security based on the people, property and equipment that they protect,” emphasizes Joseph Vaida, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies portfolio marketing manager for mechanical. “For areas such as the data center of an office building, the back entrance to a commercial retail store and specialized areas of a hospital, Von Duprin offers a suite of high security solutions to meet their unique needs.”

For instance, when greater security is required, facility managers can select the Von Duprin 98/99XP exit device available in a rim configuration featuring a two-piece latch that is 90 degrees to the strike pad which delivers more than 2,000 pounds of static load resistance.

If the facility needs to temporarily prevent individuals from exiting a facility while still meeting fire/ life safety needs, the Chexit® by Von Duprin is available on 98/99 Series exit devices to provide a delayed egress solution with options to fit the unique needs of a specific facility. This device meets NFPA 101 “Special Locking Arrangement” and has an optional cylinder dogging (latch remains retracted so that the door swings freely) for increased security.

Although exit devices are commonly dogged open during the normal operating hours of a facility, they need to be secured after-hours. With a dogging indicator light, which can be seen beyond 50 feet from the exit device, this visual indication helps reduce the time needed to conduct inspections.

In schools, classrooms need to be immediately secured for the safety of teachers and students in the event of an emergency. Whether new construction or a maintenance upgrade, schools can implement a Von Duprin classroom security option with visual status indication. With the visual lock/unlock indicator and 180 degree thumbturn rotation, a teacher or administrator can easily see if exit devices are secured and locked.

The high security suite of Von Duprin door hardware is available now. More information is available at www.securitytechnologies.ingersollrand.com. Click Products/Exit Devices/Solutions.

# # #

About Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

market-leading products include electronic and biometric access control systems; time-and-attendance and personnel scheduling systems; mechanical locks; portable security; door closers, exit devices, architectural hardware, and steel doors and frames; and other technologies and services for global security markets. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit ingersollrand.com or securitytechnologies.ingersollrand.com.

Using Modular Classroms for Daycare Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:56:00 +0000

"Our daycare program was growing so fast that we needed to add space to keep up with enrollment so we went online to search for a modular classroom provider. We found that modular classrooms can be purchased or rented with options specifically built in for daycare programs."

Many private schools and churches have daycare programs and using a modular building as the facility is always a good option when space is hard to find....especially in a growing city like Austin, Texas. Read the full post at: Success Renting a Modular for Daycare in Austin.

Modular Building and Classroom Styles and Prices

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:55:00 +0000

We published this page on one of our blogs and it became very popular with viewers. This information can be useful for schools and churches considering using a modular building, portable classroom or other type of prefabricated building.

Modular Types and Prices: Common types of modular buildings and prefabricated structures along with typical price ranges to rent or buy.

Web Site Helps Schools Save on Renting Modulars

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:01:00 +0000

Typical modular classroom on
rent at a school.

Public and private schools have utilized modular classrooms - also referred to as portable classrooms for years to solve space problems on campuses of all sizes. In some cases a school will need to rent modulars during construction or renovation in order to keep classes open and accommodate students. In other cases there simply is not enough space due to overcrowding thus forcing a school to add space wherever it can as soon as possible. Regardless of the actual space problem modular buildings have provided a fast and economical solution to thousands of k-12 schools, colleges, churches and daycare programs throughout the United Sates and abroad.

"Modular building suppliers have evolved over the years and have a very good understanding of the education space market and the demands of any type of school in need of space," stated one Facility Manager at a large public school district in Ohio.

Utilizing modular buildings may be an easy solution to a difficult space problem but the tasks of identifying the amount of space needed, where to place the modular structures and how long to rent them can be daunting for any busy facility staff person. Add the seemingly endless amount of time it takes to contact suppliers, schedule site visits and review prices and the process becomes a real challenge to manage.

Interior of portable modular
classroom.

"School facility managers have a time consuming job and stopping to research and procure modular classrooms can take weeks, sometimes months. That's why we developed iModular.com - specifically to help facility managers save time and money renting and buying modular classrooms," stated Matt Banes, iModular.com founder.

Unlike most modular building web sites iModular.com does not sell modular buildings directly to anyone. This web site exists to provide free assistance to anyone in the market for temporary or permanent modular space - particularly schools. Once on the home page a visitor can complete a very simple price request form and their information is matched with local suppliers who are qualified to meet whatever the modular classroom space need may be. In minutes up to four suppliers are notified and within a few hours the person requesting prices is contacted and on their way to saving a lot of time and hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.

If you are a facility manager, planner, school administrator or simply in charge of finding one or multiple modular classrooms try visiting www.iModular.com or contact Matt Banes at (714) 442-2757 extension 108 for nationwide assistance.

Indoor Study Lawns at Cornell

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 22:21:00 +0000

Cornell University students finding solace on indoor library lawns

Video and photos: https://cornell.box.com/grassmedia

ITHACA, N.Y. – Students studying for finals at Cornell University are finding solace from a little piece of the outdoors that came inside this week, thanks to some creative minds at the school's Department of Design and Environmental Analysis.

Sections of turf are creating grassy oases of calm in the lobbies of Olin and Mann libraries, as well as Duffield Hall and the Physical Sciences Building. Potted plants and comfortable chairs are placed around the grass, encouraging students to lounge there during one of the most stressful times of the academic year.

Senior Ryan Allen-Parrot and junior Gilad Meron installed the projects, along with a "small army of people working with them," said Eveline Ferretti, the library's public programs and communications administrator.

"Being in touch with nature helps people be calmer, and they feel refreshed and productive," Ferretti said. "The library is the perfect place for it."

Meron first installed a lawn in Mann Library in the fall, noting that "it's great to see people willing to lay down in the grass and just relax there. The main goal is really to make people happy."

Marcia Eames-Sheavly, a senior extension associate at Cornell and director of the Garden-Based Learning program, said she understands the sod's calming lure.

"Sod furniture is thrilling, since, unlike other horticultural art, which may require a long period of time to come to life, it offers instant gratification. Students have responded to the joy of working hard and collaboratively, shoulder to shoulder, to plan and implement them, and then, to enjoy the seating, and witness others doing the same," Eames-Sheavly said. "We know from research that time spent in nature fosters diverse facets of our well-being, from cognitive function, to lower stress levels. They are easy to create, and do not require elaborate materials."

For tips on how to create your own indoor sod furniture or lawn, go to:

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Assembles "Quiet Suite" of Door Hardware

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Assembles

“Quiet Suite” of Door Hardware

Created for Hospital Patient Areas, Libraries, Classrooms, Auditoriums, Theaters, Churches, Chapels, Ballrooms and Large Conference Areas

CARMEL, Ind., October 31, 2012 – For areas that are used for sleeping, healing, study, concentration or the overall reduction of auditory disturbances, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies has brought together a suite of products that provide customers with whisper quiet latches and sound reducing exit devices. The suite includes a collection of Von Duprin products comprising push pads, latches and exit devices.

“The right environment helps everyone do a better job and noise reduction can be a key component for many environments,” explains Joseph Vaida, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, portfolio marketing manager-mechanical. “For these applications, the same door hardware that’s used in one place in the facility may not be appropriate for areas that need to minimize noise. Therefore, for a doorway that is not intrusive, we created this suite of Von Duprin products with quiet options.”

The quiet suite eliminates the sounds of door hardware not noticed in standard locations. For instance, by replacing magnetic solenoids that require high voltage inrushes for traditional noisy electronic latch retraction with motor-driven latch retraction, a much quieter solution with fewer disturbances is possible. In hazardous areas where electronics are not permitted but still require quiet latch retraction, pneumatic latch retraction is ideal.

By incorporating an innovative, mechanical damper to decelerate mechanical push pads on the push and return stroke, most of the noise associated with push pad exit devices is eliminated. Lastly, concealed vertical cable system exit devices eliminate the rattles of rods in the door and the clanking of rods on the floor.

The quiet suite of Von Duprin door hardware is available now. More information is available at www.securitytechnologies.ingersollrand.com. Click Products/Exit Devices/Solutions.

Facility Web Site Finds Portables for Schools

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:46:00 +0000

"I used this page on SchoolFacilities.com to get prices to rent portable classrooms and it worked pretty well. Several of the local suppliers in my city called with answers and times to schedule a site visit. We saved time and money for sure," stated a Facility Manager from Florida who recently used SchoolFacilities.com while searching for modular portable classrooms.

Schools use SchoolFacilities.com for finding
portable classrooms.

Here is the page he landed on for 24'x60' portable, modular classrooms. Try the form at the bottom of the page if you are searching for the same anywhere in the United States.

Link over to SchoolFacilities.com

Answers About Modular Buildings for Churches and Schools: 48'x40' Used Modular Church School Building in Cal...

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Answers About Modular Buildings for Churches and Schools: California churches and schools in need of classroom or office space have been using modular buildings and prefabricated structures as as temporary and ...

Salt Lake Community College Opens Utah’s First Solar Training Yard

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Banes) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Salt Lake Community College's Green Academy will hold an event celebrating the completion of Utah's only Solar Photovoltaic (PV) training yard on September 6, at the College's Meadowbrook Campus, 250 West 3900 South in Salt Lake City. The press and media are invited to tour the lab that morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

"The completion of the photovoltaic training yard is an exciting addition to sustainable green energy practice and workforce development in Utah. It's been great to be a part of this project—it demonstrates the College's commitment to help prepare Utah's workforce for renewable energy technologies and conservation," said SLCC Dean of the School of Professional and Economic Development Karen Gunn. "The new training yard is the first of its kind in the state and will facilitate Utah's capacity to meet industry demands for highly skilled green energy technicians."

The launch will highlight the Solar PV training yard and classroom space, and will feature student and faculty-led abbreviated labs and solar panel demonstrations.

Deborah Buterbaugh, Energy Project Specialist from the U.S. Department of Energy will be attending the launch. Buterbaugh is the representative for two previously awarded grants that the College has received for a total of $2.1 million. Salt Lake Community College was selected as one of only a dozen sites nationally to visit, to see how the College has developed innovative green energy training programs.

The PV training yard is a resource for industry professionals and prospective technicians looking to accelerate their knowledge and skills through hands-on training and curriculum provided by North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)certified instructors.

To watch a time-lapse video of the construction for the solar training yard visit: http://youtu.be/rUfp_IX13UY

Salt Lake Community College's Green Academy is offered through the department of Continuing Education. The Green Academy received the 2011 Green Business award from Utah Business Magazine and was recognized for the programs leadership and teaching in the fields of green technologies, renewable and alternative energy. The program offers workshops, courses, certificate and degree programs that are designed for industry-related professionals seeking career advancement or for individuals looking to enter of the many renewable energy fields. For more information about Continuing Education at Salt Lake Community College visit: http://www.slcccontinuinged.com/greenacademy.

About the College: Salt Lake Community College is an accredited, student-focused, urban college meeting the diverse needs of the Salt Lake community. Home to more than 62,000 students each year, the College is the largest supplier of workforce development programs in the State of Utah. The College is the sole provider of applied technology courses in the Salt Lake area, with 13 sites, an eCampus, and nearly 1,000 continuing education sites located throughout the Salt Lake valley. Personal attention from an excellent faculty is paramount at the College, which maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of less than 20 to 1.