Shaw Releases Inaugural Sustainability Report
Interior Design
Putting cold, hard facts where its mouth is, Georgia-based flooring manufacturer Shaw Industries Group has released an inaugural sustainability report outlining the company's commitment to environmental and corporate social responsibility. More

Share Your Professional Insight and Knowledge at NeoCon, Home of the ASID National Conference!

Submissions due October 15

If you have an interesting presentation or an idea that could be developed into an educational session, you are invited to submit a proposal. By submitting a proposal, you will help shape the NeoConeducational sessions available to ASID members as part of the ASID National Conference at NeoCon. If selected as a conference speaker, you will gain visibility in the industry and contribute to the advancement of your profession. Submit Online or Download the PDF to share your presentation idea today. Be sure to select “NeoCon World’s Trade Fair” in Chicago as the event where you're interested in presenting. More

Green Key Comes to the U.S.
Hospitality Design Magazine
The Canadian-based Green Key Eco-Rating Program has traveled south to the U.S. The program, which ranks and certifies hotels and resorts based on their commitment to green practices, comprises a 140-question audit that is self-administered by the staff at the participating property. More

ASID: Dare to Be Daring? Color or Non-color to Enhance the Patient Room
Healthcare Design Magazine
Is it safe to say it's okay to be daring? The list of adjectives is endless as well as the choice of fabric and vinyl selections. Fortunately, in today’s market basket of materials, textiles, flooring, wall-coverings, and finishes, the sky is the limit. Take for instance patient room furniture. Cabinets, patient seating, sleepover chairs, and sofas are offered in many wood finishes to match any décor. And fabric or vinyl selections for seating are available in thousands of patterns and colors.More

Stunning Green Roofed High School by Off Architecture
Inhabitat
High school students in Revin, France will soon be attending classes in a stunning new terraced building covered in green roofs. Seen from above the new Lycee Jean Moulin school will simply appear as a terraced landscape, practically disappearing into the hillside. Designed by Paris-based, Off Architecture in association with Duncan Lewis Scape Architecture and Jeans Giacinto, this green roofed marvel is curvaceous and organic, blending into the countryside. We’re admittedly a bit jealous – our high schools weren’t nearly as cool.More

Single-Family Starts Fall as Tax Credit Deadline Looms
Nation's Building News
Production of new single-family homes slowed in August as the expiration date for an important buyer incentive drew nearer, according to figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department on Sept. 17. While overall housing starts rose 1.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 598,000 units for the month, single-family starts declined 3 percent to a rate of 479,000 units, ending what had been a five-month run of improvements.More

Ancient Church Renovated into Modern Bookstore
Inhabitat
Whether you're religious or not, this old Dominican church will certainly bring you the enlightenment you've been seeking. After months of renovation this magnificent structure originally constructed in 1294 has opened its doors to the public as a "brand new" bookstore in the heart of Maastricht. A superb example of adaptive re-use, the Selexyz Dominicanen infuses rich and historic architecture with plentiful shelves ripe with information.More

Rents and Expenses Increase for Most Conventional Rental Building Types
Interiors & Sources
A new benchmarking study published by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) found that total expenses for all types of conventional rental apartments (garden; low-rise, 12-to-24 unit; low-rise, 25-plus units; and elevator) increased slightly in 2008 from the prior year. Additionally, net operating income across the conventional rental apartment spectrum saw minor gains or dips for all but one building, while uncollected income due to vacancy and other forms of rent loss declined less than 1.0 percent from 2007.More

TCF Bank Stadium is First Football Stadium to Achieve LEED Certification
Interiors & Sources
TCF Bank Stadium has been certified LEED-NC Silver as part of the U.S. Green Building Council's rating system. It's the first football stadium to earn the green designation.More