One of the big issues we face energy wise is old, energy
sucking buildings. Structures that were
built before quality materials became available or mainstream. I am confident that every new building that
goes up at least pays some mind to energy efficiency (would like more, but I
will take what I can get- for now) but we need to make sure old buildings get
brought up to speed. One such structure
I read about recently is in Rhode Island and major congratulations are due to
everyone involved. This was a building
that was originally constructed in 1973 and it was that classic concrete bunker
look. The building sat empty for many
years until a smart developer jumped in and decided it was time to rehab the
structure. By gutting the inside and
outside, the work done to it was absolutely transformational- so much so that
the building achieved LEED Gold status.
Simply amazing. And proof it can
be done. The project was 1301 Atwood inJohnston, Rhode Island and if you supplied or installed material on it, drop me
a line- I would love to hear more about your experience and even share it with
my readers. Anyway at the end of the day
we need to do this more and more- get old buildings renewed and energy smart- it’s
good for our planet and obviously our industry.
Elsewhere…
-- A big deal in the industry this week with SAAND purchasing
Guardian’s Webster, MA fab facility. The
guys at SAAND are sharp folks and they continue to make very savvy moves. In the long run this will really be a nice
acquisition for them.
-- It was very busy week deal wise- Greco Railings, Chelsea
Building, Atlanta Commercial Glazing and 2 UK based Pilkington factories all
changed hands. And folks there’s a few
more to come. We are certainly in transaction
season.
-- The Architectural Billings Index bounced back in February
finishing above the break-even line at 50.7.
Even better the new project inquiry index was its best mark in more than
2 years. So some very positive reporting
this month from the ABI world- I have to assume the big run on Wall Street may
have had something to do with the new project trend- I guess we will see.
-- Want to read a fantastic piece on commercialization? Check this one out… really required reading
for everyone trying to build a product line.
-- I can’t believe this is my last blog of March. 1Q is done.
2017 is absolutely moving way too fast.
I swear I think I am going to blink my eyes and I’ll already be at GlassBuild.
Last this week… I am absolutely humbled to announce I will
be speaking at the Texas Glass Association’s “Glasscon 17” event in May. I love speaking to groups like the TGA and I
am excited that the TGA is really working hard to build a great event for their
members. So if you can get to Waco on
May 19th, I’d love to see you there.
Plus you’ll also hear from Nicole Harris, the President of the National
Glass Association, Yuwadee Senamontree of Guardian, David Linhart of Vitro, and
one of my all time favorite speakers, the legend Greg Oehlers of TriStar. The theme of the overall session is
“Improving the Future Together” and I think that really is appropriate. We really need to be working together to
bring the best insight and education to our industry to keep moving it
forward. Learn more by clicking HERE.
LINKS of the WEEK
How in the world does this happen?
So help me out here- I think this guy got what he deserved right?
Heads up- yet another scam to be aware of….
VIDEO of the WEEK
As some of you know I am involved with a wonderful charity
called the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. It is run by former NGA VP David Walker and
it does amazing things for our veterans.
So for the video this week- a look inside this charity from the folks
behind. If you are in a charitable mood,
please consider donating to this group- great people who are really doing a lot
of life saving things.
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