Green carpet news round-up

There's been a slew of news and features recently focussing on sustainable carpets:

InterfaceFlor has received certification to the NSF/ANSI 140: Sustainable Carpet standard for two products. A plant in Thailand has also been certified.

Two New Zealand wool makers are finding U.S. based partners -- including CCA Global -- to manufacture sustainable organic carpet.

A London-based investment firm has bought a minority stake in an Italian carpet-fiber maker in order to invest in recycled fiber.

Grist magazine has an interview with Ray Anderson, founder of carpet maker Interface, about sustainability in manufacturing.

Forest product co. hires new Northeast rep

Cikel America, a subsidiary of Brazilian forest products maker Cikel, has announced that it has hired a new regional sales manager for the New England and Upstate New York territory. Mark Kolbe, previously an outside sales representative for Hoboken Floors, said, "It’s exciting to represent an FSC certified company that owns and properly maintains a large portion of Brazilian forest."

By the way, Floor Daily posted the same item, and here is some more Cikel staff news from about a month ago.

David Meyers is happy about being certified

Tile and stone product maker Laticrete sent me a press release about one of its senior architectural specialist, David Meyers, who has been certified by the USGBC as a LEED accredited professional. A quote from Meyers in the press release:

It’s a lot about access. It adds a little more credibility to my role with Laticrete. It gives me a better idea of how we fit into the process and what the requirements are for green building projects. I can better articulate how Laticrete can be utilized and how we can help solve issues when a green projects decides to utilize tile, stone or allied products.

And it's nice to see someone so pleased with his accomplishment! :-)

Whirlpool boasts its first two Certified Green Professionals

The appliance maker has announced that senior account managers Lanny Tillery and Richie Heumann are the first in the company to earn Certified Green Professional designations from the National Association of Home Builders.“They represent the first of many Whirlpool Corporation sales professionals who are working closely with the building industry to help set the pace for sustainable construction,” said Whirlpool senior contract marketing manager Tracy Frye, in a press release.

Laticrete specialist certified as LEED Accredited Professional

Kirby Davis, a senior architectural specialist at tile-setting-materials-maker Laticrete, has earned her certification as a LEED Accredited Professional. According to a company press release, "Professional LEED accreditation distinguishes Davis as having a thorough understanding of the LEED rating system including credit requirements, submittals and strategies. LEED AP’s are highly knowledgeable about the green built environment and are familiar with LEED resources and processes."

Tim-Br Mart names green buyer

Canadian LBM co-op Tim-Br Mart has named its regional buyer for building materials, Phil Temple, as its new "green buyer." According to a company press release, Temple will start by looking at energy efficient products and those with low VOCs. He will also serve as a resource specialist on LEED issues.

Temple will augment the company's current green product line-up. The Calgary, Alberta-based buying group launched its "EnerGrade" initiative last year.