Standards & Compliance Briefing: LEED Update, IEC 61646, Green Squared, ISO 50001, PC-11 Oil

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Konarka Technologies' Power Plastic organic solar cells (pictured) are the world's first organic photovoltaic (OPV) to be certified in compliance with IEC 61646 for thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules. TUV Rheinland's Solar Energy Assessment Center based in Cologne, Germany, performed the testing. Konarka solar films are developed for integration into building materials, including glass, steel, plastics, composites and fabrics, the company said.

The LEED green building program begins accepting a third round of public comments for the proposed 2012 updates on March 1. The comment period, which will close on March 20, kicks off the LEED 2012 program delivery process. The draft of LEED 2012 addresses technical stringency, measurement and performance tools, and user experience, USGBC said.

NSF International has announced that it now offers Green Squared Certification for sustainable ceramic tiles, glass tiles and installation materials. Developed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), Green Squared certification provides third-party verified information on the environmental impacts of tile products. With NSF, the standard aims to help manufacturers and suppliers demonstrate compliance to state and federal purchasing requirements.

Middle Eastern energy and facilities management firm MAF Dalkia announces four ISO and OHSAS certifications: ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 50001 for energy management, OHSAS 18001, and the renewal of its ISO 9001 quality management certification. MAF Dalkia is the first company of its kind in the Middle East to receive all four certifications, the company said.

Commercial security system manufacturer Stanley Security Solutions' Indianapolis manufacturing facility has achieved two ISO certifications – ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. The facility completed the certifications within 14 months, and TUV SUD conducted the audits, the company said.

UK-based Balreed Digitec, a supplier of print, copy and scan equipment and related services, has been awarded both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for their quality management and environmental management systems, the company said.

The American Petroleum Institute has approved development of a new heavy-duty oil category to help engine makers meet upcoming CO2 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards. The Proposed Category 11 (PC-11) would have a lower viscosity than other heavy-duty oil which may not be compatible with older diesel engines, writes FleetOwner.

A 1.3 million-square-foot expansion of the Carousel Center shopping mall in Syracuse, New York has earned LEED Gold certification. The expansion includes features such as the conservation of 4 million gallons of water annually through a rainwater harvesting system, a solar reflective cool roof, and green power purchasing agreements. The company said that the expansion is 65 percent leased, writes the Central New York Business Journal.

Brewery Vivant has earned LEED Silver certification for its microbrewery and pub in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company renovated an existing historic structure, offsets 100 percent of its energy usage with the purchase of RECs and only ships its beer in aluminum cans, the company said.

Environment + Energy Leader