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Four dormakaba Solutions Receive Awards

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At this year’s ICONIC AWARDS 2024: Innovative Architecture, no fewer than four dormakaba solutions have been awarded as winners in three categories: the new generation of terminals for time recording and the new, digital high-security safe lock series, Axessor APEXX IP, in the “Product- Building Technologies” category, the automatic door system MotionIQ in the “Energy Solutions” category and skyra, which is the cloud-based access solution in the “Product Special” category.

 

“We are delighted and proud to have received four awards in this neutral, international architecture and design competition. These prizes further strengthen our reputation as a design-oriented company and are a sign of recognition for creative product development and innovation. They motivate our employees to continue developing products of the highest quality,” emphasises Torsten Stolte, Managing Director of dormakaba Deutschland GmbH.

 

The new dormakaba terminals 96 00 and 98 00 of the new terminal generation for time recording support individual working time models, meet the specific needs of employers and are designed to adapt to different requirements and display designs. The terminals are flexible, future-proof, easy to integrate and sustainable.

 

The intelligent Motion IQ door system for automatic doors significantly improves a building’s energy balance while reducing operating costs, facilitating barrier-free access to the building and optimising the safe use of automatic doors. The new system only opens the door when necessary and closes it immediately after passage, as MotionIQ calculates the ideal opening time and the time the door remains open.

 

The smart on-demand solution skyra ensures safe and easy access to distributed critical infrastructure sites. The skyra portfolio includes a variety of locking cylinder designs for every locking situation and a rechargeable key that communicates access rights and locking information with the cloud service via the mobile app.

 

The new digital safe lock series “Axessor APEXX IP” sets new, significant benchmarks and standards in the field of safe locks and provides a networkable, contemporary multi-lock application. In connection with the administration and networking platform, the safe locks can be securely managed and programmed remotely. It is ideal for all companies that require the efficiency and convenience of a networked and unified safe lock solution that meets the highest security standards.

 

At the awards ceremony in Munich on 8 October 2024, the special prize in the “Architects of the Year”  category, sponsored by dormakaba, went to Tatiana Bilbao Estudio from Mexico.

 

“Tatiana Bilbao’s Mexican architecture studio sees architecture as a tool for improving social situations. I am impressed how local conditions are masterfully translated into striking architectural gestures,” explained Bernhard Heitz, Strategic Product Design dormakaba, at the awards ceremony.

 

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The Secret of MCI ® for Better Parking Ramp Maintenance

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

 

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One of the biggest enemies of parking ramp longevity is corrosion. Whether a parking ramp is in a warm coastal area subject to sea breezes and salt spray or whether it is in the frozen north with cars tracking in deicing salts every winter, the basic story is the same. Chloride-induced corrosion leads to premature deterioration and early repairs on the reinforced concrete structure. To change this story, Cortec ® recommends adding Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors (MCI ® ) into routine maintenance to slow down the corrosion process.

 

Preventative Maintenance versus Repair

Preventing a problem is usually easier and less expensive in the long term than repairing a problem. When it comes to reinforced concrete parking ramps, corrosion prompts repair because it swells the size of the rebar, placing pressure on the concrete overlay and eventually causing it to crack and spall off. The farther this process goes, the more damage is done and the more material- and labour-intensive the repair. While adding corrosion protection to a repair is important to help it last longer, slowing down corrosion as part of routine maintenance is even better because it can delay and reduce damage.

 

MCI ® Surface Applied Corrosion Inhibitors (SACIs)

MCI ® SACIs are ideal for parking lot maintenance because they penetrate and migrate through concrete pores and can be combined with water repellents or traffic membranes. MCI ® molecules are attracted to reinforcing metal, where they adsorb and form a hydrophobic layer that inhibits the ability of the metal to interact with corrosives such as moisture and chlorides. This molecular barrier delays the time to corrosion initiation and slows down the rate of corrosion that has already started. MCI ® can be applied at any stage of a parking ramp’s life cycle – before, during, and after repairs.

 

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Tips for Selecting the Right MCI ® SACI

Contractors and parking garage management companies can take a variety of paths when incorporating MCI ® into their preventative maintenance plan.

 

Those who want to aim for a 20-year MCI ® reapplication rate will typically want to choose MCI ® -2020 with a traffic membrane applied on top. Traffic membranes often have a 20-year warranty; however, when the membrane inevitably fails, it can allow water and chlorides to seep underneath and attack the concrete anyway. Applying MCI ® -2020 to the surface first will enhance protection by introducing the highest concentration of Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors of any SACI on the market.

 

For someone open to a corrosion-preventative maintenance period of seven to 10 years, MCI ® -2020 followed by MCI ® -2018 X is a good choice. This combination takes advantage of the highest concentration of surface-applied Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors topped by a 100% silane water repellent to keep MCI ® within and slow the ingress of corrosives.

 

For someone who wants to apply a two-in-one product, MCI ® -2019 or MCI ® -2018 are good options. MCI ® -2019 combines MCI ® with a 40% silane water repellent, making it ideal for tighter budgets. MCI ® -2018 combines MCI ® with a 100 percent silane water repellent for even better water repellency. These two SACIs are best applied in two coats, wet on wet, so there is no need to wait for dry time.

 

If a surface still has residual silane from a previous water-repellent application and it is not in the scope of the project to remove it, MCI ® -2019 can be used. This is because MCI ® -2020 and MCI ® -2018 may not penetrate a concrete surface that is partially covered with water repellents. However, MCI ® -2019 can be applied over residual silane water repellent with better penetration through the substrate.

 

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Start Your Preventative Maintenance Plan

Whatever a parking ramp’s age, it is not too early to start creating a corrosion-preventative maintenance strategy. Through the routine application of a water-repellent and Migrating Corrosion Inhibitor ™, parking ramp owners can push back the need for corrosion-related repairs and keep their parking structures in better condition longer to preserve property value.

 

 

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UnaBiz Launches Suite of Smart Building Solutions

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UnaBiz, an Internet of Things service provider and integrator, recently announced the launch of three innovative solutions targeting the Smart Building sector at BEX Asia 2024. These IoT solutions are designed to automate monitoring, optimise operations, and help building owners meet their sustainability goals by minimising wastage and enhancing efficiency, all while reducing operational and maintenance costs.

 

Designed for modern smart buildings, the lineup includes UnaBiz’s cutting-edge FCU monitoring solution, along with two new offerings from Milesight, UnaBiz’s strategic partner in Smart Building and Facilities Management: advanced energy monitoring and occupancy monitoring solutions.

 

3-in-1 Fan Coil Unit (FCU) Monitoring – UBZ310

The UBZ310 is an innovative 3-in-1 IoT solution engineered to provide real-time data on fan coil air filters, revolutionising maintenance practices in buildings. This advanced system empowers building owners to make informed decisions about filter replacements, significantly reducing maintenance downtime and costs. By optimising maintenance efforts, the UBZ310 not only delivers financial savings but also ensures the health and comfort of building occupants. Equipped with a high-brightness LED and a sensitive lux sensor, it accurately gauges air filter cleanliness, while dual temperature probes assess cooling performance. Additionally, a leak sensor monitors the FCU tray for potential overflows. Early deployments of this 3-in-1 solution have already demonstrated impressive savings of 20 percent to 50 percent.

Energy Monitoring – CT Series

Energy monitoring plays a crucial role in sustainability reporting and the CT series created by Milesight redefines this process with its innovative approach. Unlike traditional systems that are invasive, costly, and require extensive cabling, the CT series offers a non-invasive, wireless solution that is both cost-efficient and easy to implement. It is also self-powered, drawing energy directly from the measured circuit, eliminating the need for batteries.

Occupancy & People Counting – VS Series

The VS Series is another cutting-edge solution created by Milesight. The solution leverages advanced AI algorithms to deliver highly accurate and reliable people counting and occupancy data to help businesses gain precise insights into the utilisation rate of the monitored space, enabling effective management and optimal allocation of resources.

 

Calvin Foo, Director of Ecosystem of UnaBiz Singapore, commented, “UnaBiz’s new IoT solutions leverage advanced sensor technologies to transmit data through either the Sigfox 0G network or LoRaWAN, making it highly adoptable by all existing customers. These wireless battery-operated IoT devices provide building managers with the tools they need to address the growing demand for smarter, more sustainable buildings in Singapore, aligning perfectly with the nation’s vision for a greener, healthier urban environment.”

 

 

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King Living Launches Haven Sofa – The Future of Flexible Design and Comfort

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Experience cloud-like comfort and unmatched flexibility with the Haven Sofa, the latest innovation from Australian furniture designer, King Living. Designed to enable users to reshape its form to suit their comfort needs, the Haven Sofa represents the epitome of contemporary, relaxed style. The Haven Sofa redefines personal comfort with its interchangeable, independently adjustable backrests and armrests. With hidden flex mechanisms, users can effortlessly transition the backrests from a low profile to a high back and adjust each armrest corner with a simple motion.

 

Zara Fong, King Living Designer, explains, “The ability to adjust each armrest and backrest individually ensures that Haven caters to your specific comfort needs. It’s highly intuitive and unique in the King Living Collection.”

 

As a modular design, Haven can be easily rearranged and reconfigured to fit any space. Its flexibility allows the addition of extra modules, creating a larger setting whenever needed.

 

Fong elaborates, “Haven’s intuitive design, combined with modularity, offers a unique adaptability. It can give our customers peace of mind knowing the design is future-proofed to their needs.” Armrests and backrests also fold down to meet the sofa base, creating a convenient daybed.

 

Imagine sinking into a sofa that’s softer than anything you’ve ever experienced. The Haven Sofa’s seat cushions are made from a luxurious next-generation foam, the softest in the King Living Sofa Collection. The foam features multiple layers of density and firmness, creating a sink-in feeling that quickly bounces back to its original shape.

“Our next-generation foam technology perfectly combines softness and resilience. I’d describe it as a cloud-like experience,” Fong shares. “Customers will love this hidden comfort feature.” Incorporating extra-high pocket springs, the Haven Sofa provides exceptional, lasting support.

 

Haven Keystone 260 and Haven Ottoman Haven Lounge Chair and Haven Ottoman

Featuring elements of considered designs King Living is known for, Haven offers ergonomic handholds hidden within cushion backs for ease of movement when creating new configurations. The inclusion of three throw cushions with weighted internal beads creates a luxurious feel and unified look. Designed for longevity, the Haven Sofa features tailored covers that are easily removed or replaced with a new seasonal style. Like all King Living designs, Haven can be customised with a range of premium fabrics to suit any space.

 

“The removable covers not only offer easy maintenance but also allow you to refresh the look of your sofa effortlessly,” says Fong. The King Steel Frame and Postureflex® Seating System ensure durability and comfort, backed by a 25-Year Steel Frame Warranty.

 

“The combination of innovative materials and robust construction guarantees that the Haven Sofa will be a cherished part of your home for years to come,” Fong explains.

 

The Haven Sofa is designed, manufactured, and sold exclusively by King Living, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for quality and exclusivity. Available in King Living Showrooms and online, the Haven Sofa invites you to create a fully personalised comfort experience.

 

 

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Metaroom and DIALux Enhance Efficiency in 3D Modelling for Lighting Design

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

 

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Metaroom by Amrax, a spatial 3D data capture company, has announced a partnership with the world’s largest lighting design software provider DIALux. The tie-up will enable users to send 3D scan data from Amrax’s Metaroom solution directly to DIALux’s planning software. This new feature will be available from mid-September with the release of DIALux evo 13. This allows the fast creation of precise and detailed light plans for each room.

 

Scans* can be made in a matter of minutes on any Apple Pro device with a LiDAR sensor and then instantly imported into DIALux. At this point, users can experiment with scores of different factors to find the most cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, functional and sustainable lighting solution for their space. The partnership between Metaroom and DIALux aims to streamline the spatial design process for professional designers and consequently help to power innovation, sustainable design, and lower costs.

 

The Metaroom app is an advanced 3D scanning app, driven by the power of AI, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) technologies. The tool enables professionals in spatial planning industries to envision and redefine spaces. The Metaroom solution is a workflow consisting of the Metaroom app for capture and Metaroom Studio for optimisation before export. Through the Metaroom app users can scan rooms using an iPhone Pro or iPad Pro*. These scans are then uploaded to the cloud, generating true-to-scale 3D models within seconds. Users can then use the web application, Metaroom Studio, to enrich these 3D models with additional information before exporting, ensuring project-specific customisation and precision.

 

DIALux is the global standard in lighting design software, utilised by over 750,000 active users to design, calculate, and visualise lighting for both indoor and outdoor areas. Featuring real luminaires from over 412 DIALux members, users can create unique atmospheres and generate comprehensive project documentation. Available in 26 languages, DIALux supports a worldwide network of lighting professionals and adheres to the open BIM approach. The integration with Metaroom is also based on open BIM and IFC standards.

 

DIAL always prioritises the needs of lighting designers in its feature development, aiming to streamline their workflows and simplify their tasks. By using Metaroom, lighting designers can save significant time when designing and placing luminaires. Projects can be conveniently downloaded from Metaroom Studio and imported into DIALux. The planning results can then be exported as an IFC model for the Open BIM process or other programs, significantly reducing the workload.

 

Martin Huber, CEO of Amrax, said: “Advances in 3D modelling, software and AI are combining to democratise design. Lighting designers and electrical planners now have access to powerful tools that significantly enhance efficiency, enabling them to serve more customers in less time. This is going to lead to a revolution in how buildings are designed and how we all interact with our built environment.

 

“Partnerships between cutting-edge solutions like Metaroom and DIALux are key to powering this change. By creating an extensive ecosystem of lighting design solutions, we will significantly improve accessibility, reduce costs and bring spatial design to the mainstream.”

 

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Dieter Polle, CEO at DIALux, said: “Simply scan the room with your smartphone and start planning right away. Wouldn’t that be fantastic? By integrating Metaroom into DIALux, this is now possible. The time-consuming task of constructing the geometry before starting the actual lighting design is eliminated. Martin’s team and their solution have convinced us. The integration follows our Open BIM strategy technologically. With this integration, we’ve made life a bit easier for lighting designers.”

 

Over 11.000 Metaroom users, including key players in the lighting, wireless planning and AEC industries, have registered through the Metaroom app and joined the Amrax B2B ecosystem dedicated to spatial design and 3D modelling.

 

*Metaroom app’s scanning functionality is currently compatible with all LIDAR-enabled Apple devices (starting from iPhone 12 Pro and iPad Pro 2020 generation devices). However, you can view or download shared 3D models directly in any web browser through Metaroom Studio. The digital twin is created with the Metaroom app within minutes by using RGB and depth sensors from an iPhone or iPad Pro together with deep-learning neural networks. The accuracy of LiDAR sensors of the iPhone 14 Pro model is at 0.5-1 percent. The recognition range is approximately 5 metres.

 

 

 

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Hitachi to Supply 450 Lifts for Singapore HDB Blocks

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Hitachi, Ltd. announced recently that Hitachi Elevator Asia Pte. Ltd. has been awarded the supply and installation of 450 lifts by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) in Singapore. The project won this time is to supply elevators for high-rise residential buildings to be built from 2027 to 2029 in various public housing areas in the country. This is by far the largest order for Hitachi group’s lifts and escalators in Singapore, surpassing the 300 units ordered for HDB  in 2019*1, 2020*2 and 2022.

 

“We are excited to announce that we have once again been awarded a significant contract. By providing the lifts with the latest technology, we aim to ensure safety, security, and comfort for everyone and look forward to serving and supporting more Singaporeans in the years ahead,” said Siew Yat Hung, Managing Director, Hitachi Elevator Asia.

 

Hitachi Elevator Asia aims to maintain its position within the top 3 in terms of the number of orders received for newly installed lifts in Singapore in the fiscal year 2024, through this project. Leveraging on their Digital, Green and Innovative technologies, Hitachi will continue to provide safe, secure and comfortable lifts as well as escalators for urban living and contribute towards a sustainable society.

 

 

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GROHE SPA unveils “Aquatecture” spaces at Milan Design Week

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Reading Time: 3 minutes
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Throughout history, the symbiotic relationship between nature and culture has significantly influenced art, fashion, and architecture. Aiming to unravel the various dimensions in which nature can serve as a wellspring of inspiration, Milan Design Week was centred around “Materia Natura”. Embracing this theme, the world’s largest annual design event serves as an ideal stage for GROHE SPA, the premium sub-brand of GROHE, a global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. Celebrating the transformative power of water at the impressive Palazzo Reale near the Duomo, GROHE showcases carefully curated bathroom solutions that epitomise new luxury and bespoke quality in a holistic installation.

A tribute to nature and history

Based on the concept of “Aquatecture” – the fusion of water and architecture – the GROHE SPA installation in the courtyard of Palazzo Reale unveils a series of spaces that elevate the significance and importance of water in architecture, and the health and well-being benefits this infusion brings. Conceived by the in-house LIXIL Global Design and Brand Identity team, the “Aquatecture” installation pays tribute to the history of the building, interwoven with the contemporary GROHE SPA “Salus per aquam” concept. Inspired by the former courtyard garden and in synergy with Milan Design Week’s theme “Materia Natura”, it thoughtfully blends nature and architecture to create immersive spaces that reflect the essence of GROHE SPA. These carefully curated spaces echo the former garden, creating sensual areas to reflect, revitalise, and energise.

 

“Through our installation at Palazzo Reale, we reflect the intricate bond between nature and human creativity, intertwining the rich history of the royal palace with the modern ethos of GROHE SPA. Inviting visitors on a sensory journey to deeply experience ‘Salus per aquam’, our ‘Aquatecture’ spaces exhibit the powerful connection of water in architecture. They stand not only as showcases but as inspiration for architects and designers, encouraging collaboration and experimentation,” explains Antoine Besseyre Des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia.

 

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Redefining spa luxury across four tiers

Each “Aquatecture” space represents one of the four tiers that bring GROHE SPA to life. Visitors embark on their immersive journey at the fourth tier that shows industry-leading products to create the ultimate home spa hideaway. Shower solutions like GROHE Rainshower Aqua and the F- Digital Deluxe modules combine timeless elegance with modern technology, using light, steam, sound and smell to delight the senses.

 

In addition, the GROHE Atrio Outdoor Shower provides a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, enabling a stronger connection to nature and the tranquility this brings. Transitioning to the third tier, the spotlight is on the GROHE Colors Collection with the new Satin finish. Offering a luxurious touch and expanded design choices for a personalised look, the new finish is available for GROHE Allure and GROHE Atrio, as well as matching showers and accessories in the colors Satin Steel and Satin Graphite.

 

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The highlight of the second tier is the new GROHE Allure Gravity, available from May 2025. Blending a slim square silhouette with boundless avenues for customisation, the faucet line comes with exchangeable cover plates expertly crafted from glass, mirror or Caesarstone mineral surfaces. GROHE is partnering with Caesarstone, the global pioneer of premium countertop surfaces, to craft cover plates from the brand’s durable surfaces in timeless designs. Culminating the exhibition, the first tier is comprised of the conceptual GROHE Icon 3D collection: The 3D metal-printed products redefine what is possible, while taking sustainable product design with ultimate customisation options to a new level.

 

 

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zipblinds direct Launches Singapore’s First Unmanned Zip Blinds Showroom, Revolutionizing the Shopping Experience with Unbeatable Affordability (1)

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Exciting news awaits homeowners across Singapore as zipblinds direct,  the first 100% online factory-to-home zip blinds company in Singapore, unveils its very first brick-and-mortar showroom at T-Space, Tampines. This whole-new showroom concept, with future plans to incorporate curtains and blinds, marks Singapore’s first unmanned showroom dedicated to zip blinds.

zipblinds direct’s Game Changing E-commerce Strategy and Showroom Concept

Building on its success as a fully e-commerce platform since its launch in 2023, zipblinds direct has effectively bypassed middlemen costs and integrated technology-driven solutions to streamline administrative processes and automate operations. This strategic approach results in significant cost savings, allowing the company to offer quality products at a modest price. Representing a bold step forward, this innovative local brand introduces the revolutionary ‘factory-to-home’ concept in sun-shading products, marking a new era of convenience and accessibility in the market.

This achievement is further bolstered by its proficient backend support team, ensuring efficient and effective online customer assistance. The launch of its unmanned showroom reflects zipblinds direct’s commitment to expanding its business by highlighting product quality while keeping operational costs in check.

zipblinds direct is a subsidiary of mc.2, Singapore’s first smart blinds fashion gallery and one of the largest local zip blinds providers. Leveraging mc.2’s extensive experience in zip blinds production, robust R&D capabilities, advanced manufacturing processes, and experienced team, zipblinds direct is able to offer the most competitive prices without compromising on quality.

Join the Zipblinds direct Revolution and Discover the Difference

The unmanned showroom welcomes visitors daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, offering flexible exploration opportunities by appointment. Upon arrival, guests can effortlessly grab a self-guided brochure, providing concise introductions to each zip blinds model and aiding in navigation. Adorning the walls are clear guides and QR code, seamlessly furnishing visitors with detailed company information, ordering guidance, and access to a comprehensive FAQ page. For additional assistance, a virtual assistant is accessible via QR code on the brochure, ensuring a fully immersive experience.

To obtain the quotation, customers can visit zipblinds direct website calculator and enter their balcony specifications. Upon expressing interest, customers can select their preferred site visit date and time. Following the finalization of the quotation and order confirmation, they will receive a link via email to select their preferred installation date and time. This streamlined process eliminates administrative hurdles, providing customers with an effortless experience and cost savings.

“In a market where entrenched technologies often come with high costs due to layers of middlemen and administrative overhead, zipblinds direct stands out by offering a solution that eliminates unnecessary expenses.” says Mr. Wilson Chew, founder of mc.2 and zipblinds direct. “Our streamlined approach bypasses repetitive human labor costs, ensuring that customers receive the lowest possible cost for their zip blinds without compromising in quality. Recognizing the demand for sustainability products in the market, we incorporated the spring system into our zip blinds, leading to the founding of zipblinds direct to cater to this specific need.”

Revolutionizing How Singaporeans Shop for Zip Blinds

The launch of this unmanned showroom transcends traditional retail paradigms, offering a host of advantages to customers:

  • Ultimate Convenience: zipblinds direct’s unmanned showroom empowers customers to explore and discover their ideal zip blinds at their convenience. Each visitor will be given a one-time pin code to enter the showroom during the operating hours. Simply scan the QR code displayed at the door to receive the one-time pin.
  • Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the overhead costs associated with brick-and-mortar showrooms, zipblinds direct can channel all these savings directly to customers, ensuring unbeatable prices without compromising quality. Moreover, zipblinds direct eliminates all middleman costs by selling directly to the end consumer. This approach further enhances cost efficiency and value for their customers.
  • Empowerment through Choice: The unmanned showroom allows customers to explore all the blinds selections at their own pace, tailoring their selections to their individual preferences.
  • R&D in Singapore, Installed with Care: A point of pride for zipblinds direct is that all zip blinds undergo research and development in Singapore. Furthermore, all products are installed by a team of highly skilled technicians who hold the customer’s best interest and product quality in high regard. This approach ensures that every installation is executed with precision and excellence, providing customers with not only affordability but also utmost reliability.
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LG Named 2024 Energy Star Partner of the Year

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LG Electronics has been named 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner  of the Year-Sustained Excellence by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.  Department of Energy. This honour recognizes LG’s exemplary commitment to fighting climate  change and protecting the environment through leadership in ENERGY STAR certified products and promotions. This marks the 11th time since 2012 that LG has been named Partner of the Year.

“ENERGY STAR supports LG’s ‘Innovation for a Better Life’ brand mission, which means  creating a better life for people and a better future for our planet through smart life solutions,”  said Chris Jung, president and CEO, of LG Electronics North America. “2023 marked an  inflection point for LG’s strategy to help drive the electrification movement across America with  ENERGY STAR certified products – from heat-pump-enabled HVAC systems, water heaters and  clothes dryers to induction cooktops and EV chargers, as well as energy storage and management  systems – all enabling broader decarbonisation goals.”

The EPA recognized LG for its robust participation in various ENERGY STAR campaigns and  promotions, helping to educate tens of millions of American consumers about greener living with  LG and ENERGY STAR, driving a record 8.3 billion consumer impressions. The 2024 Partner  of the Year award recognises a number of key LG ENERGY STAR accomplishments last year.

LG was the first to certify induction cooktops and ranges to the new ENERGY STAR cooking  specification finalised in October 2023. LG also was ENERGY STAR Partner to certify  dishwashers to the ENERGY STAR Version 7 specification, and all new models earned the  “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2023” designation.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan congratulated LG and other ENERGY STAR award  winners for “innovation and leadership in delivering cost-effective energy-efficient solutions that  create jobs, address climate change, and contribute to a healthier environment for all.” He said,  “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda creates an unprecedented opportunity to build a  clean energy economy, and private sector partners through programs like ENERGY STAR are  leading the way.”

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honours a select group of businesses and  organizations that have made outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and the transition to  a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production,  sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These  efforts have saved more than 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity over the past 30 years.

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Acousticork by Amorim Underscreeds Have a Negative Carbon Balance

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A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study conducted by Itecons confirms that Acousticork by Amorim U36 and U38 floor mats have a negative carbon balance. These innovative solutions, produced by Amorim Cork Composites, contribute to the performance of the flooring solutions where they are applied, in terms of acoustic insulation and thermal comfort, while at the same time improving air quality.

 

According to the study conducted by Itecons, Acousticork U36 and U38 underscreeds have a negative carbon balance of -13.6 kg CO₂ eq/ m2 and -24.5 kg CO₂ eq/ m2, respectively.  This means that the carbon sequestered by the cork oak forest, associated with the cork used in these products, is greater than the CO₂ emissions resulting from their production.

 

The Life Cycle Assessment study of the Acousticork U36 and U38 floor mats was conducted by Itecons, in order to determine the environmental impact of the U36 [6/3], U36 [8/4], U38 [12/6] and U38 [17/8] floor mats produced by Amorim Cork Composites. Two Environmental Product Declarations were thereby obtained, which are available in the EPD system.

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This study considered the following life cycle modules: Extraction and processing of raw materials (A1), Transport to the factory (A2), Production (A3) and End of life (C1-C4). The LCA study was conducted in accordance with international standards EN ISO 14040, EN ISO 14044 and EN 15804, as well as the requirements specified in the RCP (Rules for Product Categorisation) documents.

 

The study also calculated the carbon balance of these products, using a methodology supplied by Amorim Cork Composites, which takes into account both the carbon sequestered by the cork oak forest and the GHG emissions from the production stage, calculated using the methodology of the EN 15804 standard.

 

Acousticork U36 and U38 underscreeds are made from circular economy materials and cork – a 100% natural, reusable and recyclable raw material. They offer high performance and impact resistance, enabling greater durability over time. They are therefore quality options for customers seeking to achieve a balance between performance and environmental sustainability.

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The study’s results reinforce Corticeira Amorim’s position in terms of developing a business activity that promotes the conservation of ecosystems and climate regulation since it offers customers products with CO2  sequestration levels that are higher than the emissions associated with their production, as well as offering an alternative to synthetic-based solutions, thereby minimising dependence on the use of fossil fuels. These results also reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the constant search for solutions that benefit both the environment and customers.