RPG Continually Evolving
The RPG monthly effusor Newsletter introduces new products and services and highlights recent projects. If you are receiving this Newsletter for the first time, here is a link to all previous issues online.

RPG is committed to the goals of the USGBC and with Greenbuild scheduled for November 11-13th in Pheonix, AZ we decided to focus this issue on RPG's approach to using sustainable ingredients in our products to provide LEED credits. At RPG we manufacture fire-rated sound diffusing and absorbing products in accordance with USGBC guidlines. As an example, a LEED scorecard is shown for our Topakustik sound absorbing wood products. Wood products can be provided with recycled content, no added formaldehyde, low VOC Greenguard approved adhesives and coatings and FSC cores and veneers. CMU products can be recycled. Absorptive fiberglass is now available with no phenols, formaldehyde or acrylics in the binder and fabrics can be provided using recycled polyesters.

LEED for Schools
International studies have all pointed to a need to improve the acoustical environment in our schools. In 2002, members of the Acoustical Society of America created a document enshrined as ANSI 12.60, which specifies standards for a variety of acoustical parameters. To help in understanding ANSI 12.60, a summary is provided. This document was adopted by the USGBC and recently modified in Leed for Schools. Not all provisions were included, so we recommend adherence to the original ANSI standard. RPG specializes in Modern School Acoustics and offers an informative white paper which can be downloaded from our FTP site ftp://ftp.rpginc.com/Modern School Acoustics, username: rpgtemp, password: rpgtemp.

LEED Project Example: Lowes Customer Service Center, Mooresville, NC
This project is an expansion that consists of two 7-level corporate office towers totaling 738,000 square feet. RPG provided Topakustik and Topperfo panels in several different areas of the building, including corridors, conference areas, and boardrooms. The material provided was required to have no-added formaldehyde MDF cores, as well as FSC Certified American Cherry veneers. The panels were finished with a custom stain to match other millwork on the project. The installation areas utilized a removable grid system and integrated HVAC diffusers and lighting. The architect was LS3P.

Sustainable Noise and Vibration Products
RPG's roll out isolation floor system utilizes a polyester mat and elastomers with significant recycled content. RPG's convoluted mats are made from recycled car and truck tires.

Recycled, Fiber-free, Transparent, Microslit Sound Absorber
RPG's range of fiber-free, light-transmitting sound absorbers includes microperforated and microslit options. The Deamp microslit panel is available in thicknesses ranging from 2 to 15 mm in recycled PETG for a sustainable, noise supression option.