By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Miele Improves Sustainability in G7000 Dishwashers: Premium appliance manufacturer Miele introduced enhanced sustainability features in its G7000 series dishwashers at KBIS. Among them are precise detergent dispensing, a new basket design to clean reusable bottles and straws, quieter operation and more. The models feature energy-efficient and water-conserving technologies and will be available this summer. Learn more about Miele’s sustainability efforts here.
Coverings Curates Sustainable Lineup: The Coverings Show, slated for April 22-25 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, will feature sustainability-centric show activities to commemorate Earth Day on the expo’s opening day. Among the activations are numerous environmental educational sessions committed to sustainable design, building and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone, reducing carbon footprints, building for health and wellness and the new-for-2024 Coverings Cares program underscoring the show’s commitment to supporting green initiatives. Learn more here.
ENERGY STAR® Winners Announced: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revealed its 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence award winners, who will be celebrated on April 25 in Washington, DC. The agency’s highest honor recognizes an ongoing commitment to energy efficiency. Among 211 winners, these NKBA members earned honors: Beko USA, Bosch Home Appliances, Electrolux, GE Lighting, LG, Panasonic Eco Systems, True Residential, Samsung Electronics, Ferguson, Nationwide Marketing Group, The Home Depot and Schneider Electric. More info here.
Home Depot Bolsters Pro Business: Strengthening service to trade professionals, The Home Depot will acquire SRS Distribution for $18.25 billion. The deal is expected to close by year end and could add $8 billion in revenue from the critical pro contractor, remodeler and renovator segment, said Zonda principal Todd Tomalak. SRS operates across verticals including roofing, pool builders and landscapers. The acquisition will help The Home Depot serve these specialty contractors and cater to whole projects. Builder Online has more.
Quartzite Seminar in NJ: NKBA Member Ohm International, an importer and wholesaler of natural stone, quartz/quartzite and porcelain products, will host a free seminar with geologist/natural stones technologist Abiliane DeAndrade, Ph.D., on April 18, 5 pm, at OHM Monroe, 195 Prospect Plains Road, Monroe Township, NJ. The evening will include wine and snacks and discuss natural stone quarrying, how stone is formed, distinguishing quartz from quartzite and more. All NKBA members are invited to attend. More info here.
Industry News
February Housing Indicators Spike: Residential construction remains robust, as February 2024 housing starts jumped 10.7 percent over January, and rose 5.9 percent from February 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Looking ahead, building permits issued in February were up by 1.9 percent monthly and 2.4 percent year-over-year. Mortgage applications for new home purchases surged 15.7 percent, YOY, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Chapter Updates
A Colorful Evening in Michigan: Join the Michigan State Chapter for a CEU session, “Color’s Impact on the 17 Elements + Principles of Design,” on April 25, 5 to 7 pm, at MSI Detroit, 30150 Wixom Road in Wixom, MI. Presenter Kathryn Grube, MID, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, will explore how color stimulates the five senses, how the eight principles and nine elements of design work with color, and how color impacts mood, ambience and function in interiors. Register here.
