The update to the LEED green building certification program has passed member ballot. LEED 2009, passed on Nov. 14, will be introduced next year as the next major evolution of the existing LEED rating systems for commercial buildings.

United States Gypsum is making an additional capacity reduction of approximately one billion square feet from its wallboard manufacturing network and closing two other plants, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission report filed on Nov. 17.

Industrial Specialty Contractors, of Baton Rouge, La., has signed a National Training Service Agreement with the National Center for Construction Education and Research to contribute funds for workforce development and recruitment initiatives.

Simonton Windows is donating energy-efficient windows to the ABC television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Three projects are currently underway. Homes in Illinois, Connecticut and Kansas will feature the company’s windows. 

The 2008 Greenbuild International Conference & Expo featured the first-ever Green Homebuilder’s Day. The residentially focused program was held Nov. 20 and included a panel session moderated by Kevin O’Connor, host of the PBS program This Old House.

The new venture will initially cater to existing homeowners in Central Texas who want to reduce home energy demands and utility bills, lessen home maintenance costs and increase the comfort of their home.

The following advertisers were announced as winners of Walls & Ceilings August 2008 AdScore Readership Study.

Powers Fasteners has announced that Stephen B. Powers, of Greenwich, Conn., died October 5, at age 45. He is survived by his wife Christina; two daughters, Alexis and Sydney; mother

The International Code Council voted to adopt structural insulated panels with polyurethane cores into the 2009 International Residential Code at the Final Action Hearings in Minneapolis.

Mast-climbing manufacturer Hydro Mobile announced that TNT Equipment will no longer distribute Hydro Mobile equipment.