ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — Warren Wilson College, the only college or university in North Carolina with a LEED Gold Certified Building, now has a second Gold building on its campus.

The Village South residence hall, part of a two-building, 80-bed community that opened in August 2006, becomes the first dormitory in the state to achieve LEED certification. LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council that sets standards for the “design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.”

Designed and built with extensive input from students, the Village features apartment-style dorms and an arts-and-crafts, environmentally responsible design. The LEED Gold rating certifies that Village South meets several green building criteria, including benchmarks for energy and water conservation; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and waste send to landfills; and indoor environmental quality. The adjacent Village North dorm also seems likely to achieve LEED Gold, as its design is identical to Village South.

Village South follows in the green footsteps of the Doug and Darcy Orr Cottage, which houses the Warren Wilson College admission and advancement offices. In 2006, Orr Cottage became the second building of any type in North Carolina to achieve LEED Gold certification. By the end of this year, the college hopes to have a total of five LEED certified buildings, including the EcoDorm for which it is seeking Platinum certification – the loftiest LEED rating.

Eco Zen Boutique focuses on balancing style and sustainability by handpicking each product line according to the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. All products at ecozenboutique.com are organic, fair trade, recycled, reclaimed or otherwise sustainable providing a simplified shopping experience for a growing segment of fashion- and eco-conscious consumers.

“You don’t have to sacrifice style to make a difference. It takes each of us doing just a little more to make a big change collectively. If you have a choice, why not buy the product that causes the least harm to the environment, to the people who made it and to your own body?” said boutique owner Tandy Stepp. “It’s easy going green if you start small. The next time you need to replace your mascara, mineral foundation, eye shadow or lipstick, try one of our organic, paraben-free, non animal tested products by Afterglow Cosmetics. The flattering color palette is not only beautiful but does not contain harmful ingredients like most off the shelf make-up does today.”

Bamboo, organic cotton, hemp, flax, soy, cashmere, tencel and other natural fibers grown and produced without synthetic chemicals grace the labels of clothing carried at Eco Zen Boutique. Recycled and reclaimed materials are fabulously reincarnated as handbags made of rubber inner tubes or salvaged industrial felt, earrings made of glass from soda, beer, wine and champagne bottles and shoes made of car and bicycle tires.

Green gift giving is simple at Eco Zen Boutique. “In addition to a growing selection of eco-friendly products, we also have e-gift certificates, a green gift registry and gift wrap printed with soy inks on recycled paper by CrinkleCo. Green gifts are perfect for weddings, showers, birthdays, anniversaries or any occasion for that special person in your life who wants to make the earth a better place,” said Stepp.

Current eco labels featured at Eco Zen Boutique include: Afterglow Cosmetics, Blue Canoe, CrinkleCo, Ecolution, English Retreads, Everybody Green Bracelets, Josh Jakus, miYim Simply Organic Toys, Of The Earth, Smart Glass Recycled Jewelry, Sublet Clothing and Tees for Change. Price tags on gifts and apparel range from $5 to $250. Shipping is free for domestic orders over $75.

Through its alliance with 1% For The Planet, Eco Zen boutique contributes 1% of company sales to environmental organizations. “We also contribute to Carbonfund.org in order to offset our carbon footprint and to support their alternative energy and reforestation projects,”said Tandy Stepp. “We’re proud to offer carbon neutral shipping for every order with no added cost to our customers.”

“Eco Zen Boutique offers a great selection of eco-friendly products, and a strong commitment to the environment,” said Eric Carlson, executive director of Carbonfund.org. “We’re thrilled to help them go CarbonFree through our highly successful CarbonFree Partner Program.”

Japanese electronics maker Sanyo Electric Co. said Wednesday it will invest 80 billion yen ($769 million) to expand production by 2015 of such batteries, with plans to start mass producing them in a Japanese plant by next year, making 15,000 to 20,000 batteries a year.

The deal with Volkswagen, announced Wednesday, follows a 2006 agreement between Sanyo and Volkswagen agreed to work together in nickel metal hydride batteries, now used in most gas-electric hybrids like Toyota’s Prius.

Many major automakers — including General Motors Corp. as well as Nissan Motor Co. — are rushing to perfect the technology for hybrids, electric vehicles and other “green” cars. As gas prices soar, such cars are becoming increasingly attractive to consumers.

Concerns about ecology and global warming, as well as strict regulations in the U.S., Europe and other regions are pressuring companies to develop fuel-efficient vehicles.

Sanyo already provides nickel metal hydride batteries for Ford Motor Co., which makes the Escape hybrid, and Honda Motor Co., which makes the Civic hybrid.

“Our focus in future will be directed more strongly at making electrically powered automobiles alongside ones driven by more efficient combustion engines,” Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said in Germany. “This cooperation is an important step for us.”

Lithium-ion batteries, now widely used in laptops and other gadgets, are more powerful and can be smaller than nickel metal hydride batteries, promising potential to power future ecological cars. Volkswagen said it hopes to use lithium-ion batteries by 2010.

In March, Volkswagen showed its Golf TDI Hybrid design study, which combined high-tech-diesel and an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption.

The agreement between VW and Sanyo does not involve producing batteries at a jointly run plant.
But Sanyo will speed up development of lithium-ion batteries for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, with hopes to start mass production by 2011, the company said in a statement.

Plug-in hybrids travel longer distances as an electric vehicle because they plug into a home outlet socket. Hybrids deliver better mileage than comparable regular cars by switching between a gas engine and an electric motor.

On Tuesday, Toyota Motor Corp. announced it was making its third battery plant with a joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. to make batteries for hybrids. The plants all make nickel metal hydride batteries, and Toyota has not given details of its lithium-ion battery production plans.

Nissan’s joint venture with electronics maker NEC Corp. is scheduled to start mass-producing lithium-ion batteries in 2009 at a plant in Japan. Nissan is promising to start selling electric vehicles in the U.S. and Japan in 2010, as well as its own hybrid the same year.

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As part of its commitment to address global climate change, Citi announced that it is the first company to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) pre-certification for a retail commercial interior prototype through a pilot U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) program.

New CitiFinancial branches in Austin, Texas, and Flint, Mich., and the Citibank financial center in Warrington, Penn., are the first Citi branches to be certified in this pilot program. An additional 27 CitiFinancial and Citibank branches were designed with the same features and are in the process of pursuing LEED certification.

“This is part of our approach to embed sustainable business practices throughout our operations — from our buildings to the supply chain to information technology,” said Kevin Kessinger, Chief Operations & Technology Officer. “For Citi, green business is good business. It is an important part of being a responsible corporate citizen and operating the business efficiently.”

The USGBC Portfolio Program, currently in pilot phase, focuses on the permanent integration of green building and operational measures — portfolio-wide — into the standard business practices of companies and organizations. The Portfolio Program recognizes market leaders who have committed to and achieved high levels of LEED certification within their portfolio.

“Citi is a true market leader in green building,” said USGBC’s Market Development Vice President Doug Gatlin. “And they should be commended for their achievement. By participating in the Portfolio Program pilot, Citi is taking action to rapidly implement green building practices across its portfolio to directly address global environmental challenges. The program is a tremendous step forward in our fight to slow climate change and reduce energy dependence.”

The new CitiFinancial and Citibank branches use less energy and water and include environmentally friendly features, such as:

* low-flow plumbing fixtures
* energy-efficient office equipment
* lights that automatically turn off when rooms are unoccupied
* carpet, desks, seating, fabrics and cabinetry made from recycled materials
* furniture, finishes and construction materials that meet stringent indoor air quality emissions tests
* Green e-certified power to provide 50% of the electrical load at the Citibank branches for at least two years

Citi is committed to achieving environmental certification globally for all new office buildings and operations centers and to evaluate existing larger facilities as a critical part of Citi’s pledge to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 10% by 2011. Last October, Citi reached a significant milestone in its green building program by earning its first LEED certification for its newly constructed office parks in Irving and Las Colinas, Texas, and has since been awarded LEED Gold certification for a new 15-story skyscraper in New York City at Two Court Square in Queens. In addition, Citi has registered several additional projects, including new data centers in Texas and Frankfurt, Germany, with the USGBC to pursue LEED certification.

Take a Virtual Branch Tour

To take an online, virtual tour of a LEED-certified branch, go to http://www.citigroup.com/citigroup/press/2008/080529a.htm.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi’s major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Nikko. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL), a leading provider of end-to-end information management solutions and services for local governments, announced plans for a real estate investment that will create a major new Class A office development in Lubbock. The company has purchased approximately seven acres of land and is set to construct two 75,000 square-feet, three-story office buildings at the southwest corner of Chicago Avenue and 53rd Street. Tyler’s strong growth and success in the marketplace have led to significant expansion of its operations in Lubbock. This development signifies Tyler’s commitment to continued growth in the area, as well as its commitment to provide its employees with a state of the art working environment.

“Since the early 1980’s, Tyler Technologies’ INCODE division has made a home for itself in Lubbock and has experienced tremendous growth and success,” said Tyler Technologies Executive Vice President Dustin R. Womble. “A skilled and technically sophisticated workforce, strengthened by the impressive resources available from Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University, make Lubbock an attractive business location for Tyler, and a place where we intend to continue to expand our nationally focused operations.”

Construction on the first of the new buildings will begin in September of this year. Tyler Technologies will consolidate its Lubbock based workforce, which currently numbers approximately 200 employees, in the new building from three separate facilities across the city. The initial new building will house up to 350 employees, providing Tyler with space to accommodate planned long-term growth. Plans for the site include a twin second building which would be occupied by other tenants or provide space for long term expansion by Tyler.

The design of the new office building will be reminiscent of the architectural style of Texas Tech University’s campus and constructed of architectural panels, masonry and glass with a clay tile roof. The new office buildings will be the largest commercial green buildings in Lubbock and are designed to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a third party participation program and the nationally recognized benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The buildings’ many green components will include:

* Integrated building energy management system
* Recycled construction debris and materials
* Regionally extracted and manufactured building components
* Alternative refrigerants
* Non odorous and irritating indoor construction materials
* Climate-specific, drought resistant plants
* Parking for low emitting & fuel efficient vehicles
* Automatic, solar powered faucets

“Tyler Technologies has been an important part of Lubbock for many years, providing local jobs and opportunities for citizens, students and recent graduates,’” said LEDA Director of Business Retention Kenny McKay. “Companies like Tyler Technologies recognize that an investment in Lubbock not only makes good business sense but also helps grow a community rich in history and technical talent.’”

A press conference is scheduled for May 12 at 10:00 a.m. CDT and will be held on the 15th floor of the Lubbock Club at the Wells Fargo Bank Building. The conference will feature representatives from Tyler including Corporate Executive Vice President Dustin Womble, as well as Tyler’s INCODE Division President Brett Cate, and Vice President of Development Sandy Peters. Kenny McKay, Director of Business Retention for LEDA will also participate.

For more information or to attend the press conference, please contact Ashley Johnson (Ashley@vollmerpr.com)/(972) 488-4790 at VOLLMER PR.

About Tyler Technologies

Based in Dallas, Tyler Technologies is a leading provider of end-to-end information management solutions and services for local governments. Tyler partners with clients to make local government more accessible to the public, more responsive to needs of citizens, and more efficient. Tyler’s client base includes more than 7,000 local government offices throughout all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Tyler employs approximately 1,800 professionals nationwide and has been named one of America’s 200 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine and one of America’s 100 Most Trustworthy Companies by Audit Integrity, an independent research firm. Tyler’s Lubbock-based INCODE division develops, implements and supports a broad line of integrated software applications which are used by local governments to manage their daily operations. These applications span the needs of financial management, public safety, municipal courts, public works and building permits. More information about Tyler Technologies can be found at www.tylertech.com.

Tyler Technologies, Inc. has included in this press release “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning its business and operations. Tyler Technologies expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations. These expectations and the related statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which forward-looking statements are subject to include, but are not limited to, changes in competition, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the budgets and regulatory environments of the Company’s customers, risks associated with the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products, the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ATLANTA - Internap Network Services Corporation (NASDAQ: INAP), a global provider of end-to-end Internet business solutions, announced today plans to add approximately 15,000 square feet of colocation at a new stand alone 45,000 square foot facility adjacent to its existing Boston data center. The expansion helps the company meet strong customer demand for its bundled Internet solutions. The first phase of completion will become available in the fourth quarter of this year.

Infrastructure plans will allow Internap to provide a maximum amount of power and cooling to support a customer’s high-density solutions. This new facility will also take advantage of more environmentally friendly technologies, including ultrasonic humidification, air economizers and circuit level power monitoring, all designed to provide a less energy intensive solution, as compared to previous generations of data centers.

The Boston expansion also provides access to Internap’s Performance IP and Content Delivery Network (CDN) product offerings. These premium Internet connectivity and content delivery services enable customers to deploy next-generation Internet applications such as video and rich media.

“This initiative is part of our strategic plan to enhance data center offerings in key markets” said James P. DeBlasio, chief executive officer of Internap. “With this expansion in Boston, Internap now has its ninth owned facility and a total of 43 colocation service points, demonstrating our commitment to serving our customers’ growth requirements now and in the future.”

Chevron’s new building, Northpark, is located in St. Tammany Parish and will serve as headquarters for Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit (GOMBU). GOMBU manages Chevron’s offshore exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas located off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas and Alabama.

“Northpark is LEED-ing the way for Chevron as the company’s first commercial LEED registered building, and we are proud that it is certified gold” said Melody B. Meyer, vice president, GOMBU. “Northpark is highly technology enabled to support real-time operations for our Gulf of Mexico shelf and deepwater production centers.”

Chevron’s new building supports the company’s long-standing commitment to the Gulf Coast and the state of Louisiana. Northpark is located in a parklike setting, and the 300,000-square foot office building provides a safe, healthy and productive workplace for up to 750 people. Northpark includes 18 technology-enabled team rooms and Asset Decision Environments that link Chevron’s offshore and onshore personnel in order to enhance innovation, concentration and collaboration. The building has an open work environment (including outdoor work areas), a pavilion, an energy center with state-of the-art conference center, fitness center and a cafeteria.

Chevron has approximately 3,000 employees and contractors in the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the largest producers of crude oil and natural gas on the Gulf of Mexico shelf. The company also has facilities in Lafayette, Venice, Leeville, and Intracoastal City, La., and in Picayune, Miss.

NORCO, Calif. - In the constantly evolving building industry, there is more pressure than ever for builders to adhere to green-building standards and to qualify for The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System project points.

To easily make at least one aspect of a builder’s project eco-friendly, Quick Crete Products Corp., a national leader in the precast concrete industry, has created Ecocast, made from 70% post consumer and industrial waste.

The result of extensive research and development, Ecocast is a mix of Recycled Aggregates and other green construction materials such as pozzolans, meeting the strict standards required to help builders achieve LEED project points.

“We are absolutely committed to creating sustainable-building solutions for our customers, as well as for the environment” said Rick Crook, CEO of Quick Crete Products Corp.

Utilizing a high quality Type 111 cement conforming to current ASTM standard specifications, this formula produces an average compressive strength of 5000 P.S.I. in 28 days. Grade 60 rebar, rated at 80,900 P.S.I. tensile strength, reinforces each product.

Ecocast can be used in a vast array of projects from luxury hotel facades to perimeter security protection. Quick Crete’s website, www.quickcrete.com, has a detailed description of the resource-saving mix and how it can benefit the environment.

LOS ANGELES - Green Media Enterprises (GME) today unveiled the initial renderings produced by sustainable architect Eric Lloyd Wright for the upcoming installation - “Sustainable Living Spaces Inspired by Eric Lloyd Wright” - which will hold center stage at the upcoming Green West Expo. This interactive display of green rooms will be located on the show floor at Green West scheduled May 20-22, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (tickets are available at the door or through www.greenwestexpo.com). Collaborating on the project are Mr. Lloyd Wright’s associates Hannah Wear and Kevin Parkhurst, also principles of Design Integration Group (DIG), along with a list of other vendors including Bradco Kitchen & Baths, Eco- Partners, Cisco Brothers Furniture, Whole Foods, Sub Zero, Discover Flooring, Go Green Construction, Michael Levy Plumbing, Pixcel Organics, Nana Walls, and more.

“We are thrilled to have Eric Lloyd Wright inspire this unique feature at our events” said Diane O’Connor, President of Green Media Enterprises. “Mr. Lloyd Wright’s focus on the use of natural and non toxic materials and alternative construction and energy systems represents the best in sustainable architecture. Putting this innovative display on the show floor at Green West and Green East is yet another way we are working to foster a completely interactive experience for our visitors, our exhibitors, and our speakers.”

“I am excited to be working with Green Media Enterprises, Hannah Wear and Kevin Parkhurst, and the incredible team of green suppliers collaborating on this project” said Eric Lloyd Wright. “Eric Lloyd Wright Architecture and Planning is committed to the continuing evolution of organic architecture just as Green Media Enterprises is committed to providing a dynamic trade show experience for the rapidly evolving green marketplace. Collaborating on this project is an excellent way to display green building concepts for the creative architectural and building communities in Los Angeles and New York.”

A visitor admission ticket to Green West includes access to the full spectrum of exhibits, conference panels, exhibitor product presentations, special events (including the Eric Lloyd Wright inspired conceptual rooms), keynote addresses, and unique networking opportunities. Daily Q & A Sessions are scheduled with the designers and architect at 3 PM at the installation space itself.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Green Depot (www.greendepot.com), the Brooklyn-based supplier of environmentally friendly, green building materials, green products as well as green living services and solutions, today announced it will begin construction on a new flagship consumer showroom in Manhattan on May 1. Green Depot Manhattan will take over the ground floor space in the building that was The 1885 Young Men’s Institute at 222 Bowery between Prince and Spring and will open in November 2008.

The showroom, Green Depot’s sixth and largest, will boast more than 3,000 square feet of retail space and will serve Manhattan’s vast consumer population interested in green living and in easier access to green products and building materials, housewares and sustainable living concepts. The space will also accommodate Green Depot’s significant professional and commercial customer base in the borough and will include a resource and design center where Green Depot staff will work with customers to find green building materials that are cost-efficient and easily adaptable into their construction or renovation projects. Green Depot has enlisted the architecture and design services of Mapos LLC to re-fashion the space at 222 Bowery and anticipates LEED-platinum or gold certification for this exciting new green living experience space.

“Green Depot Manhattan marks a significant expansion for our company as well as a fundamental recognition of the growing effort amongst customers to make healthier and more eco-friendly living choices” explained Green Depot founder and CEO Sarah Beatty. “Green Depot is proud and poised to provide green living solutions that are easy, accessible, affordable and gratifying.”

GREEN DEPOT AT GO GREEN EXPO 2008:

Green Depot will enjoy a large presence at this year’s Go Green Expo at the Hilton New York on Apr. 26 and 27. Sarah Beatty, founder and CEO, as well as other key Green Depot executives will be available for interviews and photo opportunities. Please contact Christian-Philippe Quilici at the number below with any such requests.

President and CEO of Electron Solar Energy Christopher Quinn, said, “We developed this new hardware to address the needs of our fast growing customer base located in the Caribbean. Residential and Commercial market sales are continually on the rise in the Caribbean Islands. Our new hardware is designed to make the installation of our solar energy kits quick, easy, and cost effective for our customers. Our customers can order from us and have their installation completed within days.”

Quinn added, “By providing an end-to-end solution for solar energy, including manufacturing as many kit components as possible, we expect to not only boost our profits, but also provide value added to our customers. With time saving innovations like this new bracket system, we can outsell our competitors and build our customer base. Our business plan is to vertically integrate ourselves wherever possible in order to improve our operating margins and lower our acquisition cost. These improvements serve to ease cash flow, and fund continued rapid growth. Moreover this manufacturing process can be adapted for the products to function not just in the Caribbean, but anywhere in the world, as demand requires.”

About Electron Solar Energy

Electron Solar Energy, based in Miami, Florida, is engaged in the international distribution of alternative energy systems. The Company’s turnkey solutions provide solar and wind energy generation, as well as energy storage systems sold B2B and B2C worldwide. The Company also sells a proprietary line of sealed batteries, inverters, converters, Solar Panels, Related components, and gas and diesel fuel generators. For more information on the Company, visit www.electronsolarenergy.com.

The 3.1 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol facility will be delivered in a joint effort with MECS and Brinderson. Brinderson will provide the detailed engineering and construction, while MECS will provide the front-end engineering, design package and expertise in the sulfuric acid industry.

“BlueFire has assessed the design and construction industry for a suitable partner to integrate into our deployment plan for our biorefineries” said Arnold Klann, president and CEO of BlueFire. “It was obvious that Brinderson complements the capabilities of MECS and brings final engineering and construction services to our team.”

The April 14th agreement represents the release of Brinderson for final engineering and construction for BlueFire’s Lancaster facility. It complements the release of long-lead-time purchase orders necessary for the construction of the Lancaster facility.

James Harris, president of Brinderson, stated, “Brinderson is pleased to be able to work with BlueFire towards the deployment of its innovative technology. We have a long record of successful project engineering and construction and we pride ourselves on both our EPC capabilities and safety record.”

The Lancaster biorefinery will be the first commercial scale roll-out of BlueFire Ethanol’s proprietary Concentrated Acid Hydrolysis process.

BlueFire Ethanol is one of six ethanol companies awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to construct ethanol production facilities. Unlike remote corn ethanol production plants, BlueFire’s biorefineries will be located in markets with the highest demand for ethanol. This dramatically reduces delivery costs and increases biofuels supply, while providing a unique waste-processing technology that helps cities better manage the problem of overflowing landfills.

About Brinderson

Brinderson is an integrated professional service company offering engineering, construction and maintenance to a broad range of energy related industries including petroleum (upstream and downstream), power generation and distribution, manufacturing, alternative fuels and renewable energy. www.Brinderson.com.

About BlueFire Ethanol Fuels

BlueFire Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was established to deploy a commercially ready, patented, and proven Concentrated Acid Hydrolysis Technology Process for the profitable conversion of cellulosic (”Green Waste”) waste materials to ethanol, a viable alternative to gasoline. BlueFire is the only cellulose-to-ethanol company worldwide with demonstrated production of ethanol from urban trash (post-sorted MSW), rice and wheat straws, wood waste and other agricultural residues. www.BlueFireEthanol.com