Month: April 2025

The Innovative Facility will Support Marine Research and Engineering

MONTEREY BAY, Calif., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — McCarthy Building Companies, in collaboration with Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and Flad Architects, is proud to announce the completion of a 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art robotic technology lab, the Instrumentation Integration and Testing Facility, designed to support MBARI’s evolving marine science and engineering programs.

This landmark project, nestled in the complex coastal environment of Moss Landing, CA, required innovative construction techniques and unique solutions to overcome site challenges and ensure both durability and functionality for years to come.

“Through our work with MBARI, McCarthy has built a facility that not only achieves MBARI’s goals but also respects the surrounding coastal environment,” said Ephraim Bahiru, McCarthy Vice President of Operations. “The substantial laboratory space enhances research capabilities, while our mindful approach—minimizing disruption, protecting environmental spaces, and maintaining community access—reflects our dedication to balancing innovative construction practices with environmentally-considerate solutions.”

The success of the project ultimately stemmed from these innovative solutions, including the creation of a reverse forming system to stabilize sand before pouring the foundation and enhanced slab-on-grade reinforcement to support the large crane required to move the over 20,000-pound wall-forming panels for the board form concrete walls, which was self-performed by McCarthy.

This achievement was made possible through a collaborative approach, leveraging strong local relationships with craft and trade partners to execute the plan seamlessly and without safety incidents. As a locally based builder, McCarthy takes pride in deep-rooted connections within the community and ensures every project is delivered with care and expertise.

“This project embodies the intersection of sustainable innovation and advanced construction practices,” said Susan Seastone, Flad Architects Associate Principal and Project Manager. “Together, we have created a facility that supports MBARI’s mission and will withstand the coastal elements by integrating leading-edge stormwater management, environmentally friendly bird deterrent systems, and corrosive resilient materials.”

The new facility expands MBARI’s capacity for developing cutting-edge technology to study the ocean. The building houses both research and engineering laboratories with a high bay equipped with an overhead crane for loading, offloading, and servicing research instruments for deployment. Additional building elements include office space, conference rooms, a break room, and a multimedia room, which will be used to share research findings with internal and external groups.

Key design and construction features of the facility include:

• Resilient, Sustainable Materials: To combat corrosion from salt exposure, non-corrosive materials such as 304 stainless-steel fiberglass door frames, and cement roof tiles were utilized, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance.
• Stormwater Management Systems: A bio-retention and stormwater infiltration system was designed to allow water to percolate through pavers and return to the natural environment, reducing runoff and protecting the nearby marine ecosystem.
• Bird Deterrent System: A custom-designed, compressed air bird deterrent system was installed to discourage seagulls from nesting on the roof while still maintaining an environmentally friendly approach to wildlife management.
• Coastal Construction Innovations: Building on a site with high water tables and sandy soils required specialized dewatering techniques. The team implemented a dual-well strategy—treating wells closest to the water source as a cutoff and utilizing secondary wells to effectively lower the water table without disrupting the surrounding ecosystem.
• Architectural Cast-in-Place Concrete Walls: Given the limited laydown space and constrained site, McCarthy employed precise concrete forming and placement techniques to enhance durability while maintaining the project schedule.

Throughout the construction process, McCarthy worked closely with local dune conservation biologists to establish fencing plans, exclusion zones, and protocols that protected sensitive habitat areas. Additionally, an extensive quality control program was implemented to verify that all materials met strict project specifications, preventing unsuitable materials from being introduced into the coastal environment.

“With the ocean at a critical crossroads, MBARI’s work is more urgent than ever. Our new robotic technology lab will help MBARI scientists and engineers design, build, and deploy innovative new instruments to study marine life and environments and monitor ocean health,” said MBARI President and CEO Chris Scholin. “This new state-of-the-art facility will support ocean exploration and research for decades to come.”

The completion of this cutting-edge facility marks a significant milestone in MBARI’s mission to advance marine science and technology to understand a changing ocean and McCarthy remains committed to constructing research facilities that support scientific discovery while maintaining the highest standards of construction and environmental responsibility.

About McCarthy 
McCarthy is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 150 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. With an unrelenting focus on safety and a comprehensive quality program that spans all phases of every project, McCarthy utilizes industry-leading design phase and construction techniques combined with value-add technology to maximize outcomes. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy is ranked the 19th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2023). With approximately 7,000 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm has offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Austin, Channelview, Dallas, and Houston; and San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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SOURCE McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

DENVER, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Denver based Kind Home Painting Company has launched a new paint recycling pilot program as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and waste reduction within the painting industry. The initiative is focused on responsibly recycling leftover paint from active job sites, keeping excess materials out of landfills and putting them to better use.

“Our team sees firsthand how much paint can go unused, and we knew there had to be a better way,” said Michael Sutton, Owner and Founder of Kind Home Painting. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a more sustainable future, both in our industry and in the communities we serve.”

Collected paint will be recycled through GreenSheen, a Denver-based paint company specializing in eco-friendly latex paint recycling. Their methods ensure that usable materials are reclaimed and repurposed, reducing the burden on landfills and lowering the overall environmental impact of paint production.

The entire Kind Home Painting team plays an active role in identifying and setting aside recyclable paint on every project, integrating sustainability directly into their daily operations.  By making this a core part of their process, the company is taking meaningful steps toward becoming a model for future efforts within the painting and home services industries.

“This is just the beginning,” Sutton added. “We’re proud of our team for stepping up, and we believe this program has the potential to create real, lasting change. We hope to continue expanding our efforts and encourage others in the industry to do the same.”

With this new program, Kind Home Painting continues its mission of delivering high-quality service with a conscience—helping to build a more beautiful, sustainable, and kind Colorado.

For more information on Kind Home Painting Company visit https://kindhomepainting.com/

About Kind Home Painting:

Kind Home Painting delivers a client focused approach to home improvement projects in the Denver metro area. As a leader in the exterior, interior and cabinet painting industry, they strive to provide every homeowner with outstanding care, communication and the highest quality possible.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kind-home-painting-launches-paint-recycling-pilot-program-to-tackle-industry-waste-302435114.html

SOURCE Kind Home Painting Company

LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Valley Beth Shalom (VBS), one of the largest and most vibrant synagogues and Jewish schools in Los Angeles, has nearly completed the installation of an approximately $1.24 million solar energy project, marking a historic achievement as what could be currently considered the largest synagogue solar project in the United States. This transformative initiative underscores VBS’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and Jewish values of environmental stewardship.

A Major Step Toward Sustainability

VBS’s solar project, which includes the installation of more than 850 Q Cell rooftop solar panels by Sunistics Group, is expected to generate almost 615,000 kWh annually, reducing carbon emissions and yielding an anticipated savings of $180,000 per year. This new system is expected to offset more than 75% of VBS’s historical DWP kWh usage with a payback period of less than five years. This bold investment in clean energy aligns with the synagogue’s mission to be a leader in environmental responsibility while ensuring long-term financial sustainability for its community.

This initiative is made possible through a combination of funding sources, including a $50,000 grant from the Jewish Solar Challenge, generous individual donations, an interest-free loan from Adamah‘s Climate Action Fund, significant incentives and rebates provided by the Inflation Reduction Act for nonprofit organizations, and financing by Beneficial State Bank. These sources allowed VBS to advance this project and set a powerful example for other religious and community institutions.

A Commitment to Jewish Values and Education

VBS has long embraced the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, the responsibility to repair and protect the world. The solar panel installation not only reflects this commitment but also serves as a valuable educational tool. The VBS Early Childhood Center, Harold M. Schulweis Day School and Etz Chaim Learning Center, Valley Beth Shalom’s preeminent school offerings, will be incorporating sustainability and climate-conscious initiatives into its curriculum, ensuring that students gain a deep understanding of their role in preserving the planet for future generations. Through hands-on learning and engagement with the solar project, VBS is fostering a culture of environmental awareness and action among its youngest members.

A Model for Faith-Based Sustainability

“This solar project is a testament to VBS’s proactive leadership and dedication to sustainability,” said Matthew Weintraub, Executive Director of Valley Beth Shalom. “By harnessing solar energy, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also securing long-term financial benefits that allow us to invest more in our community, education, and religious programs. Thanks to the support of our Board of Directors, individual donors, Jewish Solar Challenge, and Adamah’s Jewish Leadership Climate Coalition, we are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable transformation in the Jewish community.”

Lifelong environmentalist and philanthropist Mitchell Schwartz, of the Jewish Solar Challenge, remarks, “Valley Beth Shalom is a forward-thinking institution. Their deep understanding and commitment to sustainable practices have made VBS a leader in the Jewish communities’ efforts to tackle climate change. We at the Jewish Solar Challenge could not find a better recipient of our grant money than Valley Beth Shalom.”

As one of the largest synagogues in the country, Valley Beth Shalom’s solar initiative sets a precedent for other faith-based organizations looking to implement sustainable energy solutions. By investing in solar power, VBS is ensuring that its campus remains a beacon of environmental consciousness, financial responsibility, and Jewish leadership for years to come.

Learn more about Valley Beth Shalom at www.vbs.org.

About the Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue in Los Angeles

VBS is a premier Conservative synagogue located at the heart of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California. Known for its commitment to fostering Jewish excellence, its tight-knit community, and renowned Jewish entertainment, VBS boasts one of the largest synagogue memberships in the country. VBS has a strong commitment to Jewish education, culture, and social action. We welcome you to learn more and become part of this special community.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valley-beth-shalom-synagogue-and-schools-leads-the-way-with-groundbreaking-solar-energy-initiative-302435075.html

SOURCE Valley Beth Shalom (VBS)

NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Emerest joins the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Josh Klein, chief executive officer of Emerest, issued a statement on the Pope’s legacy.

“It is fitting and appropriate that Emerest pauses in our daily commitment to assist those in need of care to pay tribute to a religious leader who shared our values in celebrating the humanity in all of us,” Mr. Klein observed.

“In the passing of Pope Francis, the world has lost a man of humility, compassion, and caring. Regardless of your faith, ethnicity, or place in the world, he sought to make our world a better place. We honor his legacy and may he rest in peace,” offered Klein.

With over 10,000 clients, Emerest’s role in providing specialized homecare support in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Missouri is marked by compassion, empathy, and dignity.

Read more at: www.emerest.com. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emerest-honors-the-legacy-of-pope-francis-302435061.html

SOURCE Emerest