Industry News & Announcements

Graco Takes the Guesswork Out of Foam Insulating

Source: en.puworld.com

A new wireless monitoring system for contractors and builders, InSite, shows how data-tracking systems can be used outside the factory. Released by Graco, the technology used in the InSite data system gives homebuilders and contractors a novel tool to check on work crews from afar. It also will prove to homeowners, and even insurance companies, that homes were properly insulated. It’s a frequent bone of contention in regions where temperatures reach extremes.

"Our system improves accountability," said Nick Pagano, the Graco business development manager who created InSite. Graco field-tested the data tracking system for six months, debuted it at an industry trade show in October and now is rolling it out nationwide. Minneapolis-based Graco joins Toro, Honeywell, 3M and other Minnesota-based manufacturers that are introducing "smart," remote and real-time data-tracking devices to help managers in non-factory settings. Graco’s InSite kit looks like a black box not much bigger than a wallet. It bolts onto the foam-insulation machine in a contractor’s truck

and wirelessly tracks the hoses, heat and drums of chemicals that become sprayable insulation.

Hear more about the Graco InSite at the SprayFoam Convention & Expo, Jan. 28, 10:15-11 a.m.

ASHRAE Announces Technology Award Recipients

Source: ashrae.org

A net zero facility, a historic building, a cheese factory, a residence, a college building and an agriscience farm are being recognized by ASHRAE as innovative buildings. The ASHRAE Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements by members who have successfully applied innovative building design. Their designs incorporate ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality. The awards communicate innovative systems design to other ASHRAE members and highlight technological achievements of ASHRAE to others around the world. Winning projects are selected from entries earning regional awards. First place awards will be presented at the ASHRAE 2014 Winter Conference in New York, N.Y., Jan. 18-22, New York Hilton.

Building Science Experts' Session Is Dec. 11-12

Source: buildingscienceseminars.com

Building Science Corporation is offering a two-day Building Science Experts’ Session seminar that focuses on advanced building science topics. On the first day, Dr. Joe Lstiburek and Peter Baker will discuss Multi-Family Podium Building Envelope Design, Construction and Commissioning. On day two, Dr. Joe Lstiburek will cover Ventilation in Single-Family and Multi-Family Buildings.

BPI's Building Analyst Testing Knowledge List Now Available

Source: bpi.org

On October 31, BPI announced that the Building Analyst (BA) certification will be upgraded on February 1, 2014. The final BA Testing Knowledge List that will become active on February 1 is now available. Building science best-practices are always evolving. There's a regular flow of new tools and techniques to learn and master. The Building Analyst (BA) certification exams are being updated to ensure that Building Analysts have command of the latest best practices in whole house energy audits. In addition to verifying increased proficiency, you get a higher level of confidence from your customers, your employer, the programs you participate in and the market at large.
Click here to view, or go to BPI.org>Documents>Testing Knowledge Lists.
Click here for more information on the BA certification upgrade.

Energy Department Announces Winners of Housing Innovation Awards

Source: energy.gov

The Energy Department announced winners of the Housing Innovation Awards, recognizing 46 diverse industry leaders bringing the best in energy efficient building technologies and design to new and older homes and helping households save money. The competition, coordinated by the Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, offered rigorous application criteria within four building categories: DOE Challenge Home Builders, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Participating Contractors, Excellence in Building Science Educator of the Year, and Building America Top Innovations. The Housing Innovation Awards recognize leading builders, contractors, researchers, national laboratories, and building science organizations who are helping communities across the country save money and energy and are leading the way to affordable, comfortable, zero net-energy ready homes. The Housing Innovation Awards support the Energy Department's commitment to help harness American ingenuity to commercialize and deploy cutting-edge technologies, as well as to promote improving the energy efficiency of the U.S. housing stock. Click here to see which entries were presented with Housing Innovation Awards.

Icynene Sprayfoam Insulation Featured in NextGenHomeTV Series

Source: icynene.com

Icynene spray foam insulation and its energy efficient performance benefits were featured on a new NextGenHomeTV series (www.NGHTV.com) hosted by Canadian interior designer and TV personality Jillian Harris. Icynene’s open-cell light density spray foam insulation, LD-C-50®, features long-term performance properties ideal for residential applications. Icynene LD-C-50® allows homeowners to reduce their monthly heating and cooling bills considerably as well as protect against moisture and the infiltration of external pollutants and allergens.