Industry News & Announcements

ASHRAE GreenGuide: Four Editions, 10 Years, 158 GreenTips: E-Book Made Available

When the first edition of the "ASHRAE GreenGuide" was first published 10 years ago, guidance on how to practice green building design was not so readily available. "Since 2004, the industry has witnessed the continued evolution of green building programs from strictly voluntary to being both more in the industry mainstream as well as being mandatory in jurisdictions that adopted these for their building codes," Tom Lawrence, a member of ASHRAE’s technical committee (TC 2.8) on building environmental impacts and sustainability, said. The newly published fourth edition of the "ASHRAE GreenGuide" contains updated guidance that reflects how green building practices as well as the industry have changed, according to Lawrence.

Gaco Western Addresses Flushing in Tech Tips Article

Source: GacoWallFoam.com / Will Parker

Gaco Western provides application and flushing procedures for the GacoFireStop2 Open Cell Foam.

Low-Energy Commercial and Institutional Buildings: Top Ten Smart Things to Do for Cold Climates

Source: buildingscience.com / John Straube

The energy used in institutional, commercial, and industrial buildings in cold climates (zone 4 and above) is substantial. Most of this energy is used after construction is complete: life-cycle energy and resource analyses have repeatedly found that the energy used in the operation and maintenance of buildings dwarf the so-called "embodied" energy of the materials. Hence, reducing the operational energy use and increasing durability should be the prime concern of those who wish to design and build "green" buildings. Read more here.

3M Unveils State-of-the-Art Fall Protection Testing Facility

Source: 3M.com

3M unveiled a state-of-the-art testing facility for its expanding portfolio of fall protection solutions, complete with a research and development tower. The testing facility is located within 3M’s Fall Protection campus in Cottage Grove, Minn. At the new facility, 3M will test harnesses, connecting and anchorage devices, lifeline systems, confined space equipment, and escape and rescue products.

BPI Adapts BA Certification Upgrade Criteria in Response to Industry Feedback

Source: bpi.org

In response to industry feedback regarding BPI's Building Analyst (BA) certification upgrade announcement of last November, BPI is adapting criteria requirements, allowing BA professionals more time and flexibility to upgrade their certification. Last November 13, BPI announced it would update the BA certification exams and fast track renewal criteria on February 1 to verify that Building Analysts have command of the latest best practices in whole house energy audits. New topics covered include the principles of using computer software to model the energy upgrade potential of a home, and developing a scope of work for customers. Existing topics updated in the written and field exams include assessing whole-building ventilation, measuring airflow, combustion safety and testing/data collection.

U.S. Chemical Production Expanded in December; 2013 Ends on a High Note

Source: americanchemistry.com

According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose by 0.8 percent in December, following a 0.3 percent gain in November. This gain was driven by increases in the Gulf Coast and Ohio Valley regions. For the second consecutive month, production increased in all seven regions of the U.S. during December. For the year as a whole, the U.S. CPRI was ahead by 1.2%.