March 11, 2014

SPF-Related Codes & Standards

>>Comments on OMB Proposed Update of Circular A-119 Are Due May 12

Source: nibs.org

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a proposed updated version of OMB Circular A-119, "Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities," for public inspection and comment. The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), of which NIBS is a member, strongly encourage representatives of standards developing organizations (SDOs), industry, academia, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to review the proposed draft, which is expected to have a significant impact on future U.S. government use of privately developed voluntary consensus standards.

The current version of Circular A-119, which was last revised by the OMB in 1998, and the associated National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) of 1995 jointly serve to direct U.S. federal agencies to consider the use of private-sector-developed standards in lieu of government-unique standards whenever possible. The proposed changes focus on numerous topics, including the use of voluntary consensus standards in federal regulations, incorporation by reference and intellectual property rights, and government participation in standards development activities, among many other issues. Comments are due May 12. Read the ANSI release. View the Federal Register.

>>Spray Polyurethane Foam Design Guidance: Insulation and Air Barrier Requirements of the 2012 I-Codes

Source: americanchemistry.com

This guidance document, developed by the Spray Foam Coalition and the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing,

provides building designers with easy-to-use information about spray polyurethane foam (SPF) for use as wall and roof insulation and as an air barrier. Air barrier information and R-value requirements for commercial and residential buildings complying with the 2012 IECC and 2012 IgCC are provided. (booklet version)

>>The Building Codes Assistance Project Updates on Building Energy Codes

Source: energycodesocean.org
BCAP Newsletters are quarterly summaries of what's been happening at the Building Codes Assistance Project and building energy code progress around the nation. To access the full archive, click here. Here are some of the recent alerts from the BCAP Code Alerts released released weekly by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and its website, the Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Code Alert Bulletins are designed to share information and support timely participation in state and local activities related to the adoption and implementation of building energy codes. The bulletins highlight immediate opportunities to influence state and local policy outcomes, indicate code status, and recommend contacts for action. If you know of activity that should be on this bulletin or would like to sign up for this bulletin, contact Matt Kerns at (202) 530-2252 or mkerns@ase.org.

>>Sample alerts recently posted:

ICC Code Book Survey

Alert Status: In order to make a case to DOE for funding to provide IECC or combo IECC/90.1 codebooks to code officials, ICC needs to hear about specific states or jurisdictions that would benefit from a free download program. Cases might include:

1. Jurisdictions with budget issues, that do not allow purchase for all code officials/inspectors;

2. Jurisdictions that need copies to provide outreach to builders/contractors;

3. Jurisdictions that are not moving ahead with adoption, due to the expense of books/training on the 2012 IECC. There may be other situations as well.

Please send details on specific jurisdictions, including a name and contact info for someone in/at the jurisdiction, to dkarmol@iccsafe.org.

ICC requests that all information be sent by early April.

More Information: ICC Shop | Free Resources from ICC

Action: Please submit information to Dave Karmol of ICC.

New Jersey

Alert Status: On February 25, Assembly Bill 2749 was introduced and referred to the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee. This bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt an energy inspection code to be used by licensed home inspectors in the preparation of an energy analysis for a house inspected for a buyer in contemplation of its purchase. Each report must include an energy analysis for the home, prepared in accordance with the energy inspection code adopted by the Commissioner of Community Affairs.

More Information: AB 2749 | New Jersey State Page

Action: For details contact Kevin Rose of NEEP.