Industry News & Announcements

 

>>Green Building Certification System Final Rule Issued by Energy Department
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department announced the issuance of a final rule that requires verified energy and water performance for new and retrofitted federal buildings that are certified by private sector green building certification systems. The rule, which goes into effect November 13, ensures that in cases where agencies choose to use green building certification systems to meet federal sustainability and energy standards, they must choose a system that verifies enhanced energy and water efficiency. 

By requiring re-assessments at least every four years, the rule will ensure energy and water savings continue well beyond the initial building opening or retrofit. System requirements for the verification of energy and water performance in new construction and major renovations will lead to reduced consumption through active energy and water management. Read more here.
 
>>EPA Increases Access to Chemical Information; Agency Seeks Input on Improvements
EPA has updated and improved ChemView, its one-stop database of chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). We have added more chemical information and improved usability, as well as introduced an easy way for you to tell us additional improvements you would like to see. Read the press release. Learn about the changes to ChemView and take the survey.  

>>The Lapolla Ty Pennington Sweepstakes
Source: lapolla.com
Enter for your chance at winning a trip for two to Las Vegas to hang out with Ty Pennington during the International Builder’s Show January 20-22, 2015 in Las Vegas. To qualify, fill out the form and like the Lapolla Facebook page. Sweepstakes ends January 10, 2014. Read more here. 

>>EPA Settles with Jerome Cheese for Chemical Risk Management Violations at Idaho Plant 
Source: epa.gov
Jerome Cheese, a division of Minnesota-based Davisco Foods International, Inc., has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to comply of federal Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan regulations aimed at preventing chemical accidents. The violations occurred at the Jerome Cheese manufacturing facility in Jerome, Idaho. Jerome Cheese is regulated under the Clean Air Act since it annually uses more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a colorless gas commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems. Read more here. 

>>SPF Apprentice Program Available Through Spray Foam Nation
Source: SprayFoamNation.com
Peter Cantone, CEO at Spray Foam Nation, released details related to a SPF Apprentice Training Program. Candidates will complete an eight-week program that will include passing all exams: CPI Online, OSHA 10, SPFA PCP Assistant Installer, SPFA PCP Installer, and Spray Foam Nation's internal exam (no multiple choice). Candidates will also learn to clean guns on a daily basis, work on transfer pumps and troubleshoot. For details, click here.

>>ORNL Researchers Develop ‘Autotune’ Software
Source: ornl.gov / Katie Elyce Jones
ORNL buildings researchers have developed automated, or "Autotune," calibration software, which reduces the amount of time and expertise needed to optimize building parameters for cost and energy savings. The team is currently making Autotune capabilities available to a limited set of beta testers through a web service and anticipates making it publicly available in September 2015. Read more here.

>>CPI Announces Major Milestone for Safety in the Spray Polyurethane Foam Industry
Source: americanchemistry.com
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council has reached a major milestone in its ongoing efforts for continuous improvement of health and safety in the  spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry. 

More than 10,000 SPF professionals have completed CPI’s High Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training program. The interactive training program provides information about the use, handling and disposal of chemicals used to manufacture SPF. The training program, which is also supported by the Spray Foam Coalition, includes information about best practices for engineering controls and personal protective equipment. CPI also provides a similar training program for low-pressure SPF for weatherization professionals. 

Launched in 2010, the High Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training satisfies one prerequisite toward completing the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance’s Professional Certification Program. Offered in English and Spanish, this self-paced training is designed to be taken online or in a classroom setting, so it is possible for registered instructors to conduct their own training sessions in person. Read more here.
 
>>EPA Launches ENERGY STAR Community Service Tour   
Source: energystar.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is kicking off its first national ENERGY STAR Change the World through Community Service Tour, bringing together public and private organizations in communities across the country to make a positive difference in people’s lives through energy efficiency-related community service projects.

Upcoming tour stops will be in Baltimore, Md.; San Francisco, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; Orange, Calif.; and Phoenix, Ariz., and culminating on ENERGY STAR Day, Oct. 28, in Phoenix. EPA is leveraging the tour to inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference through energy efficiency, to share their "stories of positive energy," and take the ENERGY STAR Pledge at energystar.gov/pledge in celebration of ENERGY STAR Day. 

>>A "Seal" to Publicize the Spray Foam Coalition’s Commitment
Systems house members of the Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) now can widely publicize their commitment to product stewardship and product safety. In August, the SFC developed a new seal memorializing company commitment to the Coalition’s Code of Conduct. The Code is an annual commitment signed by each systems house member of SFC and represents a company’s pledge to promote worker and public health and safety with respect to its products. All sixteen SFC systems house members signed the Code earlier this year. The seal is a distinguishing mark for SFC members in the insulation industry. For more information on the Code of Conduct, visit the website or contact Justin Koscher, (202) 249-6617.