Source: ashrae.org
The public comment period for the following ASHRAE standards pertaining to energy efficiency is now open:
•BSR/ASHRAE Standard 209P, Energy Simulation Aided Design for Buildings except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (open through May 9th)
•Two addenda to ANSI/ASHRAE/ICC/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2014 (open through May 23rd)
Source: energy.gov
U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro released Better Buildings Challenge partner results, announced three new focus areas in local communities, and highlighted overall signs of growth in the initiative’s reach and influence.
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department requested proposals for a new Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute as part of the Administration’s broader National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), which drives collaboration between small- and medium-sized companies, academic institutions, industrial research organizations, and national laboratories.
Source: americanchemistry.com
Attorneys General Jeff Landry (LA) and Ken Paxton (TX) recently sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing strong concerns with the Agency’s proposed changes to the Risk Management Program (RMP).
In response to the letter, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement: "Attorneys General Landry and Paxton have highlighted important concerns regarding EPA’s proposal to make sweeping changes to a major chemical safety program, the Risk Management Program (RMP). According to EPA data, the number of accidents at chemical facilities across the nation has been reduced by 75 percent over the past twenty years. Despite this fact, EPA is pursuing an aggressive timetable for finalizing the proposal without fully evaluating its impact and ability to enhance safety and is not providing the public sufficient time to review and comment on the complex proposal.
Source: principiaconsulting.com
Market growth for commercial insulation has largely been driven by continued growth in new construction, increased R-value requirements as well as nominal growth in reroofing. In particular, wall applications are projected to grow above industry average at 6.3% annually based on the increased continuous insulation requirements.
Source: agc.org
Construction employment rose in April by 1,000 for the month and 261,000 for the year as mild winter weather and labor shortages impacted the early spring hiring season for many firms, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that construction spending continues to grow and worker shortages are likely to get worse, which is why they are launching a new online career center to help connect firms with qualified workers.