Board Updates
The SPFA Board of Directors held a recent meeting at SPFA headquarters in Fairfax, Va. Among many items and points on the Board’s agenda, the members did make motions to support the following actions of staff:
1. Formation of an inter-industry Advisory Council to the PCP certification program allowing for partner industry organizations to coordinate on delivery, topical coverage and promotion.
2. Formation of a short-term task group to work with several builders identified by NAHB in completion of SPF-specific resources and materials for homebuilders.
3. Development of materials and efforts, and specific coordination for informing and assisting member contractors on issues related to the newly-released OSHA NEP.
Hybrid Insulation Guide
SPFA’s Building Envelope Committee (BEC) is finalizing the hybrid insulation guide, developing a model insulation specification (CSI Format), and insulation installation certificate to include fire protection coatings, for SPFA member contractors to use. These new documents will help member contractors to gain new business by improved product-type selection and avoid compliance issues with building code officials.
SPFA Forms Advisory Council/Safety Committee for New PCP Certification Program
SPFA recently held its Board of Directors meeting and produced several actions, including the agreement over a formation of an Advisory Council for the new PCP certification program consisting of representatives from general construction and industry. The Board also directed staff to form a Task Group with NAHB representatives to complete a reference document on SPF for homebuilders, and committed to bringing more accessible resources to its members similar to the recent webinars on ventilation practice, building science and the new OSHA NEP.
The Safety Committee will supporting the SPFA PCP certification program, and within its scope of work consider producing things like monthly or bi-monthly webinars on chemical and jobsite safety topics, possible development of model written safety and respirator protection programs for SPFA member contractors. The new SC is working presently to develop a set of OSHA/ANSI compliant jobsite safety signs, with two slated for release later this year.
Start Planning for SprayFoam Convention & Expo, Jan. 26-29, 2014
Join your industry for the SPF event of the year! Imagine the possibilities:
-Network and develop valuable connections.
-Find solutions to your pressing business needs.
-Learn about advances in the SPF industry.
-Get the training you need to be the best.
Industry-Level Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for SPF in Progress
In November 2012, SPFA released final reports that documented the SPF industry's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study. This announcement and detailed report can be found by clicking here. This study documents the detailed results of the overwhelmingly net-positive environmental impacts of generic LD, MD and roofing SPF products from cradle to end-of-life. The six impacts studied include primary energy demand, global warming (carbon footprint), ozone depletion, eutrophication (nitrogen release), smog and acidification (acid rain). While the study met all requirements of ISO-14040 and 14044, the results need to be summarized in a third-party environmental product declaration (EPD). EPD's, following the Product Category Rules (PRC) for insulation, provide an important verification of the results that assist in product selection under sustainable building programs such as USGBC's LEED, IgCC, GreenGlobes and other similar programs. UL Environments will be the most likely developer of the SFPA's industry-level EPD. For more information on the EPD development, please contact Rick Duncan, Technical Director of SPFA at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
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Home Builders and Remodelers Enter Industry Even During Downturn
Source: NAHB.org
According to the Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), the annual series compiled by the Census Bureau, 20,000 home builders and remodelers entered the industry each year of the recent economic downturn. During 2010, the latest year data are available, the number of home builders and remodelers entering the market increased by 8 percent while the number leaving decreased by nearly 21 percent. Although establishments leaving outpaced those entering in 2010, the data highlights the first year-over-year increase in new entrants since the start of 2006.
Speakers for 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference
 Speakers at the 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference will offer their expert insights into the changing world of energy, the need to communicate about the latest scientific innovations and the state of the polyurethanes industry. Hosted by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), this year’s conference will take place Sept. 23-25 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Phoenix.Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Opening Session on Monday, Sept. 23. For details, click here.
ASHRAE Names New Distinguished Lecturers
ASHRAE has awarded projects at Purdue University and Oklahoma State University with its newly created research grant, which provides funding for research having the potential to significantly advance the state-of-the-art in HVAC&R. The ASHRAE Innovative Research Grant carries a base grant of $50,000 per year for two years, with an additional $25,000 available in the third year if matched by an industrial contributor. Recipients are Lorenzo Cremaschi, Ph.D., associate professor, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State University; and William Hutzel, P.E., professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, Purdue University.For more information, click here.
CPI and BPI Offer Free Sprayfoam Training Continuing Education
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Building Performance Institute, Inc., (BPI) added spray polyurethane foam (SPF) chemical health and safety training courses to BPI’s continuing education program. CPI’s training programs for High- and Low-pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety are now eligible to contribute part of the requirements needed in earning a BPI credential. Each CPI course has been approved for 2-2.5 CEU by BPI.
Finalists for 2013 Polyurethane Innovation Award
ASHRAE Grant-in-Aid Explores Building Occupants, Comfort and Energy Use
The question of how much energy occupants expend in offices and how that impacts their personal comfort is being explored through a grant from ASHRAE. Better tools for quantifying the comfort and behavior of building occupants as an integral part of the building design and operation processes will be developed by Jared Langevin, Drexel University, through his project, Human Behavior and Low Energy Architecture: Linking Environmental Adaptation, Personal Comfort and Energy Use in the Built Environment. Langevin is one of 21 students who will receive a grant through ASHRAE Graduate Student Grant-In-Aid Award Program, which is designed to encourage students to continue their education in preparation for service in the HVAC&R industry. The grants, totaling $210,000, are awarded to full-time graduate students of ASHRAE-related technologies. Click here for details.
Improving Markets List Includes 247 Metros in August
Source: NAHB.org
A total of 247 metropolitan areas across 49 states and the District of Columbia qualified for inclusion on the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) for August, released August 6. While this is eight metros shy of the number listed on the IMI in July, it is approximately three times the number of metros that qualified for the list in August 2012. A complete list of all 247 metros currently on the IMI, and separate breakouts of metros newly added to or dropped from the list in August, is available at www.nahb.org/imi.
Some of the articles in the SPRAYFOAM Professional Fall 2013 issue, which will be released shortly, include:
2013 SPFA CONTRACTOR AWARDS
>>RESIDENTIAL WALL FOAM -- Seven Days in the Desert with Southwest Spray Foam LLC
THRIVING, NOT JUST SURVIVING -- SPF Helps Turns Survival Condos Into Luxury Living Spaces
SPEAKING SENSIBLY -- Ventilation and Moisture Control in Sprayfoam/Tight Homes
SAFETY FIRST -- Isocyanate Enforcement Activities by OSHA
If you didn't receive this issue in the mail or via email and would like to be on future distribution lists, click here to sign up.
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 SPFA 2013 National Contractor Excellence Award Winning ProjectsCongratulations to all the winners in the 2013 Annual SPFA National Contractor Excellence Awards. These projects are examples of SPF’s unique performance, applicability and appeal. In upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional, various winning projects will be spotlighted.
Here is the full list of winners:
>>Arizona Foam & Spray: Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
>>Spray-Tec Inc.: Bluegrass Community and Technical College Newtown Pike Campus
>>Southwest Spray Foam LLC: Television Personality Steve Thomas
>>Smart Choice Insulation & Roofing, Inc.: The Flour Tower
>>West Roofing Systems, Inc.: Boulevard Terrace & Neal Terrace Apartments
>>Honeywell Building Envelope Solutions: 206,000 sq.ft. re-roofing over BUR with extensive removal
>>Biofoam: Fermilab
>>West Roofing Systems, Inc.: Playhouse Square 14th Street Theatre Roof Reconstruction
>>Insulate SB, Inc: The Book House
>>J. Calman Industries: Coastal Progress – Marine Vessel
SPFA Member Benefits
SPFA knows there are lots of organizations out there that would like to have you in their membership. But if you are in, or getting into, the sprayfoam business, we are the place for you. We work hard to represent you well and give you value back for your support. Click here to find out more.
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Source: NathanF, www.offthegridnews.com
From the standpoint of preppers and off-the-gridders, wise and careful use of energy is an imperative. There are no two ways about it: If you are attempting to make a go of it as an independent homesteader, energy efficiency and conservation are the cat’s meow, the bee’s knees, and the sundae with the cherry on top all rolled into one.
Source: ScienceDaily.com
A new computer-modeling study suggests that the ozone hole might actually have a slight warming influence, but because of its effect on winds, not temperatures. The new research suggests that shifting wind patterns caused by the ozone hole push clouds farther toward the South Pole, reducing the amount of radiation the clouds reflect and possibly causing a bit of warming rather than cooling.
Source: Daniel Jennings, www.offthegridnews.com
The FBI is trying to force Internet providers to install software that will allow federal agents to track Americans’ Internet usage. CNET’s Declan McCullagh has learned that the FBI has developed an application called a port reader designed to collect metadata.
Source: Lance Whitney, cnet.com
A new trial in the U.K. lets people pay for items using the PayPal app, a mobile phone, and a photo to prove their identity. Using the PayPal app for iOS, Android, or Windows Phone, shoppers can see nearby participating merchants highlighted on their mobile phones. They can then "check into" a certain store by clicking on its name and pay for an item by sliding an animated pin down the screen. The person's name and photo then pops up on the store's payment system. After the customer agrees to pay for the item, the cashier clicks on the person's photo to send the payment through.
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SPF Professional Certification Program (PCP) Updates
Since SPFA completed development of the SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP) and publicly rolled it out at its annual convention and expo in February, already almost 800 tests have been administered. SPFA members and partners, including Gaco Western, Premium Spray Systems, Demilec, Bayer Material Science, and the ABAA Conference have all hosted testing sessions. More sessions are scheduled over the next several weeks at locations including CertainTeed, Sprayfoam Nation, Conklin, Premium Spray Systems, Quadrant Urethanes, and NCFI, with more getting scheduled all the time. SPFA is working presently on the development of a Contractor, Distributor and Manufacturer Firm Accreditation program to complement the new certification program. To find out more about the program, enroll, register for a test, or get set up for one of the upcoming testing locations, email admin@spfapcp.org or call (866) 222-5000 and simply state what you want to do. They will either process you or get you with the right people.
Gaco Sales Teams Achieve SPFA Certification
Gaco Western, a leader in innovative spray foam insulation products, is pleased 
to announce that the company's GacoWallFoam Sales Team and Gaco's Architectural Sales Team have achieved SPFA Professional Certification. The teams attended a three-day New Applicator School at the state-of-the-art GacoUniversity training facility in Waukesha, Wis., where they participated in the SPF Assistant, Installer and Master Installer Programs, which included hands on training.
"Gaco Western supports the SPFA Professional Certification Program because we believe that industry-wide certification is crucial to the long term health of the SPF Industry - we also believe that our commitment to this certification needs to start with us," stated Peter Davis, Chairman and CEO, Gaco Western.
"At Gaco, we believe in continually raising the bar on safety, performance, quality and professionalism in the SPF industry," added Tom Sojak, Vice President-GacoWallFoam.
For more information, click here.
Spray Foam Nation will be offering SPFA Master Installer Exams every Friday in July and August. The 3-Day Training Plus SPFA Certification will be July 17-19, and 5-Day Training Plus SPFA Certified Combo Package on Aug. 5-9. Contractors will be able to take prep courses and exams that will earn them SPFA Certification for various levels (Assistant, Master Installer and Project Manager) as well as taken advantage of hands-on training.
In a June 19 press release, the Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) of the American Chemistry Council announced its support of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance's (SPFA) new Professional Certification Program for sprayfoam applicators. The Coalition strongly supports this new program that will continue to expand the ongoing efforts of the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry to create the highest standards of quality and professionalism for its customers.
"The SPF industry has for many years and will continue to support the safe and appropriate use of SPF," said SFC Senior Director Lee Salamone. "SPFA has created a first-rate certification program to continually raise the bar on safety, performance, quality and professionalism among SPF industry professionals and help give building owners confidence when choosing an SPF applicator."
SPFA launched its new Professional Certification Program at the Spray Foam 2013 Convention &
Expo. The program was developed in compliance with the ANSI/ISO 17024 standard. Individual certifications will be available at four different levels in the two categories of insulation and roofing. To become certified under SPFA's new program, individuals must pass an exam and meet various criteria for any level of certification they would like to achieve. It is a progressive program with each level based on the candidate passing the exam for the previous level.
SPF is an excellent insulation choice for building owners. It insulates and acts as an air barrier, both of which are critical to making buildings comfortable and reducing heating and cooling costs.
Demilec USA Holds SPFA Certification Seminar
Demilec USA, LLC held a preparatory seminar June 25-28 to assist contractors and installers to certify under the SPFA Professional Certification Program. The goal was to prepare the attendees to take the SPFA examinations for the various levels of installer (applicator) certification, plus there was a day of business training and a full day of hands-on training including spray technique, troubleshooting and equipment maintenance. On the final day of training, all students had the opportunity to take the tests for any of the SPFA certifications. For details on future SPFA Certification training with Demilec, click here.
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June 25, 2013, OSHA announces new National Emphasis Program for occupational exposure to isocyanates. The official announcement can be found here, and the associated Directive found here. This National Emphasis (aka enforcement) Program is directed at roughly 20 industries using isocyanates, including spray polyurethane foam insulation and roofing.
"This is a major development, perhaps the most impactful regulation affecting the industry in recent memory," said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg. "I find the intent of the NEP understandable taking into account the focus of the federal agencies on SPF specifically and Iso generally, but there are several elements of this enforcement program that are very, and surprisingly discomforting, and we are going to need some close work with OSHA to get it worked out," he continued. The concerns range from the Directive atypically casting a wide net to include targeted companies with fewer than 10 employees, the mandated minimum number of inspections OSHA regional and local offices are going to conduct and the selection process of those to be inspected, and a question over the treatment of PEL for isocyanates in the SPF installation environment. "SPFA has developed a very good working relationship with OSHA and other agencies over the past four years and looks forward to working on these issues with them and on the members’ behalf," said Riesenberg.
Members are strongly encouraged to review the requirements and expectations of OSHA inspectors that can be found in the Directive. This is a priority for OSHA. Resources and teams of inspectors are being tasked to this, and at least one SPF contractor already had an inspection scheduled within days of the announcement.
Check the SPFA website, member-only section, Twitter and Facebook pages along with Sprayfoam Professional magazine for up-to-date information on this subject as it becomes available.
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 SPFA Looks for Input on Draft of Builders Handbook At the 2013 NAHB IBS show in Las Vegas, SPFA offered a compendium of spray foam technical, safety, contractor certification, and installation information of specific interest to home builders during one of the sessions, "What You Need to Know When Working with Spray Polyurethane Insulation for Residential Buildings." To accompany the session, a draft of the SPFA Builders Reference Handbook was released. The document is a draft and will evolve with input received from builders. You are invited to download this document for free and let us know where we can make it better.
The call for papers for a conference focused on the design, construction and operation of buildings in developing economies has been extended until Aug. 16.
Organized by ASHRAE along with the Philippines Chapter, the "Efficient, High Performance Buildings for Developing Economies" Conference will take place April 24-25, 2014, in Manila, Philippines. It is co-sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and endorsed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
Abstracts (400 or less words in length) are due Aug. 16, 2013. If accepted, papers are due Nov. 15, 2013. Submittal information can be found at www.ashrae.org/Developing2014.
Call for Papers for ASHRAE 2014 Annual Conference
ASHRAE is seeking papers for its 2014 Annual Conference in Seattle, Wash., June 28-July 2, 2014.
The Conference addresses broad topics in the application of technology to practice, specific applications in ground source heat pumps, O&M and indoor environmental quality, as well as new reports on research taking place worldwide.
The second annual Research Summit seeks papers that report on HVAC&R research with particular emphasis on high performance building design and its role in a clean energy economy, and brings together researchers to present and discuss the latest research. Papers describing ASHRAE-related research are encouraged as well as papers from societies and associations worldwide.
As with past ASHRAE Conferences, the Seattle Conference also seeks papers addressing advances and practices across HVAC&R systems, equipment, fundamentals and applications.
Conference paper abstracts are due Sept. 23, 2013. Upon acceptance, papers will be due Jan. 9, 2014. These papers undergo a single-blind review.
Full technical papers are due Sept. 23, 2013. Papers submitted for review must be both technically accurate and clearly written. These papers undergo a rigorous double-blind review and will be published in ASHRAE Transactions.
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The Building Codes Assistance Project releases regular updates on building energy codes through its quarterly BCAP Newsletter and weekly Code Alert Bulletin.
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:
>>New General Alerts
North Carolina - 2012 North Carolina Conservation Code Upheld
>>Ongoing General Alerts
DOE - Department Releases Building Performance Database
BCAP Code Alert Bulletins are 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.
Building Codes Assistant Project: Annual Report 2012
BCAP is a team of the Alliance to Save Energy and -- by working in collaboration and partnership with stakeholders across the country and around the world -- is making enormous strides by driving energy efficiency through creation, adoption and effective implementation of building energy codes. One of the most important accomplishments of 2012 was the creation of the National Energy Codes Collaborative, which will ensure future success by maintaining strong lines of communication and coordination among the many important groups and organizations working to advance dynamic building energy codes. See news release here.
This August 28 webinar will provide an overview of the development of cdpACCESS, International Code Council’s initiative to create the code development process of the future. We will have a cdpACCESS overview webinar presented by ICC President Ron Piester. This webinar will discuss cdpACCESS’s capabilities, how to submit a code change and how to discuss the code change with colleagues. The webinar will be followed by a Q&A session where you can ask your questions.
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Alliance to Save Energy Efficiency News
Updates from ASE include:
For complete list of ASE's Efficiency News articles, click here.
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Intended for new applicators and those who want to meet the requirements for participation in the Gaco Western Roof Warranty program. This class is a pre-requisite for achieving Level 3 GacoFlex Qualified Applicator status.The S20 Applicator Training provides a technical understanding of GacoFlex S20 Solvent-Free 100% Silicone Coating, Graco X-70 spray equipment, spray techniques, and application tips.
Building Science Fundamentals is a two-day seminar that teaches the basic knowledge needed to design and build durable, energy efficient, affordable and healthy buildings. The registration fee for this seminar is $795.
The 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference will be held September 23-25, 2013. CPI is now accepting poster abstracts for the conference. Poster abstracts are due August 22, 2013.
Building industry professionals are heading to Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort with a real purpose - to learn the science and above code strategies behind energy efficient and high performance building practices, to understand new regulations and legislative measures, and to capitalize on increasing opportunities.
Designed for current users who want to take it to the next level, this class will enhance the quality and speed of your WUFI results. Tips and tricks, hands-on practice with advanced examples, and discussion of field validation exercises are all part of this advanced seminar. The registration fee for this seminar is $395.
Commercial Building Energy Audits, part of the ASHRAE Learning Institute fall online course series, includes a summary of materials essential for performing ASHRAE Level 1, 2 and 3 audits; time-saving tips for energy auditors; how to hire an auditor; what to ask for in a comprehensive audit report; how to build a successful energy efficiency retrofit team; tips to make site visits quicker and more effective; tools to make analysis of billing data and energy savings faster and more accurate; and tools to perform diagnostics using measured data.
Building Science Experts’ Session is an annual two-day seminar that focuses on advanced building science topics. This session is intended to provide thought provoking professional development for experienced building industry professionals who are interested in healthy, durable and energy efficient new and old buildings. The registration fee for this seminar is $795.
Since 1975, World of Concrete has been the industry’s only annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, innovative products and technologies, demonstrations and competitions, an education program, and the information you need to help sustain and grow your business.
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