SPF Article by Rick Duncan Appears in Roofing Contractor
SPFA Finishes Environmental Product Declaration for SPF 
As a continuing step toward effective product and environmental stewardship, SPFA and Underwriters Laboratory Environment (ULe) conducted the necessary steps to complete an SPF Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which further validates the 2012 release of the SPF Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This Declaration, along with the LCA, are recognized by sustainability experts as additional verification of a product’s environmental performance. The EPD is maintained on the ULe website, available at www.sprayfoam.org/technical. The LCA is available there, as well.
 SPFA Delivers New WebsiteIn late 2013 SPFA released a newly redesigned website. The site offers even more useful information to members, the industry and the public on SPF benefits, performance and safety. It is much more user friendly and delivers resources to SPF professionals that will aid in increasing the success of their businesses. www.sprayfoam.org
SPFA Publishes Cold-Climate Hybrid Insulation Guidelines for Zones 4-7
In a continuing effort among the SPFA Building Envelope Committee (BEC) to issue guidance materials on hybrid insulation, additions to the previously published Hybrid Guidelines are soon available for download by members. The new content covers "cold-climate" Zones 4-7 and recently received approval from the SPFA Technical Oversight Committee (TOC). Members recognized that, while SPF is typically the insulation of choice, the marketplace practice of producing hybrid insulation systems is prevalent and would benefit from consideration of related issues. A Hybrid Insulation System is a combination of insulation types typically arranged so the SPF insulation acts as an air barrier and/or a vapor retarder, and the other insulation type contributes by adding R-value. The document will be available in the Member Only section of the website and a link will be sent to members as soon as the document is posted.
SPFA Completes New Worksite Safety Signs   SPFA recently completed two new safety signs for restricted access to worksites (No Entry and No Hot Work). These safety signs, produced by the SPFA Safety Committee, will be offered to the membership in the Members Only section of the website, and samples will be provided in the convention bags at the 2014 SPFA SprayFoam Convention & Expo. Digital files will be available for companies to download and print for their use. These signs should be used on all worksites to aid in compliance with the OSHA NEP and Hazard Communication.
Massachusetts SPF Workshop
In December 2013 SPFA participated with a broad segment of the industry in a Massachusetts state sponsored workshop. The workshop was attended by a variety of public and private organizations looking to promote health, safety and performance of SPF, as well as the SPFA PCP certification program throughout the state. Four more such workshops are being scheduled in the state for 2014. http://1.usa.gov/1eOMbKy
SPFA Committee Updates
>>Building Envelope Committee (BEC) – Mark Fortney, Gaco-Western, chair
On October 2, the BEC met in-person in Tucson, Ariz. Ten members attended. The committee members present approved a new hybrid insulation guide for cold climates and a code-compliant installation certificate to include insulation and fire-protective coatings. These documents will be published by SPFA within the next several weeks. In addition, an industry-level Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for SPF is complete and will be available on the UL Environment website later this year. New BEC projects include developing a foam thickness measurement procedure, extending AY-140 to include interior basement wall application, and working with the metal building industry to update our metal buildings guidance document. A new research project to measure the compatibility of SPF with low voltage wiring will be started this year. The next BEC meeting will be by teleconference on January 13, 2014.
>>Roofing Committee (RC) – Roger Morrison, Deer Ridge Consulting, chair
The RC met by teleconference on October 22. Included in the agenda was an update from the RICOWI and RoofPoint programs, an update on the new SPF Environmental Product Declaration. The Roofing Committee members present also selected three AY documents to update during the next year including AY-102, AY-127 and AY-110. Potential new projects discussed included developing a guidance document for SPF Roofing used with Photo-Voltaic installations and a guideline for SPF Roofing and Transition Membranes. The next meeting of the Roofing Committee will be an in-person meeting on February 25, 2014, one day before the International Roofing Exposition in Las Vegas.
>>Safety Committee (SC) – Joe Bolduc, Masco Contractor Services, chair
The SC met by teleconference on November 7. The primary goal of this meeting was to develop a comprehensive contractor safety program package free for SPFA members. This package will include templates for a Written Safety Program, a Respiratory Protection program, safety training and accident recording, among other items. The SC also discussed ways to help member contractors prepare for OSHA’s new National Emphasis Program (NEP) for isocyanates, and made plans to finalize the new SPFA jobsite safety signs.
If you are interested in participating on any of the SPFA technical committees, please contact Rick Duncan, SPFA Technical Director ( rickduncan@sprayfoam.org) or any of the committee chairs listed above.
SPFA Commits Resources on Sprayfoam to Homebuilders
The SPFA Board announced a commitment to complete a builder’s checklist on SPF to improve SPF contractor – builder communication. The checklist, expected to be surpassed over time with more materials oriented toward the builders and customers, will offer useful information on installation quality, health and safety, typical planning considerations for a worksite, and highlight information about SPFA’s Professional Certification Program (PCP) to inform and empower builders on the topics that are most relevant to them.
"One of the most important things we can do as an industry to maintain a high level of quality, safety and OSHA compliance on the worksite is to coordinate with those other stakeholder industries that typically share the worksite with us," said Kurt Riesenberg, Executive Director of SPFA. "The relationship and communication between builder and sprayfoam contractor in the field is essential for success, and that is reflected in SPFA working with the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) to facilitate similar conversations across our industries," he continued.
|
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%.
|
 >>OSHA NEP Letter to SPFA
In late
October 2013 SPFA received a letter from OSHA Director Dr. Michaels referencing
the 2013-released OSHA National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates, which is
available on the SPFA website: http://bit.ly/1iUOmBA. In the letter Dr.
Michaels requested that SPFA work to inform the SPF industry and SPFA members
of the tenets contained in the NEP. After four focused years of involvement,
SPFA continues to work on the members’ behalf with federal representatives to
develop and deliver practical, meaningful guidance leading to increased
contractor and customer safety, high performing installations, and compliance
with regulations. For more information on the NEP visit SPFA’s website under Health & Safety or attend the 2014 Convention session.
Source: polyurethane.americanchemistry.com
CPI released an updated Guidance for Developing a Written Respiratory Protection Program. This document provides regulatory background and a model respiratory program that addresses OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Program Standard (29 CFR ยง1910.134) which applies to all respirator use in general industry and construction workplaces. The program provides guidance on appropriate respirators, respirator use, storage, fit and evaluation.
|
If you are at the expo and haven't downloaded the free Expo App yet, see links below:
Download the 2014 SprayFoam Convention & Expo app by scanning the QR code or visiting http://sprayfoam2014.quickmobile.mobi/. Or access it directly at the Apple App Market or Google Play Store (Android). Get background and contact info on the speakers, exhibitor information and map locations, check out sponsors, download convention documents or - gulp - even post a picture for everyone to see.
|
For those of you lucky enough to be at the SPFA SprayFoam Convention & Expo -- which is wrapping up tomorrow, Jan. 29 -- you have already seen the Spring 2014 issue of SPRAYFOAM Professional. That is not the only way to get your hands on the latest issue, however. It will be in your mailbox soon, if you are on our mailing list, and the digital version links were sent out Friday. If you didn't receive your digital or print copy, sign up below to have it delivered directly to your Inbox. Some enhanced features in the digital version include:
>>Search for specific keywords or phrases.
>>Flag favorite articles.
>>Make notes in the margins.
>>Connect with vendors quickly and easily.
|
>>SprayFoam Convention & Expo IS GOING ON NOW! – January 26-29, 2014
The SPFA 2014 SprayFoam Convention & Expo is here! With standing-room only at the General Session (pictured below), more than 115 SPFA PCP tests completed in the first two days, and beautiful 80-degree sunny skies in Palm Springs, the 2014 SprayFoam Convention & Expo was off to an incredible start this week! Every year the convention delivers to you, the SPF professional, the best of the best information available on the industry. SPFA’s promise is to capture the most current and relevant information and deliver an experience you will appreciate, remember, and that will have an impact upon your business. Download a detailed Attendee Brochure here.
If you were not able to attend SPFA's 2014 SprayFoam Convention & Expo, be sure to stay tuned. Speakers at the highest-attended break-out sessions will be summarizing some of their material in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional.
>>Challenge Coins
 The first 1,100 attendees of the 2014 SPFA Convention & Expo received in their convention bags a valuable, unique commemorative "challenge coin" for attending the show. The coin represents the start of a new tradition with each annual convention having its own coin. Attendees will be able to use the coins around town at select restaurants for giveaways or discounts, and each coin is numbered so SPFA will use them in place of tickets for the giveaways (TVs, iPad, Galaxy Tab) at the closing reception. Get your coin and add 'em up year after year to show your dedication to this industry event!
|
>>SPFA Publishes Membership Brochure
Available on the SPFA website, the brochure highlights some of the various benefits of membership and activities of the organization as it pursues its mission to represent SPF professionals in areas of technical and environmental leadership, government advocacy, professional certification, industry promotion and outreach, and delivery of a world-class convention and expo. Please check out the brochure if you have been considering joining SPFA and support our mission to serve you. For more information or to access the application to join, please click here.
>>SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide
Members in good standing are listed in this publication, which was mailed to members in September. This directory is also available in a digital format here. The convenient digital format allows users to navigate and access the directory's content quickly and easily, on the road or in the office. Use the information provided to contact fellow SPFA members and industry partners throughout the year to share ideas, ask questions, or just stay in touch.
>>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.
|
>>SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP) Updates In 2013, the first year of the new SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP), over 1,080 exams were administered to early-adopting SPF professionals in the United States and abroad, with the notable 1,000th test being completed in November 2013. Administered by Sprayfoam Nation, the test-taker was Roy Murphy of Cambridgeport Sprayfoam in Massachusetts. SPFA congratulates Roy and Cambridgeport for their commitment and dedication to excellence, along with all of the early-adopters of the PCP program.
The program, ISO 17024-compliant, has grown rapidly and is set to release a new component – the Contractor and Supplier Accreditation programs – in 2014. The new programs will allow entire companies to demonstrate their participation and commitment to the principles of the PCP program. See SPFA PCP details here.
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.
>>SPFA PCP Exam Preparatory Course, Written Examinations and Field Examinations
>>SFC Supports New SPFA Professional Certification Program 
The Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) of the American Chemistry Council recently released a document outlining the benefits of SPFA's Professional Certification Program (PCP). The Coalition strongly supports this 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 2013 SprayFoam Convention & Expo. The program was developed in compliance with the ANSI/ISO 17024 standard.
|
>>CLEAResult Experiencing Growth
CLEAResult ( www.clearesult.com) is an energy-efficiency consulting firm that helps utilities, businesses, and individuals make the wise use of energy a way of life. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, and with offices in more than 40 cities in the U.S. and Canada, CLEAResult designs, markets, and implements energy programs around the globe. Our experienced energy experts tailor strategies to our clients’ specific needs and circumstances. At CLEAResult, we take pride in the character of our people and culture. Our work environment is actively collaborative, intelligent and creative. We enjoy coming to work each day, knowing we’re making a difference. As we grow, we continue to look for positive, action-oriented individuals who share our passion for energy efficiency and achieving results for our clients and the environment. The job descriptions for all our openings can be viewed at www.clearesult.com/careers and/or you may also contact James Hatheway, Senior Recruiter, at (512) 259-2383 or jhatheway@clearesult.com.
>>3M Shares Personnel Changes
3M has named Frank Little executive vice president of 3M's Safety and Graphics business. In this role, Little will oversee more than 40 major platforms, including respiratory protection, hearing protection, fall protection, passive fire protection, protective eyewear, head and face protection, reflective materials and graphics for traffic control and guidance, commercial hand and floor pads, and other adjacent solutions.
3M named Ashish Khandpur vice president and general manager, Personal Safety Division, Safety and Graphics Business, effective Jan. 1. Khandpur was previously vice president, Research and Development, Industrial Business.
|
ASHRAE Offers Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Guideline for Commissioning Existing Systems, Assemblies
Source: ashrae.org
With functional changes and occupant productivity driving the need to commission existing facilities, ASHRAE is developing a guideline that addresses the commissioning process. The guideline is open for public input until Jan. 20, 2014. For details, visit www.ashrae.org/publicreviews. ASHRAE Guideline 0.2P, The Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies, describes the procedures, methods, documentation, requirements and physical activities of the commissioning process for existing buildings, systems and assemblies using the principles developed in ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process.
ASHRAE/IBPSA-USA Building Simulation Conference Announces Call for Presenters
Source: ashrae.org
The 2014 ASHRAE/IBPSA-USA Building Simulation Conference, Sept. 10-12, 2014, Atlanta, Ga., has announced a call for presenters. This new joint, co-sponsored conference encompasses the ASHRAE Energy Modeling and IBPSA-USA SimBuild Conferences. The call for presenters is focused on the theme "BIM, BEM and SIM – Integrated Building Design and Modeling," an area currently of great concern to practicing professionals that will be addressed through five broad tracks.
Call for presenter proposals are due Feb. 10, 2014. A 400-word abstract addressing a specific topic and speaker background information are required. Notifications will be issued in March 2014. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/simulation2014.
Center for the Polyurethanes Industry Seeking Papers, Posters for the 2014 Polyurethanes Technical Conference
Source: americanchemistry.com
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council has issued a call for papers and posters to be presented at the 2014 Polyurethanes Technical Conference, which will take place September 22-24, 2014 at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas, Texas. Paper abstracts are due Feb. 3, 2014. Submission instructions and guidelines for development of papers and posters can be found on CPI’s website, www.polyurethane.org. Poster abstracts are due August 22, 2014.
|
7 Home Performance Marketing Trends to Watch for in 2014
Source: bpi.org / Peter Troast
As the New Year begins, we're dedicating a little time to reflecting on 2013 and looking forward to 2014. We recently published a post looking back at the top Energy Circle blog posts of 2013. We’re following that up with this look forward at the major home performance marketing trends that will have a significant impact on how home performance and home energy related businesses will need to market themselves to drive the industry forward in 2014.
|
BPI Standards and Certifications: What's New and Revised in 2014 (webinar)
Source: bpi.org
Over the last year, a lot has happened in the world of BPI. The Building Analyst certification has been updated, new energy auditing standards have been released, and four new advanced certifications were introduced. As these new and revised standards and certifications roll out, it's important for home performance professionals to learn more about the updates and the ways they can impact your company in the future.
Join Efficiency First at a webinar, Friday, January 17, to dive in to the core components of BPI's new and revised standards and certifications. Tune in to find out how these updates will influence your company's operations, and what you can do in your business to keep up to speed.
Revisions to Climate Data Standard from ASHRAE Include New Climate Zone, Climatic Data
Source: ashrae.org
The newly updated Standard 169, Climatic Data for Building Design Standards, serves as a comprehensive source of climate data for those involved in building design, and provides a variety of climatic information for designing, planning and sizing building energy systems and equipment.
"Using the results from ASHRAE Research Project 1453 ‘Updating the ASHRAE Climatic Data for Design and Standards,’ the data and tables in the standard were completely replaced," Dru Crawley, chair of the committee writing the standard, said.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Design Guidance: Insulation and Air Barrier Requirements of the 2012 I-Codes Source: americanchemistry.com
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)
Hear more about CEIR Updates from James R. Kirby AIA, at the SprayFoam Convention & Expo, Jan. 28, 11:15 a.m.-noon.
>>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.
|
Significant Progress on Energy Efficiency in 2013 — And 2014 Could Be Even Better
Source: aceee.org
Report: Energy Productivity Central to Clean Energy Economy
Source: ase.org
Doubling America’s energy productivity by 2030—a goal adopted by the President and first articulated by the Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy in Energy 2030— once again has emerged as a central focus in a new and important national clean energy action plan released this week. Powering Forward: Presidential and Executive Agency Actions to Drive Clean Energy in America, a report from the New Energy Economy (CNEE), founded and led by former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, offers 200 ideas for presidential action to curb climate change and advance a clean energy economy. In it, energy efficiency is recognized as Job No. 1, and the "quickest, cheapest and among the most effective ways to achieve a clean economy."
|
|
| |
|
