>>SPFA Elects New Board Members
SPFA recently held its Board of Directors election for the 2014-2016 term. Below are the results, following the runoff election for a board seat that was won by Tom Sojak of Gaco Western. SPFA is excited about addressing industry issues with this new complete board. Please congratulate these members when you see them:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Mr. Dennis Vandewater, Sadler Coating Systems (IA)
Vice President: Mr. John Achille, Coastal Insulation (NJ)
Treasurer: Mr. Richard Spiess, Innovative Insulation Solutions (IL)
Immediate Past President: Mr. Robert (Bob) Duke, Carolina Comfort Foam
BOARD MEMBERS
Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Ms. Bonnie Strickler, Puff Inc. (VA)
Mr. Ron Winkle, Western Pacific Roofing (CA)
Mr. Larry Ash, United Thermal Systems (NY)
Mr. Tyler Fiske, Anchor Insulation (RI)
Mr. Bryan Heldreth, RPC (VA)
Ms. Tiffiny Flaim, Biofoam Inc. (IL)
Non-Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Mr. Joe Stockdale, Bayer Material Science (TX)
Ms. Mary Bogdan, Honeywell (NY)
Mr. Mitch Clifton, NCFI (NC)
Mr. Mac Sheldon, Demilec Inc. (TX)
Mr. Nick Pagano, Graco Inc. (MN)
Mr. Tom Sojak, Gaco Western (WI)
 >>New Conference Staff on BoardEmma Bennett and the team at YES, LLC have been brought on board to manage the 2015 SprayFoam Convention & Expo, to be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center, January 26-29, 2015. She’s excited to be working with SPFA, and has jumped right into the planning process.
"I’m learning a lot about this industry in just the first couple of weeks; and I’m looking forward to having SPFA members teach me more about the insulation world," said Bennett, Conference Coordinator. "Everyone’s made me feel so welcome already, I can’t wait to meet everyone in person at the conference!"
SPFA 2015 SprayFoam Convention & Expo
January 26-29, 2015
Albuquerque (N.M.) Convention Center
Exhibitors will see sign-up materials within the next few weeks, with attendee information and signup beginning shortly thereafter. Sleeping rooms will be booked at the Hyatt Regency, and special notification will be sent when the hotel is ready to begin accepting reservations.
SPFA is currently accepting proposals for technical presentations. If interested, please email the session title, presenter biography, objectives and brief description. All submissions will receive careful consideration and the Convention Committee hopes to announce selections in August.
Please contact Emma via email or phone (605-470-0453) with questions.
>> 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.
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>>SPFA's Formal Comments to California DTSC Regarding Evaluation of SPF and Use of Diisocyanates
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) has submitted on behalf of its membership formal comments to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) regarding the evaluation of spray polyurethane foam and the use of diisocyanates. As part of this official industry response provided June 30 to the DTSC, the SPFA highlights serious inaccuracies in the Department’s public documents about the product and the harm these inaccuracies have caused the industry in and out of the state of California.
"We urge the DTSC to correct the multiple inaccuracies in the documents put forth to the public regarding the use of diisocyanates in spray polyurethane foam," said Kurt Riesenberg, executive director of the SPFA. "These incorrect facts have caused irreparable harm to an industry that is unparalleled in its ability to achieve energy efficiency and serve the state of California in its net zero energy goals set forth by 2020."
The SPFA’s formal response lists multiple inaccuracies and prejudiced statements including: unsubstantiated assertions that diisocyanates in sprayfoam are attributable to leading causes of occupational asthma; the inappropriate assertion that alternatives to diisocyanates in sprayfoam should be used or considered prior to the completion of a formal evaluation; multiple inclusive references in the Department’s documents to TDI and HDI isocyanates, which are not components of spray polyurethane foam; the critical need for the DTSC to make distinctions between various types of SPF such as sealants, insulation and roofing, which represent different products, different installation environments, different chemical constituents and different hazard levels; the state’s duplication of existing federal EPA, NIOSH and OSHA efforts addressing diisocyanates installation safety; and SPFA’s continued disappointment throughout the process with DTSC’s failure to initially reach out to industry before publishing inaccurate information, and the subsequent failure of not correcting published information proven to be incorrect.
"The SPFA is concerned the DTSC’s efforts will continue to decimate jobs and energy efficiency in California," added Riesenberg. "At the very least, any and all information the Department puts forth during this evaluation process must be accurate and substantiated. It would be remiss for any public documents to be anything but factual yet that is the situation we find ourselves in."
Following the SPFA’s formal comments submission, the association will continue to actively participate in the DTSC Priority Products evaluation process. "The SPFA will be an active voice and participant in this process to protect our members, constituents, customers and affiliate industries in the state of California," added Riesenberg. "Spray polyurethane foam remains unmatched in performance as an insulation and roofing material and we will continue to showcase the immense product benefits and safety to the Department and public."
The next steps in the Department’s Priority Products evaluation process include public hearings, the establishment of the Final Priority Product List, an Alternatives Analysis and a Regulatory Response (which could range among a number of rules and regulations regarding the use of SPF in California).
Statements from industry stakeholders about the impact of the DTSC’s Priority Product effort relative to spray polyurethane foam:
"In order to prioritize a product, DTSC is required by law to demonstrate significant or widespread adverse impact. DTSC’s prioritization of SPF is based on isocyanates being the leading attributable cause of occupational asthma. Yet, according to the California Department of Public Health, out of 974,000 cases of occupational asthma, none have been attributed to SPF. Therefore, based on DTSC’s own data, the case against SPF fails."
Mitch Fine
CEO
Armstrong
"Sprayfoam is a safe product, performing a great service to the state of California by helping save energy. The Governor's goal of net zero energy by 2020 needs sprayfoam with its tremendous air-sealing properties and superior energy efficiency performance. Unfortunately, the inaccuracies in the DTSC's sprayfoam Product Priority Profile continues to cause harm and widespread confusion among consumers, builders and building owners. We ask the DTSC to correct the sprayfoam PPP immediately. Sprayfoam offers a proven solution to reducing global carbon dioxide emissions by reducing energy loss in buildings. We look forward to partnering with DTSC on responsible Green Chemistry initiatives, so that the state of California continues to enjoy the exceptional benefits of sprayfoam."
Will Lorenz
National Sales Manager
General Coatings
Fresno, CA
"The DTSC has done irrefutable harm to the spray polyurethane foam industry. I have built my business over the past 11 years and have experienced a serious loss in revenue due to the DTSC's current process and harmful, incorrect published product information. Several jobs on my books have been changed to other types of insulation. Two customers completely cancelled their projects with me. Numerous architects have shared that they cannot spec sprayfoam until the DTSC process has run its course. And one major builder recently informed me that an 8 subdivision project with planned sprayfoam insulation will now not use the product. This equates to a loss of $5-6 million to my business! If the DTSC evaluation process is not completed soon, or results in the regulation or ban of this incredibly effective and safe product, I will be out of business and forced to leave the state."
Gary Talbott
President
5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc.
RE: California Department of Toxic Substances Control Proposed Regulation of Chemicals Utilized in Spray Polyurethane Foam "for Home and Building Insulation, Weatherizing and Sealing, and Roofing"
In March 2014 the California Department of Toxic Substance Control announced three priority product areas that the state will focus upon for potential rulemakings, intended to limit or potentially ban the use of those products in the state. Spray polyurethane foam was identified as one Priority Product area. Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) contends that this decision to include SPF was misguided, an over-reach, and based upon information utilized by California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) that was less than accurate as presented. SPFA recognizes that the state is a very important driver for reducing environmental footprints of products and buildings, and increasing building energy efficiency. Customers from home and commercial building owners to homebuilders and architects demand the use of SPF to reach the ever-increasing energy codes in the state due to its superior product performance. SPF is a safe product that delivers, and any efforts to limit or ban its use will be a great detriment to the customers in the state, as well as the many small professional businesses that install SPF, and will be met with significant opposition by SPFA.
With industry best practices and the safe and effective installation of spray foam representing two core missions of the organization, SPFA has consistently, openly and transparently collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the safe use of spray foam ingredients and systems over the past half-decade. While SPFA understands and emphasizes that the recent DTSC announcement is not a ban of spray polyurethane foam (or the use of diisocyanates found in a multitude of consumer products), it considers the announcement unfortunate as it undermines the desire among California private and professional customers for a safe and effective building product that delivers on performance.
California has demanded increased energy efficiency performance of homes and buildings in a way that few products other than spray foam can deliver, and simultaneously initiated efforts to regulate the product in a way that may render its performance impotent.
Read full statement here.
>>SPFA Testifies at All Three Recent California DTSC Public Workshops
SPFA testified at three hearings in California recently on the industry's behalf. All manufacturers, distributors, and California member contractors were encouraged to attend the hearing closest to them and communicate with the CA DTSC regarding inaccuracies in the Department's statement, and the negative impact upon SPF business in the state.
The Department initiated a new regulatory process in March 2014 under the new California Green Chemistry Initiative and the Safer Consumer Products law. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) reviewed over 1,500 products and constituent materials and selected a three initial priority products to work with. Spray polyurethane foam, or more specifically "Unreacted Diisocyanates in SPF" was one of the products selected. SPFA and the SPF industry have reached out to DTSC on many occasions to better understand the process of selection and what the Department is expecting from industry. SPFA and the American Chemistry Council have contended from the moment of the announcement that no outreach was performed by the Department to the industry. SPFA further contends that this lack of outreach resulted in a failed selection process that still lacks open explanation, in critical misunderstanding of SPF systems among the Department staff, erroneous conclusions drawn from cited research studies, lack of citations to studies such as those published from the US government’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) and California’s own Department of Health that directly conflict with the DTSC’s basis for determination, likely duplication around Isocyanates programs already ongoing, such as the EPA’s Chemical Action Plan (CAP) on Isocyanates, and OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates (in which CalOSHA participates), and a published Priority Product Profile available on the DTSC’s website still today that delivers factually incorrect information.
"Members have indicated in public testimony that the Department’s mishandling of the process and information, and resulting perception among customers of uncertainty for the product’s future in California, have resulted in immediate material negative impact to their businesses. Manufacturers have reported hearing questions regarding DTSC action in states as far away as New York and Texas thanks to the mainstream media’s coverage of this debacle. And the homebuilding industry in California, a big proponent of SPF, suggests that their advanced purchasing decisions have been thrown into uncertainty because of the confusion around SPF resulting from DTSC’s handling, just at the time when preparations are being made to comply with 2016 high efficiency Title 24 California energy codes," said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg. "It’s like being locked in a house with both the heat and air conditioning running at the same time, when these different state agencies are actually working against each other’s internal interests."
The DTSC has listened to the concerns of the industry, but have provided little remedy in the way of correcting bad information on their website. SPFA, the American Chemistry Council, and a team of members spent almost an entire day with DTSC staff after the announcement educating them on SPF topics in the hopes of addressing concerns from an informed standpoint. "What is really unfortunate," continued Riesenberg, "is what we’ve said all along: this could have all been avoided if they had just asked us some questions before they surprised everyone with the announcement." SPFA has formally requested within the DTSC public workshops that the erroneous information contained in the Priority Product Profile document be removed from the DTSC website until corrections can be made, to avoid the continued spread of incorrect information. To date, DTSC has added a disclaimer within the document. SPFA and the California members anticipate working with DTSC and other state interests as this regulatory process continues unabated toward the next steps, including potential alternative assessments for SPF.
"While we are certain the DTSC is well intentioned in pursuing this new regulatory path available to them in California for the health, safety and well-being of their constituents, the guinea pig nature of our involvement and the complete failings we have seen to date by the state leave us with these unfortunate and serious allegations," said Riesenberg. "It is very difficult to accept the time, expense and ill-defined expectations of an alternative assessment when the process that led us to this point has been wrong, period."
For more details click here. For the full SPFA statement, click here.
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>>ASHI, NAR and USGBC Recognize BSP Certificate for Continuing Education
Source: bpi.org
Three organizations representing the home inspection, real estate and sustainable building industries have recognized BPI's Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge for the basic principles of residential energy efficiency, health and safety it brings to the continuing education of their membership. The BSP Certificate is earned by passing BPI's 100 question, multiple choice online exam on the principles of building science behind house-as-a-system energy upgrades.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has approved the BSP Certificate for five Continuing Education credits for its member home inspectors. The National Association of Realtors' (NAR's) Green Resource Council has approved the BSP Certificate as an alternative training program credit for Realtors to earn NAR's Green Designation. The U.S. Green Building Council's Green Building Certificoration Institute (GBCI) awards six Continuing Education hours for studying the BSP Reference Guide and passing the online exam.
The BSP exam is a 100-question multiple choice exam that can be taken anytime online. Candidates prepare for the exam by first studying the companion reference guide that walks you through the major systems of the home.
BPI will release the 2nd edition of the reference guide this summer. New features include an expanded solar section, a chapter on offering customers energy ratings of their homes using the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Energy Score, and a Spanish-language edition of the guide and exam. Learn more here.
>>International Societies Form Indoor Environmental Quality – Global Alliance
Source: ashrae.org
A newly formed alliance seeks to serve as a global source for information, guidance and knowledge on indoor environmental quality. A memorandum of understanding creating the Indoor Environment Quality Global Alliance was signed June 29, at ASHRAE’s 2014 Annual Conference in Seattle, Wash. Other groups joining the Alliance are the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre (AIVC), the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and the Federation of European Heating and Air-Conditioning Associations (REHVA).
The Alliance was formed by an ad hoc committee appointed by ASHRAE 2013-14 President Bill Bahnfleth to explore ways in which industry groups could work together to address all aspects of indoor environmental quality and health.
>>Energy Department Invests $6 Million to Support Commercial Building Efficiency
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department's Building Technologies Office (BTO) announced up to $6 million in funding to deploy and demonstrate four emerging energy-saving technologies in commercial buildings across the country. These projects will help businesses cut energy costs through improved efficiency, while also reducing carbon pollution. Last year, commercial buildings consumed about 20 percent of all energy used in the United States at an estimated cost of nearly $180 billion, and are responsible for 18 percent of total U.S. carbon emissions.
>>ACCA and BPI to Co-Present 3rd Annual Building Performance Forum
Source: buildingperformanceforum.com
Home and building performance contractors from all over the country will convene in Charlotte, N.C., for the 3rd Annual Building Performance Forum on October 7-8, 2014. Registration is now open; early bird pricing ends August 15.
>>112 Teams Compete in EPA’s Energy Star Battle of the Buildings
Source: energystar.gov
More than 5,500 competitors (112 teams) have entered the 2014 Energy Star Battle of the Buildings: Team Challenge. The competition specifically targets wasted energy in commercial buildings, and will motivate businesses to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon pollution, and save money.
Competitors will measure and track their building's monthly energy consumption using EPA's Energy Star online energy measurement and tracking tool, Portfolio Manager. Over the course of the competition, building teams will work to optimize or upgrade equipment, retrofit lighting, and change occupants’ behaviors -- all with help from Energy Star.
EPA will maintain a website devoted to the competition, featuring a listing of competitors and their starting, midpoint, and final standings, a live Twitter feed where competitors will post updates on their progress, and an interactive map of the competitors’ locations. Midpoint results will be posted in October. The winner will be announced in April 2015. Learn more here.
>>A Smart Investment: Energy Efficiency and the Tech Industry
Source: ase.org
By now, you’ve likely heard about smart technologies that "learn" your habits
and automatically adjust the energy use of your home. Companies like Nest and Opower as well as terms like the
"Internet of Things" were completely unfamiliar just a few years ago, and are
now working their way into everyday conversations. There’s a lot of information
out there -- let’s take a look at a few of the factors contributing to the surge
of big investments in energy
efficiency technology. Read more here.
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The Summer 2014 issue of SPRAYFOAM Professional is complete and should be in your mailbox shortly. The digital version is has already been released. 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.
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>>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.
>>2014-15 SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide Being Mailed in September
Members in good standing are listed in this publication, which is mailed out every 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.
 >>SprayFoam 2014 Coverage, Award WinnersIn addition to coverage of some of the SprayFoam 2014 sessions and events in the SPFA magazine, SPRAYFOAM Professional, there will be spotlights on some of the SPFA National Industry Excellence Award winners:
Commercial Wall Foam Winner: Domestic Insulation (See coverage in Summer 2014 issue.)
Commercial Wall Foam Runner-Up: Biofoam Inc.
Residential Wall Foam Winner: PROFOAM of Tennessee
Residential Wall Foam Runner-Up: Jag Construction Inc.
Roof Foam Less Than 40,000 sq. ft. Winner: PROFOAM of Tennessee
Roof Foam Less Than 40,000 sq. ft. Runner-Up: Honeywell Building Envelope Solutions
Roof Foam Greater Than 40,000 sq. ft. Winner: Arizona Foam & Spray (See coverage in Summer 2014 issue.)
Roof Foam Greater Than 40,000 sq. ft. Runner-Up: West Roofing Systems, Inc.
Specialty Applications Winner: West Roofing Systems, Inc.
Specialty Applications Runner-Up: Polyseal Insulation LLC
>>Break-Out Sessions
Speakers at the highest-attended break-out sessions will be summarizing some of their material in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional.
(See more details on the session "OSHA Is at My Jobsite -- What Do I Do?" by Joseph E. Bolduc, MBA, CSP in the Summer 2014 issue.) Also, many of the slides from the presentations are available here.
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>>The Certification Scheme Committee Improving PCP Documents
The Certification Scheme Committee (CSC) is the PCP Committee responsible for the Accreditation and Certification Handbooks and related forms.
The committee has been working diligently to improve the format, availability and ease of use of the forms. The forms should all be released by the end of the summer. During weekly teleconferences, the committee reviews, edits, discusses and finally, approves, the documents that the PCP utilizes.
We know the end users (YOU!) will be pleased with the results. Not only are they easier to understand -- but most important, they will be much easier to complete in their "fillable" version. For those of you who need to complete the Experience Declaration Form, fear no more -- this form takes the guess work out! This means the user can simply type in the information and email it back to us.
Our staff is delighted at the prospect that all handwriting mysteries will be eliminated!
Here is a sampling of the completed forms:
PCP Order Form (we combined the Cost and Fees Form with the Exam Request Form into one document)
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Cook Marcavage, SPFA PCP Certification Director, at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org.
>>SPFA PCP Exam Prep Courses and Exams
New locations are frequently added for SPFA PCP Exam Preparatory Courses, Written Examinations and Field Examinations, so be sure to check www.sprayfoam.org Certification Calendar of Events for the most complete list.
Sept. 15-19 -- Santa Fe Springs, CA
Hosted by Diamond Liners
October 14-16 -- Waukesha, WI
Hosted by Gaco Western
Contact Karen Wolfenberger at kwolfenberg@gaco.com
October 15-17 -- Houston, TX
Hosted by Lapolla
Contact Shana Rand at srand@lapolla.com
Ongoing -- Webinar SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional
Hosted by Gaco Western
Contact Karen Wolfenberger at kwolfenberger@gaco.com
More details for each location are available on our website – www.sprayfoam.org. If you would like more information on the PCP, please contact Kelly Marcavage, SPFA PCP Certification Director, at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org.
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![]() Source: rhinolinings.com
Rhino Linings Corp. has named Dave Feitl director of sales for the company’s building products group. In this newly created position Feitl will oversee both the sales and technical functions of the Concrete Solutions®, Expo Stucco™ and sprayfoam insulation, sealant and roofing product lines.
Feitl brings years of experience in the building products industry to the job, with a particular emphasis on sprayfoam, sales and product development. He spent eight years in various jobs at Demilec USA including national sales manager and chief operations officer. Since then, Feitl has held key executive positions at Duna USA and most recently senior vice president of marketing at Thermal Products Research.
Rhino Linings Corp. offers a suite of building solutions for architects, builders and homeowners with its Concrete Solutions® repair and decorative concrete overlay products, BioBased Insulation® and DuraTite® spray foam insulations and Expo Stucco™ exterior stucco products, plasters, interior finishes and patching products.
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>>SBA Launches Growth Accelerator Fund, Deadline for Competition Is Aug. 2
Source: SBA.org
The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a $2.5 million competition for accelerators and other entrepreneurial ecosystem models to compete for monetary prizes of $50,000 each to fund operating budgets. To award the prizes, applicants will be judged by an expert panel that will consider each applicant's stated mission, founding team members and business goals among other core components. The application deadline is August 2, 2014.
>>Request for Qualifications -- BPI GoldStar Contractor™ Program, Deadline Is Aug. 7
Source: bpi.org
The Building Performance Institute, Inc (BPI) is accepting proposals from training providers in all aspects of business management, quality management, and sales and marketing training with a focus on small business home performance contracting companies participating in the BPI GoldStar Contractor™ Program.
The goal of the BPI GoldStar Contractor Program and this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to provide a pathway for contractors to achieve excellence in home performance services to their customers. The BPI GoldStar Contractor program helps contractors identify needed skills in a company's business and quality management systems and provides training support to enhance these skills.
Proposals will be accepted through August 7, 2014 by 5 p.m. (ET)
>>BPI's Home Energy Auditing Standard Released for Public Comment, Deadline Aug. 25
Source: bpi.org
The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) announced that BPI-1100-T-201x: Home Energy Auditing Standard is now available for public comment for a period of 45 days. BPI-1100-T-201x was developed in an effort to standardize and clarify what is included in a whole-building, science-based energy audit of existing homes.
>>EPA Proposes to Replace and Reduce Harmful Greenhouse Gases
Source: epa.org
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to prohibit the use of certain chemicals that significantly contribute to climate change where safer, more climate-friendly alternatives exist. This is the agency’s second action aimed at reducing emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of potent greenhouse gases, under President Obama's Climate Action Plan.
This action is estimated to reduce greenhouse gases by up to 42 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2020, equal to the carbon dioxide emissions from the annual electricity use of more than 5 million homes.
Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program evaluates substitute chemicals and technologies that are safe for the ozone layer. The proposed action would change the status of certain high-global warming potential (GWP) HFCs that were previously listed as acceptable under the SNAP Program to be unacceptable in specific end-uses based on information showing that other alternatives are available for the same uses that pose lower risk overall to human health or the climate.
The HFCs and HFC-containing blends affected by the proposal are used in aerosols, motor vehicle air conditioning, retail food refrigeration and vending machines, and foam blowing.
EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
>>EPA Seeks Comments on Potential Revisions to its Risk Management Program
Source: epa.gov
On July 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Request for Information (RFI) to seek comment on potential revisions to its Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations and related programs to modernize its regulations as required under Executive Order (EO) 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.
During the 90-day comment period, EPA asks for information and data on specific regulatory elements and process safety management approaches to enhance public health and safety, and aid local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. The information received will be used when reviewing chemical hazards covered by the RMP and to determine how this program should be expanded to improve chemical facility safety. The RFI does not commit the agency to rulemaking.
The public will have 90 days to submit written comments online, www.regulations.gov (the portal for federal rulemaking), or by mail.
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>>Standards for Uniform Data Collection and Transfer in Home Performance Updated
Source: bpi.org
The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) announced that updates to its BPI-2100-S-2013: Standard for Home Performance-Related Data Transfer (HPXML) and BPI-2200-S-2013: Standard for Home Performance-Related Data Collection have been published and are now available on the BPI website.
Version 2.0.0 of the data standards includes additional data elements, technical improvements to HPXML, and revisions to existing data elements. A list of changes for this version can be found in Annex C of BPI-2100.
To view the data collection and transfer standards, visit:
>>ASHRAE/IES Publish User’s Manual for Standard 90.1
Guidance on how to incorporate changes regarding building envelope, lighting, mechanical and the energy cost budget in the 2013 energy standard from ASHRAE and IES are included in a newly published User’s Manual. ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, incorporates 110 addenda, reflecting changes made through the public review process.
>>DOE Issues Preliminary Determination of Energy Savings for ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013
Source: energycodes.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued its Preliminary Determination for ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013, affirming that the updated Standard provides an additional 8.5 percent energy savings over the previous edition. Interested stakeholders are invited to submit public comments within 30 days from publication of this Notice in the Federal Register. DOE expects to finalize its Determination later this year. Further information on DOE support for building energy codes is available at www.energycodes.gov.
>>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. Topics addressed in the current issue include:
*New General Alert*
The Department of Energy and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy have announced an open meeting for the Manufactured Housing Working Group (MH Working Group) to discuss a proposed rule for the energy efficiency of manufactured homes. This open meeting will last two days. Individuals will also have the option of participating via a webinar (click the links below).
*New State and Local Alerts*
Florida - Citizens’ Defense of Energy Conservation Goals May Continue Next Week
Massachusetts - Bill H.792 Proposes Task Force to Study Ways of Reducing Greenhouse Emissions
North Carolina - Building Reutilization for Economic Development Act, H.B. 201
North Carolina - Approves an Emergency Rule on Decreasing U-Value Requirements for Windows
Washington - Homeowners Now Free to Install Solar Panels Without Engineer Consult
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September 15-19, 2014 -- SPFA PCP Exam Prep Course and/or Exam hosted by Diamond Liners, Santa Fe Springs, CA
October 14-16, 2014 -- SPFA PCP Exam Prep Course and/or Exam Hosted by Gaco Western, Waukesha, WI
October 15-17, 2014 -- SPFA PCP Exam Prep Course and/or Exam Hosted by Lapolla, Houston, TX
Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, c ontact Karen Wolfenberger
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>>Learn More about a New Retirement Benefit Option for Your Employees
"myRA" ("My Retirement Account") is a new retirement savings account intended for employees who don't have access to an employer-sponsored plan or who aren't eligible for their employer’s plan, but are looking for a simple, safe and affordable way to start saving. Learn more during a webinar on August 12 at 1 p.m. with SBA, the Treasury Department and Small Business Majority.
>>SBA & AARP Webinar: Q&A Session to Help You Start Your Business
This is your chance to get your small business questions answered by those in the know! Join AARP and SBA on August 12 at 2 p.m. (ET) to ask about developing your business plan, securing financing, accounting, marketing, bookkeeping and more.
Exporting represents a big opportunity to tap in to new markets, expand your customer base and grow your business. But getting started with exporting can sometimes feel like a maze of regulations, policies, and other barriers. Here are some free training and educational resources to help.
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