>>Ty Pennington to Headline 2015 Sprayfoam Convention and Expo![]() 
Ty Pennington is best known as the Emmy-award winning host of "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" and the co-host of ABC Daytime's "The Revolution." He has been recognized as a home design expert, carpenter and leader in the field of volunteerism.
>>Sprayfoam 2015 Presentation Topics Solidified
The technical presentation topics for the 2015 Sprayfoam Convention and Expo were solidified recently. The schedule and more information will be sent out shortly and will be included in the next issue of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine, as well. The topics below (and many more) will be part of the course offerings in Albuquerque:
SPF Roofing on Steep Slopes: Safety concerns, installation techniques, lift suggestions
SPF and Solar: Where and how can roofing work with solar, especially on the commercial side?
Dealing with Overspray: How to attempt to avoid, and how to handle if it happens
Prevention & Remediation of Ice Dams on Attics and Cathedral Slopes: The procedures for locating, prioritizing, and remediating the causes of ice dams in buildings.
Foamed Plastic Insulation and the Codes: Outline all of the code provisions that apply to SPF and IPF installations.
Movement Through a House: This session will explore how conditions outside affect the inside of a home and how different ventilation and HVAC strategies can make inside conditions better or worse. A psychrometric wheel and an iPhone/Android app will be used to experiment how these strategies will affect the conditions in the home.
Temperature and Pressures: The Key to Foam Quality and Yield: Discuss the impact of temperature and pressure on foam quality. Address quality points such as density and interlaminate adhesion. Also discuss the impact on foam yield.
Marketing Strategies: How do we increase our market share? Why has overall growth been so weak over the years? Ways to overcome negative customer perceptions; planning and strategies for dealing with potential upcoming trends
Wall Assemblies: Where are we in the big picture? When will SPF get the true energy efficiency rating it deserves? Are wall assembly designs taking advantage of the increased strength potential of SPF? What about existing structures? How to address a retrofit properly?
What to Do When the Application Turns South? How should you handle customer complaints and concerns?
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>>California DTSC Corrects Misinformation About SPF
SPFA Pleased with Corrections, but Continues to Represent Industry in the Fight to De-list the Product Completely from the Agency Process Aimed at Potential Product Regulation
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), a leading voice representing spray polyurethane foam industry contractors, manufacturers and the complete product value chain, is pleased to announce that the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has completed corrections to the public documents distributed by the agency as part of the Safer Consumer Products Priority Products Initiative. Corrections completed by the DTSC include the deletion, or adjustment, of inaccurate facts about the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) product, its chemical components and safety. The SPFA, along with partner organizations representing a resolute coalition of homebuilders, building performance professionals and systems manufacturers, had previously made requests to the Department in person during a series of public workshops and in submitted letters, as part of the formal process surrounding the state’s Priority Products Initiative.
As part of the DTSC’s corrections, changes have been made to the publicly distributed Priority Product Profile for SPF, in addition to the scope of the Department’s activity. Corrections include:
-- The Department has altered the definition of "Spray Polyurethane Foam Systems", narrowing it to include only pressurized two-component systems utilized to make SPF. Additionally, the definition includes two-component systems marketed for insulation and roofing applications, however now excludes roof coatings.
-- The Department has excluded one-component spray polyurethane foam systems sold in cans from the official Scope of Products being evaluated.
-- The DTSC has removed HDI and TDI, isocyanates utilized in some elastomeric roof coatings but not in the A-side of SPF systems, from the scope of the Chemicals of Concern documentation.
-- The Department has deleted certain reference documents from the Priority Product File.
-- The DTSC revised the contentious and incorrect statement found on page 6 of the Product Profile that read "diisocyanates are the leading attributable cause of asthma in the workplace" to state "exposure to diisocyanates in the workplace can cause asthma." SPFA has long contended that California’s own CDC data (p. 104) tracking all of the sources of Occupational Asthma, indicates the incorrectness of their statement.
"The SPFA is pleased that these critical changes were completed to these public documents, as the facts put forth in the initial documents were grossly incorrect and have caused irreparable harm to our members and the building industry in the state of California," said Kurt Riesenberg, executive director of the SPFA. "However, the SPFA and its members believe that spray polyurethane foam was unjustly selected for the Safer Consumer Products Initiative because it is not a consumer product, but rather a professionally installed product, and because the information used by the DTSC in the selection process was so faulty. Furthermore, any safety concern surrounding the installation of SPF is a worker issue and is already being addressed by US OSHA under the Isocyanates National Emphasis Program. It is for these reasons that the SPFA believes it should be de-listed from the DTSC Priority Products Initiative process altogether."
Next steps in the Department’s Priority Products evaluation process include 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). The SPFA will actively participate in the process at all stages on behalf of its member constituents and the spray polyurethane foam industry at-large.
"Our members in California continue to face unwarranted scrutiny because of the inclusion of SPF in the Priority Products Initiative and the SPFA will continue to fight to have it removed," added Riesenberg. "The process has not only damaged the business of our California members, but it has called into question the state of California’s ability to achieve its stated net-zero energy goal by 2020. Spray polyurethane foam outperforms competing building materials in energy efficiency, but is being simultaneously promoted and persecuted by two sides of the same state that needs it to achieve this aggressive energy goal."
>>SPFA's Kurt Riesenberg, Rick Duncan and Kelly Marcavage Speak at CPI Conference
SPFA's Kurt Riesenberg, Rick Duncan and Kelly Marcavage all presented at the 2014 Polyurethanes Technical Conference last month at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas. Kurt Riesenberg, SPFA Executive Director, talked about updates related to the SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP) for sprayfoam installers and companies. Dr. Rick Duncan, SPFA Technical Services Director, addressed meeting the need for sustainable building design, and shared the final results from SPFA’s industry-wide LCA and EPD project for SPF insulation and roofing. Kelly Marcavage, SPFA Certification and Training Director, offered information and support related to the SPFA PCP.
Hosted by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council, the conference had more than 60 technical presentations scheduled.
>>SPFA Forms Marketing Committee
SPFA formed a Marketing Committee -- co-chaired by Mac Sheldon and Ridge Stockdale -- and there are opportunities for SPFA members to be involved. If you would like to be involved in promoting, protecting and growing the SPF industry, and helping SPFA do the same, please reach out to Kurt Riesenberg, SPFA Executive Director.
Some of the initial goals of the committee are to:
• Provide input to SPFA’s SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine & bi-weekly newsletter for future articles, topics, authors, new areas
• Consider/establish consistent industry messaging for various audiences – architects, specifiers, builders, general contractors, code officials
• Establish regular informational webinars on SPF (safety, PPE, OSHA, fire testing, introduction to foam, decoding thermal and ignition barriers, building science, troubleshooting, etc)
• Utilize SPFA’s deep list of previously-submitted projects (Annual Awards Program) to construct dozens of success stories and promotional material
>>SPFA's Board Members
SPFA's Board of Directors for the 2014-2016 term include:
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)
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>>Green Building Certification System Final Rule Issued by Energy Department
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department announced the issuance of a final rule that requires verified energy and water performance for new and retrofitted federal buildings that are certified by private sector green building certification systems. The rule, which goes into effect November 13, ensures that in cases where agencies choose to use green building certification systems to meet federal sustainability and energy standards, they must choose a system that verifies enhanced energy and water efficiency.
By requiring re-assessments at least every four years, the rule will ensure energy and water savings continue well beyond the initial building opening or retrofit. System requirements for the verification of energy and water performance in new construction and major renovations will lead to reduced consumption through active energy and water management. Read more here.
>>EPA Increases Access to Chemical Information; Agency Seeks Input on Improvements
EPA has updated and improved ChemView, its one-stop database of chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). We have added more chemical information and improved usability, as well as introduced an easy way for you to tell us additional improvements you would like to see. Read the press release. Learn about the changes to ChemView and take the survey. 
>>The Lapolla Ty Pennington Sweepstakes
Source: lapolla.com
Enter for your chance at winning a trip for two to Las Vegas to hang out with Ty Pennington during the International Builder’s Show January 20-22, 2015 in Las Vegas. To qualify, fill out the form and like the Lapolla Facebook page. Sweepstakes ends January 10, 2014. Read more here.
>>EPA Settles with Jerome Cheese for Chemical Risk Management Violations at Idaho Plant
Source: epa.gov
Jerome Cheese, a division of Minnesota-based Davisco Foods International, Inc., has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to comply of federal Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan regulations aimed at preventing chemical accidents. The violations occurred at the Jerome Cheese manufacturing facility in Jerome, Idaho. Jerome Cheese is regulated under the Clean Air Act since it annually uses more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a colorless gas commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems. Read more here.
>>SPF Apprentice Program Available Through Spray Foam Nation
Source: SprayFoamNation.com
Peter Cantone, CEO at Spray Foam Nation, released details related to a SPF Apprentice Training Program. Candidates will complete an eight-week program that will include passing all exams: CPI Online, OSHA 10, SPFA PCP Assistant Installer, SPFA PCP Installer, and Spray Foam Nation's internal exam (no multiple choice). Candidates will also learn to clean guns on a daily basis, work on transfer pumps and troubleshoot. For details, click here.
>>ORNL Researchers Develop ‘Autotune’ Software
Source: ornl.gov / Katie Elyce Jones
ORNL buildings researchers have developed automated, or "Autotune," calibration software, which reduces the amount of time and expertise needed to optimize building parameters for cost and energy savings. The team is currently making Autotune capabilities available to a limited set of beta testers through a web service and anticipates making it publicly available in September 2015. Read more here.
>>CPI Announces Major Milestone for Safety in the Spray Polyurethane Foam Industry
Source: americanchemistry.com
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council has reached a major milestone in its ongoing efforts for continuous improvement of health and safety in the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry.
More than 10,000 SPF professionals have completed CPI’s High Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training program. The interactive training program provides information about the use, handling and disposal of chemicals used to manufacture SPF. The training program, which is also supported by the Spray Foam Coalition, includes information about best practices for engineering controls and personal protective equipment. CPI also provides a similar training program for low-pressure SPF for weatherization professionals.
Launched in 2010, the High Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training satisfies one prerequisite toward completing the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance’s Professional Certification Program. Offered in English and Spanish, this self-paced training is designed to be taken online or in a classroom setting, so it is possible for registered instructors to conduct their own training sessions in person. Read more here. >>EPA Launches ENERGY STAR Community Service Tour
Source: energystar.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is kicking off its first national ENERGY STAR Change the World through Community Service Tour, bringing together public and private organizations in communities across the country to make a positive difference in people’s lives through energy efficiency-related community service projects.
Upcoming tour stops will be in Baltimore, Md.; San Francisco, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; Orange, Calif.; and Phoenix, Ariz., and culminating on ENERGY STAR Day, Oct. 28, in Phoenix. EPA is leveraging the tour to inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference through energy efficiency, to share their "stories of positive energy," and take the ENERGY STAR Pledge at energystar.gov/pledge in celebration of ENERGY STAR Day.
>>A "Seal" to Publicize the Spray Foam Coalition’s Commitment 
Systems house members of the Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) now can widely publicize their commitment to product stewardship and product safety. In August, the SFC developed a new seal memorializing company commitment to the Coalition’s Code of Conduct. The Code is an annual commitment signed by each systems house member of SFC and represents a company’s pledge to promote worker and public health and safety with respect to its products. All sixteen SFC systems house members signed the Code earlier this year. The seal is a distinguishing mark for SFC members in the insulation industry. For more information on the Code of Conduct, visit the website or contact Justin Koscher, (202) 249-6617.
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>>2014-15 SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide Available Online
Members in good standing are listed in this publication, which is mailed out every September. This directory is also available in a digital format 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 (See coverage in Fall 2014 issue.) Residential Wall Foam Runner-Up: Jag Construction Inc.
Roof Foam Less Than 40,000 sq. ft. Winner: PROFOAM of Tennessee (See coverage in Winter 2014 issue, to be released shortly.)
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. (See coverage in Fall 2014 issue.) 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.
See more details on the session "Intumescent Coatings and SPF" by Roger V. Morrison, PE, RRC, Deer Ridge Consulting, Inc. in the Fall 2014 issue.
See more details on the session "Recoating and Renewing SPF Roofing Systems" by Bruce Schenke, Premium Spray Products, in the Winter 2014 issue, which will be released soon.
Also, many of the slides from the presentations are available here.
>>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.
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>>BREAKING NEWS! CEUs for SPFA PCP Re-Certification Will Be Available at Sprayfoam 2015
By attending conference sessions at Sprayfoam 2015 in Albuquerque, N.M., attendees can now earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) when they attend approved sessions. For example, each of the SPFA breakout sessions on January 28-29, 2015, have been approved for 1 CEU. More details about how to attain these CEUs will be available in the near future.
Every five (5) years, PCP Certified Individuals need to be re-certified. Part of the re-certification requirement is meeting a CEU requirement, which is based on your certification level. Individuals have 5 years to meet this requirement, but we are making every effort to get you started soon, so this requirement is already fulfilled when the time comes for you to re-certify.
>>Gaco Invests in Its Contractors, Supports SPFA PCP
Gaco Western is passionate about safety, performance, quality and the professionalism of its contractors in the SPF industry. Along those lines, Gaco Western has entered into a bulk purchase agreement of PCP exams with SPFA and will pick up registration and exam fees for the Assistant, Installer and Master Installer PCP exams for its contractors; Gaco offers free online training webinars to help contractors study and prepare for PCP Exams; GacoWallFoam Area Managers are certified to proctor written and online PCP exams at a contractor’s place of business; and, the GacoWallFoam Field Service Team is certified to conduct Field Examinations.
"Gaco offers all of this – at no charge – to our contractors because we believe their success is our success," said Tom Sojak, VP Sales, GacoWallFoam. "We believe the SPFA Professional Certification Program combined with our own GacoWallFoam Qualified Applicator Program are crucial to ensuring our contractors remain competitive among the best of the best in the industry."
Just as other trades have adopted best-of-class practices as they mature, Gaco believes the SPF industry must adopt the same practices. "Gaco Western is committed to the long term health of the sprayfoam insulation industry and believes that industry-wide certification is crucial to achieving this," added Sojak. "We are committed to providing the assistance our contractors need to quickly and easily complete the SPFA PCP registration process and PCP exams, and we support the SPFA PCP designed by SPFA professionals."
>>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.
October 21-24 -- Marietta, GA
Hosted by Premium Spray Products
November 17-21, 2014 -- West Haven, CT
Hosted by Spray Foam Nation
January 26-27, 2015 -- Albuquerque, NM
Hosted by SPFA
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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>>EPA Seeks Feedback from the Public on Proposed Label Options for Safer Products
Source: epa.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is redesigning its Design for the Environment Safer Product Label to better convey to consumers that products bearing the label meet the program’s rigorous standard to be safer for people and the environment.
"We want consumers to be able to easily find safer products that work well," said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "The agency wants to hear from the American people on which designs will help people identify household cleaning and other products that are safer for families and the environment."
The agency is also seeking input from a wide range of stakeholders, including the chemical and product manufacturing industry, retailers, consumers and environmental organizations. This input will help inform the agency’s selection of a new label.
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>>DOE Issues Preliminary Determination of Energy Savings for Residential Buildings
Source: energycodes.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Notice of Preliminary Determination for the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), preliminarily affirming that the updated code will result in energy savings in residential buildings. DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting the 2015 IECC (as compared with buildings meeting the 2012 IECC) would result in national energy savings of approximately 1.12 percent of residential building energy consumption, as regulated by the IECC. If this determination is finalized, each state would be required by statute to certify that it has reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and made a determination as to whether to update their code to meet or exceed the 2015 IECC.
The DOE Building Energy Codes Program encourages increased energy efficiency through building codes and standards. DOE is required to review published editions of model codes, including the IECC and Standard 90.1, and issue a determination as to whether the updated edition is expected to result in energy savings in residential and commercial buildings, respectively. Through its support for building energy codes, DOE helps states and local governments realize significant energy savings, resulting in cost savings for U.S. home and business owners, and associated environmental benefits due to avoided greenhouse gas emissions. Read more here.
>>DOE Issues Determination of Energy Savings for Commercial Buildings
Source: energycodes.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Notice of Determination for ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013, affirming that the updated code will result in energy savings in commercial buildings. DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting Standard 90.1-2013 (as compared with buildings meeting the previous 2010 edition) would result in national source energy savings of approximately 8.5 percent, and site energy savings of approximately 7.6 percent, of commercial building energy consumption, as regulated by the Standard. Following an affirmative DOE determination, each State is required by statute to certify that it has reviewed the provisions of its commercial building code regarding energy efficiency, and updated their code to meet or exceed the revised Standard.
The DOE Building Energy Codes Program encourages increased energy efficiency through building codes and standards. DOE is required to review published editions of model codes, including the IECC and Standard 90.1, and issue a determination as to whether the updated edition is expected to result in energy savings in residential and commercial buildings, respectively. Through its support for building energy codes, DOE helps states and local governments realize significant energy savings, resulting in cost savings for U.S. home and business owners, and associated environmental benefits due to avoided greenhouse gas emissions. Read more here. >>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 Alerts *
DOE - Sets New Green Building Rule for Federal Buildings
* Ongoing General Alerts *
DOE - Proposes to Amend the Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial HVAC Equipment
DOE - Preliminary Determination on the 2015 IECC Residential
ICC - Online Voting Period for IgCC: Oct 15-29
Clean Air Act Section 111(d) - [UPDATE] Extended Comment Period for the Clean Power Plan Rule
* New State and Local Alerts *
New York - Proposes Changes to the Training Requirements for Code Enforcement Personnel
San Antonio, TX - Accepting Comments on the 2015 IECC Residential and Commercial
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Denver – Prepares to Adopt the 2015 I-Codes
Minnesota – [UPDATE] Request for Comments on Possible Amendment to Rules Governing Residential Energy Code
Illinois - 2015 IECC Adoption Process Begins with Call for Comments and Amendments
Maryland - Accepting Comments on Adopting 2015 IECC
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>>EPA Releases Guidance to Improve Schools’ Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency
Source: epa.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released new guidance to help school districts protect indoor air quality while increasing energy efficiency during school renovations.
Both energy management and protection of indoor air quality (IAQ) are important considerations for school facility management during energy upgrades and retrofits, and schools can protect occupant health by addressing both goals holistically. These renovation and construction activities can create dust, introduce new contaminants and contaminant pathways, create or aggravate moisture problems, and result in inadequate ventilation in occupied spaces. EPA’s Energy Savings Plus Health: Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for School Building Upgrades offers opportunities to prevent and control potentially harmful conditions during school renovations. Read more here.
>>October Is National Energy Awareness Month
Source: ase.org / Anna Hahnemann
October means football season, pumpkin lattes, Halloween costumes and many other fun seasonal changes. While we’re excited for all things autumn, here at the Alliance we're welcoming this new month for another reason. On September 1991, President George Bush declared October as National Energy Awareness Month, encouraging government and organizations to raise awareness of the importance of sustainably managing the nation’s energy resources. Read more here.
>>Updates from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Source: energy.gov
The current issue of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Update newsletter addresses:
>An overview of Building America Top Innovations, presented in a new, user-friendly website format
>Open registration for the 2015 Race to Zero Student Design Competition
>The September 24 webinar, Multifamily Ventilation Strategies and Compartmentalization Requirements
>2014 Housing Innovation Awards and Building America sessions at the EEBA Conference—September 23-25, 2014
>Residential success stories that employ Building America Top Innovations
>DOE Zero Energy Ready Home technical trainings
>The latest publications from Building America: measure guidelines, case studies for new and existing homes and technologies, and more!
Click here to access the most current Building America Update. Learn more about the Building America program.
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Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, c ontact Karen Wolfenberger
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>>Online Course: Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights
Source: sba.gov
What is intellectual property? How do you protect your ideas? This course explains intellectual properties and how to protect them. Explore the differences between patents, trademarks and copyrights and learn about filing for a patent or trademark and registering for a copyright. Learn more here.
>>Hispanic Businesses Are at the Forefront of Small Business Growth
Source: sba.gov
As we close out another successful Hispanic Heritage Month, the SBA would like to congratulate the more than 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to ensure that the economic prosperity of our nation is alive and well. Read more here.
>>Lending Money to Your Employee
Source: sba.gov
From time to time, an employee going through a rough financial patch may turn to an employer for help. As member of your small business family -- which is how many owners view their staff -- you want to be helpful. Here are some considerations to prepare for that position with an employee. Read more here.
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