>>Sprayfoam 2015 Schedule
Sunday, Jan. 25
6 a.m.–6 p.m. SPFA PCP Field Exam Setup
Monday, Jan. 26
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. SPFA PCP Field Exams (Marshalling Yard)
8 a.m.-4 p.m. SPFA PCP Exam Prep Courses
ABAA Spray Polyurethane Foam Installer Training
SPFA PCP Written Exams
Tuesday, Jan. 27
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. SPFA PCP Field Exams (Marshalling Yard)
8 a.m.-4 p.m. SPFA PCP Exam Prep Courses
ABAA Spray Polyurethane Foam Installer Training and Exam
8 a.m.-4 p.m. SPFA PCP Written Exams (last start @noon)
Noon-5:30 p.m. Golf Tournament, Twin Warriors Golf Club
(Transportation departs hotel lobby @10:45 a.m.)
6-7 p.m. Women’s Leadership Networking Reception
Wednesday, Jan. 28
8 a.m.-4 p.m. SPFA PCP Written Exams
8-10 a.m. General Session
Welcome Address, SPFA’s Executive Director, Kurt Riesenberg
SPFA President’s Message, Dennis Vandewater
General Session Presentation, Dr. George R. Thompson
Keynote Speaker, Ty Pennington
10:15-11 a.m. Breakout Session 1
11:15 a.m.-Noon Breakout Session 2
Noon-2 p.m. 10th Annual Contractor Awards Luncheon
2-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
5-6 p.m. Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall
Thursday, Jan. 29
7-7:45 a.m. SPFA Membership Business Session
8 a.m.-Noon SPFA PCP Written Exams
8:30-10 a.m. General Session
Committee Reports
Keynote Address
10:15-11 a.m. Breakout Session 3
11:15 a.m.-Noon Breakout Session 4
1:15-2 p.m. Contractor Only Networking Session
2:30-5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
7-9 p.m. Closing Reception, Entertainment, Drawings
 Hotel Information Make hotel reservations directly with Albuquerque Hyatt Regency at 888- 421-1442, and use the convention code "Spray Polyurethane Foam," or click here. Rooms are going fast! Room rates are $139 single or double plus taxes. All reservations must be made before January 3, 2015. Rooms are available on a first-come basis until block is sold out.
Hospitality Suites
Sprayfoam 2015 exhibitors may host hospitality suites. Contact the Albuquerque (N.M.) Convention Cente directly. NOTE: All hospitality suites must be approved in advance by SPFA.
 >>Golf Sponsorship Options Added... and Going Fast!
Join us for 18 holes of golf at the award winning Twin Warriors Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. Home to numerous professional events, Twin Warriors is ranked by Golf Digest as the 49th best public course in America and by Golf Magazine as among the country's top 75 best golf resorts. Built alongside the sacred land of the Tamayame, the name comes from the belief that Twin Warriors showed their tribe the way to the upper world along the banks of the Rio Grande River. Come join us and maybe the Twin Warriors will lead you to a better golf swing!
The format is an 18-hole scramble, with prizes for gross and net, as well as closest to the pin and long drive contests. Sign up as a four-man team or sign up individually and we will place you on a team. To reserve rental clubs, contact the course directly at 505-771-6155. Bus service will be provided to and from the hotel to the course, and boxed lunches will be served.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $500-$1,500, with some packages including entry for two along with recognition as a tourney sponsor.
Take a course tour and plan your day here. To access the SPFA Convention & Expo Sponsorship Prospectus, click here.
>>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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>>USDA Launches New Initiative: Finances First Energy Efficiency Program Loans in Arkansas and North Carolina
Source: usda.gov
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has funded the first two loans under the new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program, which is designed to help consumers reduce energy bills through energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems. Read more here.
>>What’s New in HPC Credentials?
BPI, RESNET, ACCA Share Insight into Latest Home-Performance Contracting Programs
Source: achrnews.com / Kimberly Schwartz
Some homeowners may be wary of the legitimacy of HVAC contractors who have branched into providing home-performance services. One way to allay their fears is to present evidence of certification in this field. Here is a look at what’s new and coming soon in the world of home-performance credentials. Read more here.
>>EPA Awards Environmental Education Grants to Recipients in 18 States
Source: epa.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the completion of awards for the 2013 Environmental Education Model Grants Program. Projects include community energy education, summer programs for low-income teenagers, integration of multimedia learning tools into watershed education, environmental health education on the impact of climate change and asthma, and hands-on K-12 environmental education programs. From applications received in 2013, EPA has funded 20 grants from across the country, ranging from $75,000- 200,000 for a total of approximately $2.8 million. Read more here.
>>Energy Department Offers $9 Million for Commercial Building Energy Efficiency
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department is offering $9 million for energy-saving technologies that can be tested and deployed in offices, shops, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and other types of commercial buildings. The funding will facilitate the implementation of market-ready solutions across the United States to improve commercial building energy efficiency, with a goal of demonstrating 20% savings or more across a variety of approaches. This funding opportunity seeks to support five to ten projects that will increase energy savings in commercial buildings by advancing the use of tools, solutions, and resources the Department has developed to help commercial building owners, managers, and professionals overcome barriers to efficiency.
The funding opportunity encourages building owners and occupants to demonstrate widely-applicable and self-sustaining approaches that address key challenges and make building efficiency improvements easier. Examples include:
•Green leases that help building owners and lessees save money
•Information for better decisions by using Department-developed energy modeling software to identify and predict a building’s energy performance
>>EPA Releases Climate Plans on Fifth Anniversary of President Obama’s Sustainability Initiative
Source: epa.gov
As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, EPA released plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change impacts such as flooding, sea level rise, severe weather and temperature extremes.These Sustainability Plans and Climate Change Adaptation Plans coincide with the fifth anniversary of President Obama’s 2009 Executive Order on Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance, which set aggressive energy, climate and environmental targets for agencies, and detail how EPA’s actions have already contributed to reducing the Federal Government’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 17 percent since 2008 – the equivalent of permanently taking 1.8 million cars off the road. Read more here. 
>>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.
>>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.
>>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.
>>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.
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If you do not receive SPRAYFOAM Professional in the mail or via email and would like to be on future distribution lists, click here to sign up.
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The deadline to submit a project for the Contractor Industry Excellence Awards is fast approaching -- November 21!
These awards recognize SPFA contractor members’ exceptional accomplishments for the quality of their work, the uniqueness of the project, speed of application, superiority of polyurethane, ability of foam to conform to unusual/irregular surfaces, and special safety considerations. There are five award categories: Residential Wall, Commercial Wall, SPF Roof under 40,000 sq.ft., SPF Roof over 40,000 sq.ft., and Specialty Applications. To be eligible for an award, projects must follow this criteria:
- Nominations can be made by any SPFA member. Contractor nominees must be SPFA members to be entered into the contest.
- The project must have been completed between December 1, 2013 and November 21, 2014.
- Nominations must be received by November 21, 2014.
- Pictures (preferably digital) are required.
Submit your project today; it’s easier than you think! For details or to submit a project, go to the SPFA website.
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
>>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
Coverage of some of the Sprayfoam 2014 sessions and events has been included in the SPFA magazine, SPRAYFOAM Professional. In addition, speakers at the highest-attended break-out sessions have been summarizing some of their material in the magazine. Also, many of the slides from the presentations are available here.
-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.
>>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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>>Certification Renewal Reminder
All PCP Certifications expire on December 31, 2014 and must be renewed. The certification renewal invoice has been mailed to each company and should arrive soon.
In the coming weeks, a detailed email will be sent to each certified individual with documents which need to be completed and returned. Please look for these documents and return them as soon as possible Incomplete paperwork will slow down the re-issuance of certification ID cards.
If you have any questions, please contact the SPFA PCP at admin@spafpcp.org or call 866-222-5000
>>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.
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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>>BPI's Standard for Basic Analysis of Buildings Released for Public Comment
Source: bpi.org
BPI-1200-S-201x: Standard for Basic Analysis of Buildings is now available for public comment for a period of 45 days. BPI-1200-S-201x was developed in conjunction with BPI-1100-T-201x: Home Energy Auditing Standard in an effort to standardize and clarify how to conduct a whole-building, science-based energy audit of existing homes. To submit comments, visit: Formal Public Comment Process.
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Source: navigantresearch.com
This Navigant Research report defines and analyzes the global market for ZEBs with a focus on six product and service categories: lighting, walls and roof, glazing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, renewable energy, and soft costs. The study provides an analysis of the region-specific and worldwide market issues, including drivers and barriers, associated with ZEBs. Global market forecasts for revenue, broken out by region, product/service, and development type (commercial construction, commercial retrofits, and residential), extend through 2035. The report also examines the key technologies and services related to ZEBs, as well as the competitive landscape. For details or to purchase the report, click here.
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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:
* Ongoing General Alerts *
DOE - Sets New Green Building Rule for Federal Buildings
DOE - Proposes to Amend the Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial HVAC Equipment
ICC - VOTE NOW! Online Voting Period for IgCC Ends Today
Clean Air Act Section 111(d) - 30 Days Till You Can Comment on the Clean Power Plan Rule
* New State and Local Alerts *
Minnesota - Completes the Residential 2012 IECC Adoption Process
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Denver – Prepares to Adopt the 2015 I-Codes
Illinois - 30 Days Left to Submit Comments and Amendments on 2015 IECC
Maryland - Comments on Adopting 2015 IECC Due This Coming Monday (Nov 3)
New York - Proposes Changes to the Training Requirements for Code Enforcement Personnel
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>>Housing Innovation Award Winners
Source: energy.gov
DOE presented Housing Innovation Awards to 28 industry leaders at the Energy Environmental Building Alliance’s Excellence in Building Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in late September. These leaders are at the forefront of a revolution. You may think it is calm now -- it usually is right before the storm – but be prepared. Zero energy ready homes are in the news daily. A recent study by Navigant Research expects the zero energy building market to grow to $1.4 trillion by 2035. Learn more about how each of these winners has prepared for the future today and get ideas for your preparations.
>>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.
>>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:
-Presenting the 2014 Housing Innovation Awards!
-Registration and Webinar for the 2015 Race to Zero Student Design Competition: Deadline Is Dec. 15, 2014
-Notice of Intent: Building America Industry Partnership for High Performance Housing Innovation
-New Building America Code Compliance Brief—Floor Insulation
-Zero Energy Ready Home Webinars and Trainings
-October 2014 Residential Successes: 2014 Housing Innovation Awards
-Building America in the News
-New Publications from Building America
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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>>5 Ways To Prepare for Small Business Saturday - Nov. 29
Source: sba.gov
November 29 is Small Business Saturday! That’s right, the day after Black Friday and before Cyber Monday is your chance to make a lasting impact in your community by encouraging shoppers to shop local. Here are five steps you can take to make it a big day for your small business. Read more here.
>>Online Course! How to Write a Business Plan
Source: sba.gov
Do you need help with planning the road map for your small businesses start, growth and success? Learn the importance of business planning and the components of a business plan, and gain access to sample plans and resources that can help you develop a solid business plan. Read more here.
>>SHOP Early Access Available to Small Businesses in Five States - Online Debut Nov. 15
Source: sba.gov
The SHOP Marketplace helps small businesses provide health coverage to their employees and is open to employers with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. "SHOP Early Access" will allow small businesses, agents, and brokers to try out new online pre-enrollment SHOP features, and help set the stage for the full online debut on November 15. Read more here.
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