>>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 While the Albuquerque Hyatt Regency is now sold out, room are still available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque, 505-247-3344. This hotel is directly connected to the Convention Center, where Sprayfoam 2015 will be held.
Hospitality Suites
Sprayfoam 2015 exhibitors may host hospitality suites. Contact the Albuquerque (N.M.) Convention Center 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. The schedule and more information is included in the current issue of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine. 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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>>2015 Energy Codes Conference Returning in 2015
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is holding an energy codes conference for the first time since 2011. This conference, scheduled for March 24-26, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee, will be solely dedicated to energy codes. A major theme will be achieving compliance but sessions will cover development, adoption, policy and research. An agenda will be available soon. Click here to register.
>>Signs of Stress Must Not Be Ignored, IEA Warns in Its New World Energy Outlook
Source: iea.org
Events of the last year have increased many of the long-term uncertainties facing the global energy sector, says the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2014 (WEO-2014). It warns against the risk that current events distract decision makers from recognizing and tackling the longer-term signs of stress that are emerging in the energy system. Read more here.
>>House Passes Bill to Limit EPA 'Secret Science'
Source: thehill.com
The House passed legislation in November to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing new regulations unless it provides the scientific data to justify them. Passage of the measure, H.R. 4012, the "Secret Science Reform Act," fell largely along party lines with a vote of 237-190. Read more here.
>>Energy Department Offers $5 Million for Residential Energy Efficiency, Partnerships
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department announced a $5 million funding opportunity that includes support to develop and demonstrate new residential energy efficiency solutions. The funding will also help research into building energy efficiency at universities and colleges. The Energy Department will provide $4 million to support the demonstration of high-impact energy efficiency technologies and practices that can produce 50% energy savings in new homes by 2025 and 40% energy savings in existing homes by 2030. Provided through the Department’s Building America program, the $4 million in funding will help U.S. homeowners save as much as $12 billion a year by supporting the development of energy-saving measures. Read more here.
>>Clariant’s Exolit® OP 560 Confirmed as Safer Flame Retardant for PU Foam
Source: clariant.com
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified Clariant’s oligomeric phosphonate polyol (OPP) flame retardant – marketed under the trade name Exolit® OP 560 – as a safer alternative to pentabromo diphenylether (pentaBDE), traditionally used for giving fire protection to foam. Read more here.
>>Registration for the 2015 Race to Zero Student Design Competition Closes Dec. 15
Source: energy.gov
Apply your ideas to real-world solutions for sustainable, energy-efficient housing and compete against other talented universities as they race to develop the most technically sound, market-ready solutions for zero energy ready homes. Carl Franklin Homes in Dallas, Texas, will build one or more of the winning designs from this year's competition. Teams can design homes to the specifications of Carl Franklin Homes' design team, and the winners will see their designs actually built. These homes will be sold to our nation's veterans, active duty or retired, providing them with sustainable, energy-efficient housing. REGISTER YOUR TEAM now for the opportunity to design the homes of our future and see your creation become a reality!
>>Research for Real-World Results: Dec. 17 Webinar
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America program will host a free webinar on Dec. 17 that will offer information about the latest advances in residential building technologies and practices. The webinar, Building America: Research for Real-World Results, is being presented by Building America research team and national laboratory experts and DOE Program Managers and will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. EST. Click here to register.
>>EPA Calls for Nominations for Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award - Due Dec. 31
Source: epa.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its call for nominations for the 2015 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for companies or institutions that have developed a new process or product that helps protect public health and the environment. Nominations for innovative technologies in six categories are due to the agency by December 31, 2014.
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>Membership News & Numbers
>Industry Updates
>Manufacturers Study Health and Safety Guidance for Application of SPF
>OSHA Completes Year One of Its National Emphasis Program on Isocyanates
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The deadline to submit a project for the Contractor Industry Excellence Awards was extended to December 5!
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 December 5, 2014.
- Nominations must be received by December 5, 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.
A panel of industry experts will adjudicate the selection process.This will be a blind judging process. Judges will not know to whom each of the entries belong, therefore the judging will be solely based on the merit of the project according to awards guidelines.
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.)
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.
Available on the SPFA website, the SPFA Membership 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.
 >>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.
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>>Equipment, Materials and Supplies Needed for Field Exams
SPFA PCP is pleased to announce Field Examinations for candidates seeking Master Installer Certification in either Roofing or Insulation will be conducted during the SPFA Convention in Albuquerque, N.M., on Monday-Tuesday, January 26-27, 2015. They will be held at the Convention Center where the SPFA Convention and Tradeshow is being held.
We've received commitments from some groups who are interested and willing to contribute. We are not necessarily looking for new equipment, but medium-age equipment will also be useful.
We will be offering Open Cell, Closed Cell and Roofing Field Examinations, so all the relevant materials, equipment and supplies must be available and this is where WE NEED YOU!!! In addition to traditional SPF Suppliers, we will have the expense of renting tents, lights, heaters, tables and chairs - sponsorships of these items is also available with a monetary contribution. In addition, it would be helpful to have a technical representative available to answer questions, troubleshoot and deal with any malfunctions.
We will highlight your company's contributions in conference proceedings, signage, the SPFA magazine and as appropriate on-site at the SPFA Convention and Tradeshow. If you are interested or need additional information, contact Kelly Cook Marcavage, SPFA PCP Certification Director at 571-748-5003.
This is also a great opportunity for Suppliers to have their SPFA PCP Certified Field Examiners assist and become vetted so they can start doing Field Exams on their own! Detailed information on how to become an SPFA PCP Certified Field Examiner is outlined in the Field Examiner Certification Handbook at www.sprayfoam.org.
>>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.
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.
>>CPI Requests Papers and Posters for Polyurethane Industry Conference
Source: americanchemistry.com
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council has issued a call for papers and posters to be presented at the 2015 Polyurethanes Technical Conference, which will take place October 5-7, 2015, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Each year, the conference addresses the latest in breakthrough technology through its paper and poster program. Paper abstracts are due February 2, 2015. Submission instructions and guidelines for development of papers and posters can be found here. Poster abstracts are due August 3, 2015. Read more here.
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>>2014 Green Building Standard Now Available from ASHRAE/USGBC/IES
Source: ashrae.org
New requirements to further reduce energy and environmental impacts of buildings are contained in the 2014 version of the green building standard from ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society.
ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2014, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, addresses the areas of site sustainability; water-use efficiency; energy efficiency; indoor environmental quality; and the building’s impact on the atmosphere, materials and resources. Read more here.
>>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 - Save the Date for 2015 Energy Codes Conference
DOE - Comment Period Extended Regarding Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial HVAC Equipment
Clean Air Act Section 111(d) - 4 Days Left to Submit Comments on the Clean Power Plan Rule
* New State and Local Alerts *
Colorado - Public Utilities Commission Considers Changes to the Energy Benchmarking Rule
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Denver, CO – Accepting Comments on the 2015 I-Codes
Illinois - 4 Days Left to Submit Comments and Amendments on 2015 IECC
New York - 4 Days Left to Comment on Proposed Changes to the Training Reqts for Code Enforcement Personnel
Pennsylvania - Public Hearings on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption
San Antonio, TX - Preliminary Meeting Approves the 2015 IECC Res. & Comm. Codes with a Few Changes
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>>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 is now available. Read this issue to learn about:
-A new DOE Funding Opportunity Announcement for Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation
-The 2015 Race to Zero Student Design Competition registration deadline and a free webinar about proven strategies for designing zero energy ready homes
-DOE's newest Solution Center for energy efficiency programs
-BEopt Version 2.3 with enhanced new features
-Residential success stories highlighting technologies for winter preparation
-Zero Energy Ready Home technical training in December
-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.
>>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.
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Jan. 26-27, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Exam Prep Course and/or Exam hosted by SPFA, Albuquerque, N.M.
Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, c ontact Karen Wolfenberger
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>>Back-office Tech Tools to Keep You on Track
Source: associationsnow.com
No matter what size office you have or what role you play, efficiency is vital to effective teamwork. But putting together the right combination of tools that play nicely together and help you work smoothly can pose a challenge. Read more here.
>>What is a Quality Management System and How Can it Help My Business? Dec. 11 Webinar
Source: bpi.org
During this webinar, " What is a Quality Management System and How Can it Help My Business?" John Tooley of Advanced Energy will introduce the motivation for quality management thinking -- both financial and social -- and will define the fundamental basis for quality, and how to establish quality through system thinking. Free for BPI GoldStar Contractors, $50 for all others. Click here to register for this webinar.
>>3 Up-and-Coming Social Tools and How to Use Them to Market
Source: sba.org
If you’re like most small business owners, you’re probably too busy to stay on top of the latest and greatest social media marketing tools. So here's a rundown of three tools that can benefit you. Explore how you can use them to market your small business. Read more here.
>>Feeding Your Employees: What Can You Deduct?
Source: sba.org
It’s common for companies to pay for employee meals under a variety of circumstances, from being on the road for company business or snacking in the lunchroom. From a tax perspective, the circumstances under which you furnish food determine the extent to which you can write off your costs. Read more here.
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