>>SPFA Technical Director Speaks at IBS Session on Insulation
SPFA's Technical Director Dr. Richard S. Duncan was one of the speakers at a session at IBS 2015, the NAHB International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. Along with C.R. Herro of Meritage Homes and Martins Pecholcs of Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Duncan discussed the topic "Insulation: From Spec Through Inspection, Steps to a Versatile High Performance Solution" on Jan. 20. The moderator was Justin Koscher of the American Chemistry Council and Spray Foam Coalition. Read more here.
>>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 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)
|
 The Contractor Industry Excellence 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. The winners were revealed and recognized during the 10th Annual Contractor Awards Luncheon at Sprayfoam 2015.
"The scope, complexity and breadth of projects submitted this year were among the best ever. It was great for the recipient to have Ty hand out one of the awards, everyone commented how large and grand the luncheon has become, and we are excited to highlight the great work done by our winning companies, as well as everyone that submitted a project." In addition to the winners and 1st runner-ups being recognized with awards, the other runner-ups went onstage to receive awards, as well, this year.
Winners received a crystal award, pop-up banner, and press-kit assisting them in promoting their win within their local markets and media. All projects were submitted anonymously to the panel of judges representing SPF and ancillary professional industries.
Many of the projects will be featured in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine.
These are the five award categories and the winners:
Residential Wall
Winner: A New Millennium for Adobe House
Runner-up: Arizona Foam & Spray for Meerkat Manor
Commercial Wall
Winner: Foam Tech for Spooky Nook Sports
Runner-up: Nunavut Excavating for Nunavut Multiplex
SPF Roof under 40,000 sq.ft.
Winner: Wedge Roofing Inc. for Life-Time Spray Foam Improvement on Historic Residence
Runner-up: Arithane for Cedar House
SPF Roof over 40,000 sq.ft.
Winner: RPC Industries Inc. for Hampton Plaza Shopping Center; formally a G.E.
Runner-up: Henderson-Johnson Co., Inc. for Northeast Carpenters Private Cllubhouse
Specialty Applications
Winner: Western Pacific Roofing Corporation for Hildebrand Dome Construction Monolithic Dome
Runner-up: West Roofing Systems, Inc. for Charter School Gym Rehabilitation
|
"We tried to build it and hoped they’d come. And they did!" said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg during Sprayfoam 2015, which experienced record-setting numbers this year, especially in the breakout sessions. Below are outlines of some of the most highly-attended sessions, some of which (and others!) will be expanded on in future issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine. All presentations will be uploaded to the SPFA website, www.sprayfoam.org.
Top 5 Sessions (per registration numbers)
1G. Temperature and Pressures: Impact on Quality and Yield
By Justin Strombeck
Among the many variables SPF contractors need to manage on the worksite, temperature and pressure are among the most important. Both impact quality of SPF and yield, the latter having an effect on your project’s timeline, materials consumption, and bottom line.
2D. Understanding the Relationship: Air, Temperature & Moisture
By Nikki Kruger
The relationship between relative humidity, air and dew point temperatures, and air movement is core to application of proper building science principles in SPF projects. The session also covered the use of a psychrometric wheel and an iPhone/Android app to experiment how these strategies will affect the conditions in the home.
2C. Closed Cell Sprayfoam: A Cost-Effective Solution
By Grant Geise
Closed cell SPF is known as a very effective home insulation option. Attendees heard about all of the benefits along with the installation considerations.
3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations
By Tom Kline of MASCO
OSHA released a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates in 2013 that included requirements for respiratory protection, respiratory plans, training and enforcement through increased inspections. These requirements apply to the SPF industry. Attend this session to learn how to be safe and compliant on the job.
4C. Existing Structures: How to Address a Retrofit SPF Job
By Jim Anderson
Retrofit and renovation in residential and commercial projects for SPF have added challenges. They were built to codes and designs from many years ago and may have other cosmetic and functional problems that will impact your install.
Some additional sessions that sparked a lot of interest:
1F. SPFA’s New Model Written Safety Program
By Tyler Fiske, SPFA Board Member
Every SPF contractor business needs to have an effective respiratory protection and safety program. Not only does this require adequate record keeping, but also evidence of proper training and PPE use by employees and information helpful in the case of possible future OSHA inspections. SPFA has constructed a model SPF written safety program for members.
2E. Advanced Best Practices for Avoiding Problems in Foam Plastic Installations
By Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director
Problems are going to arise on a worksite, and awareness and solution measures are critical to dealing with them and getting back on track. Attendees heard about procedures to avoid off-ratio/off-temperature installations, including strategies for remediating each type of foam material problem, and elements of the new CPI/SFC guidance document on removal methods.
2F. CPI Update: How SPF Manufacturers Are Supporting Your Business
By Lee Salamone, Senior Director, ACC Center for the Polyurethanes Industry
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry, a division of the American Chemistry Council and home of the Spray Foam Coalition, provided an industry update on a variety of federal and state programs that will impact your business, along with an update on SFC activities in the area of SPF training, marketing and research.
3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations
By Carol Hetfield
OSHA released a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates in 2013 that included requirements for respiratory protection, respiratory plans, training and enforcement through increased inspections. These requirements apply to the SPF industry.
3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations
By Tom Kline, MASCO
OSHA released a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates in 2013 that included requirements for respiratory protection, respiratory plans, training and enforcement through increased inspections. These requirements apply to the SPF industry. Attend this session to learn how to be safe and compliant on the job.
4E. California Department of Toxic Substances Control
By Karl Palmer
In early 2014, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released a regulatory plan for three initial priority products, SPF among them, to undergo workshops, hearings and other steps to assess product safety and possible alternative materials. The SPF industry has been a vocal critic of the process. The SCP program has been touted as a possible model for future environmental and safety regulation across the country.
4G. Insurance for SPF Businesses
By Craig and Kirk Campbell
Having the right insurance for your sprayfoam contracting business is critical to be sure you, your employees, business, and customers are protected. Having proper insurance is also a requirement for qualification to the SPFA PCP Accredited Contractor program. Make sure your business is covered!
Contractor Only Session
SPFA Executive Director Kurt & President Denny Vandewater led open discussion in this contractor-only meeting among SPF contractor professionals voicing challenges and opportunities facing them that the association may be able to address. "Every year there is a lot to hear about due to the complexity of this growing industry, but there are always a handful of things we hear that we can address and turn into a value point for members in the next year, be it a new program, committee activity or outreach effort. It gives us the chance to hear directly from our constituents and do something to show them we are listening, and maybe we’ll be able to make the industry a little bit better place because of it."
|
>>March 23 Is Cutoff for Group Rate at Hotel for ABAA Conference
The Air Barrier Association of America is hosting its fourth annual conference and trade show in Dallas, Texas, on April 7-9, 2015, and the deadline to make discounted hotel reservations is March 23, 2015. To book your room at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, click here or call (214) 922-8000 or 888-627-8191. Attendees will receive a discounted room rate of $159 plus taxes if booking by March 23. Mention the ABAA 2015 Annual Conference when you call for a reservation.
The ABAA Conference & Trade Show features learning tracks for contractors, design professionals, consultants and testing labs; exhibitors with the latest products and technologies; and answers to some of your most challenging questions.
>>NASEO Co-Hosts Second Zero Net Energy Forum
Source: naseo.org
On February 2-3, 2015, New Buildings Institute, NASEO, and Rocky Mountain Institute hosted the second Getting to Zero National Forum. The event featured over 250 attendees from across the country representing design professionals, state and federal policymakers, and real estate developers and owners. State Energy Office representatives from Minnesota, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and North Carolina presented on the policies and programs that are helping drive adoption of zero energy buildings in their jurisdictions. Presentations from the event are available on the Getting to Zero National Forum website.
>>Sprayfoam Factors Into Energy Efficiency in Award-Winning Las Vegas Home
Sprayfoam was used in the attic and walls of Blue Heron’s award-winning New American Home 2015. "Whether you are environmentally sensitive or not, we would call energy-efficient construction a best practice. You can design a home and build it poorly or do it right," said Blue Heron’s owner/designer Tyler Jones. Bayer, a sponsor, also provides details related to the use of SPF in The New American Home 2015, which was revealed at the IBS. The home is produced and presented by the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council and Builder magazine. Read more at incrediblepolyurethane.com and at Reviewjournal.
>>Canadian Group Promotes SPF as Wise Insulation Choice
A mere 2" of foam insulation separates the cabin of an airplane and the -60 C temperatures at 35,000 feet. The same sprayfoam insulation will literally seal your home, making it as cozy as an igloo. "It certainly reduces energy costs," said Kyle Papp, vice president of Edmonton's Thermo Solutions Insulation. "You can save up to 50 percent on heating and cooling bills." Unlike batt insulation, which can sag over time, sprayfoam settles into corners to provide a better seal and even contributes to the structural integrity of the house. Read more at Ottawa Citizen. 
>>Century-old Home's Renovation Included Use of Sprayfoam
EcoSound Builders, The Green Cocoon and Minutemen Painters came together using energy efficient and sustainable materials, including sprayfoam insulation, to preserve a Portsmouth home's historic integrity. Read more at Seacoastonline.
 >>Mike Holmes: Snow Piling Up on Your House Is a Good Indicator of the Roof’s Condition
One area of the house that gets hit the hardest during a winter storm is the roof. It should be strong enough to take the brunt of bad weather, and you need to make sure it can. To start, take a look at your roof. Ideally, it shouldn’t get a lot of snow buildup; the snow should just slick right off. Flat roofs get the most snow buildup, and that’s one reason they typically get more leaks. Read More at National Post
>>Jail's Upgrades Bring Praise, Savings
Twenty-five years ago, the Alachua County jail was troubled by crowding, inmate violence and big taxpayer bills. In the past decade, however, county officials at this Florida jail have tackled one renovation after another and say the jail is now attracting notice for something else: energy efficiency. Installing sprayfoam on the roof was one of the renovation decisions that is helping with the energy efficiency factor. Read More at Gainesville Sun
>>Sprayfoam's Use in Alaska Research
CCHRC is an industry-based, non-profit corporation that develops and tests energy efficient, durable, healthy, and cost-effective building technologies for Alaska and the world’s cold climate regions. Sprayfoam is part of its research, and was recently applied continuously to the foundations, walls, and roof of a building, creating a monolithic envelope with no gaps and no thermal bridging. The wall assembly was simple and super-insulated (R-40) without the added material of traditional double-wall construction. Read More at Akbizmag
>>Using Sprayfoam to Help Control Erosion
Laying down pipelines has always been a back breaking job, but some pipeline companies are utilizing a technology being utilized that can ease the process along -- sprayfoam. Read More at Daily Jeff
>>Hydrocarbons to Lead the Aerosol, SPF and Aerosol Propellants Market
A new report issued by Transparency Market Research (TMR) presents an analysis of the aerosol, SPF, and aerosol propellants market. The global market was valued at $16.4 billion in 2012, and is estimated to reach a value of $23.2 billion, rising at 5.1% CAGR during 2013 to 2019. The research report is titled "Aerosol, SPF and Aerosol Propellants Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019." Read more at www.releasewire.com.
>>Growing Construction Industry to Propel Global SPF
According to a recently published research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global spray polyurethane foam market is anticipated to grow at a 7% CAGR between 2013 and 2019. The report, titled ‘Spray Polyurethane Foam Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019’, is available for sale on the company website. Read more at PRWeb.
>>Free Webinar on March 18 by DOE Building America Program
Source: energy.gov
A webinar being presented by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America program on March 18 is titled, "Building America Research Tools: Field Test Best Practices, BEopt, and National Residential Efficiency Measures Database." Register here for the 3-4:30 p.m. (EDT) webinar. Find more information here.
|
>>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -- Turbulence Coming on
Immigration and Regulations
>>SAFETY FIRST -- SPFA Drafts Safety Program for Member Use
>>ASK THE EXPERT -- Measuring Thermal Barrier Coating Thickness
>>WHY I SUPPORT SPF by Ty Pennington
>>HOW TO MAKE MONEY AND HAVE FUN DOING IT by Mac
Sheldon
>>SPF INDUSTRY PREPPING FOR CODE CHANGES IN SWEDENby Shani Calvo
>>WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FILE IN 2015 by
Kendall Coleman
>>TIPS ON SPRAYING FOAM -- Are You Doing It Right?
>>10 WAYS YOUR COMPANY CAN USE INSTAGRAM by Kelly
Donovan Clark
>>Search for specific keywords or phrases.
>>Flag favorite articles.
>>Make notes in the margins.
>>Connect with vendors quickly and easily.
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.
|
Sprayfoam 2016 Planning -- Save the Date!
It is never too early to plan for next year!
Date: February 8-11, 2015
Location: Rosen Centre, Orlando, Fla.
Sprayfoam 2015 Coverage
If you want to see what you missed at Sprayfoam 2015 or just want to revisit some of the activities that took place, check out the Conference Daily enewsletters (see the links below). They contain highlights from the event and details on how you can follow through with the contacts you made there. Also, check the SPFA website, www.sprayfoam.org, for post-show updates, the breakout presentations and other pertinent information.
Issue 1 (pre-expo)
Issue 2
Issue 3
Issue 4
Issue 5
Issue 6 (post-expo wrap-up)
|
>>SPFA Hosts First 2015
Foam-It-RightTM Campaign for Members Only
On March 4, 2015, SPFA and our Safety Committee
presented the first of several 2015 SPFA Foam-It-RightTM webinars,
in this case focusing upon fall protection for insulation and roofing
installations. The recording of the
presentation will be available on the SPFA Member-Only portion of our
website. The description is attached, along with a
list of scheduled upcoming webinars. The
live session provided both AIA LU credits, as well as SPFA PCP Certification
CEUs for attendees. Read more.
>>2015 Is the Year of SPFA Membership Growth
The challenges and opportunities facing you as a professional in the SPF industry get larger and more complex every day. If you are looking for an ally in growing your business and being the best, consider joining SPFA! Expert staff and committee members are here to help you make the most of your SPF business. New members are joining every month that recognize the need for community and the strength in numbers. How have members created value for themselves and their companies through SPFA? By:
-- Completing industry-led commercial roof testing with Factory Mutual, producing sets of data accessible to SPFA members, streamlining and reducing the cost of their approval process
-- Completing essential research and testing on alleged product interactions between SPF and cPVC demonstrating no incompatibilities, with an independent third-party report available to members for sharing with customers and code-officials
-- Completing fire performance research and testing that has brought more reliability, credibility, consistency and become the "industry standard" in ICC-ES AC-377 Appendix X
-- Partnering on emissions and ventilation research that has influenced the landscape of product installation, health and safety regulation, state and federal acceptance of SPF
-- Publishing an independent model SPF industry Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) validating the energy and environmental claims of the product, producing an avenue for manufacturers to perform an LCA on their specific products, allowing for additional LEED credit, and delivering to consumers and professional customers of SPF a reference document that speaks their language
-- Publishing LCA-supporting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for three types of SPF in partnership with Underwriters Laboratories, currently available for download on the UL website
-- Envisioning, constructing and deploying over 18 months, an ISO-17024 accredited SPF Professional Certification Program, along with the necessary infrastructure, policies, procedures, partners, various experience levels and industry buy-in needed to make the program a success. Today it is already allowing SPF professionals in the US and abroad to distinguish themselves with a level of professionalism being sought by customers, and is being considered by several states as a requirement.
-- Publishing professional AY Technical documents and delivering presentations representing thousands of hours of collective effort among the members, addressing the most common technical, health and safety issues facing the industry
-- Establishing a geographically rotating Annual Convention and Expo as the central event for the industry, hosting over 1000 people, 30,000+ square feet of exhibit hall, dozens of sessions bringing the latest information to attendees, a nationally-recognized awards program, PCP certification testing, and networking for SPF professionals not able to be found anywhere else
-- Engaging in new public relations efforts to establish SPFA as the go-to source for credible, reliable and consistent information on SPF, including the SPFA Publication Sprayfoam Professional Magazine, bi-weekly newsletters, a redesigned website, press-releases on high-profile issues, and placement of articles in trade publications representing correct information on SPF
-- Embracing partnerships with important stakeholders in the industry, including other trade associations in the building performance, homebuilding, efficiency and construction industries, as well as various state and federal agencies. Partnerships broaden our reach, increase the volume of our voice, and give us an early-warning system when questions or concerns arise.
These efforts and more have had a direct and positive impact upon the SPF industry, your business and circles of influence. Perhaps you have experienced the benefits directly, perhaps in ways less obvious to you. But let there be no doubt that SPFA is the forum where good stuff is happening, and our influence is in some way within every drum of SPF sold and sprayed today.
Are you ready to be part of the team? If you’re into SPF, you’re into SPFA. Join now! 
>>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.
|
>>Premium Spray
Products Earns PCP Supplier Accreditation
Premium Spray Products and Bayer MaterialScience have recently achieved the acclaimed SPFA Accredited Supplier designation, joining Huntsman. Each month, we’ll highlight one of our newly accredited companies! This month’s spotlight is on Premium Spray Products. Stay tuned for others as they earn this prestigious designation.
Premium Spray Products out of Marietta, Ga., completed the Spray
Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Professional Certification Program (PCP) to
become an Accredited Supplier. And, in doing so, reiterated their commitment to
the industry, said Bruce Schenke, RRO, LEED AP, Manager – Technical Solutions,
Premium Spray Products, who took the lead in their operation to reach this
accreditation status.
"We hope that in the development of this program, safe handling
and good product stewardship will become the standard," said Schenke. "We
promoted the SPFA PCP program to all of our applicators and we have trained
many of them in this program. When it became possible for us to become an
Accredited Supplier, and reiterate this commitment to the industry, we took
that to heart. As quickly as possible, we went through the PCP program and, as
a company, became accredited as a PCP Supplier." Now, at a minimum, all
employees are certified with the CPI chemical health and safety course online.
"We are one of the first companies to accomplish that task," said Schenke
proudly.
In addition to taking a lead in the company’s goal of
becoming an Accredited Supplier, Schenke took the PCP combined test of Roofing
and Insulation to become a PCP Certified Supplier Representative for both
Roofing and Insulation. With Schenke’s encouragement and oversight, Premium
Spray Products is close to achieving 100% participation in the PCP program by
all of the tech advisors, trainers and sales people in the company. "They all
took this test to prove their knowledge so we could stand out among our
competitors, and also to encourage our competitors to join us in this endeavor
to become SPFA PCP accredited," said Schenke. "It gives us a level of competence
and was also a challenge. It helps us set a good example for our customers and
other suppliers and distributors," said Schenke, who said they have several
distributors that are working toward accredited status as well. "This is a
matter of helping bring the industry up to these standards, or maybe even
exceeding the standards."
Schenke feels that the PCP is certainly is a large step
toward addressing some of the concerns with customer and users of SPF products.
We are in an era where people have a lot of time to read instant
communications, and they become concerned about things they don’t really
understand, he said. And, the SPFA PCP provides assurance that the industry has
quality applicators, suppliers, product stewardship and safe application standards,
helping assure everyone that "we are doing it right in this industry. The most
important part is ensuring everyone in the industry is trained in proper use in
these materials," said Schenke. "That is our goal."
As for the future? Schenke believes SPFA PCP Accreditation
will become mandatory rather than voluntary. "Soon, I think it will become a
municipal and government requirement, so that everyone will have to meet this level of
certification. Then this will take off like wildfire, where it becomes a
standard in the industry."
|
Demilec created two new positions, both of which were filled recently. Brian Metrocavage will be Director of Building Science, a new position at the company that will broaden Demilec’s building science capabilities and strengthen the relationships with industry specifiers. Derek Davis will be the Commercial Sales Director. In this newly-created position, Davis will spearhead Demilec’s effort to increase its market share for commercial construction projects.
Demilec also revamped the formulation of its APX low-density sprayfoam insulation recently to improve yield, reduce waste and decrease the time required for application.
|
>>Do You Want Your Big Idea for Building Energy Efficiency to Become a Reality?
Source: buildings.ideascale.com
Collaborate with ORNL to make it happen! The Building Technologies Office (BTO) invites you to send ideas, comments, and votes to buildings.ideascale.com, the new ORNL Buildings Crowdsourcing Community. Administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the website has been launched as part of the Energy Department’s efforts to reduce energy consumption in homes and buildings and enhance U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing. Read more here or here.
>>ASHRAE Announces Next Energy Modeling Conference, Call for Presenters
Source: ashrae.org
ASHRAE has announced that its next "Energy Modeling Conference: Tools for Designing High Performance Buildings" will take place September 30 to October 2, 2015, in Atlanta. ASHRAE seeks presenters who can speak specifically about the use of modeling to design, construct, commission, operate and maintain new and existing buildings to improve a building's energy performance and indoor environmental quality while reducing the cost to operate and maintain them. The conference will focus on the tools, step-by-step processes, best practices and workflows for the application of single or multiple modeling techniques. Read more here.
|
>>ASHRAE Announces Spring 2015 Online Courses; New Course on Commissioning Process
Source: ashrae.org
With the commissioning process becoming widely recognized as being critical to the success of high-performance buildings ASHRAE has added a new Learning Institute course focused on requirements in its first commissioning standard. Taught by Walter Grondzik, P.E., the course, "Commissioning Process and Standard 202" is being held March 25, 2015. It is one of 12 Spring Online courses being offered by ASHRAE. Read more here.
>>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 23-26, 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. Click here to register and here for more information.
>>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 – National Energy Codes Conference 2015: Room Block Closes Monday, March 9
* New State and Local Alerts *
Vermont – Comments on Commercial Stretch Code Due March 9
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
New Jersey – Last Day to Comment on the Proposed 2015 IECC Adoption and Amendments
New Mexico – New Bill that Could Make Code Adoption Difficult
New York – Reviews to Update NY Codes to the 2015 I-Codes and 2015 NEC
Pennsylvania – Comments on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption Due Tuesday, March 10
South Carolina – Accepting Comments Concerning the Adoption of 2015 I-Codes
Tennessee – New Bill to Allow Local Jurisdictions to Opt Out of the International Energy Conservation Code Standards
Texas – New Bill to Modify Building Energy Efficiency Performance Standards
Utah – Bill to Change the Adoption Process of the State Construction and Fire Codes
|
>>Federal Government’s Energy Use Lowest in Almost 40 Years
Source: energy.gov
The amount of energy consumed by federal agencies is now at its lowest level since 1975, primarily as a result of decreased jet fuel use. Find out how our Federal Energy Management Program helps agencies achieve energy-saving goals. Read more here.
>>U.S. DOE Building America Update
Source: energy.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Update newsletter is now available.
Read this issue to learn about:
>Two 20-year Building America teams—Building Science Corporation (BSC) and Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB)
>The 2015 RESNET Building Performance Conference and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home sessions
>Race to Zero Student Design Competition sponsorship opportunities
>Optimized Climate Solutions Tool available for five major climate zones
>Residential success stories highlighting BSC and CARB team projects
>Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Range Hood Roundup to improve indoor air quality
>Building America in the news
>The latest publications from Building America: measure guidelines, case studies for new and existing homes and technologies, and more!
|
As an SPFA member you are entitled to complimentary use within your whole company of the SPFA Contractor Safety Kit, a hefty document with compliance and record keeping resources, fillable forms, and more to aid you in preparation for an OSHA visit or just for keeping your folks safe. Purchasing a similar document on the street could run you more than $600.00 and it’s free to you as a member! Accessible in the Member Only Section of SPFA’s website at www.sprayfoam.org. Questions? Please contact Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
|
Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger
|
>>11 Ways to Generate Word-of-Mouth About Your Business
Source: sba.gov
A recent study revealed that small businesses said "word of mouth" was their most effective marketing tool. Sixty-two percent cited word-of-mouth as their best marketing tactic—nearly twice as effective as the email, the second-rated tactic (34 percent). Here's how you can you boost word-of-mouth marketing for your small business. Read more here.
>>Thinking Strategically About Your Small Business Marketing
Source: sba.gov
Many experts say "acting strategically" is the key to small business success. Here are a few resources from the folks at SCORE for how to think specifically about your marketing initiatives in a smart, strategic way. Read more here.
>>How to Take the Lead as the Female CEO
Source: sba.gov
Women in positions of power (CEO or business owner) often struggle to be perceived as great leaders and equals to their male counterparts, but the latest statistics about female entrepreneurship show their strength. Read more here.
|
|
| |
|
