>>Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director, to Host "Intro to SPF" Webinar in April
SPFA 's Technical Director, Dr. Richard Duncan, will be hosting an April webinar on "Introduction to SPF" for registered students/teams in the DOE's Race to Zero Student Design Competition. "It would be an educational experience for the participating students," said Duncan. The webinar will provide a generic introduction to SPF chemistry, safety and building applications.
>>SPFA Sponsors DOE's Race to Zero Student Design Competition; Award Ceremony Is in April
The 2015 DOE Race to Zero Student Design Competition (formerly known as the DOE Challenge Home Student Design Competition) will be wrapping up in April, and SPFA is one of the sponsors, again. SPFA also sponsored the inaugural competition last year.
The Race to Zero is an annual competition, open to students and faculty from any interested collegiate institution in the United States and Canada. The competition is based on a real-world scenario where a builder needs to update an existing product line (house plan) to a high-performance house design or is developing a new high-performance home product line. Teams are presented a specific design problem and are asked to either redesign an existing floor plan or create a new house design that satisfies the project requirements. The mandatory performance target is the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specification. In its inaugural year, 28 teams from U.S. and Canadian universities competed to design cost-effective Zero Energy Ready Homes for mainstream builders. The core zero energy ready requirement focused on high-performance features that sharply reduce energy use, and allow for all or most of the remaining energy use to be offset with renewable energy. The winning teams produced market-ready, state-of-the-art design solutions for high-performance homes that are energy efficient, comfortable, and durable.
The winners will be announced April 18-20, in Denver. Colo., and will receive a firm commitment by a production home builder to actually construct the winner and runner-up designs, and a free two-day building science training program by Dr. Joseph Lstiburek and Dr. John Straube. There are 33 teams registered to compete, representing 27 schools across the United States and Canada. Read More at energy.gov
>>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)
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 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
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"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/expo.
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."
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By spinning off its MaterialScience business, Bayer will be able to focus more on its moneymakers -- drugs and agricultural chemicals, said CEO Marijn Dekkers. For example, Bayer recently acquired Merck in a $14.2 billion deal, and the $10 billion sale of MaterialScience will help pay for that purchase. Dekkers said he envisions a "venture-capital mentality" for Bayer as the company becomes more nimble. Read More at Forbes>>2015 ENERGY STAR Award Winners
Each year, EPA honors a select group of organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. The 2015 ENERGY STAR Award Winners lead their industries in the production and sale of energy-efficient products and services, and in the development and adoption of world-class strategies that provide substantial energy and money savings in the buildings where we live and work. The winners have been chosen from a vast network of 16,000 ENERGY STAR partners. The awards will be presented in Washington, D.C., at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on April 20. EPA Administrator McCarthy and Jim Gibbons, Goodwill Industries International President and CEO, will provide keynote remarks. Read More at energystar.gov
>>European Environment State and Outlook 2015
Europe’s environment and climate policies have delivered substantial benefits, improving the environment and quality of life, while driving innovation, job creation and growth. Despite these gains, Europe still faces a range of persistent and growing environmental challenges. Addressing them will require fundamental changes in the systems of production and consumption that are the root cause of environmental problems.
These are some of the key messages from the European Environment Agency’s five-yearly assessment ‘The European environment – state and outlook 2015’ (SOER 2015), published recently. SOER 2015 is an integrated assessment of Europe’s environment. It also includes assessments and data at global, regional and country levels, as well as cross-country comparisons. Read More at eea.europe.eu/soer
Source: bpi.org / Mike Kandel
Senators on both sides of the aisle are making strides to reauthorize the State Energy Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program through legislation re-introduced in Congress on March 11. A recent national poll by the Demand Institute showed that finding an energy-efficient house is a top priority among potential homebuyers, and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon's new Missouri Home Energy Certification program recognizes homes that have been audited by BPI certified home energy auditors, who will be qualified by the state to issue homeowners a Missouri Home Energy Certificate.
Source: energy.gov / Sam Rashkin
This year about 400 students from 33 multi-disciplinary teams representing 29 universities in U.S. and Canada are competing to design, analyze, and document a Zero Energy Ready Home that is cost-effective and consistent with mainstream builder construction practices. All of the teams are required to take a two-day course by Joe Lstiburek and John Straubbe to provide a solid building science foundation. Who better to learn from? Thus, the key to this competition is that it is facilitating building science education and design integration largely left out of university programs which are constrained by jam-packed curriculum filled with accreditation requirements.
The hope is that the continued growth of this competition makes building science a common component in all major degree programs for architecture, engineering, and construction management. In other words, the Race to Zero is a back-door strategy for breeding next generation professionals. Stay tuned for the big event at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, April 18-20.
>>Building America Building Science Translator Published
Source: energy.gov
Words are a big deal. A very big deal. With that in mind, DOE has worked extensively with housing industry representatives and building science experts over the past year to compile a new building science glossary that translates technical jargon into an improved consumer experience. Now there is a huge ‘collective impact’ opportunity to more effectively convey the value of high-performance homes to consumers and the media using these ‘power words.’ It’s about time, because this value is too little understood. The final report is now available. More importantly, this content is currently being integrated into the Building America Solution Center for maximum accessibility and as part of a sales tool that will produce customized fact sheets. The fact sheets will itemize long lists of compelling innovations relevant to a specific home or project based on ‘power words’ from the glossary. Look for an announcement about the launch of this important new sales tool in June. Lastly, please recognize that the Building Science Translator will always be a ‘work in progress.’ DOE looks for the community of users to provide ongoing feedback for improvement based on experience and other inspiration. DOE will apply a rigorous review and integration process for all recommended changes.
>>Sprayfoam Insulation Used During Restoration of Building at University of Toronto
Source: dailycommercialnews.com / Ian Harvey
An ambitious plan to restore a 1904 University of Toronto brick building not only made the grade aesthetically but also scores high in energy efficiency and sustainability. Read More at dailycommercialnews.com
>>Better Buildings Summit, May 27-29
This year, the Better Buildings Summit is expanding into new sectors and engaging a diverse set of market leaders. More than 800 Better Buildings partners and stakeholders will gather in Washington, D.C., to participate in two and a half days of sessions and meetings focused on the sharing of the most successful strategies for achieving energy savings through energy efficiency. See the Agenda At A Glance and register today.
>>What Have You Done For EE Lately? Updates from the Building Technology Office
Source: ase.org
Buildings in the United States – from family homes to office buildings to grocery stores – account for over 70% of electricity and 40% of total energy consumed annually. That adds up to about $400 billion spent powering our buildings each year. Read More at ase.org
Source: nahb.org
A new report released by the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) found that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed silica standards for the U.S. construction industry will cost the industry $5 billion per year -- roughly $4.5 billion per year more than OSHA’s estimates. The coalition cautioned that the flawed cost estimates reflect deeper flaws in the rule and urged the federal agency to reconsider its approach. Read More at nahb.org
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>>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.
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Sprayfoam 2016 Planning -- Save the Date!
It is never too early to plan for next year!
Date: February 8-11, 2016
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)
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>>SPFA Hosts First 2015 Foam-It-RightTM Campaign Webinar Series 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.
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>>Updated Insulation and Roofing Certification Handbooks
Posted to Website
The CSC Committee worked diligently over the past year to update the certification forms and handbooks for Insulation and Roofing. These handbooks are the road maps for SPF contractors seeking individual certifications.
Some notable changes include:
1) New look
2) New fillable and downloadable forms
3) More user friendly format
4) More clearly defined procedures for:
a .Preparing for each level of exam
b. Preparing for the Field Exams (both Mockup and Jobsite)
c. Contacting the SPFA PCP to lodge a complaint
d. Processing a complaint
e. Maintaining a PCP Certification
f. Meeting CEU requirements for PCP Re-Certification
The additional handbooks will be posted shortly, so keep checking the website for updates at www.sprayfoam.org.
>>Upcoming Training Dates
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>>Over $35,000 Available for Fla. Students Pursuing Careers in Building and Construction
The Future Builders of America (FBA) is offering over $35,000 in scholarships to Florida students pursuing careers in the building and construction industry. Applications can be found at www.futurebuildersofamerica.org and are due to the FBA office by April 20, 2015.
A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders found 46 percent of builders reported a worker shortage last year. That's the highest across the nine trades surveyed since 2000, and even slightly higher than the peak of the housing boom in 2005 when housing starts were running at the pace of about 2 million a year, or about twice the current rate.
FBA President, Alan Anderson said, "The scholarship program and FBA overall is critical to the future of our industry in Florida. The building and construction industry is growing and the opportunity for qualified workers in coming years in substantial."
>>Revision of ASHRAE IAQ Guideline Open for Public Comment -- Due May 11
Public input is being sought into a proposed revision of ASHRAE’s residential indoor air quality guideline.
ASHRAE Guideline 24-2008, Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is the companion guideline to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Guideline 24 provides information on achieving good IAQ that goes beyond the requirements contained in Standard 62.2 by providing explanatory and educational material not included in the code-intended standard.
>>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.
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>>Building Codes Assistance Project Updates on Building Energy Codes
Source: energycodesocean.org
BCAP Newsletters are quarterly summaries of what's been happening at the Building Codes Assistance Project and building energy code progress around the nation. To access the full archive, click here. Here are some of the recent alerts from the BCAP Code Alerts released released weekly by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and its website, the Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Code Alert Bulletins are designed to share information and support timely participation in state and local activities related to the adoption and implementation of building energy codes. The bulletins highlight immediate opportunities to influence state and local policy outcomes, indicate code status, and recommend contacts for action. Topics addressed in the current issue include:
* New State and Local Alerts *
Nevada – New Bill to Reduce Stringency of Energy Conservation Standards
Maine – Three New Bills Introduced to Roll-Back Energy Codes
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Denver, CO – Hearings on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption
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
Tennessee – New Bill to Allow Local Jurisdictions to Opt Out of the International Energy Conservation Code Standards
Texas – Next Tuesday: Public Hearing on Bill to Modify Building Energy Efficiency Performance Standards
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Source: iea.org
Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that global emissions of carbon dioxide from the energy sector stalled in 2014, marking the first time in 40 years in which there was a halt or reduction in emissions of the greenhouse gas that was not tied to an economic downturn. Read More at iea.org
>>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:
>Building America Research Teams: BA-PIRC and IBACOS—Pioneers in Homebuilding Innovation
>Bonneville Power Administration Funding Opportunity: Phase I Deadline—March 27, 2015
>DOE Issues New Standards for Water Heaters
>Use the Building America Solution Center to Build Solar-Ready Homes
>Work with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to Turn Your Big Idea for Building Energy Efficiency Into a Reality!
>This Month's Residential Successes
>Be a Citizen Scientist! Help Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Study Indoor Air Quality
>Building America in the News
>New Publications From Building America
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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.
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Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger
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Source: The MHEDA Journal / Buddy Smith
Having it both ways -- a successful business and a happy family -- takes some guidelines, communication and principles.
You have several options at your disposal as you seek financing for your business. This course will help you determine the best options to meet your financial needs
-Determine your financial needs
-Identify the various financing options available to you
-Pros and cons of loans, grants, venture capital, angel investors, crowd funding and other options
SBA recently published a proposed rule to amend its regulations to establish a government-wide Mentor-Protégé Program for all small businesses as directed by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA). SBA’s current mentor protégé program is only offered to eligible participants in the 8(a) Business Development program.
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