>>Article by SPFA's Richard Duncan Appears in Retrofit Magazine, SBC Magazine
An article written by SPFA's Technical Services Director, Dr. Richard Duncan, that was published in Retrofit magazine, was also picked up and published in SBC Magazine. Titled "Spray Polyurethane Foam: A Key Component to Any Net Zero Solution," the article addresses spray polyurethane foam characteristics and explains how they are integral to SPF’s ability to contribute to total ZNE solutions — solutions that will become increasingly necessary as the net zero revolution takes hold across the U.S.
>>Walls & Ceilings Magazine Publishes SPF Article
Source: wconline.com / Richard Duncan
"Barrier Requirements for SPF" is the subject of an article in a recent issue of Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Written by SPFA Technical Services Director Richard Duncan, the article addresses the combustible nature of SPF and how to utilize thermal and/or ignition barriers to ensure safety in the use of SPF. Read more here.
>>Gupta-verlag.com and Energy Design Update Share News About SPFA Health & Safety Program
Sources: gupta-verlag.com, oneskyhomes.com
SPFA's new Health & Safety Program is securing attention from all aspects of the industry, even internationally in the news section of gupta-verlag.com and on the energy side in Energy Design Update. Space was allocated in the May 2015 issue of Energy Design Update for details related to the program, as shared in a press released distributed by SPFA. See SPFA press release here and gupta-verlag.com article here.
>>SPFA Sponsors DOE's Race to Zero Student Design Competition; Winners Announced!
The 2015 DOE Race to Zero Student Design Competition (formerly known as the DOE Challenge Home Student Design Competition) wrapped up in April, and SPFA was one of the sponsors. 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 were announced April 18-20, in Denver. Colo., and received 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 were 33 teams registered to compete, representing 27 schools across the United States and Canada. Read more and see the list of winners at energy.gov
>>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 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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>>Spray Polyurethane Foam: A Key Component to Any Net Zero Solution
Source: retrofitmagazine.com / Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Services Director
In July 2014, California initiated the revision process to the 2016 version of Title 24, California’s building energy efficiency codes, which are designed to move the state’s residential and commercial buildings toward zero net energy (ZNE). All new residential construction is to be ZNE by 2020, and all new commercial buildings are to achieve ZNE by 2030. While aggressive, these goals are achievable with the right design implementation and accessibility to proper building materials. Read more here.
>>2015 Green Building Trends
Source: homeenergy.org / Monica Gomez
For both residential and commercial structures, owners are embracing green innovations for a variety of reasons. Concern for the environment is one of them. Other motivations to use green building approaches include saving money and protecting health. That's why the biggest green trends in 2015 will be those that promise long-term savings and an improved indoor air quality. Read more here.
>>OSHA Unveils New "It's The Law" Poster
Source: osha.gov
To help ensure that workers have a voice in their workplaces and the protection they deserve, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration today unveiled a new version of its "Job Safety and Health - It's The Law!" poster. The poster informs workers of their rights, and employers of their responsibilities. "This poster emphasizes a very important principle when it comes to prevention - that every worker has a voice," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Workers need to know their rights and be able to use their rights, without fear of retaliation, when they believe that their safety or health is at risk. Read more here.
>>BPI Releases 2014 Annual Report
Source: bpi.org
The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) released its 2014 Annual Report, detailing several initiatives BPI introduced in 2014 in response to a changing market that demands diverse credentialing services in home performance contracting. See full report here.
Source: agc.org
The AGC/Alliant Build America awards recognize the nation's most pioneering projects and in turn honor the AGC members who build the nation's most impressive construction projects. In this white paper, "2015 AGC Alliant Build America White Paper: Modeling Excellence," award winners share how they employed various techniques to quickly and efficiently deliver significantly complicated projects in record time. It offers an in-depth report of technological advancement, innovation in project delivery, collaborative and lean strategies, unique material solutions, preeminent customer satisfaction and top-notch project management. For more information about the AGC/Alliant Build America Awards, visit www.agc.org/awards.
>>2015 Race to Zero Winners Announced
Source: energy.gov
The 2015 Race to Zero Student Design Competition had 33 teams from 27 U.S. and Canadian universities competing to design cost-effective, zero energy homes for mainstream builders. In its second year, the Race to Zero encouraged students to work with builders, developers, community leaders, and other industry partners to meet stringent design requirements and create marketable, affordable concepts. The winners of the annual event were announced at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., April 18-20. The Grand Winner was Opti-MN Impact House – Opti-MN, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. Follow this link for more information about the Race to Zero competition and the winners.
Source: abaa.org
ABAA will be holding a Spray Polyurethane Foam Installer Training session, June 9-11, 2015, at Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors (CRSMCA) in Charlotte, N.C. The training will include instruction on everything from substrate preparation, application technology, troubleshooting and hands-on training. This course is designed to teach experienced SPF installers how to create an air barrier using spray polyurethane foam. The registration deadline is May 25. For details, click here.
>>Better Buildings Summit Program Slated for May 27-29 in D.C.
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.
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Every year, Naylor Association Solutions recognizes its top projects – based not just on the monetary value, but the overall value to the association and the internal workings that go into the products. The award with probably the toughest competition is the national award, which is why SPFA’s recognition in this department was even more outstanding. For 2014, SPFA’s magazine, SPRAYFOAM Professional, earned the Naylor National Publication of the Year award, competing against hundreds of other publications and associations.
"This is super news and we appreciate so much what Naylor does to assist us in our goals," said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg.
The awards, which are officially called the President’s Excellence Awards, recognize the culmination and representation of the service and quality that Naylor provides for its association partners in their magazines.
There are five awards to recognize excellence in the design, content and success of each product. The criteria for each award are: that the project is viewed as the most successful and useful in the eyes of the association; and that the project
serves as the best example of Naylor via great execution and high quality.
"Via its magazine and other communications, SPFA does an excellent job of sharing industry-related news with its members, securing support for the industry and increasing the awareness of SPF’s benefits," said Naylor’s Vice President of Content Jill Andreu.
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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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>>Future Safety Webinars -- Topics and Dates
These safety webinars are FREE for SPFA members:
SDS and Global Hazard System (GHS) | July 1, 2015
Personal Protective Clothing | September 2, 2015
Containment and Mechanical Ventilation | November 4, 2016
Lock-out/Tag-out | January 6, 2016
Supplier Air Systems for Respirators | March 2, 2016 Direct questions to: Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
>>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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>>Company Accreditation Marks to Be Displayed in SPFA Directory
Contractor Companies and Supplier Companies who earn the SPFA PCP Accreditation will have the Accredited Company Mark displayed in the SPFA Directory next to their company listing.
The deadline for having it printed in the upcoming directory is June 29, 2015. You still have time to finish up the Accredited Company requirements Please review all details on our website:
>>Training Dates
For upcoming training dates, please visit www.sprayfoam.org. Some of the May sessions are listed below:
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In a May 6 press release, Demilec named Paul Valle as chief executive officer. Valle will lead Demilec's efforts to gain additional market share in the United States and Canada, as well as the brand's increased focus on developing products for a variety of niche vertical industries. See press release here.
In other news, Demilec signed on as sprayfoam provider for season two of the popular FYI Network series Tiny House Nation. The show’s renovation experts and hosts, John Weisbarth and Zack Griffin, travel across America to help families design and construct ingenious mini-dream homes. Read more here.
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>>DOE Issues Request for Information Regarding the Cost-effectiveness of Building Energy Codes, Deadline June 3
On April 14, 2015, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register seeking input on how the Department may update and improve its methodology for assessing the cost-effectiveness of building energy codes. The deadline to respond to this RFI has been extended to Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Additional information is available at Docket No. EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001. For more information on the Department’s support for building energy codes, including energy and cost analysis, please visit the DOE Building Energy Codes Program website.
>>Save the Date: Code Development Stakeholder Meeting -- June 15-16
Source: energycodes.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program will host a public meeting during which stakeholders can present initial concepts for the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). As part of this meeting, DOE will present its own initial concepts. The goal of the meeting will be to encourage communication and an exchange of ideas among stakeholders.The stakeholder meeting will be held on June 15 & 16, 2015, at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver, CO. Advanced registration is required. Read more here and 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:
* Ongoing General Alerts *
DOE – Deadline Extended for Comments on the Cost-Effectiveness of Building Energy Codes
DOE – Code Development Stakeholder Meeting in Colorado
HUD & USDA – Notice of Final Determination on Affordability of 2009 IECC
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
California – USGBC Offers New LEED Pathway in CALGreen and Code Recommendations in CA
Denver, CO – Hearings on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption Rescheduled
Florida – Bill to Roll Back the Newly-Adopted Building Code is Placed on Calendar
Maine – Update on Three Bills to Roll-Back Energy Codes
Minnesota – Update on a Bill to Weaken the Current Energy Code
New York – Meeting Scheduled to Consider the 2015 I-Codes Including the IECC
Texas – Bill to Modify Building Energy Efficiency Performance Standards Passes the House
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>>Energy Department Invests $4 Million to Strengthen Building America Industry Partnerships
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department on May 5 announced $4 million to develop and demonstrate new energy efficiency solutions for the nation's homes. The Energy Department's Building America program develops cutting-edge innovations and resources with industry partners to spur the residential buildings market to adopt energy efficiency measures that will provide 50% savings in new homes by 2025 and 40% savings in existing homes by 2030.
For example, the University of Central Florida of Orlando, Florida, will study advanced whole-house residential construction practices for production builders that can achieve 50% whole-house energy savings compared with houses built to code in hot and humid climates. And Integrated Building and Construction Solutions will investigate a proposed Thermal Comfort Rating Method, which will be applied to an innovative plug-and-play heating, ventilation, and air conditioning distribution system design.
For these Building America projects, teams will focus on developing and implementing solutions to three inter‐related core technical challenges:
•high-performance building envelope assemblies and systems
•optimal comfort systems for heating, cooling, air distribution, and humidity control
•and high-performance ventilation systems and other strategies for indoor air quality.
>>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 teams Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions (ARIES) and the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership, pioneers in innovative building technologies
>Results from the 2015 Race to Zero Student Design Competition
>New funding from DOE for Building America team partnerships
>May 20 Building America webinar: Resolving Codes and Standards Issues to Energy Innovations
>New Building America Code Compliance Brief for continuous rigid Insulation for cladding/furring attachment
>Call for abstracts for Buildings XIII Conference—Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes, due May 29, 2015
>2015 Housing Innovation Award application period open through May 31, 2015
>Upcoming new features for Building America Solution Center: improved navigation, checklists, Building Science Sales Tool
>Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Buildings Crowdsourcing Community website
>Call for entries for the 2015 GreenBuilder magazine Home of the Year Awards
>Residential success stories highlighting ARIES and NorthernSTAR team projects
>Building America in the news
>The latest publications from Building America: measure guidelines, case studies for new and existing homes and technologies, and more!
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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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>>Close More Deals with a Complete Sales Team -- Three-Part Webinar Series
Source: bpi.org
Join Gord Cooke, President of Building Knowledge Canada, for this webinar series that will introduce your team to best practices in sales. From developing a sales plan, to effective teamwork, to communicating with homeowners, Gord's webinar series will help you improve your cradle-to-grave sales process, and help you grow your footprint in the market. Session 1 was May 11.
>>Time Management for Busy People
Source: dougsandler.com
Busy? Sure we all are, so take this 10 minute, half-time podcast to help get yourself organized. The Nice Guys Doug Sandler and Strickland Bonner will give you 6 easy time management tips that will change your life forever... See podcast here.
>>SBA Introduces New Spanish Language Website
Source: sba.org
SBA now has a Spanish language SBA website. Utilize thousands of business resources now en Español! Visit website here.
>>The Facts Behind the Figures: Determining the Cost of Goods Sold
Source: sba.org
Do you know all of the expenses involved in making your product or delivering your service? If so, then you know what your Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is. In a nutshell, COGS drives profit – it tells you the expenses you have each time you make a sale. Read more here.
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