>>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.