Sprayfoam Pro Newswire
April 23, 2015
 
SPFA News and Announcements

>>Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director, Hosts "Intro to SPF" Webinar for Award Contestants
SPFA 's Technical Director, Dr. Richard Duncan, hosted a webinar on "Introduction to SPF" for registered students/teams in the DOE's Race to Zero Student Design Competition. The webinar provided a generic introduction to SPF chemistry, safety and building applications. 

>>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)

 

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/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."
 
Graco
Industry News and Announcements
>>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.
 
>>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.

Source: energy.gov  
Better Buildings Residential Network members in the "Show-Me" State can now show homeowners the benefits of energy savings more easily through the new Missouri Home Energy Certification (MHEC) program. The initiative, recently announced by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, intends to validate residential energy efficiency improvements to help Missouri homeowners save energy, as well as recapture the value of their investments to potential buyers when they sell their homes.

>>EPA Releases TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment for 1,4-Dioxane
Source: epa.gov
EPA has released the TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment for 1,4-Dioxane, a chemical used primarily as a solvent in the manufacture of other chemicals. A first step in the assessment of TSCA work plan chemicals, the 1,4-Dioxane Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment examined likely exposure and hazard scenarios to workers and consumers in order to identify scenarios where further risk analysis may be necessary.
1,4-Dioxane is the first chemical for which EPA is releasing a Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment document under the TSCA Work Plan Chemical Assessment Program.
 
>>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 were 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, provided keynote remarks.  Read More at energystar.gov and epa.gov.
 
Source: priorityenergy.com
Joe Ltsiburek, internationally reknown building science expert and author, will share his research, experiences, and opinions on sprayfoam insulation during an event hosted by Priority Energy. The event, "Joe Lstiburek Explains the Building Science of Spray Foam Insulation," will take place in Park Ridge, Illinois, on May 5, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (CDT). Dr. Lstiburek combines his engineering and construction knowledge into an entertaining and educational presentation on how to create a better house. Read more here.
 
>>Annual Energy Outlook Delivers Great News for Energy Productivity 
Source: ase.org / Anna Hahnemann
The energy efficiency industry can look forward to a great future! The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has released its Annual Energy Outlook 2015 presenting long-term projections for the U.S. energy markets. Every year, the report provides the basis for analysis of energy production, consumption, technology, market trends, policies and potential changes in the industry. Read more at ase.org.
 
Burtin Polymer Laboratories, Inc. / Foametix
From the Current Issue of SPRAYFOAM PROFESSIONAL Magazine
The Spring 2015 issue of SPRAYFOAM Professional is complete -- both online and in print. Some of the content in this issue includes:
 
>>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
 
Some enhanced features in the digital version include:
 
>>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.
   
And, for your convenience and quick reference, the SPRAYFOAM Professional archives and enewsletter archives are both available online.
 

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)

 
Covestro
SPFA Membership

>>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.
 
 
Foam Supplies, Inc.
SPFA Courses and Certification

>>PCP Announces Dates for Certification Exam Prep Courses, Written Exams and Field Exams During Sprayfoam 2016

The SPFA Professional Certification Program (SPFA PCP) announced that the following Exam Preparatory Courses will be held in Orlando, Florida, at the Rosen Centre Hotel:

Exam Preparatory Courses will be offered on February 8-9, 2016
Written Exams will be offered February 8-11, 2016
Field Exam details are to be determined.

Courses will be offered for:
SPF Installer (Roofing and Insulation)
SPF Master Installer (Roofing and Insulation)
SPF Project Manager (Roofing and Insulation)
SPF Field Examiner

The SPF Assistant Exam Prep Course is available online 24/7.  Click here to get more information and to register for this course. 

For any additional information contact Kelly Marcavage, Certification Director, at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org


>>Training Dates
For upcoming training dates, please visit www.sprayfoam.org. Recent training sessions and/or exams were held:
 
March 23-27     Spray Foam Nation     West Haven, CT   
March 26-27     Premium  Spray          Rapids, WI             
April 7-10         Spray Foam Nation      Long Island, NY    
April 14-17       Spray Foam Nation      Albany, NY                  
April 20-24       Spray Foam Nation      West Haven, CT  
April 21-24       Lapolla Industries        Chatham, NJ         
May 5-8           Spray Foam Nation     Green Bay, WI     
May 11-14       Spray Foam Nation      Philadelphia, PA 
May 18-22       Spray Foam Nation      West Haven, CT 
May 19-22       General Coatings         Fresno, CA
 
To learn more about SPFA PCP, please contact Kelly Marcavage at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org.

 
Specialty Products, Inc. (SPI)
C.J. Spray, Inc.
Federal/State Government News
Naylor Association Solutions
Current Call to Action

>>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.
 
A revision of the guideline is currently open for public comment until May 11, 2015. To learn more or to comment, visit www.ashrae.org/standardsactions
 
>>DOE Issues Request for Information Regarding the Cost-effectiveness of Building Energy Codes, Deadline May 15
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has 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 (which includes an energy savings assessment) of residential and commercial building energy codes. DOE is directed by statute to provide technical assistance to states to support the implementation of model building energy codes. As part of this role, DOE conducts national and state-level analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of building energy codes and proposed changes. DOE is interested in feedback on its analysis methodology, preferred sources of cost data, and parameter assumptions surrounding its cost-effectiveness assessment. In addition, DOE is seeking information on the general costs, benefits, and economic impacts associated with building energy codes.
 
Additional information is available at Docket No. EERE-2015-BT-BC-0001. Interested parties are asked to comment by May 14. For more information on the Department’s support for building energy codes, including energy and cost analysis, visit the DOE Building Energy Codes Program website.

 
SPF-Related Codes & Standards
>>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 *
DOE – Issues RFI on the Cost-effectiveness of Building Energy Codes
DOE – Requests Comments Regarding Participation in the IECC Development Process
ASHRAE – Seeks Public Input on the Residential Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guideline 

* Ongoing General Alerts *
Home Innovation Research Lab – Public Comments on the National Green Building Standard™ Due Next Monday

* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Denver, CO – Upcoming Hearings on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption
Maine – Three New Bills Introduced to Roll-Back Energy Codes
Minnesota – New Bill to Weaken the Current Energy Code
Nevada – New Bill to Reduce Stringency of Energy Conservation Standards
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
 
 

>>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:
 
 
>A new Request for Information to gather industry feedback for three Technology-to-Market Roadmaps that address technical challenges in building envelope; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning; and indoor air quality and ventilation
>Building America teams Partnership for Home Innovation (PHI) and Partnership for Advanced Residential Retrofits (PARR)—leaders in research and practical guidance for industry
>Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s new Buildings Crowdsourcing Community website, a new tool to share ideas for innovative energy-efficient technologies for homes and commercial buildings
>Amended efficiency standards for water heater manufacturers that are projected to save $63 billion in energy costs
>May 20 Building America webinar: Resolving Codes and Standards Issues to Energy Innovations
>2015 Housing Innovation Award application period now open through May 31, 2015
>Building America Solution Center’s new interactive checklist for EPA Indoor airPLUS Compliance
>Residential success stories highlighting PHI and PARR 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!
 
 
Read the full issue for the latest news and information from Building America.
 
Events

April 20-24, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Training, Spray Foam Nation, West Haven, Conn.  
 
April 21-24, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Training, Lapolla Industries, Chatham, N.J.   
 
May 4-7, 2015 -- ACI National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show, New Orleans, La.
 
May 5-8, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Training, Spray Foam Nation, Green Bay, Wis.     
 
May 6, 2015 -- Respiratory Protection Programs, SPFA Safety Webinar
 
May 11-14, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Training, Spray Foam Nation, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
May 18-22, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Training, Spray Foam Nation, West Haven, Conn. 
 
May 19-22, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Exam Prep Course and Field Exams, General Coatings, Fresno, Calif. 
 
May 22-24, 2015 -- 2015 International Conference on Energy and Environment in Ships, Athens, Greece
 
May 27-29, 2015 -- Better Buildings Summit, Washington, D.C.
 
May 31-June 2, 2015 -- Energy Efficiency Finance Forum, San Francisco, Calif.
 
June 27-July 1, 2015 -- ASHRAE Annual Conference, Atlanta, Ga.
 
July 1, 2015 -- SDS and Global Hazard System (GHS), SPFA Safety Webinar
 
 
Sept. 2, 2015 -- Personal Protective Clothing, SPFA Safety Webinar
 
Sept. 20-22, 2015 -- ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a ResourceLittle Rock, Ark.
 
Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2015 -- 2015 ASHRAE Energy Modeling Conference, Atlanta, Ga.

Oct. 5-7, 2015 -- Polyurethanes Technical Conference, Orlando, Fla.  

Nov. 4, 2015 -- Containment and Mechanical Ventilation, SPFA Safety Webinar
 
Nov. 18-25, 2015 -- GreenBuild International Conference and Expo, Washington, D.C.
 
January 6, 2016 -- Lock-out/Tag-out, SPFA Safety Webinar
 
March 2, 2016 -- Supplier Air Systems for Respirators, SPFA Safety Webinar

Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger

 

>>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 - Developing a Sales Plan for Your Business: May 11 at 3 p.m. EDT
Session 2 - How to Talk to Customers about Energy Upgrades: May 18 at 3 p.m. EDT
Session 3 - Creating a Complete Team: June 1 at 3 p.m. EDT
 
>>5 Factors of Audit Risk for Small Businesses
Source: sba.org
While your risk of being audited is low and likely to stay low according to the IRS commissioner, it’s still scary to think you may find yourself under the IRS microscope. Can you avoid this? Maybe. Will knowing your risk factors put you more at ease? Hopefully.  Here are 5 factors that impact audit risk for small businesses. Read more here
 
>>Savings Plans for Small Businesse
Source: sba.org
Do you have a plan for saving the money your business makes? The course looks at the importance of having a long-term savings plan and considers: retirement, taxes and tax breaks, and unexpected life events. Read more and take course.
 
>>National Small Business Week, May 4-8
Source: sba.org 
Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. For details, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.
 
 

 

Advertise

We would appreciate your comments or suggestions.
Your email will be kept private and confidential.