SPFA Commits Resources on Sprayfoam to Homebuilders
The SPFA Board announced a commitment to complete a builder’s checklist on SPF to improve SPF contractor – builder communication. The checklist, expected to be surpassed over time with more materials oriented toward the builders and customers, will offer useful information on installation quality, health and safety, typical planning considerations for a worksite, and highlight information about SPFA’s Professional Certification Program (PCP) to inform and empower builders on the topics that are most relevant to them.
"One of the most important things we can do as an industry to maintain a high level of quality, safety and OSHA compliance on the worksite is to coordinate with those other stakeholder industries that typically share the worksite with us," said Kurt Riesenberg, Executive Director of SPFA. "The relationship and communication between builder and sprayfoam contractor in the field is essential for success, and that is reflected in SPFA working with the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) to facilitate similar conversations across our industries," he continued.
Board Updates
At the SPFA Board of Directors meeting at SPFA headquarters in Fairfax, Va., members made motions to support the following actions of staff:
1. Formation of an inter-industry Advisory Council to the PCP certification program allowing for partner industry organizations to coordinate on delivery, topical coverage and promotion.
2. Formation of a short-term task group to work with several builders identified by NAHB in completion of SPF-specific resources and materials for homebuilders.
3. Development of materials and efforts, and specific coordination for informing and assisting member contractors on issues related to the newly-released OSHA NEP.
Hybrid Insulation Guide
SPFA’s Building Envelope Committee (BEC) is finalizing the hybrid insulation guide, developing a model insulation specification (CSI Format), and insulation installation certificate to include fire protection coatings, for SPFA member contractors to use. These new documents will help member contractors to gain new business by improved product-type selection and avoid compliance issues with building code officials.
SPFA Forms Advisory Council/Safety Committee for New PCP Certification Program
SPFA recently held its Board of Directors meeting and produced several actions, including the agreement over a formation of an Advisory Council for the new PCP certification program consisting of representatives from general construction and industry. The Board also directed staff to form a Task Group with NAHB representatives to complete a reference document on SPF for homebuilders, and committed to bringing more accessible resources to its members similar to the recent webinars on ventilation practice, building science and the new OSHA NEP.
The Safety Committee will supporting the SPFA PCP certification program, and within its scope of work consider producing things like monthly or bi-monthly webinars on chemical and jobsite safety topics, possible development of model written safety and respirator protection programs for SPFA member contractors. The new SC is working presently to develop a set of OSHA/ANSI compliant jobsite safety signs, with two slated for release later this year.
Start Planning for SprayFoam Convention & Expo, Jan. 26-29, 2014
Join your industry for the SPF event of the year! Imagine the possibilities:
-Network and develop valuable connections.
-Find solutions to your pressing business needs.
-Learn about advances in the SPF industry.
-Get the training you need to be the best.
Industry-Level Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for SPF in Progress
In November 2012, SPFA released final reports that documented the SPF industry's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study. This announcement and detailed report can be found by clicking here. This study documents the detailed results of the overwhelmingly net-positive environmental impacts of generic LD, MD and roofing SPF products from cradle to end-of-life. The six impacts studied include primary energy demand, global warming (carbon footprint), ozone depletion, eutrophication (nitrogen release), smog and acidification (acid rain). While the study met all requirements of ISO-14040 and 14044, the results need to be summarized in a third-party environmental product declaration (EPD). EPD's, following the Product Category Rules (PRC) for insulation, provide an important verification of the results that assist in product selection under sustainable building programs such as USGBC's LEED, IgCC, GreenGlobes and other similar programs. UL Environments will be the most likely developer of the SFPA's industry-level EPD. For more information on the EPD development, please contact Rick Duncan, Technical Director of SPFA at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
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Forum Brings Together Lawmakers and Industry Experts on Top Housing Issues
Source: NAHB.org
This free event, hosted by CQ Roll Call, will gather members of Congress, their staff, industry and association leaders and other key stakeholders together to examine the future of the housing market. Keynote speakers include U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). Panel sessions feature industry experts from NAHB, Harvard University, the Center for Responsible Lending, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and more.
See the full agenda and register to attend the event in person, here.
R egister for the live webcast, here.
Huntsman Completes Acquisition of U.S. Polyols Manufacturer, Oxid L.P.
Source: huntsman.com
Huntsman Corporation announced that it has completed the acquisition of the business of Oxid L.P., a manufacturer and marketer of specialty urethane polyols in Houston, Texas, for an amount of up to $75 million. Oxid generated $86 million of revenue in 2012. Oxid’s polyols are a key component in the production of energy saving polyurethane insulation products that are used in residential and commercial construction. The polyols are combined with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) – in which Huntsman’s Polyurethanes division is a leading global producer – to create polyurethane foam insulation for walls, roofs, refrigerators and many other applications. Oxid markets its diverse product line of specialty polyols under the trademark Terol® and distributes products worldwide from its manufacturing facility in Houston.
BASF Announces Plans for U.S. Polyurethane CASE Distributor
Source: basf.com
BASF announced that it has appointed Archway Sales Inc., as a distributor for polyurethane chemicals to the Coatings, Adhesives & Binders, Sealants and Elastomers (CASE) market in the Ohio valley. Effective January 1, 2014, Archway will be a national distributor for the CASE market. With world-scale production facilities in Geismar, La., BASF has a strong presence in the CASE market via direct and distribution sales channels. Archway currently represents the BASF polyurethane chemical line throughout the Midwest, parts of the Great Lakes and Southeast and throughout the Northeast. BASF is a market leader in polyurethanes and supplies Lupranate® aromatic MDI and TDI isocyanates and Pluracol® polyether and graft copolymer polyols. With a comprehensive portfolio of isocyanates and polyether polyols for the CASE industry, these products can be formulated to create a variety of specialty products.
BPI, ACCA to Explore Joint Opportunities
Source: BPI.org
The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI), the nation's premier standards development and credentialing organization for residential energy efficiency upgrade work, and ACCA, the nation's largest organization of indoor environment and energy service professionals, have announced they will begin exploring opportunities for collaboration following a meeting of the respective organizations' leaders on August 14.
New Rulemaking Proves DOE Commitment to Energy Efficiency
Source: ase.org
"The Alliance applauds the Department of Energy’s issuance Thursday of the Notices of Proposed Rulemaking for commercial refrigeration equipment and walk-in coolers and freezers. On his very first day in office, Secretary Moniz committed to advancing energy efficiency —and this latest action demonstrates the DOE is serious about helping Americans save energy and money.
"Advancements like these are critical steps toward achieving the Energy 2030 and President Obama’s goal of doubling U.S. energy productivity 2030. If finalized, the two standards will be an enormous economic boost for millions of Americans, saving consumers and businesses $28 billion over the next 30 years on top of the already $500 in annual savings the average household receives due to existing standards. The new rules will also help cut CO2 emissions by more than 350 million metric tons.
"We look forward to supporting Secretary Moniz’s continued efforts to establish cost-effective efficiency standards that will save American families and businesses more money for what’s really important."
CPI and BPI Offer Free Sprayfoam Training Continuing Education
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Building Performance Institute, Inc., (BPI) added spray polyurethane foam (SPF) chemical health and safety training courses to BPI’s continuing education program. CPI’s training programs for High- and Low-pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety are now eligible to contribute part of the requirements needed in earning a BPI credential. Each CPI course has been approved for 2-2.5 CEU by BPI.
ACC Announces Details of ChemSECURE Conference
Source: americanchemistry.com
This year’s ChemSECURE Conference, a one-day workshop designed for security professionals in the chemical industry, will be held in New Orleans on October 17. The Federal Bureau of Investigation will host a special pre-workshop cybersecurity briefing on October 16, which will focus on various topics including chemical facility counterintelligence and counterterrorism.
Lapolla Agrees to Exclusive Supply Terms for the Middle East
Source: gupta-verlag.com
Lapolla Industries, a Houston-based global supplier and manufacturer of spray polyurethane foam insulation, elastomeric protective coatings, and equipment, has agreed to a new, exclusive contract with MVL Group to supply its products in the Middle East. Doug Kramer, President & CEO of Lapolla said, "We are very pleased to have entered into an exclusive relationship with MVL Group, a world class supply partner. MVL Group is another example of a leading supply channel Lapolla is focusing on to bring our Foamlok spray polyurethane foam insulation and Thermoflex coating products to the global market."
CPI Leadership Previews the 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference
Source: americanchemistry.com
The 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference, hosted by Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), is fast approaching. The conference will take place Sept. 23-25 in Phoenix. Leading the 2013 conference, Tony Lanchak of Momentive Performance Materials is serving as the 2013 Conference Committee chair. Paul Duffy of Icynene is serving as the 2013 Conference Committee vice chair.
A coalition of construction industry groups is concerned about a proposed rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that’s intended to protect workers from inhaling dust containing silica, created by activities such as cutting brick or block, and sawing, grinding or drilling concrete.
"We need practical, science-based solutions that protect workers in all facets of construction," said Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C. "Unfortunately, OSHA’s initial announcement about this proposed rule indicates we aren’t there yet."
Announced Aug. 23 in a press conference that laid out few details, the proposed rule seems to call for one-size-fits-all measures that contradict existing safety and quality assurance practices for different types of contractors.
For instance, spraying water to reduce dust may be practical in some construction projects, but using it inside a home while cutting granite counters can cause mold. In cold weather, spraying water while cutting asphalt roof shingles could cause ice to form on the slanted surface, endangering workers. Ventilation and dust-capture systems can inhibit the safe operation of tools. And if prescribed measures are not practicable, contractors might be forced to eliminate products with silica altogether, including concrete, brick, granite, and other common construction materials.
Independent studies have estimated costs for construction industry compliance will exceed $1 billion per year.
NAHB is part of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, which is seeking a feasible and cost-effective crystalline silica regulation that improves safety and health protection measures for workers. The coalition represents thousands of employers working to protect hundreds of thousands of workers in home building, road repair, heavy industrial production, specialty trades and materials supply. It was formed to encourage OSHA to develop better choices for compliance with the construction-specific silica rule: alternatives that also address costs, consistency with existing federal regulations and do not overly burden small businesses.
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Some of the articles in the SPRAYFOAM Professional Fall 2013 issue, which will be released shortly, include:
2013 SPFA CONTRACTOR AWARDS
>>RESIDENTIAL WALL FOAM -- Seven Days in the Desert with Southwest Spray Foam LLC
THRIVING, NOT JUST SURVIVING -- SPF Helps Turns Survival Condos Into Luxury Living Spaces
SPEAKING SENSIBLY -- Ventilation and Moisture Control in Sprayfoam/Tight Homes
SAFETY FIRST -- Isocyanate Enforcement Activities by OSHA
If you didn't receive this issue in the mail or via email and would like to be on future distribution lists, click here to sign up.
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 SPFA 2013 National Contractor Excellence Award Winning ProjectsCongratulations to all the winners in the 2013 Annual SPFA National Contractor Excellence Awards. These projects are examples of SPF’s unique performance, applicability and appeal. In upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional, various winning projects will be spotlighted.
Here is the full list of winners:
>>Arizona Foam & Spray: Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
>>Spray-Tec Inc.: Bluegrass Community and Technical College Newtown Pike Campus
>>Southwest Spray Foam LLC: Television Personality Steve Thomas
>>Smart Choice Insulation & Roofing, Inc.: The Flour Tower
>>West Roofing Systems, Inc.: Boulevard Terrace & Neal Terrace Apartments
>>Honeywell Building Envelope Solutions: 206,000 sq.ft. re-roofing over BUR with extensive removal
>>Biofoam: Fermilab
>>West Roofing Systems, Inc.: Playhouse Square 14th Street Theatre Roof Reconstruction
>>Insulate SB, Inc: The Book House
>>J. Calman Industries: Coastal Progress – Marine Vessel
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.
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Source: materialscience.bayer.com
Many children and young people, as well as adults, dream of learning a musical instrument that is not only easy to play but also easy to carry around. Making music is even more fun when it is associated with completely new and special experiences. Bayer MaterialScience has taken on the challenge of making this dream a reality, and together with its partners is developing a concept for a futuristic cello. The use of a transparent plastic material makes the instrument lightweight and also makes it possible to incorporate a whole series of optical effects. The company is exhibiting a visionary prototype of this "Cello 2.0" at K 2013 in Düsseldorf, October 16-23, 2013.
Source: ScienceDaily.com
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated a new mechanism for extracting energy from light, a finding that could improve technologies for generating electricity from solar energy and lead to more efficient optoelectronic devices used in communications.
Source: BASF.com
Manufacturers are permanently on the lookout for cutting edge technologies and innovative materials. adidas is also constantly further developing its running shoes. The company, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, has been supported by BASF materials experts for more than 20 years. Using BASF’s new foam Infinergy™, adidas has now developed the Energy Boost, a thoroughly new running shoe with unique spring and cushioning properties. Its outstanding feature is the midsole, the central element of every running shoe. It is made from a new particle foam which absorbs the shock impact on the foot during jogging, while simultaneously cushioning the foot. The high rebound effect of the material provides the runner with an energy return not offered by any other running shoe.
Source: www.offthegridnews.com
Some state governments are adding a new technology called radio frequency identification chips (also known as RFIDs) to driver’s licenses that will make it easy – critics say — for state officials to track citizens. The technology is not new; it is used by large retailers like Walmart to track shipments and in next generation credit cards. Such RFID chips are already being implanted in driver’s licenses in four states: Michigan, Vermont, New York, and Washington.
Source: Lance Whitney, cnet.com
A new trial in the U.K. lets people pay for items using the PayPal app, a mobile phone, and a photo to prove their identity. Using the PayPal app for iOS, Android, or Windows Phone, shoppers can see nearby participating merchants highlighted on their mobile phones. They can then "check into" a certain store by clicking on its name and pay for an item by sliding an animated pin down the screen. The person's name and photo then pops up on the store's payment system. After the customer agrees to pay for the item, the cashier clicks on the person's photo to send the payment through.
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SPF Professional Certification Program (PCP) Updates
Since SPFA completed development of the SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP) and publicly rolled it out at its annual convention and expo in February, the response has been overwhelming. SPFA members and partners -- including Gaco Western, Premium Spray Systems, Demilec, Bayer Material Science, and the ABAA Conference -- have all hosted testing sessions. More sessions were scheduled or are upcoming at CertainTeed, Spray Foam Nation, Conklin, Premium Spray Systems, Quadrant Urethanes, and NCFI, with more being added continually. SPFA is working presently on the development of a Contractor, Distributor and Manufacturer Firm Accreditation program to complement the new certification program. To find out more about the program, enroll, register for a test, or get set up for one of the upcoming testing locations, email admin@spfapcp.org or call (866) 222-5000 and simply state what you want to do.
You can take the SPFA Master Installer Exam at Spray Foam Nation facilities any Friday this fall (West Haven, Conn.; North Ridgeville, Ohio; and Slidell, La.). There also will be a 5-Day SPFA Training Program in Connecticut, Sept. 16-20, that will include SPFA Assistant and SPFA Installer Exams.
Gaco Sales Teams Achieve SPFA Certification
Gaco Western, a leader in innovative spray foam insulation products, is pleased 
to announce that the company's GacoWallFoam Sales Team and Gaco's Architectural Sales Team have achieved SPFA Professional Certification. The teams attended a three-day New Applicator School at the state-of-the-art GacoUniversity training facility in Waukesha, Wis., where they participated in the SPF Assistant, Installer and Master Installer Programs, which included hands on training.
"Gaco Western supports the SPFA Professional Certification Program because we believe that industry-wide certification is crucial to the long term health of the SPF Industry - we also believe that our commitment to this certification needs to start with us," stated Peter Davis, Chairman and CEO, Gaco Western.
"At Gaco, we believe in continually raising the bar on safety, performance, quality and professionalism in the SPF industry," added Tom Sojak, Vice President-GacoWallFoam.
For more information, click here.
The Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) of the American Chemistry Council announced its support of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance's (SPFA) new Professional Certification Program for sprayfoam applicators. The Coalition strongly supports this new program that will continue to expand the ongoing efforts of the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry to create the highest standards of quality and professionalism for its customers.
"The SPF industry has for many years and will continue to support the safe and appropriate use of SPF," said SFC Senior Director Lee Salamone. "SPFA has created a first-rate certification program to continually raise the bar on safety, performance, quality and professionalism among SPF industry professionals and help give building owners confidence when choosing an SPF applicator."
SPFA launched its new Professional Certification Program at the Spray Foam 2013 Convention &
Expo. The program was developed in compliance with the ANSI/ISO 17024 standard. Individual certifications will be available at four different levels in the two categories of insulation and roofing. To become certified under SPFA's new program, individuals must pass an exam and meet various criteria for any level of certification they would like to achieve. It is a progressive program with each level based on the candidate passing the exam for the previous level.
SPF is an excellent insulation choice for building owners. It insulates and acts as an air barrier, both of which are critical to making buildings comfortable and reducing heating and cooling costs.
Demilec USA Holds SPFA Certification Seminar
Demilec USA, LLC held a preparatory seminar in June to assist contractors and installers to certify under the SPFA Professional Certification Program. The goal was to prepare the attendees to take the SPFA examinations for the various levels of installer (applicator) certification, plus there was a day of business training and a full day of hands-on training including spray technique, troubleshooting and equipment maintenance. On the final day of training, all students had the opportunity to take the tests for any of the SPFA certifications. For details on future SPFA Certification training with Demilec, click here.
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OSHA announces new National Emphasis Program for occupational exposure to isocyanates. The official announcement can be found here, and the associated Directive found here. This National Emphasis (aka enforcement) Program is directed at roughly 20 industries using isocyanates, including spray polyurethane foam insulation and roofing.
"This is a major development, perhaps the most impactful regulation affecting the industry in recent memory," said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg. "I find the intent of the NEP understandable taking into account the focus of the federal agencies on SPF specifically and Iso generally, but there are several elements of this enforcement program that are very, and surprisingly discomforting, and we are going to need some close work with OSHA to get it worked out," he continued. The concerns range from the Directive atypically casting a wide net to include targeted companies with fewer than 10 employees, the mandated minimum number of inspections OSHA regional and local offices are going to conduct and the selection process of those to be inspected, and a question over the treatment of PEL for isocyanates in the SPF installation environment. "SPFA has developed a very good working relationship with OSHA and other agencies over the past four years and looks forward to working on these issues with them and on the members’ behalf," said Riesenberg.
Members are strongly encouraged to review the requirements and expectations of OSHA inspectors that can be found in the Directive. This is a priority for OSHA. Resources and teams of inspectors are being tasked to this, and at least one SPF contractor already had an inspection scheduled within days of the announcement.
Check the SPFA website, member-only section, Twitter and Facebook pages along with Sprayfoam Professional magazine for up-to-date information on this subject as it becomes available.
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Call for Papers for ASHRAE/IBPSA-USA Building Simulation Conference
Call for Papers for ASHRAE 2014 Annual Conference
ASHRAE is seeking papers for its 2014 Annual Conference in Seattle, Wash., June 28-July 2, 2014.
The Conference addresses broad topics in the application of technology to practice, specific applications in ground source heat pumps, O&M and indoor environmental quality, as well as new reports on research taking place worldwide.
The second annual Research Summit seeks papers that report on HVAC&R research with particular emphasis on high performance building design and its role in a clean energy economy, and brings together researchers to present and discuss the latest research. Papers describing ASHRAE-related research are encouraged as well as papers from societies and associations worldwide.
As with past ASHRAE Conferences, the Seattle Conference also seeks papers addressing advances and practices across HVAC&R systems, equipment, fundamentals and applications.
Conference paper abstracts are due Sept. 23, 2013. Upon acceptance, papers will be due Jan. 9, 2014. These papers undergo a single-blind review.
Full technical papers are due Sept. 23, 2013. Papers submitted for review must be both technically accurate and clearly written. These papers undergo a rigorous double-blind review and will be published in ASHRAE Transactions.
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Builders and Efficiency Advocates Reach 2015 International Energy Conservation Code Change Agreement
Source: Resnet.us
Together, the Leading Builders of America, Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) have proposed a change to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that would result in significant energy savings, while providing more flexibility to builders. Leading Builders of America represents 20 of the nation’s largest builders accounting for 40 percent of the new single‐family homes market, NRDC is a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization representing 1.3 million members and online activists, and IMT is nonprofit advocacy organization focused on improving energy efficiency in buildings.
BPI's Standard for Air Duct System Performance Within a Whole House Context Available for Public Comment
Source: BPI.org
ICC Illustrated IBC Handbook Helps Professionals Better Understand Code Application, Compliance
Source: ICCsafe.org
The 2012 International Building Code (IBC) Handbook, a new publication from the International Code Council (ICC) and McGraw-Hill Professional, combines detailed discussion with more than 600 color illustrations to support the application of IBC provisions. Previously published in two volumes, the new edition covers both structural and fire- and life-safety provisions in a single reference to ease understanding and proper application of code requirements and achieve compliance.
>>Ventilation for New Low-Rise Residential Buildings: Building Science Corporation Standard 01 -- 2013
Source: www.buildingscience.com
This criterion defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical ventilation systems in new low-rise residential buildings.
BPI's Home Performance-Related Data Standards Published as BPI Standards
Source: BPI.org
The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) announced that its BPI-2100-S-2013: Standard for Home Performance-Related Data Transfer and BPI-2200-S-2013: Standard for Home Performance-Related Data Collection have been published as BPI standards. "These standards should make the entire home performance industry more effective and profitable by dramatically reducing the costs, time and effort involved in transferring information," said Robin LeBaron, Managing Director of the National Home Performance Council, who coordinated the BPI working group that developed these standards.
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>>The Building Codes Assistance Project releases regular updates on building energy codes through its quarterly BCAP Newsletter and weekly Code Alert Bulletin.
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. If you know of activity that should be on this bulletin or would like to sign up for this bulletin, contact Matt Kerns at (202) 530-2252 or mkerns@ase.org.
>>New General Alerts
DOE - Deadline Extended for Comments on Code Compliance RFI
>>New State and Local Alerts
Arkansas - Public Comment Period Open from Sept. 4.-Oct. 4
Florida - Building Commission Delays Effective Date for New Code >>Ongoing General Alerts
BCAP - Compliance Collaboratives Convene to Share Lessons Learned
>>Ongoing State and Local Alerts
Clark County, NV - County Adopts 2012 IECC for Non-Incorporated Cities
Colorado - RESNET and Energy Office to Promote the Construction of High Energy Performance Homes
Texas - Stakeholders Urge SECO to Consider 2012 IECC
Virginia - Weakening Amendments to 2012 IECC in Advance of Public Hearing
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Alliance to Save Energy Efficiency News
Updates from ASE include:
For complete list of ASE's Efficiency News articles, click here.
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