FEATURE STORY
Dow and GHBA Host Houston Building Science and Energy Forum
Forum addresses building in hot, humid climates & changing energy codes
(GHBA) hosted a one-day Houston Building Science and Energy Forum for local residential builders and remodelers. More than 50 people attended the event held at the Houston Dow Center.
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Presentations addressed the building and energy challenges specific to hot and humid climates, and outlined changes to 2012 Houston energy codes. All the proceeds from the forum are being donated to HomeAid Houston, a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with local builders and vendors to create transitional housing for Houston’s homeless.
The event kicked off with a keynote address from Doug Garrett, Building Performance and Comfort, AEE, CEM, CDSM, ACCA, BPI, HEAT, IAQ. During his presentation, Garrett discussed new technologies from Dow Building Solutions that improve indoor comfort and exterior durability in hot, humid climates.
"Moisture from humid outside air, and heat gain due to thermal bridging can lead to moisture related problems and increased air conditioning loads," said Garrett. "In addition, the lack of an effective vapor barrier on the humid side of the wall and good drainage plane can cause disastrous failures like mold and rot in a hot, rainy and humid climate such as Houston’s."
"Rigid foam sheathings with closed-cell foams work very well as water drainage
n September 7, Dow Building Solutions and the Greater Houston Builders Association
planes and vapor retarders, while also providing a reliable stable R-value over time. Insulated foam sheathing on the exterior, and specifically insulation that provides an R-3 or greater value, can go a long way toward improving the performance of wall systems," he added. "Some even have special laminated facers for exceptional moisture resistance in humid areas such as Houston."
Clayton Farmer, Bluegill Energy Management, CGP, HERS, LEED AP, GBV, GBE, CEA, LEED-H, IECC, GBI, followed the keynote address with a presentation about changes to 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC®) and ENERGY STAR Version 3. He highlighted air sealing and insulation products/ applications that help meet these changing codes, such as STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing and Residential Sheathing (R-3 value), GREAT STUFF PRO™ and FROTH-PAK™ Foam Insulation and Sealant from Dow.
Kathy Howard from Environments for Living (EFL) presented changes to the 2012 EFL green building program administered by Masco Contractor Services, and also discussed Green Built Gulf Coast, a new green building program launched by the GHBA that adheres to the National Green Building Standard ICC 700-2008.
The event organizer and host, Dow account representative David Suszko, started and wrapped up the day.
"By having Houston-based companies help educate Houston-based builders on the science behind sustainable building
and available technologies that help create a more sustainable home, Houston builders will feel more confident in bringing better, safer, more comfortable, energy efficient homes to Houston residents," said Suszko. "And the fact that we were able to donate all the proceeds from this event to the GHBA’s recognized charity, HomeAid Houston, helps enhance the lives of those in the local community that much more."
Throughout the day, representatives from HomeAid Houston were on site to discuss the donation and the HomeAid Houston program. Dow Building Solutions also offered product demonstrations in breakout rooms, so attendees could see first-hand the real world applications and uses that the energy experts discussed in their presentations.
About Dow Building Solutions: Dow Building Solutions has a 60+ year legacy of providing energy saving solutions to the global commercial and residential construction industry. A market-facing business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Building Solutions offers unsurpassed building science expertise to help builders, designers, architects and home/ building owners reduce energy costs and protect against wind, rain and moisture, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
www.dowbuildingsolutions.com
About Dow: Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity.
www.dow.com.
34 OCTOBER 2011 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
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