Building Science News - news in New England about sustainable, green residential building

Building Science: Volume 2, Issue 6

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In this issue

  • Message from the Executive Director
  • How-To
  • Our members – in action
  • psssst
. keep scrolling there’s more to see!
  • Oldie but Goodie Video
  • Help a member – vote!
  • Interesting Links
  • Training
  • Events
  • Thank you, Members

From SEON’s Executive Director

Welcome to June and welcome to our newest Board Members

  • Mary Anne Sheahan –  Executive of the Vermont Business Roundtable Foundation and Vermont Talent Pipeline
  • Emma Spett – Program Coordinator, Engagement Initiatives | Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships and UVM Office of Engagement

Good news on SEON’s Project 2025

We are gaining momentum for our  SEON’S Project 2025 – Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Request (aimed at speeding up Vermont multifamily housing using open source manufacturing standards to address the state’s affordable housing crisis). Our initiative has been gaining significant momentum, with numerous letters of support from various stakeholders. We are particularly pleased to announce that the Windham County Delegation has officially backed our earmark, further strengthening our efforts to bring affordable housing solutions to Vermont.

Update on the Vermont Homebuilding Coalition

The Vermont Homebuilding Coalition will be meeting with the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) on June 11 in Montpelier to discuss important steps towards the development of contractor certifications. Here are the key details and objectives for our upcoming meeting:

Date and Time: June 11, 12:00 – 3:00 PM

Location:VT Secretary of State Office, 89 Main St., 3rd Floor, Montpelier

Meeting Goals:

  1. Understanding OPR’s Process:
    • Gain a clear understanding of OPR’s process and the administrative language required to approve certification.
  2. Certification Categories:
    • Reach an agreement on two certification categories:
      • Building Science Principles
      • Vermont Energy Codes
  3. Review and Discussion:
    • Conduct a preliminary review and discussion of the learning objectives and core categories of the administrative language for the two certifications.
  4. Work Teams:
    • Assign two work teams to finalize the certification proposals for submission to both the Vermont Homebuilding Coalition and OPR.

Agenda:

  • Overview of Proposed Certifications:
    • Building Science Principles: Covering heat transfer, moisture transport, air barriers, high performance construction, and more.
    • Vermont Energy Codes: Including rules for compliance, building science applications, ventilation, and combustion safety.
  • Consensus on Good Certification Programs:
    • Discuss key factors that contribute to effective certification programs for OPR to consider, such as accessibility, utility, prevalence, technicality, specialty, and costs.
  • OPR’s Role and Approach:
    • OPR will provide an overview of the statutory framework and their planned rulemaking approach, along with examples from other professions.
  • Contractor Registry Timeline:
    • Detailed discussion on the timeline for certification implementation and the steps involved in the process.

This meeting represents a significant step forward in ensuring that our certification programs are robust, accessible, and beneficial to all Vermont contractors. We aim to leave the meeting with a unified voice and a clear path forward.

Until July, onward and upward!

Guy Payne
Executive Director

 

How-To

 

Test Your Company’s Resilience with a Sabbatical

“One way to test the resilience of your company, or more specifically, how a company’s team operates without day-to-day direction from the owner, is for them to step away for a while. In our latest HELM Blog post, we look at how one HELM client—Garland Mill—prepared for and executed a successful sabbatical and share what they learned from the experience.”
â–ș Read more at HELM Construction Solutions

Our Members – in Action

Beautiful Mix

“Another glimpse into our newest finished home. A beautiful mix of modern and rustic elegance with some fun interior details!”
â–ș Read more at Wadsworth Design Build

 

 

 

 

 

 

X-Ray Room Construction

“We just completed another successful project at the Springfield, VT Hospital, renovations to an X ray room.  We greatly appreciate the partnership GPI has developed with the hospital over the last year and look forward to continuing the relationship long into the future!”
â–ș Read more at GPI Construction

 

 

 

Natural Materials Tub

“Our resident design guru Amanda traveled to the Frank Webb Home showroom at 55 Etna Road to check out some of the newest products from some of their top vendors including
While perusing the showroom, Amanda just had to try out one of Native Trails newest tub designs, the Avalon, which is hand formed from a sustainable blend of natural materials.”
â–ș Read more at Housewright Construction

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-finished Casings
”More fun with @themarvinbrand pre-finished casings. We got matching paint for the door casing and trim blocks.”⁠

â–ș Read more at Mindel and Morse Builders

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Porch Weather

“All local Cedar on the walls, floors, and ceiling and all trim work combine with removable screens for when you want a bug free dinner in the springtime. Connected by a covered breezeway from the main
net-zero home this is a great gathering place to host friends and family.
Winner of a Vermont AIA award in 2022”
â–ș Read more at Shelterwood Construction

 

 

 

Standardizing Homebuilding Via a Streamlined Product System

“At Unity, our mission is to reshape the narrative and address common issues and challenges inherent in traditional homebuilding. Increasing standardization across the industry would result in more efficient practices, a decrease in costs, and increase in capacity—because everyone deserves to build a home that adds to their quality of life. ”
â–ș Read more at Unity Homes

 

 

 

Keep Scrolling! There’s more to see!

 

Play Ball!

“OK, we may not have won our first game of the season, but damn we look good! And most importantly, we had a lot of fun!⁠”
â–ș Read more at Mathes Hulmes Builders

 

 

 

A Look Back

“Locally harvested and milled tongue and groove pine ceiling and drywall installation at The Phillips Building, on the square, Bellows Falls, VT.

Winter, 2022”
â–ș Read more at Tim Lillis Builders

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s talk vented rainscreens!

“Here’s a great example of this on a project in Greece, NY. We recommend a vented rainscreen to promote airflow between the airtight WRB and the siding. SOLITEX MENTO Plus keeps everything inboard water tight and airtight, while the airflow outboard promotes drying (through diffusion). This means durability for the enclosure, the siding, and makes sure it can all dry while it stays airtight and watertight.”
â–ș Read more at 475 High Performance Building Supply

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Energy Savings!

“This beautiful breezy weather has us thinking about
laundry? Do you hang your wash out to dry in the warmer months? It’s a great way to save a little energy!☀”
â–ș Read more at Efficiency Vermont

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Fact: Discarded Glass

“Fun fact: Glass discarded in the bin is melted down and repurposed to create items requiring less clarity, such as wine bottles, jars, vases, plates, and more.
Vertically integrated and beyond sustainable.”
â–ș Read more at Sierra Pacific Windows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cellulose and foam insulation

“Upgrade your home’s insulation with Farnum Insulators! Our cellulose and foam insulation options will keep your space comfortable and energy-efficient.”
â–ș Read more at Farnum Insulators

Oldie but Goodie Video

Oldie but Goodie: Wingnut Testing Video

“Wingnut Testing: Soffit-to-Ridge Roof Venting – Basement video of ridge vent 2, 3:12 pitch”
â–ș Read more at Building-Wright

 

 

 

 

Help a Member – Vote!

VOTE for A Member!

“It’s that time again! You can find us under “Homes & Real Estate” in these categories: Best Building Contractor and Best Home Improvement Company. You can also find us under “Services” in these categories: Best Local Green Business and Best Local Green Construction Company. You can continue to cast your votes for all your favorite local businesses until June 17th.”
â–ș Read more at Wright Builders

 

 

 

 

Interesting Links

Resources

â–ș ILFI’s Just program supports businesses in their efforts to make progress on everything from racial, ethnic, and gender diversity to pay equity to optimal worker and community health to sustainable procurement. They’ve just announced the latest iteration of the program: Just 3.0! (Thanks to HELM for the info.)

Training

â–ș Lead Carpenter Training

4 Tuesdays in September 2024 (begins Sept 3)
3:00 PM –  4:30 PM EST

Cost = $600

Info and Registration Link

â–ș Introduction to Estimating

4 Tuesdays in October 2024 (begins Oct 8)
3:00 PM –  4:30 PM EST

Cost = $600

Info and Registration Link

â–ș Fundamentals of Pre-Construction and Project Management

7 Tuesdays in November & December 2024 (beings Nov 5)

3:00 PM –  4:30 PM EST

Cost = $900

Info and Registration Link

Events

Webinar: Fair Wages and Benefits by HELM

June 13, 2024 – 4-5pm

Construction Business Basics by HELM

Jun 18 – 3-4:30 pm

Thank you, Members