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July 24, 2008

INDUSTRY ACCESS*

Fenestration Industry Announces New Standard for Windows, Doors and Skylights

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) have jointly released AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440-08; North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for Windows, Doors and Skylights, reported Facilitiesnet. Full Story

Click here for more Industry Access news including recent new hires, merger & acquisition activity and who's offering new products.

* DHI Members may submit news releases to be considered for inclusion in DHI's IndustryWatch. Send to: jmadden@dhi.org.

BUSINESS UPDATE

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology detailed a technique that can boost solar cell output and turn colored windows into solar panels. The researchers have developed a way to use dyes painted on glass to redirect light. By pushing light to the edges and filtering it, they can concentrate the light and squeeze more electricity from photovoltaic solar cells, reported CNET. Full Story

The June Producer Price Index for Wood Doors (flush & panel, interior & exterior) was down 1.6% from 2007 and the Other Wood Doors (Incl. garage, screen, storm, etc.) PPI was up 2.6% compared to a year earlier. Compared to May, the unadjusted June PPI was unchanged for Wood Doors and the PPI for Other Wood Doors was up 0.1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The PPI for Metal Doors, Sash & Trim was up 0.8% from May and up 3.2% from 2007. The PPI for Builders Hardware was up 8.7% from a year ago and up 2.7% from last month. Click here to view the full June Producer Price Index report. (PDF file - Wood Door information is on page 15, Builders Hardware page 21 and Metal Door data is on page 22)

During a recent OnPoint interview , Edward Mazria, executive director of Architecture 2030, explains his group's 2030 initiative, which calls for all buildings to be net-zero carbon emitters by the year 2030. Full Story Watch Video

Given the current construction environment, there are new and magnified risks that subcontractors should know how to alleviate. Some of the risks inherent in subcontracting—especially with ultra-low bids were discussed in a recent Buildings.com article. Full Story

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Door Component Interchangeability Task Group hosted an all-day discussion forum on July 8 that sparked industry dialogue on the development of component substitution for door certification and testing. AAMA hosted the forum to further the development of guidelines to be used for side-hinged entry door component structural substitution/interchangeability. These guidelines will then be used by the industry to craft procedural guides, as well as certification and other possible programs. Full Story

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Intent outlining collaborative efforts to promote green building development, energy efficiency and environmentally responsible building operations, reported Facilitiesnet. Full Story

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

As the nonresidential sector has experienced cutbacks in demand for new space, the projections for construction activity for new nonresidential facilities are for a mild decline in 2008, with a more significant downturn in 2009. The two largest institutional categories, healthcare and education facilities, should see a slight increase this year and could help offset some of the losses in the other project categories, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast. Full Story

New construction starts in June retreated 1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $552.0 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. Nonresidential building fell 12% after its elevated May pace, pulling down the volume of total construction. Full Story

With several $100 million-plus projects in the works, Western Pennsylvania is enjoying a boom in its nonresidential construction market. Nonresidential building is expected to exceed $3 billion this year, due to major projects including the Majestic Star casino and the Uptown arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team, reported the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Full Story

AIA is launching a new "GreenStep" video series of 12 webisodes to to help clients and the public learn more about sustainable design elements and how architects are providing energy-efficient solutions to help lower our collective and individual carbon footprint. Full Story

SECURITY & SAFETY

The National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities has published two updated white papers on school security. Click to download School Security Technologies (PDF file) Click to download Door Locking Options in Schools (PDF file)

Security Management magazine takes a look at the challenges of balancing security with sustainable building design. Full Story

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Federal Trade Commission has been holding workshops in an effort to reduce "greenwashing." Companies that violate the government's "green guidelines" through false or deceptive advertising typically are warned by the Federal Trade Commission to stop. If a company violates that order, it could be fined up to $11,000 a day, per offense, reported Building Design & Construction. Full Story

On July 17, California became the first state in the nation to approve green building standards to cut energy and water usage, a move that officials say will help the state meet its ambitious goals to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The plan, adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, requires that all new construction - from commercial buildings to homes, schools and hospitals - reduce energy usage by 15%, water use by 20% and water for landscaping by 50%. A voluntary form of the code is scheduled to kick in on July 1, 2009, reported the San Francisco Chronicle. Full Story

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Consumer Product Safety Reform

Both chambers have passed a consumer product safety reform bill, H.R. 4040. One of the major features of the bills is a new regulatory regime for all children's products. Testing and certification are among the "highlights" of that regime. The little noticed, but big decision that the conferees made was to define a child as someone 12 years of age and younger. The Senate bill defined a child using the age of seven. The House bill had the 12 years of age definition.

Historically, the Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CSPC) has not used a fixed definition for most products. It uses "age determination" guidelines to determine whether a particular product might be a hazardous. One "firm" standard has been the "under three years of age" definition for small parts items – for risk of choking, aspiration and ingestion.

The significance of the 12 years of age threshold is that the line between an item for use for adults and for children begins to blur somewhere around there. The challenge for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers will be deciding what they do about those products that will now fall in the grey area. As noted above, there are some new mandatory requirements such as testing and certification associated with a children's product. Some manufacturers and sellers will opt to test and certify most or all of their products, particularly those which possess another characteristic that is under scrutiny (e.g. lead), and some will opt to label products as "not intended for children's use."

DHI's Jerry Heppes sits on the board of the Small Business Legislative Council. If you'd like more information on these or other issues affecting small businesses, feel free to contact him at jheppes@dhi.org.

This material is protected under copyright law and contains confidential information. It is for the sole personal, informational use of DHI members. It cannot be distributed, reprinted, referenced as a source for attribution, or otherwise made public.

DHI NEWS

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for
DHI’s 33rd Annual Conference and Exposition
November 7 -15, 2008 in Boston, MA

Registration is now available online at www.dhi.org/annual. Start making your plans to attend this essential industry event. This year's Conference and Exposition is jam-packed with networking, educational and business development opportunities. From the National Education to the Forum for the Future, Industry Marketplace and exposition, this is a smart investment of your time and money. Go online to www.dhi.org/annual for a complete listing of education offerings and scheduled events. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 703-222-2010.

HOUSING UPDATE!

DHI’s Headquarters Hotel, Westin Boston Waterfront
Conference Block: WAIT LIST ONLY!
Student Block: Still Available

Hotel rooms are filling quickly! Space is still available at the following DHI host hotels: Doubletree Hotel Boston-Downtown, Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Seaport Hotel.

For more information about the hotels and rates, please visit the DHI conference Web site at www.dhi.org/annual or call the DHI Housing Bureau at 866-578-8809. To take advantage of DHI’s conference rates, be sure to book your reservation by Friday, October 10, 2008.

DHI National Education in Boston!

Registration is now available online for DHI’s National Education session in Boston, November 7 – 12, 2008. With over 30 classes being offered, including the Fire Door Assembly Inspection class (DAI 600), there is something for everyone. Go online to www.dhi.org/education for the complete course listings. Buy one day of education, and receive the Conference and Exposition for FREE! Get two great events for the price of one!