Spray Foam Coalition Sponsors Event to Inspire Next Generation of Architects, Builders, and Entrepreneurs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 18, 2016 – The Spray Foam Coalition of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) announces its sponsorship of the 2016 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Race to Zero Student Design Competition.

The Race to Zero competition was created to inspire students to design the next generation of zero energy ready homes with features that sharply reduce energy use and offset most, if not all, of the remaining energy needs with renewable energy. This year, 36 teams from 27 collegiate institutions will compete with market-ready designs for homes that are more energy efficient than today’s standard new homes.

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“The Spray Foam Coalition is proud to sponsor this event as it provides examples of how spray polyurethane foam is an ideal building material for high-performance homes,” said Justin Koscher, director of the Spray Foam Coalition. “Spray polyurethane foam is an excellent fit for net zero energy construction because it helps to increase overall energy efficiency by adding high R-value thermal insulation to the building envelope and reducing costly air leaks that can account for up to 40% of the heating and cooling loss in a typical home.”

Last year, the Three Rivers House design team from Carnegie Mellon University—a grand winner finalist—utilized spray polyurethane foam as an air sealant material. Also, the H4: Heritage Homes design team—recognized for systems integration excellence—selected spray polyurethane foams as part of its insulation plan for the attic and foundation. Both designs highlight the benefits of using spray polyurethane foams to achieve energy efficiency.

The Spray Foam Coalition is comprised of companies that produce and sell polyurethane spray foam insulation systems as well as suppliers of raw materials and machinery used to apply them.