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GBlist: BETEC Symposium on Sustainable Building Insulation



This is a press release that may be of interest to members of this list. 
I will be a presenter at this symposium - talking about the use of 
alternative technologies and building codes, as well as the need to 
create a comprehensive program for research, testing and development of 
low-impact building materials and systems.  If any of you know of 
individuals or organizations that would be interested in attending, 
participating or supporting this symposium, please use the contact 
information included below or contact Arun Vohra at DOE at: 
ARUN.VOHRA@HQ.DOE.GOV

Thanks

David Eisenberg
Director
Development Center for Appropriate Technology 
(DCAT)
Mailing address:
        P.O. Box 41144
        Tucson, Arizona 85717
Office address:
        2105 E. 32nd St.
        Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone:  520-624-6628
Fax:    520-798-3701
E-mail: strawnet@aol.com
www:    http://www.netchaos.com/dcat/

Begin press release:
*************************************
                                   PRESS RELEASE
                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                   AUG.  6, 1997
                                   CONTACT: Neil Sandler
                                   (202) 289-7800

BETEC Symposium to Explore Sustainable Building Insulation

     How pumice, flyash, sawdust, perlite, wood fibers, agricultural 
straw,
and other materials  can be used to make buildings "greener" will be the 
topic of a November 19, 1997 symposium in Washington, D.C.
     The proposed use of these industrial, natural and agricultural 
products
and byproducts as building insulations is part of the overall theme of 
new and sustainable insulating concepts for environmentally viable 
building envelopes, to be addressed at the symposium hosted by the 
Building Environment and Thermal Envelope Council (BETEC) of the National 
Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).
     "Research and development on insulation materials and application
techniques for new and existing building envelopes will reduce greenhouse 
gas emissions and global warming and enhance sustainable economic 
development," explains symposium chairman Arun Vohra, manager for 
building 
materials and structures at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
 "The use of sustainable insulation materials will conserve natural
resources and help preserve the environment."
     Sustainability is defined as the state in which we are able to meet 
our
current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to 
meet their needs.  By its very nature, insulation supports 
sustainability, Vohra explained.  However, even though virtually all 
insulation materials have positive environmental benefits, there are 
significant environmental differences between available insulation 
materials and the building systems associated with their use.
     This symposium will address topics related to sustainable insulations
and building envelopes such as:
_Cost-effectiveness, durability and field performance evaluation 
_Construction techniques
_Design approaches
_Laboratory and/or field testing
_Case history studies
_Instrumentation
_Code issues
     Presenters at the symposium will address findings and the practical
application of manufactured, natural, indigenous, recycled, and waste 
materials for sustainable and efficient insulation.  Speakers from 
leading research organizations including Oak Ridge National Laboratory 
and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, industry practitioners and 
consultants will present findings on current research and application 
possibilities.
     Attendees will learn the latest technology, design concepts,
construction techniques, and opportunities to transfer and deploy 
sustainable insulation in building envelope technologies.
     The symposium is being conducted as part of BETEC's symposium series 
on
emerging technologies.  Previous BETEC symposiums addressed the 
application of superinsulations to buildings and the thermal performance 
of light steel framing in construction.
     BETEC, a council of NIBS, promotes cooperation between public and
private sector interests seeking energy efficient and environmentally 
responsive buildings.     The symposium is being co-sponsored by the 
Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the National 
Association of Home Builders.
     For further information contact Pat Cichowski at BETEC, (202) 
289-7800;
FAX: (202) 289-1092; pcichowski@nibs.org.

*********************************
end press release

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