Database Overview for Greener More Efficient Multifamily Housing

Over the past year, the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation’s Clean Economy Manufacturing Center has researched and compiled detailed information on nearly 1,300 manufacturers who are making energy efficient products commonly used in the construction and retrofit of low-income residential and multifamily housing. Within their new database they assessed these products for location of manufacturing and for health criterial or reduce indoor air quality pollutants.

Our research has culminated in the creation of an online database that allows a variety of users – anywhere from residents to contractors, architects and manufacturers – to learn about the product origin, manufacturing footprint and chemical content of thousands of EPA Energy Star and Watersense certified energy efficient and water saving products. Interest and awareness is growing among people about the safety and health of the materials used in their homes as well as the economic impact that is created by purchasing domestically made products. The database is designed to serve a wide variety of users in helping them make informed decisions about products and the respective supply chains that can impact their health and their community.

Lessons Learned

To understand and be able to use the online database tool easily and efficiently to help in the selection of safer products for a project
Have a general knowledge of harmful chemicals and potential health hazards associated with insulation products and existing healthier alternative
Have a picture of which product categories are being manufactured in the USA and how to find those within your state or region
Understand how a greater investment in healthier and USA made building products can impact our health and local economy and the welfare of all

Continuing Education Units (CEUS)

1 Hour in

State Architect / Builder License.
GBCI
Certified Green Professional (NARI & NAHB)
AIA(HSW)
AIBD

This course is mandatory for the GreenHome Associates Program.

Instructor:

Dana Parker is the National Program Manager for the Clean Energy Manufacturing Center (CEMC). Dana joined the CEMC team in January of 2012 after spending the previous three years working as a state program manager for national clean energy advocates the Apollo Alliance and BlueGreen Alliance in Michigan. During that time, Dana worked with the manufacturing community to support policies that could help grow Michigan’s overall clean energy economy and help make it easier for domestic suppliers to enter clean energy supply chains. At CEMC, she engages those currently manufacturing in the clean energy economy to help build CEMC’s educational workshop and webinar content while working with the overall CEMC team to bring this information to potential suppliers across the country. Dana brings 15 years in non-profit coalition building and issue advocacy experience to CEMC and has worked in a variety of capacities for both the environmental and labor community since graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2000 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies.

Dale Reckman is an energy specialist with the Clean Energy Manufacturing Center (CEMC). In this position, Reckman is responsible for developing the manufacturing capabilities of emerging clean energy supply chain companies through on-site profiles, coaching and referrals. A seasoned manufacturing executive with extensive experience in the wind industry, Reckman brings to the CEMC over 25 years in operations, engineering and product development, estimating, sales and project management, procurement, and supply chain management. Prior to joining CEMC, Reckman was Vice President of the Commercial Products Group for Magna Machine Company, a supplier to major wind power OEMs, and an owner of AR Industries, a large fabricating firm that was sold to ALSTOM Power in 2000.

Lauren Asplen joined the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation in 2013 as the organization’s Training Development Director. Lauren has more than two decades’ experience working with trade unions, primarily in the manufacturing and transportation sectors. Her involvement in environmental issues started with the 1990 Earth Tech fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Most recently, she spearheaded a program that gained White House recognition as a “Champion of Change” for engaging front-line workers in identifying energy efficiency opportunities. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri.