LAS VEGAS - The National Roofing Contractors Association chose the 2006 International Roofing Expo as the site to announce the launch of SpecRight, a program with the ultimate goal of providing useful and consistent information about roofs, energy and the environment to building owners, designers and consultants. The program's slogan is "Save Your Energy.



LAS VEGAS - The National Roofing Contractors Association chose the 2006 International Roofing Expo as the site to announce the launch of SpecRight, a program with the ultimate goal of providing useful and consistent information about roofs, energy and the environment to building owners, designers and consultants. The program's slogan is "Save Your Energy. You've Found the Right Roof." Briefing the press before the opening of the IRE show, Bill Good, NRCA executive vice president, said that his mission was to explain what's behind the program as he spreads the word to contractors.

"It's the right program at the right time in the right place," said Good. "The energy conservation and environmental movement will affect us, it is affecting us, and we chose to embrace it." Good explained that a consortium of major commercial roofing manufacturers, contractors, and industry associations joined NRCA in developing the program, and these groups have pledged financial support and comprise the program's steering committee. The program is based on three core tenets:

• Developing a consistent message: SpecRight's fundamental message is roof systems that are properly designed and installed and incorporate the right materials can contribute significantly to energy savings - and may contribute to protecting the environment. In addition, when a building owner makes an informed decision, there are likely to be important long-term cost savings.

• Training roofing contractors to deliver the message: Roofing contractors are most likely to have established, long-term relationships with building owners and their representatives. Therefore, at the heart of SpecRight is a training program that educates contractors about factors related to energy conservation that a building owner should consider when making a roof buying decision. The technical basis for the training program is ASHRAE 90.1, an energy standard that requires a minimum R-value (thermal resistance) for roof systems and provides a guideline for the uses of highly reflective roof surfaces. The training program will stress proper design, quality materials, proper installation and ongoing maintenance.

• Delivering the message: For SpecRight's message to resonate, it must be delivered to building owners in a variety of ways. A public relations program is under way, which includes press conferences, media placements and participation at building owner conventions and trade shows, among other things.

Training consists of a one-day class designed to teach attendees how to use NRCA's EnergyWise Roof Calculator software to illustrate how insulation costs can be recouped through energy savings. Discussion topics will include defining a cool roof and the latest trends in energy codes, including California's Title 24 and the Chicago Energy Code.

Breakout sessions will give attendees the chance to take a more in-depth look at ASHRAE 90.1, Leadership in Energy and Environmental DesignTM energy codes and green roofing. Participants will earn 0.75 continuing education units for completing the class.

The goal of the coalition is to train 300 contractors during the first year. The first training sessions will be held in Chicago on March 17 and in San Francisco on April 18.

For more information, visit www.specright.net.