Ramblings from the Director:

SIPschool made the long, long, trip to Uruguay’s capital city of Montevideo last month to attend the isotécnicaocho conference which promoted SIPs and SIP components. Speakers from a dozen different countries brought their respective views and techniques on panel production and utilization. During the two day conference it was very apparent that attitudes from Europe and South America are aggressively pushing the envelope on several SIP issues. The metal skin industry in Europe is being heavily supported by both engineering data and building science. The speakers from Germany provided modeling that addressed thermal bridging and dew point analysis. The South American speakers presented efforts on many fronts that addressed the ongoing need for affordable and durable housing. The SIP industry is certainly alive and well outside of North America. Our gracious host Jörg Thomsen of isotécnica facilitated introductions and networking with countless industry representatives from around the world and we look forward to the next conference, isotécnicamex III, in Mexico City March 23, 2010.

The Eco Experience presented by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is a unique showcase of environmentally friendly, sustainable services and products in an atmosphere that is innovative, interactive and educational. Since 2006, the exhibit has drawn over a million visitors interested in products and services that represent the best in “green” building technology, energy efficiency, alternate fuels, vehicles and transportation, solar and wind energy, reductions in waste and pollution, air and water conservation and organic farming.

Panelworks Plus, Inc. of St. Francis, MN and Extreme Panel Technologies, Inc. of Cottonwood, MN have been partners in the Eco Experience since its inception and welcome back the SIPschool to participate in the set up of the 2009 Eco Home. The use of SIPs in the floor, walls and roof will give those attending the SIPschool an excellent opportunity to learn the versatility of SIPs and the techniques required for quick, safe and efficient installation.

The One Day classroom session on July 27 will meet the annual Continuing Education Requirements for 2010 renewal of Minnesota Building Contractors License, including the 1 hour Energy Credit. Building Inspectors are invited to attend the One Day session at reduced cost. In addition to the classroom training, the students in the Three Day session will have the opportunity to work on the SIP project that will become the 2009 Eco Home for the Minnesota State Fair.

First ever event for Designers across the SIP industry to meet and learn from one another. This event is open to SIP Design Professionals Only! Attendees should include anyone in the industry who develops panel shop drawings, and architects and engineers who design with SIPs. Our goal is to unify and connect the designers in the industry. Learn best practices, tips and techniques through networking and presentations by experts in the SIP industry. Cost for the conference is just $65.00 – registration will open July 1, 2009 at www.sipschool.org.