IREC Publishes Toolkit on Solar Financing for Local Governments
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published a detailed resource for local governments interested in solar financing. The document outlines retail solar power purchase agreements (PPAs), and gives local governments information on how to overcome the challenges and costs associated with them.
In a PPA model, a third party owns a solar energy system that is installed on the customer's property. The third party then sells the electricity produced by the system to the customer under a contract that provides long-term electricity cost savings.
The toolkit includes background information on the PPA model; sample PPA agreement documents; templates of agreement documents that can be customized for local use; case studies on individual products; and more. To learn more and access the toolkit, see the IREC press release.
IFMA to Host Virtual Career Fair for Facility Management Career Opportunities
ANSI member the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is hosting a virtual career fair on June 9, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. EDT. The event will bring together prospective employees with companies that have open facility management (FM) positions.
The event allows job seekers to view available positions and choose which employers to contact. They can then have one-on-one chats with recruiters at those organizations. In addition to job opportunities, prospective employees can also view information about each hiring organization.
The job fair is free for job seekers. To learn more, see the IFMA news release.
IICRC Offers Cleaning Tips to Lengthen the Life of a Carpet
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, released a list of eight common mistakes that can shorten the life of a carpet, along with alternate suggestions of how to maintain a carpet's look and feel.
IICRC warns against vigorously scrubbing a carpet stain, as this will damage fibers and push the stain deeper into the carpet. They also advise against using too much chemicals to clean; more is not always better. Rented carpet cleaning equipment should be carefully examined before use, as many may be damaged and cause rapid resoiling or mold damage.
To read about more common carpet cleaning mistakes, see the IICRC news release.
NFPA Videos Detail Grilling Safety for Memorial Day
The National Fire Protection Agency, an ANSI member and audited designator, has released two videos on safety for summer barbeques: one on grilling fire safety tips, and one on checking for gas grill leaks.
According to NFPA, three out of five households own a gas grill, but some outdoor chefs may be unaware of the proper safety precautions. NFPA's videos outline safety tips that should be followed for summer BBQs, including keeping grills clean by removing fat buildup; only grilling outdoors; and placing the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and overhanging branches.
To view the videos and learn more grilling safety suggestions, see the NFPA news release.
SERI - Sustainable Electronics Recycling International Applies for ANSI Accredited Standards Developer Status
SERI - Sustainable Electronics Recycling International, a new ANSI organizational member in 2015, has submitted an application for accreditation as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (SDO) and proposed operating procedures for documenting SERI-sponsored ANS. SERI's proposed scope of standards activity is responsible recycling ("R2") standard for electronics recycling and refurbishing.
For questions or comments, contact Sharada Rao, director of quality at SERI (248.891.2837; [email protected]). Please submit any comments to SERI by June 22, 2015, with a copy to [email protected]. You may view or download a copy of SERI's proposed operating procedures from ANSI Online during the public review period at www.ansi.org/accredPR.
APPA - Leadership in Educational Facilities Becomes ANSI Accredited Standards Developer
ANSI's Executive Standards Council (ExSC) has approved ANSI organizational member APPA - Leadership in Educational Facilities as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer under its proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on APPA-sponsored American National Standards, effective March 18, 2015. For additional information, please contact John Bernhards, associate vice president at APPA, by phone at 703.542.3848 or by email at [email protected].