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Home | About | Frequently asked questions What is the SpecRight Program? Why should contractors participate in the SpecRight Program? What do contractors receive as part of the training program? Does the SpecRight Program focus solely on ASHRAE 90.1? Does the SpecRight Program discuss alternative methods to meeting energy-efficiency standards without increasing the R-value or thickness of roof insulation? How will the SpecRight Program affect roof system designers and consultants? How will the SpecRight Program benefit building owners? How will the SpecRight Program affect the roofing industry? Why does SpecRight matter? Aren't energy-efficient roof systems expensive? What is the SpecRight Program? The SpecRight Program, is an National Roofing Contractors Association initiative sponsored by the Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress and supported by the Metal Construction Alliance, North/East Roofing Contractors Association, Polyisocyanurate Manufacturers Association and Roof Consultants Institute. The SpecRight Program raises awareness about the benefits of quality roof systems. Through training and education efforts, the campaign shows roofing contractors, building owners, designers and consultants how quality roof systems can minimize the burden on the environment and conserve energy. The SpecRight Program provides a basic understanding of ASHRAE 90.1 -1999, the energy standard that is the basis of energy-efficient building codes adopted across the U.S. Why should contractors participate in the SpecRight Program? The SpecRight Program gives contractors a complete overview of the latest in sustainable, environmentally responsive, energy-efficient roof systems. By participating in the SpecRight Program, contractors differentiate themselves from their competitors and add value to their customers by providing sound counsel on ways to enhance building performance and increase long-term cost savings. Individuals who complete the SpecRight Program training receive a certificate indicating they have successfully completed the program and are knowledgeable in the design, installation and maintenance of energy-efficient roof systems that comply and/or exceed current local building energy standards. What do contractors receive as part of the training program? Each course attendee is provided with instruction on the NRCA EnergyWise Roof Calculator Online. This allows each user to determine the minimum thermal insulation requirements for a roof, as well as the energy efficiency and approximate annual energy usage costs associated with various roof assembly designs. The calculations are based on ASHRAE 90.1, which is the basis of current building energy codes. EnergyWise demonstrates approximate annual energy usage costs attributable to a roof assembly and provides a section view of the roof assembly components. Does the SpecRight Program focus solely on ASHRAE 90.1? No. The SpecRight Program provides a synopsis of current energy-related programs in use throughout the U.S. This includes a review of the U.S. Green Building Council-sponsored Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ProgramTM; Cool Roof Rating Council; state energy programs, such as California's Title 24; and city energy programs, such as the Chicago Energy Conservation Code. The program teaches attendees how to research and investigate building energy codes applicable to their locales. Does the SpecRight Program discuss alternative methods to meeting energy-efficiency standards without increasing the R-value or thickness of roof insulation? Yes. During the SpecRight training, time is devoted to the basic understanding of roof reflectivity and emissivity of various roof coverings and surfacing materials. The program also explains how exceptions to ASHRAE 90.1 can achieve energy efficiency by using highly reflective and emissive roof surfaces. How will the SpecRight Program affect roof system designers and consultants? It will help designers and consultants continue to create architecturally sustainable buildings by providing consistent, thorough information about the standards of quality roof systems. How will the SpecRight Program benefit building owners? In an effort to encourage energy efficiency, the federal government enacted the Energy Policy Act of 2005. One provision of the act provides owners and leaseholders of commercial buildings a deduction for energy-efficient buildings. This provision was codified in IRC Section 179D. Section 179D allows taxpayers to deduct the cost of energy-efficient property installed in commercial buildings. The maximum deduction is up to $1.80 per square foot for a building that achieves a 50 percent energy savings target. Even if a building does not meet the 50 percent threshold, a taxpayer may qualify for a deduction up to 60 cents per square foot if certain energy-saving targets are met. Section 179D applies to buildings placed into service after Dec. 31, 2005, and before Jan. 1, 2008. Eligible buildings include offices, retail buildings, warehouse, rental housing of four stories or more, and publicly owned buildings. New construction on existing buildings is eligible for a portion of the deduction allowed. How will the SpecRight Program affect the roofing industry? The SpecRight Program will position participating contractors as key consultants and stewards of the environment. Why does SpecRight matter? Quality roof systems minimize the burden on the environment and conserve energy. For example, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that if all the buildings in the greater Los Angeles area had light-colored roof systems or reflective roof systems, the total energy- and smog-related savings would be more than $500 million per year. Aren't energy-efficient roof systems expensive? For example, energy savings of about $12,400 are realized when comparing a noninsulated roof assembly of a one-story, 10,000-square-foot, conditioned commercial building in Chicago with the same building featuring an R-15 insulated roof assembly. (Actual energy costs for any given period will vary as a result of factors such as climate, building occupancy, hours of operation and HVAC equipment efficiency.)
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