A lot is happening in the industry right now, particularly when it comes to sustainability, codes and regulations. The changes are happening quickly, which is why FGIA is giving these important topics the spotlight during the FGIA Fall Conference, taking place September 16-19 in Minneapolis, MN. The setting of this conference is fitting, because Minnesota is home to some of the earliest developments happening nationally when it comes to matters like PFAS and commercial energy codes and other geographies are watching to possibly adopt similar requirements. Let’s take a closer look at the conference schedule and dive into some of these technical topics.

How Will New Laws Help Reduce the Use and Presence of PFAS "Forever Chemicals" in Minnesota?

Presented by Dana Vanderbosch and Kirk Koudelka (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency), this session will give focus to a huge topic in the industry: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Minnesota is enacting laws that seek to ban PFAS in products and regulate the management of PFAS already in the environment. Join this session to learn about PFAS, their impact to human health and the environment, the upcoming PFAS ban and how MPCA is approaching programmatic changes to manage these substances.

What Do We Need to Know When It Comes to New Commercial Energy Codes in Minnesota?

Presented by Don Sivigny (Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry), this session will cover Minnesota’s adoption of the ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Standard as the 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code, effective January 5, 2024. The session will reveal some of the changes that came into play, and some of the differences between the 2020 and 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Codes when it comes to fenestration. Additionally, the Minnesota State Legislature passed bills for rulemaking that affect the Minnesota State Building Code, including modifications to window cleaning safety requirements. Discover what changes specifically impact the use and specification of windows, doors, skylights and tubular daylighting devices (TDDs).

Sustainability | Utilizing EPDs and Vinyl LCAs

Presented by Richard Braunstein (Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope), ”EPDs: Where Do We Go from Here?” will give companies a better idea of what to do with their Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) once they have one. Braunstein leads the Research and Development function driving innovation and product design for the company. He has been a part of the fenestration industry for over 25 years as both an industry leader and an educator. Braunstein is also an adjunct faculty member at Georgia Tech where he developed and teaches a course on Sustainable Product Design. He has been recognized for his design contributions by the International Energy Agency and Business Week Magazine, as well as his contribution in the classroom with an Amoco Foundation Teaching Excellence Award.

While details are still on the way, FGIA is also pleased to announce a recent addition to the schedule: a session called, “How to Use the Vinyl Industry LCAs?”, which will be presented by Nicole Meyer and Maquis Miller (Sustainability Solutions Corporation). Watch for more information soon.

And There’s More

Other educational sessions slated for the conference include mockups and testing, architectural color trends, corrosion, and manufacturing safety. Plus, our Wall Interface Council has prepared a special workshop on proper application of materials common to fenestration installation.

Don’t miss out on hearing the latest developments on these important industry topics. The 2024 FGIA Fall Conference will take place September 16-19, and registration is now open. Take advantage of early bird pricing, available through August 23. See you there!