Armstrong brings to the position a diverse background of experience, including both marketing and manufacturing management roles in the chemical industry. He is the former Director of Marketing Communications in North America for BASF – The Chemical Company and has previously served on the SIPA Board of Directors.
“After years on the manufacturing side, I’m excited to step into this new role of marketing an energy-efficient and sustainable product for today’s high performance buildings,” said Armstrong. “I see an emerging industry that is poised for growth with our nation’s expanding emphasis on combating climate change through sustainable design and construction.”
Recent building code changes are pushing builders towards more energy-efficient construction. The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code that is currently being adopted at the state and local level across the nation represents a stark 30% increase in energy efficiency over the 2006 version of the code. Armstrong contends that increased consumer awareness of green building, along with government mandates for green building rating systems like LEED, are creating conditions where energy-efficient systems like SIPs gain a competitive advantage.
“SIPA will help its members become more competitive in the marketplace by working together through collective marketing and technical research projects that yield shared testing data,” said Armstrong.
SIPA is currently managing wall aspect ratio testing for nonresidential shear walls and creep testing in collaboration with Home Innovation Research Labs. This testing follows the completion of long-term durability testing conducted earlier this year by APA–The Engineered Wood Association and the establishment of a generic fire listing shared by SIPA member manufacturers.
In addition to marketing and technical initiatives, Armstrong hopes to expand the organization through outreach, education, and a new international focus.
“Many of our members are already involved in international business, so it would be beneficial if SIPA can support them and other members of the international SIP community,” said Armstrong.
International membership begun with the formation of SIPA Canada, a satellite organization of Canadian SIP manufacturers and component suppliers dedicated to addressing building code and regulatory issues in Canada.
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit association representing manufacturers, suppliers, dealer/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry.
