PHRC Speaker Service

The PHRC offers a speaker service which provides short technical presentations to organizations or associations related to the residential construction industry. Over the past 10 years the PHRC has made hundreds of these presentations to over 20,000 individuals. Most of our presentations offered under this service are for local, regional or state groups or associations. These 30-60 minute programs are ideal for dinner meetings or other gatherings of your members. The following are some of the topics we have recently delivered:

Topics: While we will certainly try to meet specific requests the following are some of the topics we have recently delivered that your members may find useful:

1. Understanding the Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Provisions: Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Provisions were developed in 2000 by the PHRC, as an alternative energy code compliance path under the UCC. Learn how the PA Alternative compares to the IECC, and gain a better understanding of the equipment efficiency trade offs found in the alternative code.
Mike Turns mat289@psu.edu

2. Energy Code Enforcement in Pennsylvania: Lessons from the Field: The PHRC recently completed a DOE-funded energy code enforcement and technical assistance program. This seminar will provide a summary of recommendations on how to efficiently improve the effectiveness of energy code enforcement based on the study findings.
Mike Turns mat289@psu.edu

3. Foundation Systems for Relocated Manufactured Housing: Relocating manufactured housing units in a way that ensures satisfactory long-term performance, and is economically feasible presents a challenge to owners, contractors and code officials. This seminar provides an overview of the Pennsylvania Field Guide: Foundation Systems for Relocated Manufactured Housing, which was released by the PHRC in 2007.

4. Pennsylvania Standards for Residential Site Development: Many municipalities across the commonwealth are adopting new residential site development ordinances in an effort to reduce the environmental impacts of land development. This session will introduce the Pennsylvania Standards for Residential Site Development, which were developed by the PHRC, and released in 2007, in an effort to assist municipalities in updating their land development standards in a way that promotes responsible and affordable development.
New Land Development Specialist

5. Introduction to Green Building: This session will begin by defining the term "green" and providing a brief explanation and comparison of the major green building programs available to builders and remodelers in Pennsylvania. Green building concepts, techniques and materials will then be introduced.
Mike Turns mat289@psu.edu

6. Custom Requests: The PHRC will try to meet any requests for this service from industry. This will be based on the availability of staff and financial resources.
Mike Turns mat289@psu.edu

Cost: The PHRC sets aside a special budget allocation to cover expenses with this service so no fees are charged for this service.

How to schedule: To schedule a presentation please call, email, fax or write the PHRC contact person on the Speaker Service Topics. The PHRC provides this service on a first come first serve basis so the longer the lead time the better.

The PHRC looks forward to providing this service to your members and help keep them informed about issues that are important to them.