Nordenstrom new Canadian executive director for North American Insulation Manufacturers Association

Promotion of energy-efficient building practices is a key priority for Jay Nordenstrom, newly appointed executive director of NAIMA Canada, an association which represents manufacturers of insulation products.

“Moving forward, the insulation sector must continue to highlight the importance of energy efficiency in the public policy debate and the benefits that energy efficiency can bring to homeowners and businesses,” he said.

Nordenstrom, formerly executive director of the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers, said public opinion polling continues to demonstrate “an ever-increasing level of awareness” on the benefits of energy efficiency.

“With higher energy-efficiency standards in building codes and increased labeling standards with ENERGY STAR and R-2000, we must make it a priority to convey that an effective and easy method for meeting these standards – and saving money in the long term – is through the intelligent application of insulation products in both the renovation and new home construction sectors.”

Nordenstrom, who launched his career as a political aide during the Chrétien government, said the insulation industry has without a doubt faced some challenges thus far in 2012, including the termination of the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program and the performance of the housing market.

“But there have been some victories as well,” he said. “For example, the updated Ontario Building Code, introduced on January 1, includes energy-efficiency targets for the first time.”

He said Quebec recently announced it will also be updating its building code to include energy-performance requirements, and will focus on – among other things – the importance of insulation to meet these requirements.

In addition, the ENERGY STAR and R-2000 programs have changed their energy efficiency targets in 2012 to be “significantly more stringent.”

At the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers, Nordenstrom was responsible for the organization’s overall strategic direction including all aspects of advocacy with the federal and provincial governments and railways, as well as liaising with governments on legislation and program funding.

“Jay brings extensive experience in policy development and advocacy, with established relationships with government and other organizations,” said NAIMA Canada chairman Ric McFadden, vice-president and general manager of the Owens Corning Canada Building Materials Group.

“He is well suited to help meet the insulation sector’s priorities and challenges.”

NAIMA Canada represents North American manufacturers of fibreglass, rock wool and slag wool insulation products doing business in Canada. It is a sister organization to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.