The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has hired building science engineer Michael Rhodes as its manager of technical advocacy. In this new role, Rhodes will aid PIMA as building science leader and advocate for energy-efficient building practices and policies at the state and local levels and inter-industry venues within the building envelope sector. He will also analyze technical challenges impacting the industry, distill targeted solutions, and champion the capabilities of polyiso insulation.
As the manager of technical advocacy, Rhodes will play a key role in aligning PIMA’s advocacy efforts with member priorities by assisting in research, facilitating member engagement, and supporting the development of strategies that represent their interests in various forums. Additionally, Rhodes will represent PIMA at inter-industry venues to share his knowledge of building science topics and to promote the association’s objectives.
PIMA president Justin Koscher says, “[Rhodes’] expertise in building codes and standards, coupled with his passion for sustainable design, will be instrumental in expanding our circle of influence at key venues while strengthening our efforts to highlight polyiso’s proven performance qualities.”
Rhodes holds a master’s degree in building energy design from Aalborg University in Denmark and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Nevada, Reno. Before joining PIMA, Rhodes worked as a research and building science engineer at a polyiso insulation manufacturer, where he was involved in research and development, in-house and external testing, and educational training for various building envelope systems and materials.
Leveraging his technical expertise, Rhodes was the manufacturer’s spokesperson on building codes and material standards at industry organizations. He participated in the IECC residential subcommittee, ASTM E06 building performance committee, Air Barrier Association of America’s (ABAA) technical committee, and ASHRAE 90.1 subcommittee through the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) foam sheathing committee, where he underscored the importance of energy-efficient building envelope construction.
“When I was younger, I watched my mother move into a small, newly constructed home and struggle with high utility costs. This experience inspired me to go to university, study building energy design, and pursue a career researching polyiso performance and, eventually, participating in the building code and material standards arenas,” Rhodes says. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join PIMA and advocate for the use of polyiso and the enhancement of building and energy codes so that today’s buildings are less costly to operate, more resilient, safer, and healthier for the people who live and work in them.”