Efficiency

Johnson Controls will showcase solutions and thought leadership critical to safe building reopening during the virtual Global Security Exchange Plus (GSX+) conference. From Sept. 21 through Sept. 25, Johnson Controls experts will demonstrate and discuss the latest security innovations that have become integral to intelligent security during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Attendees can interact with Johnson Controls leaders during keynote event sessions, technology demos and a thought leader interview to discover the future of safe, healthy and innovative buildings. data-Driven digital solutions “The industry leaders who are attending GSX+ are currently faced with not only reacting to the COVID-19 crisis, but also continuing to innovate for a smarter future,” said John Hudson, Vice President and General Manager of Security at Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls experts will be at the virtual marketplace showcasing digital security solutions “Our experts are excited to share how data-driven digital solutions allow them to do both - protect occupants during a pandemic and create more intelligent buildings. From alt - infection control to employee screening, this technology provides the flexibility they need to create safer, more resilient environments, no matter what.” digital security solutions Johnson Controls experts will be at the virtual marketplace throughout the conference, showcasing digital security solutions that better protect occupants and employees while streamlining daily operations, including: OpenBlue: An open digital platform that transforms how occupants interact with their buildings, this comprehensive suite of solutions and services creates dynamic and intelligent spaces. Leveraging AI and data-powered capabilities, OpenBlue accelerates building reopening by maximizing the health and safety of environments through a connected combination of hardware and software. OpenBlue includes solutions to re-enter, reoccupy and reimagine, including contact tracing, social distancing monitoring, thermal cameras, infection control, clean air solutions and more. Smart Elevated Skin Temperature Scanning Solution: Leveraging Tyco Illustra Pro thermal cameras, this contactless and frictionless solution rapidly scans groups of individuals for elevated body temperatures quickly, accurately and reliably. Advanced technology instantly alerts users to an elevated temperature, enabling them to leverage thermal imaging to identify the individual for a swift staff response. This thermal solution can be integrated with additional security systems such as access control and video management systems. Emergency Preparedness and Response: From gunshot and weapons detection, to mass notification systems (MNS), to AI analysis, Johnson Controls emergency preparedness and response portfolio ensures buildings can be safeguarded from the unexpected and help deliver successful emergency outcomes. Cyber and Physical Security As a GSX+ sponsor, Johnson Controls thought leaders will participate and host sessions throughout the conference to provide insight on the biggest security themes and trends of 2020 and beyond: Thought Leader Interviews, including: Digital Security and Open Blue, presented by Mike Ellis, EVP, Chief Customer and Digital Officer. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 11:30 – 11:50 a.m. EDT. Cyber and Physical Security, presented by Jason Christman, VP, Chief Product Security Officer. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 11:30 – 11:50 a.m. EDT. Gamer Changer session, HR and Travel Security Issues After COVID-19 Lockdowns, hosted by Hank Monaco, Vice President, Marketing, Johnson Controls, Building Solutions North America. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 10:15 – 11:05 a.m. EDT. Featuring: Eduard Emde, Head of the Health, Safety and Security Section ESA/ESTEC at ESA European Space Agency, ESTEC Radek Havlis, Director CEE and Central Asia at PricewaterhouseCoopers Geert Coremans, Director, Corporate Safety & Security at The Radisson Hotel Group Nicole McDargh, Regional Security and H&S Director at Richemont secure and intelligent Product demos, including: Thermal Cameras and Access Control Frictional Solutions, hosted by Jason Ouellette, ACVS Technology Business Development. Global and George Grammer, Strategic Product Manager, Access Control and Integrated Systems. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1:30 p.m. EDT. Emergency Preparedness and Response, hosted by Alka Khungar, Senior Portfolio Manager, Emergency Preparedness and Response. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 11:30 a.m. EDT. “Our experts have years of experience reimagining buildings to be more secure and intelligent,” said Hank Monaco, Vice President of Marketing at Johnson Controls, Building Solutions North America. “Now we are leveraging that experience to create environments that can not only safely reopen but remain resilient for years to come. Our team is excited to share our vision of this future at GSX+, and the solutions that will help us get there. We are more committed than ever to powering our customers’ missions for a safe and healthy world.”

To help facilitate remote HVAC management during the on-going COVID-19 global pandemic, Armstrong Fluid Technology has announced that it will extend, until the end of 2020, the offer of free subscriptions for its cloud-based remote asset management and analytics service platform, Pump Manager. “The original offer of three free months of Pump Manager service to new customers was scheduled to expire in August but we recognize that there is still a need to maintain social distancing wherever possible,” said Tunji Asiwaju, Global Performance Management Services with Armstrong. Tunji adds, “Pump Manager helps buildings operate at peak efficiency without the need for onsite monitoring.” Pump Manager Pump Manager is a highly secure IoT-enabled remote asset management and analytics service Pump Manager is a highly secure IoT-enabled remote asset management and analytics service that provides pump performance tracking, viewable from any location using a phone, tablet or laptop. The platform provides real-time notifications, as well as trending and analysis across multiple platforms, to ensure optimum performance and secure operation. Pump Manager can notify maintenance engineers and/or service technicians if there is a problem, so that they arrive on site with the appropriate tools or replacement parts, fully equipped and prepared to solve any existing problem. This process also helps eliminate any in-person meetings, which is not advised in the current period, as per the COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Armstrong Connectivity Kit Existing Design Envelope pump customers can request an Armstrong Connectivity Kit (Router and GSM SIM card) with instructions on how to install it. Pump Manager can be activated on new pumps and is included at no extra cost with the purchase of an extended warranty package.

Jobber, the global provider of home service management software, has announced the availability of two-way text messaging within its platform. The new feature enables service professionals, such as landscapers, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and more, to stay better connected with their clients, respond to leads faster and improve customer satisfaction. “Home service professionals work in industries that are centered around creating relationships and loyalty with customers,” said Sam Pillar, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Jobber. Two-way text messaging service Meeting and exceeding homeowner expectations is the key to developing customers for life" Sam adds, “Meeting and exceeding homeowner expectations is the key to developing customers for life. With two-way text messaging, service providers are able to offer a real-time communication option that’s fast and convenient, giving small businesses another way to stand out from competitors and be more successful.” Two-way text messaging joins Jobber’s suite of customer communication tools that are designed to help service providers keep their clients in the loop at key points before, during, and after a job is complete. Customize, automate text and email communications Through these tools, service providers can customize and automate text and email communications, such as invoice and quote follow-ups, appointment reminders, ‘on my way’ messages and client follow-ups for reviews and feedback. Now, with two-way text messaging, Jobber customers can receive replies back on automated notifications and can communicate with their clients instantly. A Jobber-commissioned survey of 1,400+ U.S. homeowners (age 18+) shows that two-way texting is a communication method preferred by respondents. Key findings in the study include: Homeowners Value Texting as an Option, Especially Millennials Overall, 58% of homeowners feel it is important to be able to text a home service business. This sentiment is especially true among 24-34 year-olds, with 84% of respondents agreeing that this is important. Fast Response Times Fast response times rank as the top benefit of being able to text home service professionals. In addition, 32% of homeowners state that texting is the preferred notification method when a home service professional is running late. When asked how long it takes to receive a reply from a home service provider via text, 58% say within an hour. Overall, 82% receive a response within a few hours. Quicker communication is beneficial to home service companies that are having difficulty receiving responses from homeowners or are experiencing long delays in receiving replies. Record of Conversations With text messaging, home service companies don’t have to solely rely on emails that may end up in the client’s spam folder or in multiple threads that can get lost. Texting provides a reliable communication stream that creates a statement of record with customers. This benefit isn’t only valuable for businesses, but is ranked by homeowners as the second highest benefit of being able to text home service professionals.

WINT - Water Intelligence, a globally renowned company in cutting-edge water management and leak prevention solutions for construction, commercial and industrial applications, has developed a solution that detects and prevents leaks and other issues in chilled water systems and pipes. Leak prevention solution The solution prevents water damage by detecting issues, automatically shutting off water flows and isolating impacted areas. WINT has developed a solution specifically designed to detect leaks and other issues in chilled water HVAC systems. Damage from water leaks in buildings is one of the biggest sources of damage to facilities. Large buildings use chilled water systems to cool the facility and ensure that occupants are comfortable. These systems consist of lengthy piping networks filled with massive amounts of water that flow throughout the building. Water is pumped at many thousands of gallons per hour so when a pipe breaks water accumulates quickly, causing massive damage within a very short timeframe. Advanced AI and machine learning technologies WINT uses advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning and signal processing technologies WINT uses advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning and signal processing technologies to deliver extremely high detection accuracy. The solution detects drip-level leaks in chilled water pipes, allowing maintenance staff to perform corrective action before the issue becomes significant. And if pipes burst and reach damage-potential levels, the system shuts water off and isolates the impacted area. "Ongoing waste and leaks are a major source of damage and cost in most facilities," said Yochanan Mor, Head of Logistics at The Phoenix Insurance Company, adding "It's a day-to-day battle for facilities teams and insurance companies. We use WINT's suite of solutions across Phoenix's facilities to protect everything from domestic water to chilled water systems.” He adds, “Also, WINT's AI-powered technology ensures our facilities are protected against the massive damage of a water leak while cutting our ongoing water bills." Edge devices WINT's edge devices are installed on the chilled pipes in key locations throughout the facility. They use AI technology designed specifically for chiller systems combined with cloud-based computing and a user-friendly mobile app that alerts staff and enables remote control and valve shut-off. Each WINT edge device includes a high-accuracy flow meter, a processor that analyzes water flow in real time, a communication device and an optional automatic shut-off valve. Water Intelligence devices learn a building's typical water flow pattern using machine learning technology so they can detect small leaks and anomalies before they become problems. "A leak or burst chiller pipe is the stuff of nightmares for facility and operations managers," said Yaron Dycian, WINT's Chief Product and Strategy Officer, adding "Water gushes out at very fast rates and accumulates rapidly. It then flows down the building and causes massive damage in its path. Physical damages can easily reach millions of dollars, let alone the business disruption and the time to bring the facility back to order."

NearU HVAC Services announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Hagan Heating and Air, in Anderson, South Carolina. This marks NearU's fourth acquisition in six months. Under NearU's ownership, Hagan will strategically join forces with Carolina Heating Services, another NearU company that is based in nearby Greenville, South Carolina. Paul Hagan, the Founder of Hagan Heating and Air, will continue to lead the company's customer service efforts. Hagan heating and Air "Hagan Heating and Air has loyally served thousands of customers over the last three decades. Their local brand is associated with premium and honest customer service. We look forward to building on this reputation by providing more bandwidth and expertise to the talented Hagan team. Our portfolio in Upstate South Carolina now boasts two strong and strategically-combined local brands: Carolina Heating Services in Greenville and Hagan Heating and Air in Anderson. We welcome the customers and employees of Hagan Heating and Air to the rapidly growing NearU family," said Ashish Achlerkar, NearU's Founder, Chairman and CEO. Customer and employee experience "At Hagan, we have worked hard and honestly to always do right by our customers and employees. We chose to transition our brand to NearU because of our confidence in NearU's vision for the HVAC industry. The NearU team delivered a fair value to our shareholders and a clear plan to add more value to our customers and employees. I am confident that our customer and employee experience will further flourish under NearU's ownership. I am committed to partnering in that endeavor in my new role as a NearU team member," said Paul Hagan, the Founder of Hagan Heating and Air. Carolina Heating Services "I am excited to see the Carolina Heating Services brand grow with the acquisition of Hagan Heating and Air. Paul Hagan and his team exemplify what HVAC contracting is all about: customer service and quality workmanship. NearU has a bright future ahead, and I am dedicated to supporting their team in its continued growth in the Carolinas," said Scott Kelly, the Founder of Carolina Heating Services, a NearU company.

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) announces that Carrier, a provider of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, and its subsidiary EMSI are the first organizations in China to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management. Properties in multiple cities including offices and a factory add to the list of over 500 facilities across the world taking proactive measures focused on prevention and preparedness, resilience and recovery in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholder engagement strategies The rating, which is third-party verified by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) signifies Carrier/EMSI have prioritized health and safety in managing and operating their offices and manufacturing facilities, instilling trust and confidence among Carrier/EMSI employees, customers and other stakeholders. Carrier/EMSI are among the initial group of global organizations that enrolled in the WELL Health-Safety Rating program announced by IWBI in early July, 2020. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for new and existing buildings and space types and is focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder engagement strategies. Long-Term health and safety The WELL Health-Safety Rating is designed to guide and empower the actions of large and small businesses “WELL Health-Safety Rating is designed to guide organizations in preparing their spaces to effectively address health and safety concerns not only due to COVID-19, but also other infectious diseases,” said Rick Fedrizzi, IWBI chairman and CEO. “Organizations like Carrier/EMSI are leading the charge to re-instill confidence in the way our spaces are managed and operated, and this kind of trust empowers the business bottom line.” Adapted from features in the WELL Building Standard (WELL) that focus on facility maintenance and operations, the WELL Health-Safety Rating is designed to guide and empower the actions of large and small businesses alike in taking the necessary steps to maintain facilities that prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders. It also serves as an annual process that supports efforts to promote long-term health and safety. Healthy indoor environments “Being the first to have achieved WELL Health-Safety Rating in China underlines Carrier’s long- term commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our employees, clients and all other stakeholders,” said Titus Yu, managing director at Carrier North Asia. “The rating aligns Carrier’s focus on promoting healthy indoor environments with IWBI’s internationally recognized standard and can guide us aiming for best practices in our own operations.” He said the experience to achieve the rating also provides valuable expertise for its newly launched Carrier Healthy Buildings Program through which Carrier works to advance healthier indoor air quality to clients in critical sectors such as commercial, health care, education, retail and marine transportation. Human health sustainability The award is a testament to our commitment that EMSI follows the world’s leading standard" Carrier/EMSI enrolled their offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and a new Carrier factory in Shanghai for WELL Health-Safety Rating. EMSI, a Carrier subsidiary and a green and healthy building consultancy based in China, implemented the rating requirements for both organizations. “Implementing the WELL Health-Safety Rating for our own facilities provided us an opportunity to familiarize our staff with the knowledge and nuances necessary to achieve the rating,” said Dr. Yi Chun Huang, EMSI general manager. “The award is a testament to our commitment that EMSI follows the world’s leading standard and the best practice when it comes to human health sustainability.” Monitoring indoor air quality To achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Carrier/EMSI submitted documents for review that met feature requirements in the following areas: Cleaning and sanitization procedures that include supporting hand washing in contact-free settings, optimized cleaning practice, and providing hand sanitizer; Emergency preparedness programs, which entail the provision of PPE, and include a comprehensive re-entry plan after emergency events; Health service resources, which promote employee well-being through health screenings, and ensure smoke-free environments; Air and water quality management, which includes the assessment of HVAC risk factors for virus transmission, monitoring indoor air and water quality; Stakeholder engagement and communications, which include promoting health literacy among employees. “Leadership is demonstrated through practice, and Carrier/EMSI have proven to all organizations in China that WELL Health-Safety Rating is for all types of facilities,” said Xue Ya, president of IWBI Asia. Integrating actionable insights Created by IWBI, the WELL Health-Safety Rating is informed by guidance developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies, recognized standard-making bodies, such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, and academic and research institutions. IWBI has leveraged insights from its Task Force on COVID-19, established at the outset of the pandemic to help business and building leaders integrate actionable insights and proven strategies in the fight against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Owners, operators and tenants can pursue the WELL Health-Safety Rating for projects independently, seamlessly using the rating as a stepping stone to achievement of WELL Certification, or integrate the rating as a milestone within their WELL Certification or WELL Portfolio journey.

Control Systems have always played an important part in the function of HVAC systems and for many years were centered around the safe and optimum performance of the hardware deployed. Every HVAC system is a closed-loop process, with inputs fed into control logic that determines the best course of action to achieve the desired output. Energy management and integration into Building Information Management saw the advent of energy-saving techniques like free cooling and night-time purge reduce mechanical cooling loads, whilst occupation data allowed greater holistic management of systems. These are well-recognized practices that are being refined using predictive weather data, additional focus on heat recovery and more environmentally energy sources. Control Systems have always played an important part in the function of HVAC systemsThe scope of the typical systems loosely described above are around the management of systems on one site and their operation and maintenance tends to be centered around that particular location. Multi-site Development & Management The UK temperature-controlled warehousing market tends to develop on a project-by-project basis that fosters the site-by-site focus of ongoing management and maintenance. For multi-site logistics operators and manufacturers and distributors with a multi-site portfolio. this approach has the following disadvantages: Disparate system KPI data collection and reporting Setpoint adjustment left to untrained operators who apply their individual assessment of compliance risk and often don’t consider the financial and operational implications of fine-tuning (or meddling) Enterprise-wide energy management is difficult to control Duplication of staff tasked with reporting and maintenance Inconsistency of measurement and interpretation Slow response to system failures Poor interpretation of operational processes that impact system efficiency Portfolio Management The distinction here is that a portfolio of temperature-controlled sites is managed centrally instead of independently. The enabler to the solution is the rapid Energy management and integration into Building Information Management saw the advent of energy-saving techniquesdevelopment of access control systems and data communication. The next step is vital in the customer engagement process; what do they want to see? What’s important and what is not? How often do they want to see it and in what format? From experience of going through this process this is a voyage of discovery for the warehouse operator in understanding the stakeholders in their business. Quality and compliance managers are the obvious starting point, facilities managers, finance managers who are tasked with reducing energy costs, customer service and the end customer. Alongside the KPI monitoring, Jet Environmentals created a hierarchy of alarms management that alerts the right people with system information, that triggers a sequence of actions driven by the data. Trends are monitored to predict where there might be a problem on the horizon so action can be taken before there is an issue. Faults and failures are alerted instantly and corrective action alerts sent to the right people.  Conclusion The continuous development of HVAC controls and reliability of secure data connections has provided a means of improving performance, lowering cost and building trust in provider/user relationships. To be successful, the roll-out of such a project requires the willingness and collaboration of all parties and the groundwork defining stakeholder requirements is vital in defining a scope that meets expectations.

Sensors have been used in buildings since the invention of air conditioning to understand how buildings are performing, from in-room temperature sensors, to sensors on plant equipment, motors, ductwork and pipes. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled more sensors of different types to be deployed in more locations throughout the building easier than ever before. The point of installing and using IoT sensors is to gain deeper insight into how buildings are performing, and ensure buildings are healthier, more productive for people to work in, more effective to run and more energy efficient. This article looks at in-room sensors, such as temperature, air quality and occupancy, and how IoT sensors can help improve building performance. The benefits of IoT sensors is that they are easy to install, both physically and from a commissioning perspectiveThe benefits of IoT sensors is that they are easy to install, both physically and from a commissioning perspective. Cabling is usually minimal or not required at all: IoT sensors are battery powered, or require simple USB power (from a plug socket) or utilise Power over Ethernet (PoE). IoT sensors use low power wireless protocols (such as Bluetooth, Mesh etc) to send data, and thus can be placed anywhere within a building and do not require multiple physical IOs for integration. Unprecedented amounts of data IoT sensors are usually cost-effective such that thousands of sensors can be deployed throughout the building without much effort. This gives an unprecedented amount of data to building managers, which comes with its own challenges – How to make use of this data? There are two ways to utilise this data to improve building health, performance and efficiency: Use an effective monitoring platform or data analysis tools to turn raw data into actionable insights. This can provide the building and facilities team with insights to be more pro-active, and spot temperature, air quality, overcrowding, etc issues even before the users or tenants begin to notice e.g. it’s too cold, too drafty, too stuffy, etc. Integrate the live data from the IoT sensors straight into the Building Management System (BMS) and create new control strategies to automate the building further. This requires a bit more integration and commissioning work upfront, but the performance and efficiency benefits through automation will give a fast Return on Investment. The key here isn’t the sensor integration itself, but the building control strategy that will be the logic to which the building automation fucntions. Some use cases of IoT sensors are: Temperature and HVAC A common problem I’ve heard from many buildings is that existing temperature sensors that connect to the BMS have been placed in the ceiling, and not at head height. Using battery powered IoT temperature (and humidity) sensors, and sticking them to the wall at head height, is a quick and easy way to measure temperature where it actually matters.Data can be used to plot temperature heatmaps, find hot or cold spots, or analyse the solar heat gain Data can be used to plot temperature heatmaps, find hot or cold spots (e.g. if two nearby FCUs are working against each other, one heating one cooling); or analyse the solar heat gain, and adjust internal loads. The IoT temperature sensors can be connect to the BMS to provide more accurate temperature data to FCUs instead of the sensors in the ceiling. In general, IoT senors can easily be reconfigured and moved, e.g. during a fit out. But care needs to be taken to keep a close eye on the sensors and which room/space they relate to. Battery will need to be changed every 5 years. The IoT temperature sensors are cheap enough that they can simply be replaced with new ones e.g. the sensors element need recalibrating. Indoor air quality sensors and HVAC Accurate CO2 level sensors (which use duel channel NDIR technology) with IoT connectivity are getting cheaper and can also be used to do ‘heatmapping’, of the building, and provide accurate insights on indoor air quality. Similarly, heatmaps can be done with particulate matter sensors (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), VOC sensors and others embedded in an IoT connected sensor. CO2 level sensors in Accurate CO2 level sensors  with IoT connectivity are getting cheaper and can also be used to do ‘heatmapping’particular are important as the level of CO2 indoors affects our cognitive ability. High indoor CO2 levels hinder our productivity. Indoor CO2 levels of 900ppm to 1400ppm and higher, which are seen in buildings with poor ventilation, reduce our ability to make decisions and use complex information by 15% to 50% and higher, respectively. Indoor CO2 levels are also a good indication of the risk of infection, as people breathing are usually the main source of CO2 in buildings. So being able to monitor CO2 levels in every space inside the building will provide building owners, tenants and users with reassurance with regard to COVID-19 related challenges. ‘eCO2’, a derivative from VOC sensors, should NEVER be used as a measure of CO2 levels. All CO2 sensors elements need to be recalibrated every 3-5 years. Occupancy level and HVAC Knowing the occupancy on every floor of the building can be used to control HVAC systems. Through BMS integration, controlling the flow of ventilation dynamically, based on real-time floor-by-floor occupancy, allows the building to ‘breathe’ with actual demand.Employing an occupancy-based, dynamic control strategy on the BMS reduces the energy consumption for buildings that rarely see full occupancy This balances the building from a technical perspective, and improves air delivery by opening up more ventilation capacity. Employing an occupancy-based, dynamic control strategy on the BMS, not only improves the indoor air quality, but also reduces the energy consumption for buildings that rarely see full occupancy, or have dynamic use (which will only be more common as we begin to work-from-home more often) Measuring the number of people is difficult, which usually means expensive. One way to count people is using PIR sensors places under each desk. This can get expensive for 1,000 desks even if one IoT PIR sensor is relatively cheap. Another way is to use a less accurate, but cheaper method, e.g. using long-range sensors that count the number wireless devices in a vicinity / floor, and using that as a proxy for percentage occupancy levels. Summary 1,000s of IoT sensors can be easily installed anywhere throughout any building. To get the best out of an IoT system a clear use case (or set of use cases) is necessary. By understanding the use cases and benefits, the right design, UI or integration can be used to maximise the cost-benefit ratio for the specific use cases, for example: BMS integration for IoT temperatures sensors; Relevant platform UI and analysis to extract actionable insights for the Facilities Management team from the raw IoT sensor data; or Correct HVAC control and automation strategy based on occupancy level data.

In the summer of 2018, a customer was facing a real problem – their resident satisfaction at two properties needed some work, and they were just about to hit the hot summer busy season – which can be notoriously difficult if residents experience air conditioning issues. Fortunately, they were able to implement a preventative maintenance and HVAC asset management solution at one of their properties. At this property the customer wound up doing only 3% unplanned replacements out of 300+ units – and had a customer satisfaction score of 97%. Unfortunately, they did not have time to implement this solution at another one of their recently acquired properties and wound up with 17% unplanned replacements on 700+ units and a 77% resident satisfaction score. Finding Relevant HVAC Solutions The search for a HVAC technology solution that is focused on energy efficiency and provides multifamily and commercial property owners with ease and insight into their HVAC property management needs, can be daunting.Property owners have several boxes to check: proactive maintenance, environmentally friendly solutions, always with an eye to the bottom line. HVAC is one of the largest consumers of energy in commercial and multi-family properties, accounting for up to 40% of a building’s energy consumption. It may be hard to believe, but in totality, businesses are wasting over 60% of the energy they purchase every year. And the inefficiencies can build upon one another. HVAC systems are typically the largest consumers of energy in commercial and multi-family properties, accounting for up to 40% of a building’s energy consumption. There is also the matter of the state the HVAC system in play. Poorly installed or malfunctioning units can increase energy consumption by another 30%. Add to that another 18% energy increase from poorly optimized heating and cooling processes and it is possible to see up to 90% of energy costs directly related to HVAC. Considering Energy Costs HVAC is one of the largest consumers of energy in commercial and multi-family properties, accounting for up to 40% of a building’s energy consumption. Not only is high energy use costly for business operations, but it has an impact on the environment through the carbon that HVAC systems emit. That is why technological innovation and a reputable contractor network for commercial and multi-family building HVAC investments is a crucial consideration for commercial building owners. Commercial and multi-family properties that ‘back burner’ system innovation at this critical time will find it increasingly difficult to compete and maintain their resident satisfaction ratings by staying ahead of the inevitable replacement and repairs. Building owners must make time to consider what the future of big data and smart platforms looks like. In our world of data, implementing HVAC services like this are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity. In fact, commercial buildings can attain a savings of roughly 18% on whole-building energy consumption from installing smart technologies to optimize services. Adopting Smart Technology Partnering with the right service provider will have a dramatic effect on the ultimate success or failure of an HVAC rollout in several areas such as acquiring quality, cost-effective equipment, ensuring compliant and thorough installation, accessing knowledgeable and rapid repair personnel who can also maintain equipment on an ongoing basis. Whether your company is looking to adopt HVAC smart technology for the first time or replacing an out-of-date solution, here are a few factors to consider that will help in making your choice when embarking on a HVAC contractor network. Commercial buildings can attain a savings of roughly 18% on whole-building energy consumption from installing smart technologies Look for an experienced professional  It may be tempting to seek an HVAC professional based on the lowest bid received, but there are other considerations that must be taken into account. Look for a solution provider with industry experience and a history of demonstrated success in managing technology from roll-out to deployment. When you meet with potential partners, insist on viewing live solutions. A network of contractors Look for an HVAC professional that is connected in their local community. Other considerations include the size of their contract network and are those contractors well-vetted? Ensure that the network has a reputation for meeting deadlines and affirms that it can meet yours. Ask if there is one point of contact for the life of the job, too.  It’s an important detail to know who your point person is and with whom you will be contacting for the questions that will arise along the way. Have an eye to the future Ensure that the HVAC technology under consideration possesses the capability to handle large volumes of data and a large number of users at the same time. Ask some questions about the peak season and confirm the contractor has planned ahead and thought through a scenario of how to prioritize repairs during a heat wave, for example. What about considering predictive analytics? What benchmark performance measures do they have in place? Do they use state-of-the-art remote monitoring, giving them a 360-degree view of your entire property portfolio? No hassle, no waiting Although larger than the residential market, commercial demand gains will increase at a slower rate due to an expected slowdown in commercial construction activity. As 2021 is quickly approaching, the market changes can present both dynamic opportunities and challenges for technology platforms. What’s key here is availability of product and services. Ensure that the contractor has the resources to accomplish your objectives. Are they vendor neutral? Consider and compare the price of labor and equipment. Also, confirm that there are multiple channels of ordering paths for optimization.  How to choose your solution The installation and implementation of all of a building’s HVAC assets should consider how the condition analysis of each unit captured. Make certain there is a clear representation of how data is being collected from your contractors and that you understand your role in consuming and interpreting that data. Ask about the kind of alerts and sensors that will be used and how the data collected is then presented to you. The technology provider should be able to provide guidance into which building metrics should be measured and offer technology solution that gives property owners visibility into their entire asset portfolio, empower managers, and make precise decisions about HVAC condition and energy-efficiency. Building owners must make time to consider what the future of big data and smart platforms looks like The reason why most residents do not renew their leases is because of poor staff performance and assistance. Technology solutions are now considered mission-critical for property managers, owners, and investors who want to excel at HVAC service needs. If the HVAC is in disrepair for too long a period, tenants will move onto another property. According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program, companies spend more than $20 billion on energy, annually. By replacing air conditioning equipment that has been in operation for 10 years, facilities can save 20-50% on energy and maintenance costs. Taking some steps toward technology via a contractor network can help ensure excellent staff performance and assistance, resulting in higher residential satisfactory ratings, tenant retention, as well as energy and cost savings. For a look at Motili’s Survival Guide in its entirety, please visit: https://lp.motili.com/ebook

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the power provider in the United States, is offering incentives to businesses and schools to install UV-C germicidal lights to fight germs in indoor air. Customers that buy from TVA’s Preferred Partners Network can receive a $30-per-ton incentive toward adoption of approved UV-C technologies, which remove viruses and bacteria from indoor air. “Schools and businesses realize they need solutions to purify indoor air, and we want to help them install it as they reopen,” says Jason Snyder, Manager, TVA EnergyRight. Commercial HVAC systems UV-C light is a short wavelength ultraviolet light used to disinfect air. Studies show UV-C is 99.9% lethal to bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms, and is an alternative to chemical disinfection. The technology has been commercially available since the 1930s, and UV rays have been used to treat disease since the late-1800s. The technology has historically helped to control outbreaks of other airborne pathogens over the years While research is continuing to assess the effectiveness of UV lights against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the technology has historically helped to control outbreaks of other airborne pathogens over the years. Since the emergence of COVID-19, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has taken a higher profile as a technology that could have an impact when installed in the ductwork of existing commercial HVAC systems. Inactivate airborne microorganisms The technology can ensure safer indoor air at hospitals, schools, reception areas, retail establishments, nursing homes, churches, hair dressers and business officers. TVA is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies in parts of seven Southeastern U.S. states, serving nearly 10 million people. According to ASHRAE, UVGI systems must deliver a sufficient dose of UV-C rays to inactivate airborne microorganisms within a 2-ft. (0.6 m) minimum irradiation zone down the length of a duct or plenum, providing roughly 0.4 seconds of exposure time in moving air. An irradiation level, Ultraviolet Rating Value (URV) of 13 is the minimum recommended UV intensity level to deliver a sufficient dose to inactivate airborne microorganisms. Improve indoor air quality Another CDC recommendation is to increase ventilation and outdoor air flow by opening windows and doors Demand for air filters and UV lights has been on the increase as HVAC customers have looked for alternatives to improve indoor air quality and negate spread of the novel coronavirus. Use of additional filters and UV light is among the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before workers return to offices after the pandemic lockdown. Another CDC recommendation is to increase ventilation and outdoor air flow by opening windows and doors and using fans to dilute recirculated indoor air. Milestone Electric, a Dallas, Texas, HVAC installer, says sales of in-home UV light units have doubled this year compared to 2019. Less-Expensive alternative “Some people ordered them before the pandemic, but they weren’t aware of the full benefits until recently,” Milestone Electric Spokeswoman Britton Swanson told the Dallas Morning News. UV lights are a less-expensive alternative (about $1,300) to the use of HEPA filters (about $3,000) to improve air quality. Combining both is the best combination to decrease chances of spreading the virus. Even before the pandemic, people spent about 90% of their time indoors. With the emphasis on staying home to avoid spread of the virus, the number could be even higher.

The Wyss Institute at Harvard University has developed an evaporative cooling system that uses a specially coated ceramic to cool air without adding humidity. Researchers say the approach can yield more affordable and environmentally friendly air conditioning systems for the future. ‘cold-SNAP’ system The ‘cold-SNAP’ system uses a water-repellent nano-scale surface coating that is applied selectively to surfaces of a 3D-printed ceramic heat exchange. The result is much cooler buildings with less humidity. ‘cold-SNAP’ is short for cold superhydrophobic nano-architecture process. The invention uses evaporative cooling, which happens when hot air is put in contact with water. As the water evaporates, it cools the air but adds moisture. Use of the water-repellent coating separates the moisture from the cool air to provide an inexpensive source of cooler, dryer air that can cool a building in lieu of traditional air conditioners. Evaporative Cooling technology The hydrophobic coating is selectively applied to components that will manage the flow of dry air The approach is a union of old and new – combining ceramic, one of the oldest, cheapest and most widely available building materials, with the novel hydrophobic surface coating developed by Wyss Institute. Because ceramic is malleable, the heating exchange unit can be produced via extrusion or 3D printing of a single piece, with its shape adjusted to maximize surface area available for heat transfer and evaporation. The hydrophobic coating is selectively applied to components that will manage the flow of dry air. Variation on indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) systems The specialized coating separates incoming hot air from outgoing wet air, allowing the hot air to be cooled by circulating water without adding humidity to the inside of a building. ‘cold-SNAP’ is a variation on indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) systems, which use complex heat exchange units that make them difficult and expensive to manufacture.  Researchers say the approach can create low-cost, efficient air-cooling units to meet the world’s increasing demand while using 75% less energy. The system can be up to four times more efficient than conventional air conditioners as measured by the coefficient of performance (COP), the ratio of cooling to required energy. ‘cold-SNAP’ was designed by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and designers from the Wyss Institute’s Adaptive Material Technologies Platform, Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD), and the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities (HCGBC). Integration into evaporative cooling systems The new technology could be integrated into existing evaporative cooling systems and sold as environmentally friendly air conditioners in a variety of climate zones. It could even be manufactured into the facades of buildings, thus cooling the space within, using only the energy needed to pump water to the system. With global warming causing a rise in the Earth’s average temperature, worldwide demand for air conditioning systems that do not contribute to that climate change increasingly will be in demand. A growing middle class throughout the world is also contributing to demand. No humidity added to the air ‘cold-SNAP’ does not add humidity to the air and works well in humid, tropical climates, as well as dry, hot climates Because ‘cold-SNAP’ does not add humidity to the air, it works well in humid, tropical climates (where it is sorely needed) as well as in dry, hot climates like the Middle East.  Traditional electric air conditioners use mechanical vapor compression to convert a chemical refrigerant back and forth between its liquid and vapor forms, absorbing heat during vaporization and then removing moisture during condensation. Traditional systems use a large amount of energy to cycle the refrigerant, which increases costs, not to mention the refrigerants contribute to global warming. Historically, the environmental impact of such systems was a hidden cost that was not considered. Wyss Institute Validation Project In 2019, ‘cold-SNAP’ was named a Wyss Institute Validation Project, which puts it on track to become commercialized. The validation program seeks to ‘de-risk' technologies and demonstrate that they can be scaled up for commercialization. The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University emulates Nature’s design principles to engineer new, ‘bio-inspired’ materials and devices with high-impact applications in healthcare, manufacturing, robotics, energy, and sustainable architecture. The cross-disciplinary faculty, technical staff, students, and fellows undertake high-risk research and technology development. 

As the Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved, the need has become obvious for stronger unity among brands and ecosystems to enable products within smart environments to work together more easily. Working to serve that need is the Zigbee Alliance, which seeks to promote collaboration in the Internet of Things by creating, evolving, and promoting universal open standards that enable all objects to connect and interact. Their effort took off when Amazon, Apple, Google and the Zigbee Alliance announced an industry working group in December 2019 to take the “best of market” technologies from leading smart home standards, portfolios and ecosystems and to develop a “super spec” that will be open, inclusive and a significant industry shift in the smart home market. smart home automation system “Zigbee Alliance has been for a while now working on openness and interoperability, which has led us to the Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP), which is looking to unify the environment, under one technology, one certification program and one logo,” says Chris LaPré, Zigbee Alliance’s IoT Solutions Architect. “It really does fuel IoT possibilities, whether in HVAC or any other sectors.” There is a stronger need for unity, which is why we are developing Project Connected Home over IP" Project CHIP is a royalty-free connectivity standard that unifies brands and ecosystems into a single smart home automation system that operates any other technology based on Internet Protocol (IP). The intent is to simplify product development for device manufacturers, broaden consumer choice, and to ensure easy discoverability, deployment and engagement to fuel connected living. unifies that environment “We have noticed that, as the IoT has evolved, there is a stronger need for unity, which is why we are developing Project Connected Home over IP,” says Jon Harros, Zigbee Alliance’s Director of Certification and Testing Programs. “It fits with the Zigbee Alliance’s goal to unify systems, and to focus on everyone using the same application at the top. It unifies that environment, whether you are integrating your system with Amazon Echo devices or connecting to Google Home.” Participating in development of Project CHIP are 125 companies of various types from around the world working together with more than 1,100 of their experts serving across sub-committees to formulate specifications and fine-tune the project. Although the technology is being developed for the home market, the specifications have been formulated with an eye toward expanding into the commercial market in the future. home system technologies Development of open, interoperable systems provides greater freedom for consumers to choose among the many technology choices on the market, without being tied to a single brand or ecosystem. Zigbee Alliance certifications and memberships span the globe, with roughly a third in Europe, a third in North America and a third in Asia. Involvement in Europe is slightly higher than the other regions. Alliance members represent manufacturing sites all over the world. Project CHIP is a newer initiative of the Zigbee Alliance, which previously developed Zigbee Pro to enable home system technologies to operate using IEEE 802.15.4 wireless signals on the 2.4GHz radio band over a self-healing true mesh network. The original Zigbee protocol is used for many applications around the world, including HVAC. smart temperature devices HVAC developers who have specific use cases should have a look at the work of the alliance Members of the Zigbee Alliance include HVAC companies such as Lennox, Stelpro and Belimo, among others. Carrier is a recent company that has joined the Zigbee Alliance. Smart thermostats, including the popular Ecobee, have used the Zigbee protocol. More than 100 different devices have been certified as thermostats or smart temperature devices.  Harros urges other HVAC companies to become more involved with the Alliance. “We want them to come and have a look to see what we are doing and get involved,” he says. “This is where the work is being done as we unify the environment and bring together all the devices and ecosystems to work together.” HVAC developers who have specific use cases should have a look at the work of the alliance, he adds. certification transfer program Among the strengths of the Zigbee Alliance are years of experience certifying products, which includes testing them and confirming that they comply with the promoted specifications and functionality. The specifications are open standards that are developed in cooperation with all the companies that are Zigbee Alliance members. Another route is the certification transfer program, in which a company chooses a certified white-label product, becomes a member of the Alliance, and then rebrands the product while retaining the certification. “It helps them get products on the market quickly while they build their own knowledge base,” says Harros. "All our work is focused on standardizing the behavior and functionality of products and making sure everyone is following the same standard to get interoperability,” says Harros. “Members all contribute to the standards.”

Nicknamed the gateway to Southern California, the city of Ontario, as well as neighboring city Montclair, is home to the third largest elementary school district in California, the Ontario-Montclair School District (OMSD). Founded in 1884, the district also incorporates portions of the city of Upland, and unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, comprising 24,000 students in 26 elementary schools and six middle schools. Ontario-Montclair School District Ontario-Montclair School District’s overall mission is simple yet speaks volumes to its dedication to all students, to do whatever it takes to guarantee its commitment in providing the highest quality education for all students. To meet this mission head-on, OMSD contracted with TMAD Taylor Gaines, a professional engineering consulting and services firm. Ontario Montclair School District was interested in reducing their overall energy costs by 20%" “Ontario Montclair School District was interested in reducing their overall energy costs by 20%, they along with other school districts throughout California were mandated to reduce their overall energy costs,” said John Simmons, RCDD, LEED AP, and Project Manager for TMAD Taylor Gaines. He adds, “We initially ran some numbers based upon information we found on Bard HVAC’s website, and through consultation with Geary Pacific Supply, Bard’s largest West Coast distributor.” Geary Pacific, distributor of new HVAC units Based upon the scope of the projects in consideration, the money available to fund them and the overall cost of the units in consideration, as well as overall potential energy savings, TMAD Taylor Gaines recommended that OMSD select Geary Pacific as the distributor of the new HVAC units. “We considered other companies as part of our overall recommendation but in all honesty we were impressed by a couple of things. First, Bard Manufacturing had a wealth of product and technical information about their products on their website, including case studies of other customer successes. That in combination with Geary Pacific’s previous experience working successfully with the School District made our recommendation a simple one,” added John Simmons. Bard wall-mounted HVAC units deployed “Our District was already familiar with Bard because we had success using some of their other wall mounted units on several of our modular school buildings,” said Craig Misso, Director of Facility Planning & Operation at Ontario Montclair School District, adding “Our goal was to not only upgrade our facilities and make them more energy efficient, but also work to reduce some of the HVAC noise inside the classroom, as well as save on the purchase, operation and maintenance of all of the units at our schools.” TMAD Taylor Gaines and Geary Pacific’s approach was to do the retrofit in several phases. The pilot project encompassed one site, Sultana Elementary School, which included 24 re-locatable buildings, made up of both newer and some older construction. Bard WG*S Step Capacity Series units with CO2 sensors TMAD Taylor Gaines and Geary Pacific started doing groups of schools, encompassing 14 different building sites “Sultana was a great school for the pilot because there were a lot of little issues to contend with and work through,” stated Simmons, adding “The Bard WG*S Step Capacity Series units with Energy Recovery Ventilators and CO2 sensors worked great and we were initially very surprised at how quiet they actually operated.” After that, TMAD Taylor Gaines and Geary Pacific started doing groups of schools, encompassing 14 different building sites. Group one included 6 schools and approximately 83 units while Group 2 included 8 schools and 101 units. It was during the second group of installations that TMAD Taylor Gaines realized that putting in units that required the installation of underground gas piping was not the best solution for all classrooms. Bard’s Quiet Climate 2 units That’s when Geary Pacific recommended utilizing Bard’s Quiet Climate 2 units with Energy Recovery Ventilators and CO2 sensors in about 1/3 of the overall installation. “Bard’s Quiet Climate 2 units are some of the most energy-efficient HVAC units on the market today,” said Maury Tiernan of Geary Pacific, adding “Plus the operational sound level is extremely low and is greatly appreciated by the students and teachers.” John Simmons said, “We were really pleased at how easily these units were able to be retrofitted into the re-locatable classrooms. There are almost no changes and smooth sailing in almost all cases.” Quiet, efficient operation The dramatic reduction in operating noise levels was an added improvement and benefit for which Craig Misso was particularly proud. “At Sultana, we invited some of the teachers and our principal over to see the new classrooms. Our principal asked, ‘Why aren’t the new HVAC units running’? I had to laugh, because I knew they were on. They were just so quiet nobody could tell that they were working. That moment sold every teacher on the Bard units,” added Craig Misso of Ontario Montclair School District. “From the very beginning, Geary Pacific became our partner in the success of the project,” stated Simmons, adding “Always available to answer questions on-site and knowledgeable about all aspects of the product and installation I can honestly say they can’t do anything wrong by me. Geary Pacific and the engineers at Bard Manufacturing came through in every way possible and more.” Wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment expert Bard’s HVAC products offer a combination of quiet operation, and energy efficiency Over thirty years ago, Bard Manufacturing began solving the comfort needs of schools across the country by providing wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment. Bard’s HVAC products offer a combination of quiet operation, and energy efficiency, with unsurpassed quality and dependability that make them the #1 choice for schools. With three, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network, Bard’s commitment to quality and product innovation begins with its commitment to research and development. With features like self-diagnostics and self-programming energy monitors, Bard delivers products that provide tangible solutions for any school. Energy and cost savings “The Bard units reduced ambient classroom noise levels by over 75% and further gave us a 50% savings in energy,” said Misso, adding “This savings allowed us to also install software on our computers that automatically turns off the lights and the AC, when the classrooms are unoccupied, which further increased our savings. Our hope is to have the funds necessary to install all 280 Bard units as specified by TMAD Taylor Gaines.” Misso concluded, “Geary Pacific has been extremely professional and service oriented throughout the project. Because of our School Board’s commitment to energy conservation, our District will receive a dual reward, recognized energy savings and efficiency with an enhanced classroom environment for our students and teachers. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Living in the McLean County Unit District No. 5 region ensures one thing that children will receive one of the finest educations available. With one of its high schools ranked in the Top 50 Public High Schools in Illinois and listed in U.S. News & World Report’s Nation’s Top Schools, Unit District No. 5 is the place where excellence in education takes on a new meaning. Replacing antiquated HVAC systems But excellence doesn’t come without a price. In the current economic environment, maintaining and improving upon existing school facilities remains one of the most significant challenges for administrators and educators alike. That’s why officials turned to a solution that proved both unique and highly practical, when six schools in the district faced antiquated HVAC systems, nearing the end of their life-cycle. Upgrading and retrofitting school HVAC systems CM Engineering and Earth City Distributing understand the challenge of maximizing facility investment dollars CM Engineering and Earth City Distributing understand the challenge of maximizing facility investment dollars when it comes to upgrading and retrofitting school facilities. They also realize the key role those facilities play in keeping a school educationally competitive. The first schools from the Unit 5 School District to undergo retrofits included Oakdale Elementary School and Glenn Elementary School. Each school had ceiling limitations which made a conventional rooftop boiler-chiller system impractical. “We wanted a system that would be easy to service and maintain, provide cooling and be energy efficient,” said Jeff Monahan, Director of Maintenance for McLean County Unit District No. 5. Bard QTEC ground source heat pump installed “We had experienced earlier success working with a school in McComb, Illinois, where using a new type of piping system and the Bard QTEC ground source heat pump saved us over 50% in installation costs,” said Kirk Mescher, President of CM Engineering. Kirk adds, “Using Bard Manufacturing’s QTEC product in the Unit 5 School District applications was not only practical, it was the win-win solution in terms of reliability and efficiency in operation.” Between 2006 and 2008, 112 Bard QTEC units were installed in 6 schools. “Between CM Engineering’s unique design approach and Bard’s very efficient QTEC unit, the installation at all of the Unit District No. 5 schools couldn’t have gone any better, “ said Mike McManus, Owner of Earth City Distributing, a local Bard distributor, adding “Not only are the units energy-efficient and incredibly quiet when operating, they can be easily accessed for service.” Bard’s wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment Over thirty years ago, Bard Manufacturing Company began solving the comfort needs of schools across the country by providing wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment. Bard’s products offer a combination of quiet operation, and energy efficiency, with unsurpassed quality and dependability that make them the #1 choice for schools. With three, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network, Bard’s commitment to quality and product innovation begins with its commitment to wide-scale research and development (R&D). With features such as self-diagnostics and self-programming energy monitors, Bard Manufacturing Co. delivers state-of-the-art products that provide tangible solutions for any school’s needs. Enhanced serviceability The QTEC’s serviceability is also a contributing factor to Unit District No. 5’s overall success “What we got by using Bard Manufacturing’s QTEC product was an HVAC system that not only provided heating and cooling, but did so while also providing more than a 40% savings in total utility costs, without upgrading windows or insulation,” said Jeff Monahan. The QTEC’s serviceability is also a contributing factor to Unit District No. 5’s overall success. “I love the fact that the units are virtually maintenance-free,” stated Monahan, adding “They’ve basically reduced our service calls to near zero.” Energy estimate from CM Engineering “Whenever any of our school clients are open to the idea of having an in-room unit installed, we always spec the Bard QTEC units. In fact, in all the years, since we’ve been in business, we’ve never installed anything else inside a classroom,” said Kirk Mescher, President of CM Engineering. With Unit District No. 5, CM Engineering initially gave them an energy estimate that proposed they could provide the schools with heating and cooling at no additional operating cost. Energy and cost savings Mescher adds, “Not only were we able to achieve that goal, but because of the Bard QTEC units, we were able to surpass it, helping the schools reduce their overall utility costs significantly, in some cases by over 40%.” He further stated, “For any school, anywhere in the country trying to save money on installation, service and energy costs, not to mention lowering overall ambient noise in a classroom, these are significant enough results that simply can’t be ignored.” Quiet and comfortable QTEC units Bard’s QTEC unit is designed to be installed inside the classroom, fully engineered to be quiet and comfortable Success with the retrofit of their six schools has, in fact, led McLean County Unit District No. 5 to approve installation of additional Bard QTEC units in a seventh school during the summer of 2009. Bard’s QTEC unit is designed to be installed inside the classroom, fully engineered to be quiet, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. QTEC units are designed and tested to operate at 20% above federal standards with easy installation features that make servicing fast and simple. Bard’s QTEC units can provide the following features: A one-piece factory unit with individual room climate control Designed for fast installation and easy servicing Sound deadening insulation Simple utility hookups Integrated energy recovery ventilator Controlled dehumidification A rating for efficiency that is 20% above Federal Standards

In the spring of 1999, Wilkes County, North Carolina had a difficult and challenging problem to contend with. With an ever-increasing student population the school system faced the daunting task of building four new middle schools to improve its countywide school facilities. Committed to excellence in teaching and to the belief that all students can learn, Wilkes County Schools strive for student success through a partnership of school, home and community. Building on funds already allocated by the State Board of Education, Wilkes County Schools received approval for up to $24 million in additional funding from the County Commissioners. Because of the needs of the growing middle school student population countywide, it was decided that one school would be built in each of Wilkes County’s four school districts – Central, West, North and East. Budget constraints Wilkes County Schools turned to the heating and cooling expertise and experience of the Bard Manufacturing Company But the challenges didn’t end with the County’s approval to build. Staying on budget would be an even greater challenge, given all of the amenities, and opportunities for greater learning that the school system wanted to provide for its students. Aware of the impacting impression a new school has on individual students, Wilkes County remained determined to build its schools so they were aesthetically pleasing, both inside and out, and comfortable throughout every season. That’s when Wilkes County Schools turned to the heating and cooling expertise and experience of the Bard Manufacturing Company. Wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment Thirty years ago, Bard began solving the comfort needs of schools across the country. Providing wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment, Bard’s products offer a combination of quiet operation, patented ventilation packages, unsurpassed quality and dependability that make them the #1 choice by many school officials. With three state-of-art manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network, Bard’s commitment to quality and product innovation begins with its commitment to research and development. With features like self-diagnostics and self-programming energy monitors, Bard delivers products that provide tangible solutions for today’s modern school facilities. Bard’s Contribution What we liked best overall about the Bard units was having control over the environments in each of our classrooms" Wilkes County Schools were already familiar with Bard Manufacturing and its products, having successfully installed and operated Bard’s previous generation of wall-mounted units nearly 15 years ago in its other school facilities. “What we liked best overall about the Bard units was having individual control over the environments in each of our classrooms,” said Phil Couch, Maintenance Director and Assistant Superintendent for Wilkes County Schools. "When Wilkes County first suggested Bard units for the design, we were skeptical – we didn’t know a lot about Bard and we were more comfortable using the traditional four-pipe system,” said Frank Williams, Partner, Pinnacle Architecture. “However, now that we’ve seen how Bard units work, we’re comfortable recommending them wherever the incremental design makes sense. Teachers love the control, and we like the simplicity of installation!” Energy efficient Bard first developed its incremental wall-mounted cooling units in 1963. Since that time, Bard has made many advances and enhancements to its units, making them ideal for new schools and classroom renovations. Aware of Wilkes County Schools’ desire to also make their new facilities aesthetically pleasing, as well as energy-efficient and comfortable to learn in, Bard recommended its QTEC self-contained cooling unit. QTEC - The Quiet “Hidden” Technology QTEC units are designed and tested to operate at 20% above federal standards with easy installation features The QTEC unit is designed to be installed inside the classroom – fully engineered to be quiet, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. QTEC units are designed and tested to operate at 20% above federal standards with easy installation features that make servicing fast and simple. Bard’s QTEC units can provide the following features: A one-piece factory unit with individual room climate control Design for fast installation and easy servicing Sound deadening insulation Simple utility hookups Integrated energy recovery ventilator Controlled dehumidification Wilkes County Schools’ Results Wilkes County opened its four new schools in time for the 2002 fall semester and they were able to do it on budget, thanks to Bard. “Bard’s experience working with school systems around the country helped us design, engineer and install the best system we could have hoped for,” said Couch. “Not only do the units operate quietly, they’re energy efficient. They also save us money on our maintenance costs because we can work on them ourselves with our own in-house maintenance staff.” Comfortable environment And because Bard QTEC units take up less space and are less costly to install over traditional boiler/chiller systems, Bard also helped save Wilkes County Schools $3.5 million on their overall construction costs. Wilkes County Schools then used these savings to fund four computers in each classroom, and three computer labs for each school. “Working together with Pinnacle Architecture, Bard not only helped us create a comfortable environment for our students to learn in, they enabled us to purchase, through savings, additional technology equipment,” said Couch.

One won’t find bustling cities or lots of traffic in Montgomery County and that is just the way residents like it. Montgomery County is located in south-central North Carolina, an hour drive from Charlotte and just under two hours from Raleigh and Fayetteville. Eighty percent of the county comprises the geologically pristine Uwharrie National Forest, which provides a beautiful, scenic backdrop for quiet, country living. With children under 18 accounting for just over 25% of the local population, Montgomery County Schools' mission is to ensure that all students are prepared for the opportunities by addressing the challenges. Cost-Effective solution One of these challenges was directly related to a new elementary school – Green Ridge Elementary School - the district was planning to build in the town of Biscoe. “We recently completed building another school in the district that used a combination boiler/chiller to heat and cool the school”, said Bill Mingin, Maintenance Director for Montgomery County Schools. All Seasons recommended utilizing the wall-mounted design of Bard’s Quiet Climate 2 unit “Unfortunately, we found the high cost of fuel oil combined with the high cost of installing this type of system, forced us to come up with a better, more cost-effective solution for Green Ridge.” That’s when Montgomery County Schools turned to Drayton Stott of All Seasons Commercial HVAC Distributors, the local Bard dealer. Overall construction costs “I was very familiar with Bard because we had great success using some of their wall mounted units on several of our retrofitted schools,” said Mingin. “We were hoping, however, to reduce some of the overall operational noise and costs within the new building even more.” That’s when All Seasons recommended utilizing the wall-mounted design of Bard’s Quiet Climate 2 unit – albeit on the outside of the building. “The Bard Quiet Climate 2 units are some of the quietest HVAC units on the market today,” said Stott. “Green Ridge Elementary School also benefitted from a reduction in overall construction costs, including cement work, steel framing, the cost of running ductwork and construction of a maintenance and mechanical boiler/chiller shed.” Utilizing the Quiet Climate 2, Stott was also able to also provide each room and teacher with individual control over their room’s temperature. Enhanced operational efficiency “This enhanced operational efficiency in several ways, including better and more even temperature control throughout each classroom,” said Mingin. “Plus, if any particular unit needed maintenance, it wouldn’t mean that the whole system had to be shut down. By having the units installed on the outside of the building we could work on the units without disturbing the teachers or the students inside.” The school had the added benefit of turning units off or on as needed" “The school had the added benefit of turning units off or on as needed depending on whether or not individual rooms were in use.” Another big improvement was the overall cost and installation of the Bard system. “Our mission is to provide our students with the educational building blocks that will prepare them to ultimately compete in a global economy,” said Donna Kennedy, Principal of Green Ridge Elementary School. Wall-Mounted heating “Working with Bard, we were able to save Green Ridge Elementary over $800,000 in installation and purchasing costs over a conventional system. That savings gave us the opportunity to purchase a complete technology package for our school, including smart boards and computer labs in every classroom. As a former AC service technician, I have to say that I’m extremely impressed with the Bard Quiet Climate units– they actually make no noise at all,” said Matt Wolf, a teacher at Green Ridge Elementary School. “They make teaching and learning a quiet, comfortable experience.” Over thirty years ago, Bard began solving the comfort needs of schools across the country by providing wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment. Bard’s products offer a combination of quiet operation, and energy efficiency, with unsurpassed quality and dependability that make them the #1 choice for schools. Self-Programming energy monitors Bard delivers products that provide tangible solutions for any school With three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network, Bard’s commitment to quality and product innovation begins with its commitment to research and development. With features like self-diagnostics and self-programming energy monitors, Bard delivers products that provide tangible solutions for any school. “With the Quiet Climate 2 units our teachers and students never have to worry about room temperature interfering with classroom learning,” said Kennedy. “Whenever we have a weekend community activity, teachers tutoring in off hours, or classes going on night, we know we can make those spaces comfortable without wasting energy in unused classrooms.” “Our experience with Bard products over the years in retrofitted schools has been excellent and the Green Ridge Elementary School results confirm that Bard performs as well in new schools as they do in older, existing school buildings,” said Mingin. “Bard’s ability to give us individual room dehumidification is another benefit that’s hard to quantify – we just don’t have any of the problems associated with high humidity.”

Darlington Middle School is in Darlington, South Carolina, located in the eastern region of the state along the I-95 Corridor. The school serves approximately 1,025 students. Committed to excellence in teaching and the belief that all students can learn, the staff strives for student success through a partnership of school, home, and community. The Choice Larry Stegner is the Maintenance Director for Darlington County Schools, who is responsible for roughly 2.1 million square feet of space in his schools. Larry said why he chose to utilize the Bard system in his new school. In 2006, the team was hard at work constructing Darlington Middle School. The decision to use the Bard system was easy in this case. The district made a proactive decision to standardize systems wherever practical. Reliability and maintenance From a maintenance standpoint, all the troubleshooting and repairs required are done outside the building" Larry said, “In the classrooms, we have gone exclusively to a Bard exterior wall-mounted unit. There are several reasons for this; the cost of a 4-pipe system is almost cost-prohibitive for us in a classroom setting. In addition, if that system goes down, the entire school is down. With the Bard system, if we lose one unit we only affect one classroom.” Larry shared about the reliability and maintenance of the Bard system. He said, “The instances that I have lost a Bard unit are rare.” “From a maintenance standpoint, all the troubleshooting and repairs required are done outside the building so we never disturb the classroom and we can service them ourselves.” Design Attributes During the design process, the Darlington County Schools team saw value in the Bard System. Larry shared some attributes the design team discovered through the process. “Something that impressed us with Bard that I wasn’t aware of, was the availability of colors. When we ordered them, we could get them in a variety of cabinet finishes.” Larry shared if there were any objections by the architect to using this system. He had these insights, “Architects don’t particularly like them, they don’t like things hanging on “their” buildings and messing up “their” lines. With the Bard units and building in a complementary color selection, they virtually disappear on the building. You don’t even see them.” “We used the dark bronze units on Darlington Middle School because they matched the trim finish, and it looks like an architectural component of the building.” Classroom Preferred Solution While energy prices continue to rise, the district’s energy demands increase as well The district staff was persistent in selecting Bard’s Classroom Preferred Solution for their new school, primarily because of the economics of the system, ease of maintenance, and the ability to control each classroom independently. Like most districts today, energy efficiency and reducing operating costs play a significant role in Darlington County. While energy prices continue to rise, the district’s energy demands increase as well. Modern teaching methods and practices require the use of current technologies. Today, students must be prepared for a modern globally competitive world. Educators must have the tools and resources available to educate their students. This new reality translates to more technology in the classroom, such as computers and Smartboards. Increased demands Schools utilizing the Bard Classroom Preferred Solution have realized substantial energy savings Additionally, the demands on educational facilities have increased dramatically. Today, schools serve beyond the traditional 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. schedule. With increasing demands for workers to equip themselves to be competitive in today’s economy, often ones find adult education classes being taught in the evening. On occasion, drivers education courses are taught after school. It is not a rare occurrence to drive by Darlington Middle School on the weekend and see the school packed with students, parents, teachers, and community members for extracurricular activities. These enhancements to children’s education and community involvement in the schools serve as an invaluable asset to everyone. Schools utilizing the Bard Classroom Preferred Solution have realized substantial energy savings through optimal building performance strategies. Taking advantage of the unprecedented flexibility of this system allows the facility staff to tailor their operating strategy to the specific use of their schools. Conditioning For example, when Mr. Stegner has an adult education class using one classroom in the evening, this system conditions that single classroom. In a more traditional HVAC system (4-Pipe/ Central), one would condition an entire building or wing to use one classroom. Obviously, this strategy would significantly increase energy/operating costs. When it comes to HVAC systems on the market today, comfort and noise are a concern. That’s not nearly as valuable as hearing from someone who lives and works with the building and its systems. Mr. Stegner and Mrs. Carlita Davis, the Principal, shared about their experiences with the comfort and noise of this system. Ease of maintenance Darlington County made a decision to move to Bard’s Classroom Preferred Solution because of its reliability Darlington County made a conscious decision to move to Bard’s Classroom Preferred Solution because of its reliability, ease of maintenance, and efficiency. On being asked if there are ever complaints about noise, Mr. Stegner said, “We never have complaints about noise in this school. I don’t think you even know it’s there and that’s how it should be.” “Naturally, comfort is a major concern in the education environment. We want to ensure the teachers are comfortable in their working environment. It’s important to make sure students are comfortable so they can focus on learning.“ In a school the size of Darlington Middle, universal comfort can be a challenge for traditional systems. Larry, on concerns around comfort in the school, said, “I have never heard a complaint about the comfort of a classroom in this school. It is a lot easier to make our teachers and students comfortable with each classroom having its own individually controlled unit.” Aesthetics The Bard Classroom Preferred Solution can be tailored to adapt to one’s building design. A variety of colors and applications along with the flexibility to reach their goals during the design process. Darlington County had never heard a complaint or concern over the appearance of their buildings. In addition to colors and size, one can choose to locate the system components inside or outside the building, while virtually attaining the same results. Reliability “Of all the systems, units, and manufacturers we have and work within our district, Bard’s systems give us the least amount of trouble,” says Larry Stegner, Facilities Director Darlington County. “This system has been really good for our school, I can’t name any issue we have had with the heating and cooling system. I know it’s very economical for our district,” says Carlita Davis, Principal.

As Albert Einstein once said, “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” That wisdom has been put into practice in the form of a smarter approach in the way modular schools can be built and used. Pre-fabricated, modular classroom In 2006, the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, in partnership with the Council for Educational Facility Planners (CEFPI), held a national design competition, The Portable Classroom Design Challenge, to create a pre-fabricated, modular classroom unit that was environmentally sustainable, or green. This competition led to eventual development and installation of one of the most uniquely created modular spaces ever conceived, indeed the award winner of the design competition. Triumph Modular of Littleton, Massachusetts, in partnership with ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge and builder NRB Inc., won the design challenge because of their revolutionary, new modular classroom. Relocatable Green Modular Classroom Relocatable Green Modular Classroom comes designed with many LEED-focused design elements Aptly named the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom, it's also the first modular classroom to be designed with many LEED-focused design elements. “Our goal was to create a high-quality, portable classroom that was green, one with environmentally conscious materials used in its design and operation. The design was smart in the way that it used resources and provided heat, light, unsurpassed acoustics and air quality within the space,” said Cliff Cort, Founder of Triumph Modular. In fact, it’s estimated that the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom performs 56% better, in terms of overall energy costs, than similar, older style modular units that often use almost three times as much of energy as a permanent school building. Wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment Thirty years ago, Bard Manufacturing Co. Ltd began solving the comfort needs of schools across the country by providing wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment. Bard’s products offer a combination of quiet operation, patented ventilation packages, unsurpassed quality and dependability that make them the #1 choice of many school officials. With three, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network, Bard’s commitment to quality and product innovation begins with its commitment to research and development. Self-programming energy monitors and green refrigerants With features like self-programming energy monitors, unsurpassed energy efficiency, green refrigerants and the lowest acoustic profile on the market, Bard delivers products that provide tangible solutions for modern school facilities. Already impressed from their previous working experience with Bard, Triumph Modular wanted to incorporate the Quiet Climate 2 into their green modular design. “Building green is good for the environment, good for the wallet and good for the occupants of the building,” said Cliff Cort, adding, “And Bard’s HVAC unit is a big factor in why the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom performs as well as it does.” Green modular design Bard’s HVAC System in the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom Unit contributes to its high energy efficiency According to an independent third party analysis, the green modular design provides a 68% reduction in heating energy and a 49% reduction in cooling energy, most of which can be attributed to Bard Quiet Climate 2. An efficiently designed HVAC system is perhaps the single largest building component that can influence a building’s sustainability. Bard’s HVAC System in the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom Unit contributes significantly to its high energy efficiency and quiet, almost undetectable acoustic profile (37 bBHL) within the classroom. Quiet-Climate 2 heat pump Bard’s Quiet-Climate 2 heat pump is the most innovative wall-mount HVAC equipment ever made. Designed specifically to provide superior energy efficiency and quiet operation in classrooms, the Quiet Climate 2 uses green refrigerants and provides operating sound levels that are 20 to 35 times quieter than a standard wall-mounted heat pump. Bard’s Quiet Climate 2 can provide the following features: Higher energy efficiency and greater comfort through step-capacity technology Unmatched acoustical performance Sound levels vary with applications and construction techniques, but integrated operating sound levels as low as 35 dbA have been achieved when combined with Bard Quiet-Climate acoustical accessories Improved ventilation and Enhanced IAQ Continuous blower operation – without noise – keeping fresh air constantly in the classroom Optional UV lighting which keeps the coils free of bacteria and mold Enhanced filtration capabilities A one-piece factory unit designed for fast installation and easy servicing Additional sound curbing accessories including, an isolation curb and return air and supply air plenums The Carroll School  Serving over 75 communities around Lincoln, Massachusetts, The Carroll School was founded in part by Dr. Edwin Cole who wanted to provide a special school for children with language-based learning challenges. The Carroll School supports nearly 300 students, in grades 1 – 8, with a 3.4 student to teacher ratio using multisensory and individualized teaching methods for specific learning needs. Progressive by nature, The Carroll School’s thriving community brings children together in an environment that values their differences and remediates their learning difficulties. “Cliff Cort, a Lincoln resident and friend of the school, approached us with the idea to replace one of our existing modular building with the green modular design,” said Margaret Gebhard, Director of Finance and Operations at The Carroll School, adding “Our existing modular space was not a popular one with either faculty or students due to its poor lighting, sound characteristics and overall appearance.” Occupancy sensors and vestibule The classroom incorporates many unique green components, such as formaldehyde-free, low VOC paints Things changed when teachers, students and administrative personnel moved into the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom for the first time. The classroom incorporates many unique green components, including formaldehyde-free, low VOC paints and coatings that reduce off-gassing, occupancy sensors that conserve energy by turning the lights off, when people come and go, a vestibule that safeguards the inside from inclement weather while buffering outside noise and helps retain heating and controlling levels for its green and virtually silent HVAC system – the Quiet Climate 2. Enhancing schools’ energy efficiency Margaret adds, “The Relocatable Green Modular Classroom is truly amazing and smart to incorporate into any schools modular planning, we’re quickly approaching our original 3 year leasing agreement with Triumph and I see us keeping the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom around for many more years to come.” She further stated, “It has the best lighting, best HVAC system, and is the most energy-efficient building on our campus, which is why it’s also the most coveted space on our campus. Now we can not only say our kids here are special but now they have a truly special and smart environment in which to learn.”

New technologies continue to drive change in the HVAC market. HVAC’s image as a mature and stable industry can overshadow the high level of innovation taking place. Meeting environmental challenges and creating more cost-efficient systems are among the forces fueling the change. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the next big product trend in the HVAC market?