Efficiency

Carrier recently launched a new Toshiba Carrier touchscreen controller in North America for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, capable of connecting up to 128 indoor units to one easy-to-use interface. This new touchscreen controller allows building managers to access their entire VRF system from one central location, eliminating the need to monitor units individually. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the foremost global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Features The seven-inch color touchscreen provides an attractive menu with intuitive navigation that allows for advanced scheduling for indoor and outdoor units to maximize comfort and energy savings. Plus, the compact touchscreen control features an innovative user interface providing a seamless and simple experience. The touchscreen controller features a USB port that allows building managers to export system data directly from the hub In addition, the new Toshiba Carrier touchscreen controller features a USB port that allows building managers to export system data directly from the hub. With this feature, users can analyze alarm outputs and troubleshoot a myriad of issues easily and efficiently. Furthermore, the exported data can also be used to determine root causes and correlations of the system settings allowing for effortless system optimization.  Authority comment “Our new touchscreen controller puts the power of organization and efficiency at the fingertips of our customers,” said Ritesh Shah, VRF Product Manager, Carrier. “Not only can building managers connect up to 128 units to one control, but they can also easily monitor energy usage, as well as get real-time data on system performance and settings efficacy.”

The YORK® brand of Johnson Controls, the provider of smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, partners with Google Nest Pro to donate smart home products in mortgage-free homes gifted to veterans through the non-profit organization, Building Homes for Heroes. Building Homes for Heroes builds or renovates homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to severely wounded or disabled U.S. veterans and their families working closely with various corporate sponsors. Since 2014, YORK has partnered with the organization and local YORK contractors and distributors to donate and install heating and cooling equipment based on the individual needs of each veteran. New connected homes Through the newly established partnership with Google, YORK contractors will donate their time to install various Google Nest products into the veterans’ homes to help create a safe, connected home they can live comfortably in despite their injuries. Google will be donating a variety of equipment to different Building Homes for Heroes veterans, including the Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector, Nest Hello Doorbell, Nest x Yale Locks, Nest Minis and Nest Hub Max. We’re incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to provide heating and cooling to nearly 120 injured men" “We’re incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to provide heating and cooling to nearly 120 injured men and women who have served our country over the past eight years through Building Homes for Heroes,” said Doug Schuster, Vice President and General Manager, Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls. “The new partnership with Google Nest Pro will give these injured veterans and their families even more customized amenities in their new connected homes.” Veteran-Friendly organization Johnson Controls is dedicated to supporting and hiring veterans across the U.S. and has been recognized as a veteran-friendly organization. The company has created the Veterans Business Resource Group to help connect Johnson Controls military families and support them during their transition from military to civilian life. “Building Homes for Heroes is devoted to building better and brighter lives for our veterans who served and sacrificed so much for our great country,” said Andy Pujol, Founder and CEO, Building Homes for Heroes. “This is something we could not accomplish without the support of like minded, patriotic companies like Johnson Controls for the last seven years, and our newest partner in Google Nest, to provide our heroes with a home that is beautified and customized for their needs. What a beautiful way to thank our heroic servicemen and women.”

As Statista research predicts the smart home sector will grow by 15.06% each year to a projected market volume of 9.249bn by 2025, a polymer specialist has upgraded its smart temperature control system to satisfy growing demand. To meet this demand amid the boom across residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings, the latest upgrades to the NEA SMART 2.0 have been made to help contractors and developers deliver efficiency on each project. As building use and occupant habits change over time, the device also gives continued flexibility and adaptability to contractors and consultants to future-proof developments while the smart home market grows, as Franz Huelle, Head of Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, explains. Changing building requirements Franz says, “As we see offices and shops being converted into homes and flexible working spaces, the way we use buildings is changing more than ever, and with that so are occupant temperature requirements.” Futureproofing buildings in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials must be prioritized" “In the wake of sustainability and renewable energy targets and changes in legislation, futureproofing buildings in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials must be prioritized no matter the building type.” “With the latest upgrades to NEA SMART 2.0, we are looking to assist contractors and consultants with ensuring all buildings meet efficiency requirements no matter the use while satisfying the growing demand for smart controls long into the future.” NEA SMART 2.0 Regulates temperatures Suitable for new build and retrofitting for up to 60 rooms, the NEA SMART 2.0 uses an intelligent algorithm to regulate temperature and improve efficiency. Data learned from occupant habits, in addition to remote sensors installed indoors and outside for weather compensation, allows the system to reach the desired end-user temperature without excessive demand on the energy source. Optimizing efficiency To further help with efficiency demand, an optimized start feature has now been integrated. This begins to heat or cool ahead of the programmed time to reach the desired temperature in a controlled way to make sure the space is comfortable for occupants at the right time without excessive energy usage. A manual and automatic boost function is also available should the desired temperature need to be reached sooner. Reduced energy usage and cost savings The upgrades provide with an easy to install and flexible system that lowers energy costs in a variety of buildings" Franz added, “Energy efficiency and driving down running costs are key requirements of all end users, residential or commercial, and developments in government legislation are only going to increase this priority." "Consultants and contractors are now required to deliver buildings that facilitate this need for efficiency and sustainability long into the future.” “These upgrades will hopefully provide them with an easy to install and flexible system that lowers energy costs in a variety of building types. The smart home market is constantly growing, and we are optimistic that with these additional features, the NEA SMART 2.0 will continue to satisfy the growing demand for this technology long into the future.”

Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), a supplier of ductless and ducted Mini-split and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat-pump and air-conditioning systems, announces the launch of the expanded Building Connect+, a new version of the cloud-based controls and monitoring platform. Building Connect+ is a pre-engineered, cloud-based secure controls and monitoring platform for controlling and managing CITY MULTI® systems as well as third-party devices with BACnet® connectivity. Well-suited for commercial and multi-family applications, the platform reduces initial installation and pairing costs while reducing commissioning time through the use of a web-based portal. Cloud-Based platform The platform requires no programming, special software, or licenses to control and monitor units and devices. Building Connect+ uses an on-site panel (BCP-200) to connect the central controllers and third-party equipment to the cloud-based platform. The panel can auto-discover and seamlessly connect up to four centralized controllers, 200 indoor units, and 10 BACnet devices. We listened to what our customers were saying about their system requirements" For ease of use, one or multiple panels can be added under a single cloud account to increase connectable units, expand remote access across multiple locations and expand the number of users connected. “We’re pleased to introduce this expansion of the Building Connect+ platform for our customers,” said Steve Vogel, Product Manager, controls product planning for Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US. “We listened to what our customers were saying about their system requirements. As a result, we increased the Building Connect+ application use cases and capabilities.” User-Customizable dashboards Building Connect+ users have access to user-customizable dashboards for the user management console, VRF system overview, BACnet equipment overview, maintenance tool data, alarming, scheduling, trending, and auto changeover set-up. Other Building Connect+ system features include: Secure cloud-based connectivity that simplifies deployment while maintaining site security Event logs to track events, resolution, and actors Auto import functionality identifies and adds new units when connected Available pre-programmed applications such as Y-Series auto changeover to simplify use and operations A hierarchical user management process for managing user access and permissions Local and remote web connectivity via computers, tablets, or mobile devices Alarm notifications and display for any or all connected equipment Unit, group, and system scheduling capabilities provide for personal comfort and increased efficiency Real-time data trending and export capabilities for use with system performance review and evaluation Programmable logic statements The pre-programmed Building Connect+ panel’s configuration wizard automatically discovers connected equipment and uses a graphical interface to simplify installation, configuration, and web connectivity. This eliminates the need for custom engineering services, special tools, additional programs, or licenses. An optional advanced input/output module with user-programmable logic statements allows users to connect with up to eight auxiliary devices such as vents, dampers, or lighting for integration. Four advanced input/output modules can be connected to the panel to integrate a maximum of 32 auxiliary devices using analog and digital signals.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi announces the addition of five regional companies to its roster of North American distributors for the Hitachi Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems and SmartFlex Mini-Split systems. The new distributors strengthen the North American distribution footprint for these popular Johnson Controls-Hitachi products. Sustainable heat pump The new distributors are: Johnstone Supply of Waltham, Massachusetts, serving Massachusetts, and New Hampshire Engineered Building Systems of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving the Philadelphia area Carr Supply of Columbus, Ohio, serving Ohio and Northern Kentucky Epting Distributors of Lexington, South Carolina, serving South Carolina, North Carolina, and the Georgia cities of Augusta and Savannah HATCH Company of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, serving the province of Alberta Heat recovery systems This expansion of our distributor network allows us to elevate our presence in North America" “This expansion of our distributor network allows us to elevate our presence in North America while also providing new, local points of contact for engineers, mechanical contractors and building owners,” said Dave Burggren, Sales Director, Johnson Controls-Hitachi North America. “These five companies, along with the rest of our distributor team, offer the HVAC expertise, experience and service that our customers value, and we look forward to a successful partnership with each.” Energy-Efficient HVAC choice Hitachi VRF systems offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient HVAC choice with multiple advantages, including: A modular design that enables systems to be customized to each project's exact requirements. Options include a sustainable heat pump and heat recovery systems and a host of fan coil choices Design freedom. Options include ducted systems with short or long runs as well as non-ducted systems that require much less plenum space (reducing construction costs and increasing alternatives) Energy savings, on average, are up to 39% compared to conventional systems Impressively quiet, personalized comfort delivered with precision to each zone Traditional HVAC systems SmartFlex™ Mini-Split systems are available when traditional HVAC systems are not the right fit, including: Light commercial applications where buildings have remote or separated offices, small stores or restaurants, as back-up cooling, in electrical or IT closets, and areas with stringent heating or cooling requirements Residential applications such as apartments, condos, and townhouses or in older homes where ducts are not available Building additions where connecting ductwork isn’t feasible or economical

Armstrong Fluid Technology announces new features for calculating and tracking energy-savings that are now available with its pump manager asset management solution. Design envelope pump The new ‘base case KW’ feature now allows users to determine the cumulative energy savings of a design envelope pump since it was commissioned. The utility rate feature allows users to enter local utility rates for accurate calculations of the financial savings. The local currency feature now supports the presentation of operating savings in the preferred local currency. The use of CO2 index values supports the calculation of carbon emission reductions based on State or National figures for the C02 index. On-Going performance tracking “Pump manager subscribers can use this information to compare the performance of similar assets across a portfolio of connected Armstrong equipment, setting benchmarks for on-going performance tracking,” said Tunji Asiwaju, Armstrong’s Global Performance Management Services Manager. Armstrong’s pump manager has been received multiple accolades since its introduction in 2019, including being named a product of the year by pioneer US and UK publications and a finalist in the 2020 AHR Expo Innovation Awards.

In today’s world, we spend almost 90 per cent of our time indoors, in our workplaces, leisure areas and our homes. It is no secret that the built environment has been relatively slow in its embrace of information technology and automation. According to KPMG’s ‘Building a Technology Advantage’ report, fewer than 20 percent of construction and engineering executives, and major-project owners said they are re-thinking their business models, so as to incorporate new technology. Yet, it has now become a necessity, as energy efficiency becomes a more prominent topic discussion, which is leading to sweeping changes across all aspects of our lives and none more so than in the built environment. Commitment to net-zero emissions Governments are beginning to impose tighter restrictions on building use, energy consumption and emissions. Policymakers around the world are committing to net-zero emissions targets, with more than 60 countries pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. For example, the European Union (EU) is committed to become a carbon-neutral economy, with net-zero emissions by 2050 and all new buildings within the EU must be constructed as near-zero energy buildings. Meanwhile, China has legislated that at least 30 per cent of all new buildings must be ‘green’. Smart technology to better manage HVAC Technology can help optimize energy consumption and create energy efficiency in our buildings Given this new trend towards energy efficiency in the real estate sector, smart technology is needed to better manage HVAC and energy consumption. Buildings currently contribute 40 per cent of global carbon emissions, a problem exacerbated by extreme weather conditions across the globe, which increases demand for electricity, as more people rely on air conditioning for cooling. Technology can help optimize energy consumption and create energy efficiency in our buildings, alleviating many of the problems that we have today. Technology enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) can optimize comfort and safety, while providing remote operability and access to everything from HVAC systems to security cameras. At the same time, data collection and integration with cloud-based services allow for powerful energy efficiency measures. Designing and operating Smart buildings The concept and operation of smart buildings is not new. Architects and developers have been installing separate systems to control lighting and HVAC for decades. Later systems have evolved and helped building managers control access to different areas of a site, mitigate fire risk and protect against power surges. What is new is the addition of web-based platforms, in order to allow these verticals to integrate seamlessly with each other. The building of tomorrow is achievable today, using the latest in automation intelligence to control lighting, air-conditioning and heating. With these digital solutions, everything can be controlled remotely and allow for complete control, whenever it is needed most. Increased use of smart technology The first step in managing HVAC energy is to understand exactly how much is being used and where it is used. With this information at hand, managers can highlight areas for improvement, which in turn will help a building become more efficient and ultimately, save money. Another step in managing HVAC energy is including smart technology alongside your system Another step in managing HVAC energy is including smart technology alongside your system, as it can minimize maintenance costs. Predictive fault-finding can save maintenance time and labor, as well as minimizing downtime for expensive equipment or services. It is estimated that smart-enabled predictive maintenance is three to nine times cheaper than a traditional reactive approach. Tenant and occupant satisfaction are often also higher, as systems that experience failure can be identified, repaired and re-booted quickly. Smart building systems Smart building systems, such as ABB i-bus KNX ClimaECO and ABB Cylon BACnet solutions, can combine HVAC in one holistic solution, from central control and management of heating and cooling systems, down to room-level automation. Smart systems simplify the implementation of intelligent automation in modern buildings and using pre-installed algorithms, can make autonomous decisions on things, such as adjusting lighting and HVAC levels, to reflect time of day, external environment, occupancy levels or other variables. Additionally, data collection and data analysis enabled by IoT allows for increased knowledge and better predictions of use. Working with a smart building, which is interconnected, can act and learn on this data, while providing remote access to data and analytics for human oversight. The ROI of smart technology implementation In addition to legislation driving change, being ‘smart’ provides other real benefits for developers and owners. As a building adapts to the demands of its users or the goals of its managers, it can save energy, cut emissions and reduce energy costs. More effective and efficient use of power can save money, quickly repaying initial technology expenditure Comparing energy savings to the falling cost of installing a basic smart management system, smart buildings immediately prove their worth. According to HSBC, if a smart system delivered an energy cost saving of 25 per cent, on an installation cost of US$ 37,500, for a 50,000 sq. ft building, the annual savings could be as much as US$ 23,000, giving a payback period of less than two years. More effective and efficient use of power can save money, quickly repaying initial technology expenditure. HVAC and lighting alone can account for about 50 per cent of energy use in an average commercial building, but by incorporating smart automation, managers may see decreased energy costs of up to 30 to 50 per cent. Leading the fight against climate change Technologies, such as IoT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are crucial to help us in the fight against climate change. These technologies help users, owners, operators and facility managers interact with the buildings of the future effortlessly, with personalized comfort and maximum efficiency. Artificial Intelligence and IoT is constantly in a state of evolution, as more applications for the technology are discovered. Given the ever-changing nature of technology, the possibilities for smart buildings in the future are endless.

A quick glance at official COVID-19 mitigation guidance reveals that it promotes increased ventilation air change rates, as the most effective way to keep people safe. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just open a window or turn up your ventilation system, if you have one. The fact is, however, that the vast majority of domestic properties in Britain does not have a mechanical ventilation system and rely on natural means for background ventilation, including windows, trickle vents or air bricks. In short, homeowners or tenants must physically open windows, after having decided whether they want to. This is an imperfect system for several reasons. Firstly, cold or wet weather might lessen an open window’s appeal and secondly, natural ventilation is a weather dependent process, as sometimes there’s simply no air movement. In other words, a natural ventilation strategy does not guarantee effective ventilation. With an airborne virus still being transmitted across the country, it’s important to understand the best options available to combat the spread. Building to minimum standards Building using a strategy that comprises natural background ventilation is the simplest, easiest and cheapest method of compliance to Part F: Building Regulations. That’s why it is the most common. We call this building to ‘minimum standards’. The problem with this approach, which is perfectly legal and entirely acceptable to Building Control, is that it often leads to problems caused by insufficient ventilation, such as condensation, mould, dust mites and odors, once the building is occupied. This issue has been made far worse, in recent years, since we committed to the 2050 Climate Change Targets This issue has been made far worse, in recent years, since we committed to the 2050 Climate Change Targets and started retrofitting insulation improvements to millions of existing properties. Our already well-sealed properties were sealed up even further, thereby causing all the moisture and pollutants produced by the occupancy to stay in the house, unless ventilated away. Pros and cons of positive input ventilation Positive input ventilation (PIV) is a highly effective means of dealing with such issues. PIV systems can be retrofitted into existing buildings, in order to improve the rate of background ventilation and eliminate the problems mentioned earlier. PIV is widely accepted in social and private housing, because it is unobtrusive, not behavior dependent, easy to install, highly cost effective and improves building energy efficiency. PIV can, therefore, help increase air change rates for naturally ventilated buildings. Unfortunately, however, new problems can emerge through the use of such systems. Increasing ventilation can create thermal comfort problems, leading to expensive heating bills and uncomfortable occupants. Rise in outdoor pollution ingress It can also increase outdoor pollution ingress, which, in turn, can exacerbate health issues and lead to deadly asthma triggers, as confirmed by the ruling in the Ella Kissi-Debrah inquest. In short, PIV and other ventilation strategies, despite comprising filtration, can still let pollutants in. On top of these issues is viral particles emitted indoors, a key concern in the current climate, which can be displaced faster by more air changes and are not easily destroyed. This arguably means the rate of transmission remains high. What is needed is a retrofit solution that achieves all the benefits of PIV, while removing and destroying indoor and outdoor pollutants, including viral/microbials. Active PIV is that solution. Active PIV: A huge step forward Active PIV with Photohydroionisation (PHI) increases fresh air ventilation air change rates Active PIV with Photohydroionisation (PHI) increases fresh air ventilation air change rates, thus reducing indoor humidity and providing safe, and effective active air purification throughout the indoor environment. Most importantly, it complies with COVID-19 mitigation guidance and removes, and destroys pollutants from both indoor and outdoor sources, including odors, VOCs, radon and other gases, allergens, such as pollens, mould, pet dander and dust mite faecal matter, particulates, including smoke or traffic soot, and viral/bacterial emissions, including SARS-CoV-2, at the point of transmission. This level of protection is not possible with increased ventilation alone or passive air treatments, such as filtration, UV, PCO, or ionization. Active PIV, therefore, provides an extra layer of indoor protection, over and above PIV that is continuous and not behavior dependent. PHI technology delivers active air purification The PHI technology that delivers active purification essentially mimics Earth’s natural air cleaning processes. Minute concentrations of ionized hydro peroxides are created, whenever there is sunlight, water vapor and oxygen present. These active molecules break down and destroy pollutants on contact, and revert back to water vapor and oxygen afterwards. Active PIV recreates this process in an indoor setting, constantly replenishing new active molecules to replace the spent ones. It is perfectly safe to breathe and effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants, including: Particulates Microbial Gases Active PIV to counter COVID-19 pandemic Active PIV is the perfect innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be easily and quickly retrofitted, and its effect is instant. For social housing managers, it delivers the best possible protections to the indoor spaces, which are occupied by the tenants for whom they are responsible. In terms of both its innovation and effects, Active PIV technology is the breath of fresh air that the ventilation industry and a pandemic-stricken world sorely needs.

With the UK committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, drastic action is needed by the government. For new-build homes, there’s a gas boiler ban coming in less than five years’ time. And for older properties, it’s likely that gas prices will continue to rise, to encourage homeowners to switch to a more sustainable alternative. Renewable heating market With this in mind, the renewable heating market is growing rapidly, albeit from a very small base – but with targets in place to keep the momentum up. The government has committed to install 600,000 heat pumps into new homes by 2028. The government has committed to install 600,000 heat pumps into new homes by 2028 People who are already living in (old and new) properties heated by renewable technology should be applauded for pioneering it – but understandably, not everyone has the confidence to give up a solution they’re familiar with, and to step into the relative unknown. And that’s why the value of transitional technologies cannot be over-estimated– both to homeowners who want to live more sustainably and to installers looking to adapt and future-proof their businesses. But the role that hybrid heat pumps can play in accelerating progress on the road to zero has been somewhat overlooked to date. Hybrid heat pumps Hybrid heat pumps combine the power of a heat pump with the familiarity of a high-efficiency boiler. The two appliances work together to provide heating and hot water, providing the ideal replacement for a combi boiler as a first step towards introducing renewable heating technology into the home. Compared to a traditional gas boiler, hybrid heat pump systems can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 55% and have been proven to deliver up to a 50% reduction in energy bills in homes in the UK. Our Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump’s smart programming helps to save up to 35% more energy than a traditional condensing boiler by automatically determining the most economically and energy-efficient operating combination based on energy prices, outdoor temperatures, and indoor heat capacity. Heat pump share The hybrid system’s operating mode can be shifted to more electric heat pump share As well as being quick to install, hybrid systems are designed to look and operate like a conventional boiler system and deliver like-for-like performance and comfort levels. And to give homeowners peace of mind, the heat pump can act as a back-up for the boiler, and vice-versa – meaning they’ll never be caught short. Hybrid systems are best-suited to smaller homes in urban areas, that are likely to have a combi-boiler, and where the shell of the building is not energy-efficient enough to rely on electricity alone. But as the efficiency of the building is improved and upgraded over time, the hybrid system’s operating mode can be shifted to more electric heat pump share. And while there’s a lot of talk about new homes in the renewable heating debate, hybrid technology is ideal for renovations and boiler replacements. Heating system replacements We estimate that there are 1.1 million homes across the country that would be well-served by a hybrid system. That, combined with the benefits of hybrids for both installers and consumers, is why we firmly believe in hybrid heat pumps’ potential to support a faster, easier, and more affordable transition to low carbon heating in this country. Every homeowner who buys a Daikin Altherma hybrid system gets a high-efficiency boiler for free When consumers are looking at heating system replacements, we know that complexity and disruption are barriers to purchase. Fortunately, neither is an issue with hybrids. While hybrid heat pump systems can be installed with a household’s existing boiler, to help increase uptake, we’re running a special offer at the moment whereby every homeowner who buys a Daikin Altherma hybrid system gets a brand-new, high-efficiency boiler for free. Low carbon technology And there’s no need to lose valuable floor space to a hot water cylinder or to make changes to the radiators. Hybrids aren’t just good news for homeowners; they represent a real opportunity for installers, too. At the moment, there are 1,000 heat pump installers in the UK and around 125,000 gas boiler installers. We need to transition these boiler installers towards low carbon technology – not just to drive progress on the road to net zero, but to help their businesses stay relevant and competitive. This year, in partnership with 11 of our Daikin Sustainable Home Centres across the UK, we’re running a free nationwide training program to help installers enter the renewable heating market with hybrid heat pumps. eco-Friendly hybrid solution Reducing electricity prices isn’t enough to encourage people to change the way they heat their homes Installers who complete the day-long course can expand their portfolio and gain the skills to upgrade customers to an eco-friendly hybrid solution. Reducing electricity prices isn’t enough to encourage people to change the way they heat their homes; more needs to be done to make new, clean technologies accessible and appealing. We’re doing what we can to incentivize homeowners – and installers – to embrace the possibilities of a hybrid heat pump system, but a clear funding mechanism from Government is needed as well, specifically to help with the upfront cost of upgrading (free boiler or no free boiler). While the now-closed Green Homes Grant explicitly included hybrid heat pump technology, there’s a big question as to whether the same hybrid solutions will be included in the Clean Heat Grant – the details of which are expected later this year. The answer to that question needs to be ‘yes’.

‘Net zero’ is an unavoidable reality in the continuing fight against climate change. For example, both the United Kingdom and the European Union have set targets of having net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These objectives are in line with a commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. Net zero - carbon neutral Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. It’s another term for ‘carbon neutral’. Any activity that creates carbon emissions must be offset by corresponding actions that remove an equal amount of emissions. Examples might be to plant trees that remove CO2 from the atmosphere or to re-purpose emissions-free energy for additional uses. For the HVAC market, the goal of net-zero emissions presents a variety of challenges For the HVAC market, the goal of net-zero emissions presents a variety of challenges. More than 40% of today’s CO2 emissions come from buildings and 30% of energy in buildings is wasted. According to a 2018 International Energy Agency (IEA) report, around 20% of the electricity used in buildings is related to HVAC, and the number is set to more than triple by 2050. Connected systems and real-time data analytics Fortunately, the HVAC industry has developed technology tools to address the challenge, including real-time data analytics and connected systems, to scrutinize how and where energy is being used, and to optimize efficiencies and building performance. In addition to helping to eventually achieve net-zero emissions, these activities will also provide cost savings. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shutdown highlighted the potential impact of lowering greenhouse gas emissions. During the pandemic, global greenhouse gas emissions declined by 7% compared to the previous year, according to research from the University of East Anglia, the University of Exeter and the Global Carbon Project. However, the emissions have resumed as global economies have recovered.  Public-private cooperation to achieve net-zero emissions Achieving net-zero emissions will involve many stakeholders and will require public-private cooperation that includes local governments, building owners and other businesses. Part of the solution is regulation, as governments encourage construction of green buildings. Meeting the objectives involves not just internal systems and infrastructure in a building, but also the materials used, including options, such as smart glass windows and solar panels. There is also an opportunity to educate the public on the positive role that buildings, including HVAC systems, can play in the campaign to eliminate climate change. The public often associates pollution with vehicle exhaust, for example, and may not realize the role that building systems can have on the environment, for better or worse. Leveraging technology to reduce emissions Leveraging technology to reduce emissions in the buildings sector can have a positive impact on the environment Leveraging technology to reduce emissions in the buildings sector can have a positive impact on the environment and on public opinion of the industry’s role to achieve green goals. The role of the HVAC industry should not be overlooked. There are resources available to help guide the path. For example, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program provides a rating system that covers the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings worldwide. U.S. Federal, state and local governments are positioned to require or reward LEED certification, including tax credits, zoning allowances, reduced fees or expedited permitting. building energy efficiency and electrification US President Joe Biden has also announced an initiative to invest federal dollars in building energy efficiency and electrification, with a goal of modernizing and upgrading the nation’s buildings to be affordable, resilient, accessible, energy-efficient, and electrified. Fortunately, manufacturers in the HVAC market as a whole are focused on providing energy-efficient and sustainable technologies to drive the net-zero future of the industry.

High school seniors and their parents weigh multiple factors, when choosing a college or university. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of one factor has shown a marked increase. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is now among the top-three aspects that an applicant and their parents would consider, when choosing a college, according to one survey. Growing awareness of IAQ Growing awareness of IAQ presents an opportunity, as the HVAC industry seeks to serve the higher education market. If air quality is a deal breaker for new students, the opportunity is that much more urgent. A recent survey by professional services firm, JLL confirms that health and safety is at the top-of-mind for parents, and their high school seniors. Some 48% of surveyed parents ranked campus cleanliness and indoor air quality among the top-three most important factors, when choosing a college or university. Campus cleanliness and indoor air quality Also, a total of 84% of parents rank cleanliness and indoor air quality as either ‘important’ or ‘somewhat important’. Campus cleanliness and indoor air quality (IAQ) ranked behind ‘quality of academics’ in the top spot and ‘affordability’ in the second position. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely that health and IAQ concerns would have even been mentioned in such a survey Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely that health and IAQ concerns would have even been mentioned in such a survey. The high ranking of the issue in the current survey reflects heightened health concerns, brought on by the pandemic. In fact, 42 percent of parents noted in the survey that their sentiment toward campus cleanliness and indoor air quality increased, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Students and staff on campus will continue to demand transparency and the highest standards around cleanliness, and air quality,” said Ron Gregory, Executive Vice President North America, JLL Higher Education. Environmental sustainability Environmental sustainability has also emerged as a factor in student recruitment. Some 21% of parents have become more interested in an institution’s commitment to sustainability, during the pandemic. Poor ventilation systems became a big concern, as COVID-19 virus spreads through educational institutions and other facilities. HVAC has gained a higher profile, as a factor that can help to mitigate the spread of the virus. Retrofits can make the difference In the HVAC market, newer systems tend to be more environmentally sustainable and can ensure compliance with the latest regulatory requirements. However, even retrofits can make a difference, especially ‘deep retrofits’ that can address concerns about circulating outside air, increasing humidity and improving filtration systems, as older buildings seek to become greener. Broadly speaking, poor IAQ can negatively affect the health and learning of students of any age Broadly speaking, poor IAQ can negatively affect the health and learning of students of any age. The presence of mold, for example, can increase risks of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Students in well-ventilated classrooms have been shown to achieve higher scores on standardized testing. Greater concern about IAQ and the risks of COVID-19 virus spread have combined to provide new business for HVAC companies that offer useful tools, in order to increase ventilation and even kill germs. Importance of preventative maintenance Keeping campuses clean also impacts a family’s perception of a campus. Some 86% of parents rank the ‘look and feel’ of a campus, as either ‘important’ or ‘somewhat important’. Also, 88% of parents say the physical condition of buildings is either ‘important’ or ‘somewhat important’. As a component of a campus’s physical presence, HVAC systems are part of the solution, when seeking to ensure a campus is seen as modern and appealing. Preventative maintenance is also a factor, in HVAC as well as generally speaking. “Savings generated from preventative maintenance can go back into facilities upkeep, creating an overall better, cleaner and more modern experience for students,” said Kevin Waver, President of JLL Public Institutions at JLL.

Many new buildings are constructed to maximize the efficiency of HVAC systems and to minimize their environmental impact. But what about older buildings? How can they work to achieve efficiency and environmental goals? One answer involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI).  “There are a lot of older buildings, and existing buildings are rarely demolished,” says Jean-Simon Venne, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Brainbox AI. “There are so many of them and they consume a lot of energy and have a big impact on the number of emissions.” Older buildings are reactive rather than proactive HVAC consumes around 50 to 60 percent of the energy used in a building, second only to lighting, whose impact is diminishing with the transition to lower-energy LED lighting. Although older buildings have control systems, they are reactive rather than proactive. Temperature schedules are set according to times and a set of fixed rules. Any changes to the set schedule require a technician who knows the control type and the programming language. Using AI to predict analytics of buildings Brainbox AI provides self-adapting AI to proactively optimize the energy consumption and GHG emissions Brainbox AI provides self-adapting artificial intelligence technology to proactively optimize the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of buildings. The technology connects with existing control systems and extracts information that artificial intelligence (AI) then uses to “learn” how a building reacts to temperature fluctuations. Extrapolating that information, the system can provide predictive analytics; in effect, a glimpse into the future. It’s an approach that quickly provides savings of up to 25% in energy usage and 40% in emissions, even in existing older buildings. Zone-based energy savings An example of how Brainbox AI operates in older buildings can be seen in the Holiday Inn Longueuil in Quebec, Canada, which has over 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a six-story atrium. They sought to reduce their energy consumption and optimize the HVAC systems in the common areas. BrainBox AI calculated energy savings by following the demand of each zone based on the weather and then normalizing the energy consumption based on heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD). Over five months, BrainBox AI was able to achieve an average savings of 34%. The Brainbox system uses machine learning and “deep learning,” which employs neural networks to mimic the activity of the human brain. Brainbox exposes the networks to data so that they can “learn.” This differentiates Brainbox AI from other companies that use technology dashboards to provide insight into a building’s operation but do not provide autonomous operation. Cost-savings while improving environmental concerns In AI and HVAC, spending a fraction of energy on smaller corrections avoids having to spend more energy  Venne compares the approach to guiding a space shuttle. If it begins to go off course, a series of small corrections (such as booster rockets), can guide it back to the target path. In the case of AI and HVAC, spending a fraction of energy on smaller corrections avoids having to spend more energy on larger corrections. A computer analyses all the possible moves, their expected impact and chooses the best path among the possible outcomes. Both energy use and environmental concerns are driving building owners to the new approach. They may be willing to pay a cost to lower emissions, but in this case, using less energy provides cost savings as well as improving environmental impacts. “Now we can both save money and save the planet,” says Venne. “In the last six years, we have become able to do a lot of things at a low cost [using AI], things we were only dreaming of a few years ago. Now we are only limited by our imagination.” Greener energy Another element to minimize environmental impact is to use more energy that has been “responsibly” sourced (such as solar or nuclear power plants) and less energy that comes from high-polluting coal plants, for example. At some times of day, the available kilowatt-hours can be very “dirty;” other times they are greener. Brainbox AI is optimizing its use of greener energy through a partnership with WattTime, a non-profit that offers technology solutions to achieve emissions reductions. In effect, they are incorporating more environmental variables into the AI engine that drives a building’s systems. WattTime is a U.S.-based entity, and the Brainbox partnership is expanding usage to Canada, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world. Effectiveness of AI in HVAC AI engine can detect problems like a defective sensor or a valve stuck open, which might have gone unnoticed  The AI system also helps to maintain an HVAC system. Connecting to a system, the AI engine can detect such problems as a defective sensor or a valve stuck open, which might have gone unnoticed by an operator or maintenance company. The company can provide a “defective list” to a building’s owner. Some will make the repairs immediately, others may not. The effectiveness of the AI system is limited by the equipment that is in place. “We do what we can with what we can,” says Venne. Using self-adapting technology There are about 700 different control platforms in the HVAC market, although a smaller group of about 17 controls about 80% of systems. Brainbox AI interfaces with the 17 main building systems, which include popular protocols such as BACnet, Tridium, Modbus, and Johnson Controls. “It’s important to understand that each building is unique in how it is configured and operates,” says Venne. “There are no copy-and-paste solutions. We need technology that self-adapts. The neural network adapts to buildings and retrains it to evolve without human intervention.” Brainbox AI launched in May 2019 on the commercial side, after a four-year development period. The system has been deployed in 100 million square feet of building space in 15 countries and 70 cities globally, reaching all time zones. There is a large installed base in Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Canada, and the United States. The company is expanding rapidly and has 100 employees.

  Johnson Controls, the global pioneer for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announced it is partnering with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, and the Rochester Institute of Technology - Dubai (RIT Dubai) to deliver the region's first-of-its-kind smart, healthy, and sustainable new campus. "Across the world, Johnson Controls helps businesses, governments and global institutions meet ambitious sustainability goals. Digitization is a key enabler for companies and organizations to meet net zero carbon and renewable energy goals. Employing the right technology and talent are two of the most critical factors for success," said Katie McGinty, vice president and chief sustainability, government and regulatory affairs officer at Johnson Controls. "We are pleased to contribute to the next generation of innovation leaders by giving students the opportunity to learn from the fully open architecture of the Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital platform. Together, we can work to address the decarbonization of buildings, which represent about 40% of global emissions. It is a win-win. Cutting that energy waste and emissions cuts energy costs as well." OpenBlue Enterprise Manager  Johnson Controls is committed to supporting DSOA's sustainability and carbon emissions reduction efforts through its OpenBlue digital platform. The company will deploy its OpenBlue Enterprise Manager (OBEM) solution for RIT Dubai's iconic campus, using sophisticated artificial intelligence. OBEM will empower campus administrators to analyze field data to help address challenges around energy efficiency and optimization. OpenBlue digital platform and services for optimizing buildings can drive 50% improvement in energy efficiency The platform will facilitate RIT Dubai with real-time monitoring, benchmarking and analysis of energy consumption and demand, deliver real and meaningful sustainability solutions on campus, and reduce operational costs and lower environmental impact. Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital platform and services for optimizing buildings can drive 50% and more in improvement in energy efficiency and corresponding carbon emissions. net zero economy These goals are in line with the university's ambition to attract students and faculty committed to building a net zero economy that serves everyone while being able to teach and learn in the most comfortable, quality environment that operates more intelligently and efficiently. RIT Dubai has around 1,000 students and 100 staff members. "Johnson Controls has been a pioneer in innovation and a leader in technology for more than 135 years," said Rolando Furlong, vice president and general manager, Building Solutions MEA, at Johnson Controls "We are proud to partner with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai to drive a new level of sustainability in implementing our OpenBlue Healthy Buildings solutions to optimize performance by digitally transforming RIT Dubai's campus, turning data into insights, and insights into actions that ultimately contribute to the region`s sustainability goals. Our OpenBlue Healthy Buildings solutions will help create a state-of-the-art campus to improve learning environments and prepare students to be tomorrow's innovation leaders." We hold our partnership with Johnson Controls in high regard and share the same values around sustainability" "As a testbed for smart city solutions, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority has always been an early adopter of technology and we always encourage and promote innovative solutions for our region," added Engineer Muammar Khaled Al Katheeri, executive vice president of Engineering and Smart City at DSOA. "We hold our partnership with Johnson Controls in high regard and share the same values around sustainability and innovation. The RIT Dubai campus is state of the art with latest technologies incorporated and we look forward to Johnson Controls delivering the smart facility management for this campus utilizing cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies." Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan For his part, Dr. Yousef M. Al-Assaf, president, Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai, commented: "Johnson Controls has been working with DSOA at various fronts and has been an integral player in the design and construction of various systems in RIT Dubai`s new campus." "We are excited about this partnership between DSOA, RIT Dubai, and Johnson Controls to develop an open ecosystem which will enhance and create opportunities for the community in areas of innovation, creativity, and sustainability. Students will have the opportunity to tap into the interactive OpenBlue dashboards from Johnson Controls and thus benefit and learn from the latest in AI-driven analytics on energy efficiency. This partnership will serve as an example of how a university should operate in the future to become a dynamic contender in creating new knowledge, sustainable solutions and connectivity in the region." Johnson Controls has proven experience in the campuses vertical with solutions and services that power the wellness of students, teachers and staff, optimize the energy performance of the campus and meet environmental and sustainability goals. This collaboration is aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. One of the key deliverables under the Plan is to promote a knowledge and innovation international centre that attracts talents and minds to contribute to the global growth and leadership of Dubai. Dubai Silicon Oasis is one of five main urban centers, a science and technology and knowledge hub that drives innovation, digital economy development, and talent generation.

With net zero now at the forefront of many businesses’ minds, all eyes are on the large travel players to set an example to others in their industries and undergo energy efficiency and sustainability overhauls, something that is championed by national services provider, Eco UK Group. As one of the most vital services in the world, aviation provides the only instant worldwide transportation network, making it essential for global businesses. It generates economic growth and has created 87.7 million jobs all over the globe, as well as facilitating international trade and tourism to millions. Sustainable aviation and energy efficiency In a bid to deliver sustainable aviation, the aviation industry is working on six key areas of focus In a bid to deliver sustainable aviation, the aviation industry is working on six key areas of focus, as part of its commitment to sustainable development. The strategy works to communicate the role of aviation in society, to support a better understanding of how the sector is delivering cleaner, quieter and smarter flying experiences. The six goals are the improvement of air quality, noise, climate change, natural resources, social and economic, and surface access. Backed by a number of airlines, high profile members are focused on finding collaborative ways of improving environmental performance, in order to ensure sustainable growth and energy efficiency within the industry, both in the air and on the ground. One of these members is London’s Heathrow Airport, home to the United Kingdom's only Express Center. Heathrow Airport The Express Centre has been providing customers with the fastest and most cost-effective way to move goods in and out of Heathrow airport, since 1983. Combining both manual and automated services, its expertise and the purpose-built facility offers a heavyweight service and works alongside some of the largest and most respected airlines in the world. The center handles a staggering 60+ daily flights from across five continents, 45 countries, and 85 airports, managing a substantial 130,000 kg of daily shipments. Energy-efficient LED lighting solutions Following its success in supporting works at Edinburgh Airport, Eco UK Group collaborated with both Millar Management Ltd and Orange Construction UK Ltd, on a project that showcased its specialist expertise in mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, and providing advanced energy-efficient LED lighting solutions. This application involved the relocation of the center to a neighboring building at Heathrow Airport, where extensive dilapidation works were completed, to further enhance its business process efficiencies and delivery excellence mindset. This included the installation of a new mezzanine floor and the incorporation of several offices, within the central office area. Power supplies and electrical works Eco UK Group engineers were responsible for the provision of power supplies to much of the facility Eco UK Group engineers were responsible for the provision of power supplies to much of the facility and for business-critical equipment, such as display screens, drivers’ kiosks, weigh scales, metal detectors and turnstiles, X-ray machines, a baggage conveyor system, caster deck, and lifts and over-door heaters. There was also a requirement for the supply and installation of 130 Category 6 twin data outlets and the installation of the associated cabling throughout the facility. These data points are located across the site in offices and restrooms and serve items, such as the drivers’ kiosks, workstations, printer stations, display screens, and a tea station. Eco UK Group’s in-house team supplied and installed the wiring, containment, and data points for the CCTV system and the fitting and commission of additional fire alarms. HVAC equipment work and LED lights Teams also installed energy-efficient LEDs to replace the existing inefficient fittings, in order to deliver the desired lux levels throughout the facility. Eco UK Group is proud to offer an array of the most advanced and technically innovative LED energy-efficient luminaires, emergency lighting conversion kits, and PIR sensor technology, which has previously surpassed customer expectations. This included the provision of both external LED linear lighting and replacement LED floodlights, located above the dock doors. Internally, the Eco UK’s electrical team supplied and installed a selection of industrial and office smart lighting solutions, such as LED high bay warehouse lighting, LED panel lights, and LED linear batten light fittings. Most of the lighting is controlled via PIR sensor technology and local key switch control for the emergency lighting. Commercial air conditioning units installed Additionally, Eco UK Group supplied and installed a state-of-the-art wall mounted commercial air conditioning unit Additionally, Eco UK Group supplied and installed state-of-the-art wall-mounted commercial air conditioning units, reconfigured the existing ventilation and mechanical pipework services (HVAC), and re-routed ducting and ceiling diffusers within the new partition layout. Provision and installation of new extract systems within the restrooms was also specified. Richard Emery, Director at Millar Management Ltd commented, “We were very happy to be working with Eco UK Group on the Heathrow Airport project.” He adds, “The team’s expertise is invaluable and having a company that can specialize in both mechanical and electrical services is of great benefit, to both us and the client. We have worked together well to fulfill the client’s expectations and create a great end result.” Incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) Heathrow Airport has also recently announced its success in incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) from Neste into the main supply for use across all flights. As part of its efforts to meet net-zero targets, the industry giant is now attempting to establish proof of concept for the wide-scale use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, as it aims to reduce emissions from its flights and future-proof aviation, for many years to come.

Heatmasters has finished commissioning an electrical heat treatment furnace for a foundry in Europe. With a loading capacity of 9000 kg and an operating temperature of 1000°C, the furnace was designed according to the customers’ needs, in order to further expand their production capabilities. Electrical heat treatment furnace The furnace includes Heatmasters’ famous digital temperature control system and full automation of two wagons and pneumatic doors. It also implements advanced safety logic, developed by Siemens, which allows safe operation of the furnace, in all conditions. This furnace has been designed to meet the current and future heating requirements of the customer. Thanks to tight cooperation and communication between the customer and Heatmasters’ experts, the company was able to provide a cost-efficient and high-quality solution. Their wizards of metal will be able to provide support, in the form of maintenance and modernization services, to ensure the smooth operation of the furnace, for years to come.

Desiring to offer a community center to its residents, the Town of Oro Valley purchased a facility with existing membership. The Town identified within this facility that the building systems were inefficient and at the end of their useful lives, and the facility’s energy consumption was high. Facility infrastructure upgrades With no funds immediately available, the Town of Oro Valley was challenged to move forward with facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades following acquisition. “There is a considerable focus on efficiency and conservation in the community, so that served as a major tenet for us as we considered upgrades,” said Stacey Lemos, the Chief Financial Officer for the Town of Oro Valley, adding “Another challenge we had was that this is a living and breathing facility, with no significant seasonal slow times and events to work around.” Preliminary energy assessment Trane conducted a preliminary energy assessment, walking through the facilities to gather information Based on a previous relationship with Trane for mechanical systems maintenance, the Town of Oro Valley was interested in creative solutions that the company might provide. Trane conducted a preliminary energy assessment, walking through the facilities to gather information. Using a State of Arizona cooperative contract, Oro Valley selected Trane as their energy services company (ESCO). Identifying energy saving opportunities, The Town of Oro Valley entered into a performance contract with Trane, which would allow the Town to pay for upgrades, with the energy savings realized from the project. The Trane team conducted an investment grade audit (IGA) to thoroughly evaluate the entire facility, including the 50,000 sq. feet building, tennis courts, and golf courses. Energy conservation measures (ECMs) Trane defined potential energy conservation measures (ECMs) designed to reduce consumption of electricity, gas and water. This holistic approach would provide Oro Valley with their desired energy savings solutions, while maintaining a budget neutral project. Improving efficiency and comfort, by creating revenue opportunities, Trane replaced thirty-five HVAC packaged units with more energy efficient systems that feature multiple-zone cooling, to meet comfort demands of staff and guests. LED lighting installed throughout the facility To reduce energy use and improve lighting quality, LED lighting was installed throughout the facility, including more than 250 fixtures on the tennis courts, six wall mounts in the racquetball viewing area, and flood lights near the pool. With the new fixtures, the center can now better accommodate revenue generating events, such as area tennis tournaments. Trane helped reduce water consumption with equipment and controls integration. With its location in the desert, water conservation also was a key issue for the facility. Trane analyzed industry data regarding use per acre-foot standards, to evaluate water use at the golf courses and presented solutions to reduce consumption. Trane Tracer SC building automation system (BAS) The new pumping station uses variable speed pump motors to help reduce energy use The north pumping station was replaced early on in the project, due to an unexpected mechanical failure. The new pumping station uses variable speed pump motors to help reduce energy use, along with a Trane Tracer SC building automation system (BAS), to enable connectivity to the remote pumping equipment. The existing south pumping station was retrofitted with a Tracer SC and both irrigation pumping stations were integrated into a new Tracer Ensemble Enterprise Building Management System. Access Multiple sites from single web-based interface The Tracer Ensemble Enterprise Building Management System enables The Town of Oro Valley to easily access multiple sites and equipment from a single web-based interface. It also allows Trane to monitor, trend and validate water consumption in real time, identifying savings opportunities. The swimming pool pumping filtration and heating systems were replaced to reduce maintenance and chemical costs, eliminating the chlorination system, while improving overall operation. A new pool cover was also installed to reduce water evaporation and heat loss in the cooler months. The significant water use reduction achieved by the upgrades was a key factor in enabling the project to remain budget neutral. Trane Air-FI wireless mesh network The community center BAS was also integrated to the building management system and HVAC controls were installed using Trane Air-FI wireless mesh network with Zigbee/BACnet communication protocol. With no wires to run and all unit controls prepackaged and programmed, Trane technicians were able to spend less time on installation and more time educating facility managers on the use of the controls and the Ensemble building management system. Ensemble building management system The web-enabled Ensemble building management system provides an enterprise view of the entire facility The web-enabled Ensemble building management system provides an enterprise view of the entire facility, allowing facilities managers to handle daily tasks, create schedules for the varied spaces in the center, manage alarms and make adjustments from anywhere in the building, or remotely with a tablet or phone. The Town of Oro Valley also has the option to integrate its other existing control systems into the system in the future. “For the comfort of our guests, our systems have to be reliable,” said Stacey Lemos adding, “We have workout facilities, a restaurant, a pool; schedules vary and some spaces need more cooling than others. With customized thermostats and enterprise-wide monitoring and control, we are now better able to keep our temperatures where they need to be.” Broad scope of ECMs Entering into a performance contract to use guaranteed energy savings to pay for needed upgrades, the Town of Oro Valley and Trane implemented a broad scope of ECMs, which are designed to enhance comfort, improve operations and reduce energy costs. The upgrades, which included improvements to HVAC, controls, lighting, swimming pool systems, golf course irrigation and domestic hot water conservation, are exceeding expectations, providing more than US$ 68,700 in energy savings and more than US$ 93,500 in water savings costs annually. Energy efficiency with LED lighting The Town has also realized more than US$ 30,000 in utility rebates. In addition, the Town of Oro Valley was honored by Tucson Electric Power for improving its energy efficiency, by replacing inefficient lighting with LED bulbs, and helping to make the community more sustainable by harvesting rain water and deploying a Green Team. “We are meeting projections, and have been able to keep to our budget,” said Stacey Lemos, adding “Plus, the useful life of the equipment will far exceed our debt.”

US$ 4.6 million in projected energy and operating cost savings empowered the Charleroi Area School District, a western Pennsylvania public school district to renew assets and improve indoor air quality for shared learning spaces. After their immediate responses to COVID-19, many schools reassessed ventilation assets and started vetting plans to ensure healthy indoor air going forward. To green light a fiscally responsible solution, Charleroi Area School District (CASD) needed a way to overcome humidity and boiler issues interrupting learning without adding excessive burdens on community resources. Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology ABM’s custom solution created a projected US$ 4.6 million in energy and operating cost savings ABM’s custom solution created a projected US$ 4.6 million in energy and operating cost savings. In addition to improved lighting, HVAC and building controls, the project added Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology, a pathogen and particle control measure for ventilation systems, to every facility. Prioritizing healthy air and fiscal responsibility together after assessing CASD assets, operations, and goals, ABM technical experts were able to identify opportunities to improve facilities for students and teachers, while reducing energy and operating costs. By creating that savings, the project empowered CASD leadership to protect air quality and community resources going forward. “Together we have been able to solve HVAC issues that have interrupted the learning process in the past,” said Dr. Ed Zelich, Superintendent of Charleroi Area School District, adding “Consequently, we’ve been able to obtain sustainable, efficient air quality improvements that are safeguarding our learning environments for the future.” Energy Performance Contracting Program ABM’s Energy Performance Contracting Program enables investment in indoor air quality (IAQ) for shared learning environments and community sustainability goals by driving costs out of operating budgets and redirecting savings to critical needs. Facility upgrades included energy conservation measures for seven facilities across the district, including Charleroi Elementary Center, Charleroi High School, and the Sports Complex. Highlights of the project include: Replacing aging boilers and ventilation equipment Re-commissioning and optimizing HVAC systems Building automation system upgrades, including new sensors for monitoring IAQ Needlepoint Bi-Polar Ionization installations Installing water conservation upgrades Replacing high-efficiency transformers in electrical power distribution systems LED lighting upgrades Roofing and building envelope improvements

Tempco was approached by one of the world's leading mechanical and plant engineering firms. They were seeking an oven system to aid in the research and development of biaxially oriented films on a tenter frame line. Tempco designed a series of duct heaters for the production of plastic films by the tendering process. The tentering process is used to stretch the width and length of materials under tension with a tenter frame. During the process, a thick extruded sheet is heated and mechanically stretched in both longitudinal and transverse directions. The most common plastic films produced with this method are biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and polyester (BOPET) which are often used in the packaging industry. The machine is designed to produce products for several other industries as well such as automotive, medical, graphics, etc. Heaters help maintain high temperatures The process heater system consists of eight units with three different duct heater designs and a maximum air temperature of 500°F. Tempco designed the duct heaters with tubular heating elements so that the units could hang vertically. Because of the high operating temperature, each heater also has a 6-inch insulating panel. The panels help to keep heat inside the oven and also protect the terminal housings from heat damage. Each duct heater produces about 100 to 200 KW of heat while maintaining low watt densities Each duct heater produces about 100 to 200 KW of heat while maintaining low watt densities, about 20 W/in.2 per element. The oven system produces a total of 1350 kW split into three heat zones: Preheat Zone - 380 kW Heats the raw material from the extruder to prepare it for stretching Stretch Zone - 280 kW Stretches the material using rolls with progressively increasing speeds to lengthen the film and using chains and clips moving apart in the transverse directions to widen the film Heat Set Zone - 690 kW The high-temperature zone permanently sets the material to the stretched size Continuous communication and feedback from the customer were important to this project. Tempco designed and manufactured the finished products in less than 8 weeks. These heaters can easily heat a large volume of air and maintain the system at high temperatures.

Shifting demographics suggest a need for ‘new blood’ in the HVAC industry. It has never been a more important time to attract new applicants into the industry. Fortunately, there is a range of exciting opportunities for applicants of any age, including new disciplines and skills needed as HVAC systems transform in the digital age. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the emerging career opportunities in the HVAC industry?

The practice of working from home soared during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and many observers see a likely continuation of the trend, as infection risks gradually subside. Both environments – home and office – depend on HVAC systems to keep occupants comfortable (and safe!). Therefore, the industry stands to be impacted whichever way the trend plays out. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How will remote working affect residential and commercial HVAC?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software and other technologies to facilitate connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Use of the IoT is expanding among both business and residential applications. However, there are hurdles to overcome, including security, privacy and networking challenges. As more HVAC devices embrace the IoT, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the HVAC market?