May 15, 2008

Yesterday I had the pleasure of testifying before U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming in a hearing on Building Green, Saving Green: Constructing Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Buildings.

I spoke about ASHRAE’s work in advancing its energy efficiency guidance, including our Advanced Energy Design Guide series (available for free at www.ashrae.org/freeaedg) and our proposed high performance green building standard being developed with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

Joining me on the panel were Ed Norton, actor and trustee of Enterprise Community Partners; the Honorable Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco; and Michelle Moore, senior vice president of policy and market development, U.S. Green Building Council.

One word that kept coming up was “crisis.” I noted that “collectively we have been able to provide comfortable, healthy and safe buildings that have substantially improved the quality of our lives.  Unfortunately, the energy consumed by these buildings is helping fuel this energy crisis. The U.S. Energy Information Agency has reported that world energy consumption is projected to grow by approximately 57 percent from 2004 to 2030.  And while energy consumption and prices continue to rise, the true costs of using energy are even higher when considering the impacts on our children’s future and the environment.”

Ed Norton commented that he believes sustainability will be the legacy of his generation, much like the impact of the Civil Rights era of his parents’ generation and the World War II of his grandparents’ times.

Committee member Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (Missouri) reminded us that “a crisis is a terrible thing to waste….it’s time to create consciousness” regarding the need to be more sustainable and energy efficiency.

As I said in my presidential address, this is an exciting time in our industry and our Society. The challenges related to energy, sustainability, high performance buildings create tremendous opportunities for us and the marketplace.

I hope we see continued dialogue on this subject and a call to action that will spur a national call for improved energy efficiency.

You can read more in upcoming days about the hearing at the Committee Website at http://globalwarming.house.gov/home. There are some photos posted at http://globalwarming.house.gov/pubs. It also will be shown on C-SPAN, and I’ll let you know when to tune to watch.

Panelists included (seated from left) Gavin Newsom, Kent Peterson, Ed Norton and Michelle Moore. 

April 25, 2008

As my term as ASHRAE president comes to a close, it seems as if my schedule is picking up. So far this month, I’ve visited with members in Houston, Shanghai, Arizona and Doha, Qatar.  I’d like to share a few highlights of ASHRAE’s outreach since we last chatted.

I was able to attend and speak at the Gulf Coast Green Conference in Houston at the beginning of the month.  This event is put on by the local ASHRAE, AIA and USGBC chapters to promote more sustainable building practice in that region.  Houston Mayor Bill White outlined his plans for transitioning Houston into one of the greener cities in the United States.

In China, I, along with a few other members, attended the China Refrigeration Expo and gave ASHRAE technical presentations related to refrigeration and improving energy efficiency in buildings. We now have two ASHRAE member groups in China that we started this year in cooperation with the Chinese Association of Refrigeration.  One is based in Shanghai with the other in Beijing.  We met with approximately 100 students from Tongji University who asked some excellent questions about ASHRAE and our work, as well as pinning me down on my personal responsibility toward protecting the environment. You can bet I’ll double my efforts to make sure lights are turned off in empty rooms in my house and to practice other environmentally and energy savings measures.  I just purchased my first Prius this week!

In Doha, I had the pleasure of chartering the first chapter in Qatar. The chapter becomes the 18th in our Region-at-Large and our third new chapter chartered this year. We’ve come a long way since chartering our first chapters in Singapore and Hong Kong in 1984.

Earlier this month, ASHRAE hosted another successful satellite broadcast. This one focused on integrated building design. More than 20,000 folks tuned in via Webcast and satellite downlink to hear the guidance from our presenters. Thanks very much to the presenters and the other volunteers and staff who were involved. It’s a tremendous amount of work to pull these off.

If you were in New York over Earth Day, I hope you saw ASHRAE on the Reuters billboard in Times Square. As part of the Earth Day celebration, ASHRAE used the nation’s largest electronic billboard to raise awareness of our energy-savings guidance.  If you didn’t catch the billboard, you can read about it in the May issue of Insights.

We also launched a dues for developing countries program, designed to encourage membership outside North America. The program provides a decreased dues structure option for individuals residing in countries categorized as lower or lower-middle income countries by the World Bank List of Economies statistics. By offering more affordable dues to members in developing countries, we are expanding our reach into countries that can contribute to and benefit from the technology and information sharing in the Society. This will help in creating a worldwide best practices databank of innovative and successful technologies that can serve the HVAC&R community. I’m optimistic that this program will bring many new members into ASHRAE, helping us grow as a Society in numbers and in expanding the technical guidance we produce.

Today I’m headed to the Region VIII Chapters Regional Conference, which is sure to be a lot of fun.  The Shreveport Chapter is hosting the event, with a theme of Louisiana Lagniappe.  Lagniappe means “a little something extra” and I’m sure the chapter will deliver on that promise!

Next week, I’m off to the CIBSE/ASHRAE conference with its focus on sustainability. I’ll check in from there.

February 26, 2008

There is no question that we can improve building energy efficiency through the use of both mandatory building energy codes and voluntary building rating systems.

While in Hong Kong, I had an opportunity to meet with the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (http://www.hkie.org.hk), the Electrical Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) with the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (http://www.emsd.gov.hk) in charge of energy efficiency and carbon reduction.  We were able to discuss the benefits of mandatory building energy codes and lessons learned in energy code enforcement in various parts of the United States.  Hong Kong is currently considering implementing mandatory building energy codes.
 

Shown with President Peterson is Alfred Wing-hing SIT, assistant director of the Energy Efficiency Office, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Government of the Hong Kong SAR.  The photo is taken at EMSD headquarters building with Lion Rock Mountain in the background. According to the locals, Lion Rock, the peak which gives the park its name, is a key attraction in Hong Kong. This magnificent range is a witness to Hong Kong’s legendary development from a fishing village to an international metropolis. The 495 m mountain is characterized by rugged escarpments on the west side. Viewed from a distance, it resembles a lion sitting regally with its head facing west, as if to keepHong Kong in safe guard.

February 25, 2008

I had the pleasure to spend some time with our ASHRAE student members and young ASHRAE members in Hong Kong a couple of weeks ago.  This is a very professional group of current and future engineers.  The young ASHRAE members mentor the five student branches in Hong Kong and provide a valuable connection for the students as they begin to consider potential career paths.

The students in Hong Kong have numerous opportunities with the booming construction in many parts of Asia.  I indicated that it is important for everyone to set goals in both their career and life.  Always be concerned about what programs future employers offer that will continue to develop their careers – do not be satisfied with only on-the-job training. I believe that any job we choose in life must have a great sense of personal satisfaction that goes far beyond the salary we earn.  I also recommended that as young engineers it is very important to ask “why?” to both gain a better understanding of current concepts and question the status quo – we are relying on today’s engineering students to engineer a better world in the future

Jan. 23, 2008

As I look out the window of my hotel room tonight, I am reminded of a quote from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. She wrote “I would give the greatest sunset in the world for one sight of New York’s skyline. The shapes and the thought that made them. The sky over New York and the will of man made visible. What other religion do we need?”

The skyline is breathtaking. But it’s equally breathtaking to think that the work done by our members this week in this city impacts every single building I see in that skyline. Imagine – there is not a single building in the world not somehow touched by ASHRAE’s guidance related to energy, indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, refrigeration.

As Presidential Member Bill Coad reminded us on Monday, it was 113 years ago that 25 men met together in this city to discuss forming a society to give consideration to engineering matters related to heating and ventilation.

Look how far we’ve come. From 25 men in one city to 50,000 men and women worldwide.

Thank you for your work in helping ASHRAE engineer the skyline of the world.

January 22, 2008

This morning I had the opportunity to meet with editors and reporters of leading HVAC&R trade magazines to share my message about ASHRAE’s work related to net-zero-energy building.

Rising energy costs, climate concerns, and a greater emphasis on sustainable buildings have awakened the interest of nearly everyone looking for ways to simultaneously create more energy-efficient buildings, save money and help the environment. To move beyond the first steps of solar panels and compact fluorescent light bulbs means a fundamental shift toward the creation of net-zero-energy buildings.

Joining me were Steve Skalko, vice chair of our Standard 90.1 Committee, and Mark MacCracken, vice of chair of the Standard 189.1 Committee. The media was very interested in the work being done by our Society, particularly 189.1P (our proposed standard for high performing buildings). Their interest reinforces my belief that we are headed for a market transformation. I believe this standard, once published, will play a leading role in that transformation.

Later, our roundtable, High-Performance Buildings: Lessons from the Leaders, took place. The panelists are key players in the design and operation of New York City’s most sustainable buildings. The panelists shared their experience in delivering high-performing buildings. As one stated “what we do today is called high performance but it is just good and efficient design…..It is reasonable to believe that the issue is no longer if it is a high performance building: the question is how high.” This session was video-recorded and will be available soon on ASHRAE.org at no charge.

Finally, I had the pleasure of accepting a Readers Choice Award from RSES Journal for the Standard 15 Users Manual, which provides guidance for our Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems. It is a nice reminder of the value of ASHRAE products to the marketplace.

Tonight, I’m headed off to our members’ night out, which is great way to wind down after the hectic week. I look forward to talking to friends and colleagues.

January 21, 2008

If you’ve ever been to New York City, you know how busy the streets are. With the people coming and going at all hours, it’s truly an exciting place. This week’s ASHRAE meeting is rivaling New York City in its buzz and excitement.

We have more than 2,600 people here. The hallways are filled with groups of folks chatting, debating and arguing about how to move our Society forward and back our industry better. As I write this, I hear three gentlemen debating how to improve the efficiencies of 90.1. And ASHRAE and its role in the future of sustainable design is the talk of the meeting.

Sunday’s technical program included a technical plenary focused on New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s sustainability plan, plaNYC. One of the speakers talked about the importance of ASHRAE’s role in reducing energy use, saying “the world’s attention is turned to what you do……”

I echoed that sentiment today in my state of the Society address. Now more than ever, ASHRAE needs to provide leadership. This leadership will require a steady vision, technical credibility, proper direction and collaboration with other organizations – with immediate action in many areas.

I know that we are ready for this challenge. When we do what is right, burden changes to benefit.

It is truly a wonderful time to be an ASHRAE member. Just think about the difference we can make.

Tomorrow’s schedule includes the annual ASHRAE press breakfast where we share with HVAC&R trade editors an update on our work. This year, the breakfast focuses on our efforts related to net-zero-energy use. Tomorrow is also the opening day of the AHR Expo, which is virtually sold out with 1,876 exhibitors. It is the sixth-largest ever with 363,205 of net square feet of exhibit space. This is 8.3 acres. In terms of exhibitors, it is nearly as large as the record-setting 2006 Show in Chicago that had 1,989 exhibitors.

I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

January 20, 2008

The meeting continues to go well. My day began with the annual student breakfast, attended by more than 400 students. It was a great way to start the day, seeing the passion and drive of these young members. It’s been said that today’s buildings mortgage our energy and environmental future. This generation, unfortunately, will bear the brunt of that mortgage. But these future engineers also likely will be the ones who develop the technology and the design guidance to pay it off. Seeing their enthusiasm gives me confidence that our future is in good hands.

We also continue to reach out to other groups in the building environment industry. We signed memorandums of understanding with the Brazil Green Building Council and with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). Working with the Brazil Council opens up the door to translating our technical guidance to promote its use in that country. The agreement with BOMA states that “In recognition of shared technical interests to foster superior building performance, ASHRAE and BOMA International agree to advance and promote the mutual interests of engineering and building operations and management.” As we move toward our goal of achieving net-zero-energy buildings, partnerships with related disciplines, like building owners and managers, take on more importance.

On tomorrow’s schedule - I give my state of the Society address. I’ll share an exciting new video that shows how to achieve net-zero-energy use in a new building. You’ll be able to see it soon on ASHRAE.org.

January 20, 2008

As ASHRAE continues to work toward net-zero-energy design guidance, we are making some interesting and beneficial stops along the way. The most recent one is related to the new Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools, published by ASHRAE this month.

A full 16 percent of schools districts’ controllable costs is spent on energy. This publication written specifically for K-12 schools will aid design teams in constructing energy-smart schools using off-the-shelf technology that can cut energy use 30 percent or more annually. The publication, which instructs architects, engineers and others on building design teams how to use best design practices to create energy-saving buildings, is written in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, the U.S. Green Building Council and the U.S. Department of Energy

And the best part? We are giving it away for free. Yes, you read that right. The book is available for free in electronic form at www.ashrae.org/freeaedg Hard copies are still available for purchase. In addition, other publications in the Advanced Energy Design Guide series are also now available for free to members and nonmembers via electronic download. These include the guides on small office buildings and small retail buildings. ASHRAE is also sending more than 14,000 hard copies of the publication to school district officials nationwide as well.

Energy efficiency is essential to the long-term survival of our world. ASHRAE wants to get this valuable guidance into the marketplace and into the hands of design teams. As today’s children are the future leaders of the world, there is no better time to launch this program than with the release of this K-12 book

Jan. 19, 2008

Today, ASHRAE’s 2008 Winter Meeting officially opened in New York City. I’m pleased that the meeting is off to a great start – this afternoon, we’ll pay tribute to 49 members for their contributions to the Society and to society at the plenary session. The awards ceremony is a nice reminder of the strides are members are making in engineering the world we live in. Among those being recognized is Ole Fanger, who was inducted into the ASHRAE Hall of Fame, which recognizes deceased members of ASHRAE who have made milestone contributions to the growth of the industry. As you know, Ole is widely considered the world’s leading expert on the effects of the indoor environment on human comfort.

Tonight, the New York Host Committee is putting on what I’m sure will be an outstanding welcome party. To me, the party is one of the highlights of the meeting. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. It truly highlights the networking opportunities that our Society provides. That networking is a membership benefit that we need to tout more frequently.

Tomorrow is another busy day – the technical program kicks off; the student breakfast takes place, bringing together the brightest and the best young minds that our Society has to offer; and I have meetings scheduled with representatives from CIBSE, BOMA and the Brazil Green Building Council to discuss how our organizations can work more closely together to build a strong industry.

If you’re attending, I’d be interested to know how your meetings are going so far.