The Conduit: IEQ & Net Zero Through HVAC - April 2024 News & Updates
Embracing Earth Day: Varitec's April Newsletter
As we welcome the season of renewal and celebrate Earth Day, Varitec proudly presents our April newsletter, brimming with insights and initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. We kick off with the timely subject of refrigerants, spotlighting the shift towards eco-conscious R-32 refrigerant in HVAC systems, epitomizing our dedication to minimizing carbon footprints. Explore expert discussions on indoor air quality's paramount importance, echoing the spirit of Earth Day as we strive for healthier environments. Discover our dedication to sustainability standards such as LEED, RoHS, and ISO, ensuring our practices align with stringent environmental criteria. Learn about innovative recycling initiatives and efforts to minimize plastic waste, reflecting our pledge to protect our planet's precious resources. Join us in this journey toward a greener future as we celebrate Earth Day and embrace the vibrant transition from spring to summer.
Varitec; supporting our community for a better tomorrow.
Revolutionizing HVAC Sustainability: The Power of R-32 Refrigerant
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have long been a staple in HVAC systems, but their environmental impact is undeniable. Enter R-32 refrigerant, with a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than its counterparts like R-410A. However, its benefits go beyond just numbers. R-32's superior thermodynamic properties allow for more efficient systems, up to 12% more so than R-410A, with reduced material usage and smaller carbon footprints. With endorsements from HVAC leaders and widespread adoption globally, R-32 is poised to redefine sustainability in HVAC technology.
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Clearing the Air: Understanding the Impact of Roadway Pollution on Indoor Environments
Despite strides in California's clean energy initiatives, individuals residing near major roadways face persistent health risks linked to roadway air pollution, as highlighted in a new report by UC Davis Health researchers. Commissioned by state legislative committees, the report underscores the health hazards posed by near-roadway air pollution (NRAP) and proposes mitigation strategies, including enhanced indoor ventilation. With contributions from experts across the University of California system, the report emphasizes the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and advocates for evidence-based solutions to safeguard public health in urban environments.
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Design Guidance for Education Facilities, Version 2.0
This updated guidance document serves as a vital resource for design professionals and mechanical contractors involved in improving indoor air quality (IAQ) within educational facilities. It facilitates discussions with school personnel, offering options tailored to regional needs and available funding. Aligned with ASHRAE publications, this guide outlines principles and practical considerations to mitigate risks and enhance IAQ, whether in retrofitting existing facilities or designing new ones. Collaboratively developed recommendations, including base minimum and advanced IAQ strategies, draw from global implementation and aim to optimize learning environments while adhering to industry standards.
Advancing Health Through Innovative Indoor Air Quality Solutions
KJZZ 91.5 FM Phoenix recently spotlighted the crucial role of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in safeguarding health, particularly amidst infection concerns. Experts from the University of Arizona, including Paloma Beamer and Kelly Reynolds, discussed the heightened awareness of IAQ's impact on health due to the pandemic and introduced ASHRAE's new Standard 241 for controlling infectious aerosols. The feature highlighted Lily's Pad in Tempe, a play area for immune-compromised children, showcasing advanced IAQ solutions like Building4Health Inc. (B4H) technology brought to Arizona by Varitec. Through collaboration with Applied Engineering, Varitec demonstrates the practical application of cutting-edge IAQ solutions, emphasizing the importance of engineering innovation in promoting health and safety in communities.
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Our Plastic Ocean
Plastics serve various purposes, from holding together the fibers of clothing to binding tea bags, yet their detrimental impact on our oceans cannot be overlooked. The proliferation of plastic waste has led to the formation of massive garbage patches, notably in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. Despite their invisibility to the naked eye, these patches pose a grave threat, breaking down into microplastics that pervade marine ecosystems. Alarmingly, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with a staggering 8 million metric tons finding their way into the ocean each year. This plastic pollution not only harms marine life but also enters the human food chain, potentially leading to severe health issues. Efforts to address this crisis include the ongoing UN Global Plastic Treaty negotiations, although challenges persist due to the influence of the plastic-producing industry, which prioritizes profit over environmental sustainability. If left unchecked, the consequences of plastic production could be catastrophic for both human health and the planet.
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Building Automation Controls: Commitment to Sustainability
Although Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd, every day in Building Automation Controls is dedicated to energy savings, enhancing our building functions, and minimizing our environmental impact. Our focus for 2024 is on recycling and reducing the impact of plastics on our planet. By collaborating with partners like Reliable Controls, we can provide solutions that prioritize compliance and sustainability.
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When pursuing sustainability, it is important to adhere to standards such as LEED, RoHS, WEEE, and ISO 9001 and 14001. These quality and environmental assurance standards guide our approach to sustainable practices. For example, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance outlines the specific chemicals to avoid in products and their allowable concentrations.
To learn more about RoHS compliance, including regulations, substances, and exemptions, refer to the 2024 RoHS Compliance Guide that Reliable controls is compliant in, at?2024 RoHS Compliance Guide: Regulations, 10 Substances, Exemptions (rohsguide.com)
Upcoming Educational Opportunities & Events
Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm MT (AZ)
100% OSA Systems - The Importance of Ventilation
Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm MT (AZ)
Fundamentals of Controls
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm MT (AZ)
How Can High Performing Buildings Continue to Perform at Optimal Levels?
Apr 17
Webinar: 100% Air Systems - The Importance of Ventilation
This presentation demonstrates why properly designed 100% OSA systems can be more energy efficient even when designed with greater OSA airflow rates to meet the new ECAi flow rates assigned by Standard 241-2023’s with an added benefit of providing superior indoor air quality during normal times of operation.
Register | FREE
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Apr 22
Earth Day Clean Up
Join us for an Earth Day Clean up where we will do our part to clean up our property and extend out into our surrounding neighbors. All are welcome! We will provide gloves and trash bags. Snacks and refreshments will follow at Varitec's office.
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Register | FREE
CEO at All On
10 个月Thank you for sharing such important and timely information, Varitec. It's great to see your commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship reflected in your April edition. The gamechanging potential of ecofriendly R32 refrigerant and the discussions on the crucial role of indoor air quality are definitely topics that need more attention. Your efforts in adhering to sustainability standards like LEED, RoHS, and ISO, as well as your innovative recycling strategies to reduce plastic waste, are truly commendable. We're also excited to learn more about the groundbreaking IAQ solutions showcased at Lilys Pad in Tempe, AZ. Keep up the great work! #EarthDay #Sustainability #EnvironmentalStewardship