The Conduit: IEQ & Net Zero Through HVAC | January 2024 News & Updates
As we step into the dawn of a new year, our January newsletter unveils a mosaic of significant milestones and impactful initiatives. From the announcement of the hottest year on record by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, highlighting the urgency of climate action, to the U.S. Department of Energy's crucial steps towards a net-zero emissions future, our articles explore the forefront of environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Celebrate the strides made in building commissioning with an article emphasizing the need for regular check-ups to ensure lasting well-being for structures, akin to our own health routines. Whether it's advancing wildfire smoke preparedness in Arizona or exploring the global stage of HVAC&R at the ASHRAE Winter Conference, this newsletter encapsulates the spirit of January—a month that marks not just a beginning but a commitment to fostering positive change. Read on to usher in the new year with knowledge and inspiration.
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ASHRAE Concludes Chicago Winter Conference and AHR Expo With Impressive Attendance and Accelerated Decarbonization Action
The 2024 ASHRAE Winter Conference, held in Chicago from January 20-24, brought together nearly 3,800 HVAC&R industry leaders, professionals, and experts to address critical topics such as decarbonization, climate change, and artificial intelligence. The accompanying AHR Expo, spanning 527,000 square feet, showcased cutting-edge HVAC&R technologies with over 1,860 exhibitors. ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins highlighted the Society's commitment to tackling the global climate crisis, announcing the transition of the ASHRAE Task Force for Building Decarbonization to a permanent Center of Excellence. Notable moments included the Decarbonization Challenge winners announcement and partnerships with organizations like Empower and OzonAction. ASHRAE's dedication to building a sustainable future was underscored by President Scoggins, who emphasized the organization's role in achieving energy efficiency gains and creating a real impact in buildings and communities. For a comprehensive overview and President Scoggins's full address, visit https://www.ashrae.org/president
Biden-Harris Administration, EPA announce $1.9 million grant to Arizona for wildfire smoke preparedness
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $1,954,130 grant to the Arizona Board of Regents and Arizona State University, aimed at enhancing wildfire smoke preparedness and protection in communities across the state. With a focus on engaging diverse communities, the project seeks to address challenges posed by wildfires by involving community members in discussions on indoor air pollution control and associated health fields. The initiative also includes evaluating facilities' capacity to handle air pollution and heat impacts from wildfires, ultimately implementing sustainable solutions. As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, this grant plays a crucial role in providing communities with tools to mitigate the dangers of wildfire smoke. For a detailed overview of the grant program and its objectives, please read more below.
Copernicus Climate Service Declares 2023 as Hottest Year on Record
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union, the year 2023 has officially earned the dubious distinction of being the hottest on record. Global temperatures during this period averaged 1.48 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, surpassing any previous records. Notably, this translates to a half-degree Fahrenheit increase compared to earlier years. In light of scientists' warnings regarding the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, governments worldwide have committed to concerted efforts to achieve this crucial target. The study underscores the urgency of climate action to curb further temperature escalation. To read more about this research, click below.
U.S. Department of Energy Initiates Public Input for National Zero Emissions Building Definition
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office (BTO) has recently released a Request for Information (RFI) on the draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building, marking a pivotal step in President Biden's comprehensive strategy to achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 and a fully clean energy electricity sector by 2035. Specifically targeting "part 1" of the proposed definition, which focuses on zero operating emissions, the RFI seeks information on criteria for buildings to be classified as zero emissions. These criteria emphasize high energy efficiency, absence of on-site emissions from energy use, and exclusive reliance on clean energy sources. The ongoing public input will play a crucial role in shaping this definition, which is instrumental in steering the building sector towards zero emissions, a key component in reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. For more details and to participate in the RFI, visit the DOE's official announcement below.
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A single health check at birth promising a lifetime of well-being without any need for further medical attention may sound too good to be true—and it is.
Much like our bodies, which require regular check-ups for optimal health, building commissioning is no different. Retro-Commissioning (RCx) and Monitoring-based Commissioning (MBCx), including Fault Detection, not only enhance HVAC functionality but also contribute to energy savings and cost efficiency. Read this article to explore real-world experiences with these approaches in schools. Afterwards, connect with us to discover how VCSS can provide commissioning solutions and eliminate the need for costly hours of human intervention and enabling tests to be conducted seamlessly from any anywhere.
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