Fastrack July 2007

Conserving Energy With a Pump System
By Steven L. Dickson
At what point in a large building's life do facility managers decide to replace key mechanical systems? That depends on many factors, including the age and condition of system components, operational performance and efficiency, and the costs and long-term advantages of system replacement. Read how one high-rise office building's pressure-boosting system saved $40,000...[MORE]

Retrofitting Buildings to Reduce Chemical- and Biological-Hazard Risks
The report "Building Retrofits for Increased Protection Against Airborne Chemical and Biological Releases," from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), offers information on retrofit options to improve the safety of buildings against airborne chemical and biological hazards. The guide can be used to determine how to harden existing buildings against accidental chemical releases or possible terrorist threats. NIST researchers evaluated 14 alternative retrofit techniques based on data from simulated airflow and contaminant-transport computer modeling, as well as a case study in which retrofits were designed for a high-rise and single-story building.

Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Modeling Report
The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) released "Scenarios of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Atmospheric Concentrations, and Review of Integrated Scenario Development and Application," which is the second in a series of 21 Synthesis and Assessment (S&A) reports. Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the S&A 2.1 report provides a new long-term, global reference for greenhouse-gas stabilization scenarios and an evaluation of the process by which scenarios are developed and used...[MORE]

Chilled Beams and Ceilings
By Richard Pickering
The article "Chilled Beams and Ceilings," published by Norman Disney and Young, presents a straightforward analysis of the performance of chilled-beam systems and variable-air-volume systems and considers the information needed to be able to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the most appropriate air-conditioning system.

USGBC Raises LEED Performance Requirements
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) passed a vote to boost Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) performance requirements. All LEED-certified projects are now required to earn at least two energy-performance-optimization points. The standard is effective immediately for all newly registered commercial LEED projects. The USGBC is creating a prescriptive compliance path to help with the certification process...[MORE]

AMCA Receives ASHRAE Test Fan Project
Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International's testing laboratory is in operation with ASHRAE Research Project RP1272, Inlet Installation Effects on Forward Curved Centrifugal Fans, Air, and Sound. The goal of the project is to obtain a body of measured inlet-system effects for a typical forward-curved centrifugal fan using ANSI/AMCA 210/ASHRAE 51 and AMCA 300. To date, all air-performance tests have been completed. AMCA was approved to proceed with the acoustic-testing portion of the research project...[MORE]

Danfoss Ranks Among the World's Most Respected Companies
In the report "2007 Global RepTrak Pulse," Danfoss is named one of 200 companies with the best corporate reputations. Danfoss is a supplier of components, controls, compressors, and systems for air conditioning and refrigeration. RepTrak ranks companies based on 23 key attributes, such as performance, product/service, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship, and leadership.

YOU NEED TO BE GREEN TO GROW!

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the products and services market for green building is expected to exceed $12 billion in 2007. Virtually every new-construction and retrofit project undertaken today includes some element of green design.

For designers and specifiers of mechanical systems, this explosive green-building market means huge potential for growth. Engineering Green Buildings (EGB) 2007, the only green-design event dedicated to mechanical systems in non-residential buildings, presents an opportunity for you to learn how to be "greener" and provides the knowledge and skills you need to "go for the green" in the tremendously profitable green-design arena. www.egbconference.com

DISCOVER THE CRITICAL SECRETS TO SUCCESS IN COMMERCIAL HVACR CONTRACTING

* What are the most pressing issues affecting your business?
* What are the hottest technologies and applications on the market today?
* What do you know about new business-management ideas designed to make your business profitable?

Find the answers to these questions and much more at the 2007 Commercial Contracting Roundtable & Design/Build Seminar, presented by Contracting Business magazine and the ACCA. Two days of workshops and networking events will show you how to make the most of new opportunities in the commercial HVACR market. Dr. Martin Regalia, chief economist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will lead a provocative opening session offering attendees "A Layman's Look at Today's Economy."

Mark your calendars for Oct. 24 and 25 at Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport in Baltimore. For complete workshop information and easy online registration, go to www.contractingroundtable.com.