2009 AHR Expo to Build on Green Focus

Jan. 1, 2009
Building on the green focus of last year's show in New York, the 2009 AHR Expo will place a special emphasis on environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products and technologies. Green building, sustainable design, and renewable energy are just a few of the subjects that will be covered at the 61st edition of what is touted as the world's largest HVACR expo.

Building on the green focus of last year's show in New York, the 2009 AHR Expo will place a special emphasis on environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products and technologies. Green building, sustainable design, and renewable energy are just a few of the subjects that will be covered at the 61st edition of what is touted as the world's largest HVACR expo.

In addition to the hundreds of environmentally conscious products and technologies on display, several green seminars and sessions also will be offered, including:

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Program will host an information booth and conduct an educational session.

  • The Partnership for Environmental Leadership, a collaboration of six green-minded industry associations, is driving its HVAC Mobile Green Classroom onto the expo show floor. Attendees will have free access to hands-on learning opportunities presented inside the classroom. The training trailer demonstrates new technologies being used to enhance building energy efficiency while maintaining occupant health, safety, and comfort.

  • The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will present a full-day Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) educational program.

  • The Green Mechanical Council (GMC) will provide two free educational programs.

  • The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will offer several seminars on a variety of green topics.

To recognize industry suppliers that offer products that help create cleaner indoor environments, the expo once again will present the indoor-air-quality (IAQ) designation. Companies that showcase products for IAQ improvement will receive a special IAQ sign to display in their booths during the show.

Recognizing the need to offer more sustainable products and technologies, many exhibitors said they plan to showcase green solutions.

“Industry knowledge of sustainability is growing, and it's critical for us to tell our green story,” Stirling Boston, marketing manager for Lochinvar Corp., said. “Attending AHR Expo allows us to help our customers understand that commitment to the environment.”

“As a leading information resource for the HVACR industry, it is critical that the AHR Expo keep its attendees on the cutting edge of the latest green products and issues,” Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Co., which produces and manages the expo, said.

The show is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.

AN ARRAY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The latest trends, technologies, and techniques that impact the HVACR industry will be addressed as part of the extensive educational programming offered at the expo. In addition to 30 educational sessions and workshops offered by the ASHRAE Learning Institute, 18 industry associations will present 29 free sessions at the expo. Free sessions include “Using Technology to Create Sustainable Green Buildings,” “System Operating Costs and Duct Leakage,” “Maximizing System Performance with Condensing/Non-condensing Boilers,” “Green Buildings, BIM, and Evolving Energy Standards,” and “Emission Reductions Using Combustion & Post-Combustion Processes.”

Some of the Learning Institute's courses begin prior to the start of the expo on Jan. 25 and require a fee, including “Energy Management in New and Existing Buildings,” “Introduction to Green Buildings and Sustainable Construction,” “Introduction to Thermal Energy Storage Systems for A/C,” and “Liability and Litigation Issues in Green Design.” Half-day courses earn three professional development hours or 0.3 continuing-education units.

In addition, several half- and full-day educational events will be held in conjunction with the show. The USGBC will present “LEED Implementation for Building Operations and Maintenance” on Jan. 26. This 300-level course is designed for building operations and maintenance professionals involved in implementing LEED v2009: Existing Building Operations and Maintenance. On Jan. 27, the GMC will host “Greenspeak: The Language and Culture of Green” and the Continental Automated Buildings Association will host the “Building Intelligence Tour.” These educational events require registration and a fee.

For more information on the educational opportunities at the expo, including a full list of courses, costs, and times, visit www.ahrexpo.com/education. For more information on the expo and to register, visit www.ahrexpo.com.