Fastrack, September 24, 2008

Ground-Source Heat Pumps for Commercial Buildings
By Steve Kavanaugh
The benefits of simplifying in-ground piping and above-ground HVAC systems...MORE

Direct Gas-Fired Air-Handling Units
By Vincent A. Sakraida, PE, LEED AP
Direct gas-fired AHUs provide energy efficiency, lower installation costs...MORE

Report Indicates Pharmaceuticals in Water
According to a report published by the Associated Press (AP), at least 46 million Americans may have pharmaceuticals in their household water. The Water Quality Association is encouraging consumers to educate themselves on possible solutions. Positive tests were reported in 17 areas, including Reno, Nev.; Savannah, Ga.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Huntsville, Ala...MORE

High-Quality Ventilation Standard for Hospitals
A new standard released by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) ensures high-quality ventilation in health-care facilities. ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2008, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, defines ventilation-system-design requirements that provide environmental control for comfort, as well as infection and odor control..MORE

Changes Proposed for ASHRAE Standards, Guidelines
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is accepting public input on more than 35 proposed addenda to standards as well as a proposal to withdraw Standard 52.1-1992, Gravimetric and Dust-Spot Procedures for Testing Air-Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter. Addenda to various standards, including 15 (refrigerant safety), 34 (classification of refrigerants), 55 (thermal comfort), 90.1 (energy efficiency), 62.1 (ventilation), and 135 (BACnet), are open for review...MORE

Green-Building Grant Winners
The U.S. Green Building Council announced 13 recipients of its Green Building grant program. The program was established to further the development of sustainable building practices and increase green-market share. The grants range from $90,000 to $250,000. The winning projects include a green-roof energy calculator, an improved porous-pavement system for stormwater management, an environmental-strategy database for health-care facilities, a transportation-energy index, and a study on the effects of natural light on K-12 student performance and well-being...MORE

Energy-Efficient Wood-Fired Plant for HVAC Needs
The City of Barron, Wis., was looking for an environmentally friendly means to supplement its HVAC needs. The district installed a wood-fired water plant to supply its high school, elementary school, and hospital with steam heat. To cool the buildings, the city expanded the wood-fired water plant with an absorption chiller...MORE

EGB Early-Bird Registration Extended Through September

The early-bird special for HPAC Engineering's fifth annual Engineering Green Buildings (EGB) Conference and Expo has been extended through Sept. 30. ACT NOW and SAVE $150 on a full conference registration. All early-bird registrants will pay only $599, a $150 discount off the full conference cost of $749.

The $599 early-bird registration covers:

• Keynote session with Jerry Yudelson
• Choice of conference sessions
• Breakfast and lunch both days of the event
• Admission to all product demonstrations
• Welcome reception with complimentary beverages and appetizers
• Admission to the exhibit area
• Conference workbook
• Tote bag
  

This is an extraordinary value for two days of intensive green-building education and hands-on product interaction at the only green-design event focused on mechanical systems for commercial buildings. You cannot get this combination of in-depth learning and networking anywhere else.

EGB 2008, which will be held Oct. 21 and 22 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, has an impressive lineup of green experts, who will be on hand to provide information and guidance on your green-design and building projects. These include Jerry Yudelson, Valentine Lehr, Bill Swan, Kent Peterson, Mark Lentz, and Michael Zatz.

For complete EGB details and 10 important reasons why you should attend, click here...MORE