2009 AHR Expo to Build on Green Focus

The latest in green products, technologies, trends, and solutions will take center stage during the 2009 AHR Expo, Jan. 26 to 28, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. More than 50,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors covering more than 375,000 sq ft of exhibit space are projected for this year’s show.

Building on the green focus of last year’s show in New York, the 2009 expo will place a special emphasis on environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products and technologies. Green building, sustainable design, and renewable energy will be just a few of the topical 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 valuable hands-on learning opportunities presented inside the classroom. The training trailer demonstrates new and innovative 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.
• The expo also will sponsor several green-focused sessions.
  

To recognize industry suppliers who offer products for a cleaner indoor environment, the expo will once again 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 are planning on showcasing green solutions.

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

“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 all segments of 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. Among the free sessions are:

• “Using Technology to Create Sustainable Green Buildings”
• “System Operating Costs and Duct Leakage”
• “GridWise and the Nation’s Carbon Footprint”
• “Maximizing System Performance with Condensing/Non-condensing Boilers”
• “Energy Economics in Your Buildings”
• “Green Buildings, BIM, and Evolving Energy Standards”
• “Emission Reductions Using Combustion & Post-Combustion Processes”
• “Requirements of the Technical Commissioning Process”
• “Building to Grid: Enabling Buildings to Trade Their Energy”
• “Wireless Sensors and Control Networks”

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 .3 continuing-education units (CEU).

In addition, several half and full-day educational events will be held in conjunction with the show. For the first time at the expo, 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 “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 http://www.ahrexpo.com/.