Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ASHRAE 2012 Winter Meeting and AHR Expo

Go to www.ashrae.org/chicago for further information







Thursday, October 20, 2011

ASHRAE - Lynn Bellenger


For Release:
Oct. 20, 2011


Contact: Jodi Scott
Public Relations
678-539-1140
jscott@ashrae.org


ASHRAE Presidential Member Bellenger Remembered


ATLANTA— Immediate past ASHRAE President Lynn G. Bellenger, who served as the first woman president in the Society’s 116 year history, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19. She was president for the 2010-11 Society year, with her term ending in June 2011.


Bellenger, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, was a recognized expert in energy management, with a strong focus on the need for energy modeling to help create and refine more efficient buildings. She was a partner, Pathfinder Engineers & Architects, Rochester, N.Y.


“We at ASHRAE are greatly saddened by the death of our former president and our friend,” Ron Jarnagin, ASHRAE president, said. “Her lifelong passion for engineering excellence resonated within our membership and our industry, inspiring us through her belief that engineers will lead an energy revolution with innovation. Through her service, she showed that there is a path available to all who wish to extend the influence of engineering principles to better serve the world we live in.”


As ASHRAE president, Bellenger focused on Modeling a Sustainable World, sharing her thoughts about the role of modeling tools and how all involved in the built environment industry must come together to take advantage of “the rich opportunities for optimizing building performance through a collaborative approach from the beginning.”


In an interview last year, Bellenger talked about her involvement in energy efficiency and how much has been put in recent years on the need to save energy.


“One of the cool things about the sustainability movement is that it has ignited a passion in people that is changing the world. That passion has brought a sense of energy and excitement to the industry and attracted people who are committed to designing and operating sustainable buildings. I don’t see that changing in the future,” she said.


Bellenger was a recipient of an ASHRAE Exceptional Service Award, a Distinguished Service Award, two first-place ASHRAE Technology Awards and the Lincoln Bouillon Membership Award.


She received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Principia College and a Master of Science in environmental science from Rutgers University.


Funeral arrangements are private.


If you  wold like to send your condolences please email publicrelations@ashrae.org. Messages will be assembled into a remembrance for the Bellenger family.

ASHRAE Research 2011-2012 Campaign






























We would like to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to all of our donors. It is because of your dedication and generosity that we are able to support the research of tomorrow, TODAY!

It is the research program that sets ASHRAE apart from other professional societies and associations of its kind. ASHRAE’s Handbook series, technical programs, standards, and special publications all utilize the results of Research.

Read the ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan 2010-2015 here: http://www.ashrae.org/File%20Library/docLib/Public/20100621_strategicnavigationbrochure.pdf

Make your contribution online today: https://xp20.ashrae.org/secure/researchpromotion/rp.html

If you have questions regarding ASHRAE Research, Education (ASHRAE Learning Institute), ASHRAE Foundation, or General Fund for special projects and programs, please contact your 2011-2012 Chapter RP Chair: David Landers at 425-456-2381 or david.landers@pse.com.


The History of ASHRAE Research

An interest in research can be traced to the very roots of the Society. At the first annual meeting of the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE), one of ASHRAE’s predecessor societies, an initial order of business dealt with research. They passed a resolution recommending the U.S. Department of Agriculture equip and maintain a cold storage plant for the purpose of research. They also appointed a committee of five members to work on the establishment of a standard unit or “ton” of refrigeration.

In a similar vein, another ASHRAE forbearer, the American Society of Heating and Ventilation Engineers (ASHVE) recognized that “the practice of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning was more of an art than a science.” ASHVE took steps to correct this by initiating a Research Bureau that was to open in 1917 but was delayed because of World War I and concerns over engineering espionage.

When the Bureau was able to be opened in 1919, the first study was of the build-up of Carbon Dioxide in NY apartments. This facility was located in three rooms in the US Bureau of Mines Experiment Station in Pittsburgh, PA. Since the founding of this research establishment, more than $50 million has been raised to support ASHRAE Research.

ASHRAE’s Research Vision

ASHRAE conducts timely research to remain the foremost, authoritative and responsive international source of technical and educational information, standards and guides on the interaction between people and the indoor and outdoor environment through the operation of HVAC&R systems in buildings and other applications.

Current ASHRAE Research Projects in our Region

Thermal Performance of Building Envelope Details for Mid- and High-Rise Buildings
Cost: $105,000
Awardee: Morrison Hershfield, Ltd.

Study of Carbon Dioxide Condensation in a Chevron Angle Plate Heat Exchanger
Cost: $89,315
Awardee: Washington State University

Building Energy Simulation of Air-to-Air Energy Recovery Ventilators
Cost: $10,000
Awardee: University of Saskatchewan

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

JOB POSTING - Hermanson


Job Title:          Mechanical Engineer
Department:     Engineering
Reports To:       Engineering Department Manager
FLSA Status:     Exempt

SUMMARY
This position will be responsible for designing and in some cases reviewing designs for Mechanical and/or Plumbing Projects.  Position aids in the success of project design, marketing documents and estimating support. Design efforts include equipment sizing and selection, energy modeling, system approach, specification development and quality control reviews.
Responsible for developing HVAC and plumbing system concepts and designs for commercial, light industrial, and critical environment (lab, hospital, data center) facilities with minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Experience: 5-15 years experience

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Professional Development: Registered Mechanical Engineer (WA) preferred

Software Proficiency In:

  • E-Quest - Energy Modeling Software
  • Energy Pro – Energy Modeling Software
  • Carrier E20-II – Hour load analysis program
  • AutoCAD (2008, 2009, 2010 and MEP)
  • Autodesk Revit MEP
  • Microstation V8XM or V8i - 2D/3D and BIM (optional)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Adobe Acrobat Standard (and Reader)
Visit our website at www.hermanson.com for a complete job description.  Send resumes to opportunity@hermanson.com

NEEC - Energy Code Training


Wenatchee Training: Registration Link; Map Link
Yakima Training: Registration Link; Map Link
Burlington Training: Registration Link; Map Link
Tacoma Training: Registration Link; Map Link

2009 Seattle Energy Code - AHRI Certification


The 2009 Seattle Energy Code (and Washington State Energy Code), Section 1411.1, last sentence of the first paragraph, requires that products covered under Tables 14-1A through 14-1G be listed in a nationally recognized certification program.  Tables 14-1A(3) and 14-1A(4) specify minimum equipment efficiencies for VRF equipment and cite AHRI Standard 1230 as the test procedure. 
  
- Per the article below, the AHRI certification program for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) equipment is now underway for products covered under AHRI Standard 1230. 

- Consequently, permit applications that include VRF equipment need to demonstrate that the VRF equipment has AHRI certification (e.g. VRF equipment efficiency needs to be determined in accordance with AHRI Standard 1230 and certified in the AHRI Certification Program, etc.).

John Hogan

Certification Brief header
September 20, 2011AHRI Launches 37th Certification Program: Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)

AHRI has launched a new certification program for Variable Refrigerant Flow Multi-Split Air-Conditioners and Heat Pumps (VRF). This is AHRI's 37th certification program.

The equipment in the VRF program are rated and tested in accordance with AHRI Standard 1230Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment.  Systems sized under 65MBH are currently certified to AHRI Standard 210/240.

"As VRFs are gaining popularity in the United States, launching this new certification program is timely," said Bill Tritsis, AHRI Vice President, Certification. "Having a VRF program will provide the assurance that manufacturers' performance ratings for the equipment have been independently verified, which will likely increase awareness of these products within the United States."  

This certification program:
  • Covers matched variable refrigerant flow multi-split air-conditioner and multi-split heat pump systems that comply with either the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) or the Energy Policy Act (EPACT), and use distributed refrigerant technology with cooling and heating capacities for outdoor units from 12,000 Btu/h [3508 W] to 300,000 Btu/h [87,692 W] and indoor units from 5,000 Btu/h [1,462 W] to 60,000 Btu/h [17,538 W]. Each indoor unit is designed to condition a single zone.
     
  • Applies to variable refrigerant flow multi-split systems consisting of the following matched components: a) an outdoor unit with single or multiple compressors or variable capacity compressor or with a variable speed drive; b) indoor unit(s) that have a coil, air movement device intended for single zone air distribution, and a temperature sensing control; and c) a zone temperature control device.
     
  • Covers VRF multi-split systems and heat recovery VRF multi-split systems covered in AHRI Standard 1230. Included are multi-split, matched system air-conditioners and heat pumps irrespective of their type of electric power source, or secondary fluid (e.g. air-to-air or water-to-air).
There are currently five participants in the program: Carrier, Daikin, LG Electronics, Mitsubishi, and Sanyo. Testing will be conducted at Intertek's testing facility in Plano, Tex.  Performance data for certified products can be found in the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance (www.ahridirectory.org).

Manufacturers interested in joining the VRF certification program may contact AHRI Certification Engineer Jon Lemmond.

Find us on Facebook
      Follow us on Twitter


 
2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201-3001 USA
www.ahrinet.org
www.ahridirectory.org
Main Office 703-524-8800

Monday, October 17, 2011

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Forum



Integrated Project Delivery: Take Ownership


Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is changing the construction industry. Architects, engineers and contractors are winning jobs based on their IPD skills and experience, including experience with both “pure” shared risk/reward contracts and collaborative teaming techniques.
Join experts from around the country and a variety of disciplines at this day-long conference for an interdisciplinary discussion about IPD, its merits and shortfalls, and its affect on the way we will design and build in the next decade.


LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Understand how economic and market factors are driving IPD adoption.
  • Apply successes from IPD projects across the nation.
  • Master the key components of IPD contracts and risk management.
  • Use technology and teaming techniques to build collaborative success.
  • Select and build strong IPD project teams.
  • Forecast the future of the industry, and how broad market factors such as BIM, Vertical Integration and Sustainability are all driving IPD process.
The 2010 AIA IPD conference drew 200 passionate and interested professionals for a day of insights, education and lively dialog. Join this year’s interdisciplinary discussion about IPD, its merits and shortfalls, and its affect on the way we will design and build in the next decade.
Date: December 13, 8-5pm
Location: Mountaineers Program Center, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
Cost: TBD
For more information click here


IPD Forum 2011 Committee Chair
Ted Sive, Ted Sive Consulting

Friday, October 14, 2011

ASHRAE - New Guidance Released to Help Schools Earn Top Marks in Energy Efficiency


For Release:                                                  
Oct. 13, 2011                                                                                                                                

Contact: Amanda Dean
Public Relations
678-539-1216
adean@ashrae.org
                                                                       

ATLANTA—Inefficient lighting, uncontrolled plug loads and poorly insulated roofs are just few of the factors that can contribute to a failing grade in energy consumption for K-12 school buildings.

Fortunately, guidance is available to help design teams constructing K-12 school buildings cut annual energy use by 50 percent or more using off-the-shelf technology.

To help ensure schools receive an A+ in energy efficiency; owners, engineers, designers, architects and others on the building team are encouraged to download the free Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings: Achieving 50% Energy Savings Toward a Net Zero Energy Building. The guide is the second to be released in a series which provides recommendations to achieve 50 percent energy savings when compared with the minimum code requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

Advanced Energy Design Guides, or AEDGs, allow owners, contractors, consulting engineers, architects and designers to easily achieve advanced levels of energy savings without detailed energy modeling or analyses. Written in partnership with ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, the U.S. Green Building Council and the U.S. Department of Energy, the guides are available for free in electronic form at www.ashrae.org/freeaedg.

“Significant research demonstrates that the quality of the physical environment affects student performance,” Shanti Pless, chair of the steering committee, said. “An environment that includes appropriate lighting, sound, temperature, humidity, cleanliness, color and air quality can help students learn better. In many cases, improving these attributes can also reduce energy use."

The new guide features easy-to-follow recommendations for various climate zones and how to implement tips via a series of real-life school construction case studies. Also included is information on integrated design, including best practices, as a necessary component in achieving 50% energy, and the inclusion of a performance path; specifically, offering guidance for early stage energy modeling and annual energy use targets to help with goal setting

Additional design tips include:

  • High performance building envelope that is better than Standard 90.1-2004.
  • Different ways to daylight 100 percent of the floor area of classrooms, resource rooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums and multipurpose rooms for two thirds of school hours.
  • Methods to achieve space-by-space interior lighting power densities that are, on average, 40 percent better than Standard 90.1-2004.
  • Ways to reduced exterior (façade, walkway, parking lot and drive) lighting energy consumption.
  • Recommendations for computers, vending machines, kitchen cooking equipment, walk-in refrigeration equipment, kitchen exhaust hoods and service water heating.
  • Three different HVAC system types that achieve significant energy savings over a typical system.
  • Recommendations for commissioning and measurement and verification to ensure that energy savings potentials are realized.

The AEDG also addresses the notion that energy efficient buildings are more expensive.

“Owners should not expect energy-efficient schools to cost more; they can cost more, but they shouldn’t have to. The tips, guidelines and tables included in the newest AEDG for K-12 schools can set building owners on their way to more energy efficient, productive schools in a cost efficient manner,” Pless said.

The 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide series follows an earlier six-book series that provided guidance to achieve 30 percent savings. The ultimate goal is to provide guidance to achieve net zero energy buildings; that is, buildings that, on an annual basis, produce more energy than they consume.

ASHRAE, AIA, IES, DOE and USGBC are currently developing the third guide in the 50 percent series, which will focus on medium/big box retail. Publication is targeted for winter of 2012, followed by large hospitals in the spring of that year.

Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings: Achieving 50% Energy Savings Toward a Net Zero Energy Building is available as a free download at www.ashrae.org/freeaedg.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

ASHRAE Standards Action


 October 14, 2011


A Corrected Standards Actions has been posted online. Please click on the following link to access the updated issue: Standards Actions - October142011.pdf.

To access prior issues of Standards Actions please click on the following link:   http://www.ashrae.org/technology/page/331.

If you know of others that would like to receive ASHRAE Standards Actions please forward them a copy of this email.
Best Regards,

Susan LeBlanc
Standards Administrator
ASHRAE
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
sleblanc@ashrae.org

dir. line 678-539-1175
fax 678-539-2175

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Quest for Carbon Neutrality


Presented by Hargis Engineers, as part of the AIA Seattle CAP Collaboration Series

Since the effects of greenhouse gases (GHG) have been measured, policy-makers, design professionals and concerned citizens have formulated ways to slow, and ideally reverse, GHG emissions. As a major contributing source of these climate-changing pollutants, the built environment has been under significant scrutiny and proposed changes over the past 3 decades, and the term “sustainability” has entered mainstream America. Now, as design professionals, we are evaluating different sustainable design protocols, responding to broad stakeholder groups, and working to do more with fewer resources.

Understanding how different protocols align with carbon neutrality, how building performance is currently being measured, a viewpoint on how the industry continuing to evolve, and approaches to rethinking the design process and engaging the end users from an engineer’s perspective are key topics of this presentation.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Noon-2PM
1809 Seventh Avenue, Suite 403, Seattle
$5 for members, $20 for non members
Credits:  2 LUs / 2 HSWs / 2 SDs
To register, visit:  www.aiaseattle.org/node/6004

Presenters

Joshua Robischon
PE, HBDP, LEED® AP BD+C, Senior Associate, Mechanical
Brian Boettcher
PE, LEED® AP, Principal, Mechanical

Erik Stearns
PE, LEED® AP, Associate Principal, Electrical

Joshua Robischon, PE, HBDP, LEED® AP BD+C champions sustainable approaches tailored to multi-use spaces common to academic environments. Engaged with the planning, programming and design processes for these projects, he collaborates with clients to develop integrated systems that align with various sustainable protocols. Over the past decade, he has applied his technical knowledge to assist stakeholders and design teams understand the impact of system options, approaches and adopted protocols to address siting, massing and building design decisions. He holds a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the state of Washington, and is a certified professional for two sustainable design accrediting bodies.



As a consummate researcher and engaged engineer, Brian Boettcher PE, LEED® AP has contributed to the advancements in sustainable design as a professional peer and practitioner. He is accredited with one of the first ground source heat pump systems designed and installed in a K-12 application and vanguarded the hybrid displacement ventilation system that is emerging as owners’ standards. These highly sustainable systems require a more interactive and cohesive approach to the design process to realize the benefits of each. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Sciences, Chemistry and Biology from University of Puget Sound, is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the state of Washington, and is a LEED® accredited professional.


Erik Stearns’ PE, LEED® AP dynamic background as a consultant to public and private end-users has contributed to the success of wide array of projects earmarked with resource conservation goals. Applying his 19 years of experience to work with stakeholders and professional peers, he has aided in site selection and planning of integrated systems to serve capital investments in new and, as appropriate, existing facilities. His versatility engineering systems within different utility districts, developing lighting strategies and complying various stringent code requirements has served owner/operators as they have strove for highly sustainable, low carbon footprint ratings. He is a Washington State University alumnus with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, licensed electrical engineer in state of Washington and a LEED® accredited professional.


Stephanie Pure
External Relations Director
AIA Seattle - A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
(206) 448-4938 ext. 103

Tickets for Honor Awards are now available! Join us October 24 for general admission or treat yourself to the Submitter’s Reception.

Monday, October 10, 2011

JOB POSTING - Auburn Mechanical


MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor in developing an engineering department for a leading mechanical contractor in the greater Seattle area.  Applicant will support growing workload of design/build commercial and industrial mechanical installations. 

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
  •          Team player – ability to interface with construction and design team
  •          Strong work ethic
  •          Energetic
  •          Detail oriented
  •          Leadership qualities
  •          Strong communication skills 
POSITION DESCRIPTION
  •        Work closely with project consultants and interface with internal project team members
  •          Assist with cost benefit analysis at schematic design, provide budget support
  •          Perform field surveys
  •          Prepare drawings for plumbing and HVAC systems:  Sanitary, storm, domestic water, laboratory piping, duct systems, and equipment selection
  •          Prepares load calculations
  •          Provides information for RFP responses and participates in the project presentations
  •          Commitment to supporting aggressive project deadlines
QUALIFICATIONS
  •          Washington State registered professional engineer
  •          Ability to analyze cost benefit of project specific HVAC systems
  •          Presentation skills
  •          LEED accredited
  •          AutoCAD 2011, 3D modeling, and Revit MEP 2011 proficiency
  •          Commercial/Industrial HVAC and plumbing design build experience
  •          Understanding of 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 International Mechanical Code, 2009 Washington State Energy Code, and other building life safety codes
  •          ASHRAE or ASPE membership desired
ABOUT AUBURN MECHANICAL
Auburn Mechanical is known as the mechanical contractor that delivers exceptional service on every project. Our reputation is the result of a company culture committed to quality, consistent and on-time services.  This commitment begins with our mission statement: To produce and maintain innovative mechanical systems for customers who choose Auburn Mechanical, when performance counts.  To help us fulfill our mission, we recruit and train highly competent professionals who have integrity and take pride in what they do. Our devoted culture is represented in the long-term commitment employees make to Auburn Mechanical.

Auburn Mechanical offers a competitive benefits package including 100% employer paid medical, dental, short & long term disability and life insurance.

Interested applicants should send resumes to hr@auburnmechanical.com. Reference job title within email. No phone calls please.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

JOB POSTING - TetraTech


Senior Mechanical Engineer, Seattle
About Tetra Tech Inc.
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of architecture, engineering, and technical services worldwide. We are a diverse company, including individuals with expertise in science, research, resource management, sustainable design, energy efficiency, construction, and information technology. Our strength is in collectively providing integrated services—delivering the best solutions to meet our clients’ needs.

In a complex world with competing demands for limited resources, Tetra Tech offers clear solutions made possible with sound science, understanding, innovation, and industry-leading approaches.

POSITION SUMMARY
Senior Mechanical Engineer to provide lead professional services for the design of HVAC and plumbing systems for buildings and other infrastructure facilities. Building types include military housing facilities, data processing centers, vehicle maintenance facilities, waste water treatment facilities, health care facilities, laboratories, and educational facilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
        Lead Project Engineer providing design and other mechanical engineering services for HVAC and plumbing systems.
-        Proposal preparation including fee estimating
-        System selection
-        Heating and Cooling loads using computer-based calculation methods.
-        Psychrometric analysis
-        System configuration, including ductwork and piping design.
-        Equipment selection
-        Static pressure calculations
-        Hydronic system design
-        Design of domestic hot and cold water, building sanitary sewer and industrial waste drain piping systems
-        Coordination with architectural and structural design and other building systems
-        Preparation of contract drawings and specifications; cost estimating

Other essential functions include:
-         Computerized energy modeling
-         Evaluation, assessment, and documentation of existing building mechanical systems
-         Preparation of engineering reports
-         Construction cost estimating

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
-         10 to 15 years of related experience with the design of building mechanical systems.
-         Proficiency in AutoCAD required.
-         Proficiency in Revit or other BIM tools preferred.
-         Working knowledge of applicable Building, Mechanical, Energy, and Plumbing codes.
-         Working knowledge of industry design standards such as ASHRAE, SMACNA, NFPA, etc.
-         Background in publically funded facilities projects including municipal, state, and federal.
-         Background in design-build project delivery as well as traditional design-bid-build.

EDUCATION
-         Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
-         EIT required, PE Professional Engineering license required.
-         LEED Accredited Professional certification preferred.

BENEFITS
Tetra Tech offers an excellent benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 23 Days of TOWP, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K Retirement Plan, Tuition Reimbursement, and Stock Purchase Program.
We are actively pursuing candidates to join our team and contribute to our professional excellence.  Tetra Tech, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  We invite resumes from all interested parties including, women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

CONTACT
Joe Berhorst - Human Resource Manager