ASHRAE NAC President
Christina Herbers, P.Eng, LEED AP
My top three goals this year as President are to elevate:
- Sustainable building designs
- Women in ASHRAE
- And Diversity in ASHRAE
I believe that our HVAC-R industry can have a major impact on reducing Carbon emissions. By designing our built environment with sustainability at the forefront, we can create a future better for our children.
I look forward to serving you as ASHRAE Northern Alberta Chapter (NAC) President, 2024-2025. I am thankful to all of the ASHRAE volunteers that I have worked with over the years, and have mentored me, and I am thankful and excited about our current board of directors.
Alex Forrest (1991 - 2024)
Please see the below message from Dana Heller, the SAC Historian.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I give you the sad news that the son of ASHRAE SAC past-president, Jack Forrest, and a long time SAC member himself, Alex Forrest, passed on last week.
As historian, I am tasked with informing members of these types of events, but when it is for someone so young and full of potential, it is especially difficult to send and I’m sure to hear.
Our hearts go out to Jack and his family. We have lost a great man and he will be missed by many in our community.
Please see his memorial tribute at the link below. There will be a Memorial Service/ Celebration of Life towards the end of September TBA.”
https://mhfh.com/tribute/details/50731/Alexander-Forrest/obituary.html#tribute-start
Dana Heller, ASHRAE SAC Historian
The Northern Alberta Chapter shares our deepest sympathies and shares our prayers with the Forrest family during this time.
A Wonderful Evening with Lobster and Industry Leaders
Recently, ASHRAE, SMACNA, and MCAA professionals enjoyed an evening of networking, delectable lobster, and engaging discussions thanks to Kehoe Equipment Ltd.
The elegant venue facilitated mingling over fine wines and beers. Guests savored a culinary experience featuring fresh lobster and exquisite sides. Leaders shared insights on sustainability, energy efficiency, and HVAC innovations, fostering learning and collaboration.
Such events highlight the value of community and collaboration. The insights and connections made will shape the industry’s future positively.
In conclusion, the evening was a resounding success. Thank you Kehoe Equipment Ltd. for making it possible. Here’s to many more wonderful evenings!
Congratulations Kara!
Congratulations to Kara Bourque who was the recipient of the 2023-24 scholarship!
2023-24 ASHRAE NAC Scholarship
The ASHRAE Northern Alberta Chapter is offering a $1,000 scholarship!!
QUALIFICATIONS:
Full time student
REQUIREMENTS:
Maximum 2 page letter answering the following questions:
Why are you interested in this scholarship?
In what ways do you contribute to the local community?
In what ways could ASHRAE benefit you?
What areas of HVAC are you most interested in?
What makes you distinct from the other candidates who submit applications?
Submitted by midnight on January 12, 2024
Submit to Joey Balko via balkoj@ae.ca
More Scholarship opportunities are available through ASHRAE Here
If you have any questions, please reach out to any of the board members and they will be able to help you out.
Building EQ
ASHRAE's Building Energy Quotient program takes your building to the next step beyond benchmarking.
Get Involved with Building EQ:
· For an introduction or training options, reach out to a Distinguished Lecturer for a presentation to your chapter or committee.
· Learn more at www.ashrae.org/communities/chapters/distinguished-lecturers
Benefits of Building EQ:
· Building EQ supports sustainability mandates and goals to reduce energy and carbon use by providing a consistent approach and standardized reports for an ASHRAE Level 1 Energy Audit as defined in ASHRAE Standard 211 Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits
· Building EQ helps building owners/operators understand their building’s current energy usages and more importantly how they can improve their building’s energy performance, either through physical renovation or changes in operating practice.
· Building EQ goes beyond ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmarking by offering actionable recommendations and concrete energy conservation measures as part of the Level 1 Energy Audit.
· Building EQ helps ASHRAE members offer valuable services to their clientele through benchmarking and energy auditing along with an Indoor Environmental Quality survey with recorded measurements.
· When used in conjunction with Standard 211 Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits, Building EQ empowers building owners to understand the value and efficiency of their building assets and, more importantly, how they can improve their buildings’ performance, reduce costs, and comply with the state’s energy regulations with concrete building solutions.
Recent Updates to Building EQ:
· Three new operational carbon metrics were added to the Portal tracking total annual including total annual GHG emissions, total annual GHG emissions per square foot, and a Building EQ Carbon Performance Score (ratio of the rated building emissions to the baseline building emissions). As part of this change, Building EQ is also updating the electrical site-source conversion factors to reflect specific grid conditions rather than just one national average. The United States and Canada have been updated to date and up to 15 other countries/regions will be updated by the end of the Society Year.
· An update to the Building EQ As Designed assessment and rating was launched that uses models for both the baseline and candidate buildings. The modeling follows the performance rating method (PRM) as defined in Appendix G of ASHRAE Standard 90.1. With this change, one building simulation workflow can be used for multiple purposes, saving considerable time and effort, and improving the accuracy of the As Designed assessment.
· The spreadsheet audit report is now available for all users and all projects for the $50 fee. The Portal auto-populates this ASHRAE Standard 211 compliant Excel spreadsheet report based on the information entered into the Portal.
· A search function has now been added to the Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) pull down menus under the EEM Tab. This allows you to quickly search the list based on key words.
· A sample project is now added to each new account to allow new users to test and experiment with the Portal before launching their first project.
· An alternate label report bringing back the old letter grades was added as an option for users who looking for a more defined rating approach.
· Both French and Spanish versions of the Portal are available for use by users.
Building EQ in Green Globes:
· The Green Building Initiative’s (GBI) Green Globes rating systems for new construction and existing buildings have recently added alternative pathways for project teams who prefer to use ASHRAE Building EQ as an alternative to ENERGY STAR® and/or other benchmarking processes. This represents an opportunity to provide users with more options that make sense for their building.
· Green Globes for New Construction 2021 (NC 21) has adopted ASHRAE Building EQ As Designed for international projects to evaluate building energy performance based on energy modeling inputs. Point scoring within Green Globes NC 21 begins with 10 points for an 85 As Designed score, up to a maximum of 180 points for a 50 or lower score – potentially 18% out of all points available in Green Globes NC 21.
· Green Globes for Existing Buildings 2021 (EB 21) adopted ASHRAE Building EQ In Operation for use by all existing commercial buildings to benchmark against the median performance of existing US buildings of similar building use, normalized by climate and occupancy. Point scoring begins with 6 points for an 85 In Operation score, up to a maximum of 100 points for a 50 or lower score – potentially 10% out of all points available in Green Globes EB 21.
· Both pathways require project teams to complete the Building EQ certification and provide the resulting label to their assigned third-party Green Globes Assessor for verification to achieve their respective points. Technical Manuals for both Green Globes NC 21 and Green Globes EB 21 include expanded guidance describing how the ASHRAE Building EQ scores are calculated using the methodology to establish benchmarks based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 100-2015 using methodologies developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Building EQ scoring system is also described in detail within the technical manuals’ assessment guidance, including a sample ASHRAE Building EQ label and Building Performance Score.
For additional information on the benefits of Building EQ, please visit www.ashrae.org/Building EQ or email BuildingEQ@ashrae.org
Congratulations Vahid!
Congratulations to Vahid Zamani who was the recipient of this years scholarship!
ASHRAE and SCANVAC HVAC Cold Climate Conference 2023
March 6-8, 2023
Marriott Anchorage Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska
The goal of this International conference is for Built Environment engineers, practitioners, researchers, scientists, owners and government officials working in Cold Climate regions to share recent solutions and advancements addressing changes in climate; while experiencing the warmth, hospitality and culture of Alaska.
Read the conference flyer here for an overview.
“ Net-zero energy and sustainability goals pose special challenges for cold climates, climates with large swings in temperature and where ever-changing climate and shifting weather patterns result in colder temperatures in areas where winters are typically mild. Harmonizing human comfort with the climatic realities of these environments is a balancing act, and strategic design is key to building, commissioning and operating efficient and long-lasting cold-climate structures. ”
- Erich Binder, conference chair.
Click HERE for more information on ASHRAE’s main website which includes all the details
How to Begin Your Career as a Successful Ecopreneur
In today's business environment, most large-cap companies now publish annual corporate social responsibility reports, indicating that sustainability in business is no longer optional. Entrepreneurs developing can no longer focus on long-term growth without addressing how their plans impact the environment.
Establishing a sustainable business model that attracts investors and customers involves various phases.
What makes a business green?
Green businesses do not negatively impact the environment, economy or community. Instead, they pursue the Environmental Protection Agency's goals of creating and maintaining conditions under which humans and nature can exist productively and harmoniously to benefit present and future generations.
What are the pitfalls of starting a green business?
Choose a green business idea that addresses a specific need and has long-term growth potential before adjusting your career trajectory or leaving a comfortable job that supports you financially.
Although you can research large-scale opportunities within broad energy, transportation or technology industries, you can also find inspiration by examining your daily rituals. For example, consider starting a bicycle rental company to reduce automobile and gasoline usage. Alternatively, if you love to sew, develop a line of accessories made from recyclable materials.
You can also learn from others' successes. For example, you can model your business after Patagonia, whose founder, Yvon Chouinard, promotes sustainable practice throughout every level of his company and donates 1% of all sales to environmental causes.
If you are an animal lover, draw inspiration from West Paw, which includes four-legged family members in its fight to save the planet. The company constructs toys and accessories from recyclable, non-toxic materials and asks customers to help achieve its plant-friendly goals by returning well-loved toys to its recycling center, where they obtain new life.
Ultimately, it is helpful to view any idea through a green lens before moving forward.
What are the funding options for green startups?
Green or not, every business startup requires an infusion of cash; however, choosing to be green comes with additional costs, including supplies and space. Fortunately, various funding sources can help.
For example, the government offers numerous grant programs that help launch sustainable businesses, though it can take some serious effort to get funding. You can also present your idea to private venture capitalists or angel investors who may offer funding and mentoring in exchange for equity.
Finally, when your business category does not qualify for support from the government or other organizations, crowdfunding can help you obtain donations from like-minded individuals who like your business model.
What does a green business plan include?
Your business plan must address a triple bottom line, addressing people, profits and the planet, showing potential investors how each aspect of your business will incorporate sustainable practices. It must include:
A mission statement and goals
An executive structure
Products, services and target audience
Operating and marketing plans
Financial projections
What is green marketing?
Your green company's success depends upon attracting an environmentally conscious audience. Therefore, your marketing strategy must involve every aspect of your operations. For example, you can avoid traditional snail mail marketing campaigns that waste paper with digital content marketing services.
If you’re unsure about where to begin, online marketing consultants can provide guidance to help you effectively market your brand.
Depending on your business category, you can also obtain certifications from organizations that allow you to display their logos on your materials to convey the standards you uphold.
Are you ready to start a business that sustains your future and the planet? If you’ve got an idea that has growth potential, this could be the perfect opportunity to realize your dreams of entrepreneurship. Carefully assess the pitfalls that come with startups, and get a clear understanding of where to get your capital. Create a stellar business plan, and connect with marketing pros to develop a sustainable marketing campaign. Before too long, your green venture will be up and running!
The ASHRAE NAC Board thanks Tina Martin for writing this wonderful article for us as a guest author.
Mark Henry - NAC President's Message 2022-2023
Welcome back! I cannot wait to see all our members again in person as the ASHRAE
Northern Alberta Chapter season is underway.
My message today is about involvement in ASHRAE. ASHRAE was founded in 1894 so this year marks the 126 th year in existence. This will be the 67 th year of our Northern Alberta Chapter. Our industry has evolved a lot in those years. The challenge and needs of today and tomorrow continue to grow. ASHRAE is at the forefront of this challenge and provides technical resources and research to our industry. The ‘what’s in it for me’ is to engage in events, partnerships, content and networking.
I invite you to get involved with ASHRAE. Without the support of owners, architects, contractors, consultants, contractors and suppliers, ASHRAE does not exist or flourish. In addition to monthly meetings, social events and technical resources, there are so many different and diverse functions within ASHRAE. Take a look at the society website www.ASHRAE.org and click on the top ribbon for a number of technical resources, professional development, communities, conferences and membership. Our region website is available at https://ASHRAEregionxi.org and provides a lot of information for those interested in getting involved at the region or society level.
I’d like to recognize a new member to our ASHRAE NAC Board of Directors. He is Daniel Brown from BPA. Daniel started to attend our board meetings in the past year and attended the ASHRAE Annual Conference in Toronto in late June. Later this year (November), he will be attending the YEA Leadership Weekend in Vancouver. In a few short years, safe to say he will be writing this message. We look forward to hearing of his experiences.
Please feel free to reach out to myself or any of the board members with questions, suggestions or recommendations.