Industry News

A study coauthored by Standford researcher Mark Z. Jacobson states that the world could be powered by today’s existing alternative energy solutions within the next 20 to 40 years, with societal and political support.

ASHRAE’s Duct Fitting Database (DFDB) desktop application has become more flexible as a smart phone app, allowing for engineers to make calculations in the field and get results they need quickly.

The AIA has released figures detailing a slow recovery for the nonresidential construction industry, predicting no increase in spending until late in 2011.  In fact, nonresidential construction spending is expected to take a 2% dip, with recovery and increases coming in 2012.

The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) will be making its exhibiting debut at the International Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration (AHR) Expo, January 31 through February 2 in Las Vegas, NV.

Are we moving to the next generation of clean cars?  The DOT, the EPA, and the state of California have announced a timeframe for proposal of fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for model year 2017-2025 cars and light-duty trucks.

Johnson Controls has announced a new technology designed to help reduce energy consumption in central chilled water plants in buildings and facilities by up to 60%. 

Aharon Gedanken and his colleagues are reporting successful lab tests of “killer paper,” a material intended as next-generation food packaging material to combat bacteria that cause spoilage.  However, this food packaging material has a lot of potential for commercial use as well, as a germ-fighting coating for plastics, fabrics, and metals in hospitals, kitchens, and bathrooms.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and the DOE have announced initiatives to promote tribal energy development.  Up to $10 million will be available this year through the Tribal Energy Program to support energy efficiency and renewable energy resources on tribal lands.