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During the recent Earth Technologies Forum and Exhibition, many of the major heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning manufacturers displayed their new technologies that respond to a growing interest among building owners for sustainable design. Through energy efficiency and the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons, manufacturers are offering facilities managers cost-effective solutions. Syracuse, NY-based Carrier Corp. launched Evergreen VSS, a new technology that combines HFC-134a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant and a high-efficiency Variable Speed Screw (VSS) compressor-based chiller system. “Non-ozone depleting refrigerant has been a challenge for our industry, but technology and innovation are surmounting that challenge,” John Mandyck, vice president, Government and International Relations, and acting vice president, Corporate Communications, Carrier Corp. During the press and government briefing, Carrier revealed the innovations involved in this new product, including in-screw compressor design, bearing and lubrication systems, advanced variable frequency motor speed control, power factor improvement, and harmonic distortion reduction and controls integration. Evergreen VSS will be available below 500 tons, the water-cooled chiller market’s largest segment, representing 60 percent of all large water-cooled chiller sales. Energy savings on the new technology are up to 48-percent better than the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard.At the forum, The Trane Co., La-Crosse, WI, also made colossal announcements. The new S-Series Earthwise CenTraVac chiller eliminates the use of oil. A working model of the CenTraVac was operating on-site at the conference to educate participants. The patented oil-free chiller achieves high efficiency, reduced environmental emissions, and lower total cost of ownership because of its simpler design.The oil-free technology will be incorporated into the chillers in 2003. In addition, Trane introduced a performance-based service program that allows building owners to keep their systems operating at the highest efficiency. The EarthWise service agreement with the S-Series chiller has performance verification engineers monitor the microprocessor-based controls and sensors to ensure maximum chiller performance.“Our CEO basically said three things. First, the risk of global climate change is real and it demands a prudent response to deal with greenhouse gas emissions. Second, increased energy efficiency and decreased greenhouse gases had to be an important priority for our company and our country. And finally, to accomplish these things we need to celebrate the development and innovation of technology that is efficient, green, and will excel in the market, because if it doesn’t you haven’t accomplished what you need to,” says Leslie Carothers, vice president, Environmental, Health & Safety, United Technologies Corp., Syracuse, NY. The HVAC industry in general is incorporating this timely message by developing long-term, comprehensive strategies for a cleaner, healthier planet.For information relating to a voluntary U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) industry-government partnership, Climate Leaders, check out (www.epa.gov/climateleaders).