LANSDOWNE, Va. - Two general sessions bookended the 2007 HVACR & Plumbing Instructor Workshop sponsored by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (CARE), Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Heating, Airconditioning, Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors’ (PHCC) Educational Foundation, Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), and SkillsUSA. The workshop was held March 28-30, at the National Conference Center.

James McGarvey, executive director of the New York State Weatherization Directors’ Association, addressed the opening session. His topic, “ ‘Peak Oil’: Myth or Reality?” covered what the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Hirsch Report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy Outlook, the U.S. Army Corps’ Energy Study, and other reports had to say on the topic. Discussions centered on what the implications would be if the world is at “peak oil” status, as well as what solutions to the problem may be found.

The closing session featured Chandler von Schrader from the DOE. He spoke on the issue of “Energy in America” with an emphasis on Energy Star® success and current direction and energy supply and demand, including demands for heating and cooling of buildings. Today’s prospects on alternate energy sources were also a part of the speaker’s remarks.

For more information, visit www.ari.org.

Publication date:04/02/2007