According to the society, a major focus of its technical programs will be existing and emerging technologies that lessen the impact of HVACR on the environment. Advances in supermarket refrigeration will be explored in a symposium, and papers will be presented evaluating new refrigeration system configurations that could potentially reduce energy use and refrigerant charges.

ASHRAE says that a number of jurisdictions in the United States are currently developing or implementing policies, including tax credits, to stimulate energy efficiency and green building design. Some of these policies use ASHRAE standards as the performance base. A seminar will be presented during the meeting to explore the options being considered, as well as pros and cons of tax credits as policy drivers.

Solar energy and geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) will be discussed in two forums addressing alternative and sustainable technologies. ASHRAE believes building owners and energy managers are interested in GHPs due to the dramatic energy savings that occur when conventional equipment is retrofitted with GHPs. Another forum will explore what ASHRAE and its members can do to help increase the use of solar energy.

Other sessions will focus on building security. One forum will explore problems with designing HVACR systems to operate under emergency conditions, and a seminar will examine building automation computer security after Sept. 11.

Several other sessions will cover topics including safety, standards, and more. For more information, go to www.ashrae.org (website).

Publication date: 09/30/2002