November, 2014 - Vol 62, Issue 2

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During the summer, the geo-exchange field is the primary source of cooling for the building which is provided to a series of radiant ceiling mats and heat is rejected to the field through four high efficiency heat pumps. During the shoulder and winter seasons, building systems recover and transfer waste energy which is generated in the building before utilizing the energy stored within the field.

The Integral Group believes that after completion of the building commissioning, it is important to have a process in place which encourages and promotes occupant engagement. The design team should stay involved beyond the contract completion to understand how the building is being operated and how it is performing.

 

 

Solar Decathlon

 

  

 

Cole Wheeler, Toronto Solar Decathlon Team Coordinator, gave a brief overview of the European Solar Decathlon Contest, the Toronto 2016 team and their design concept. Their entry addresses urban sprawl with a solar powered modular home which can be stacked to achieve higher occupancy density. The components of the home are sustainable, allow for mass production and simplified transportation to the assembly site. Energy efficient solar panels are located at every level for power generation. Going forward, additional industry partners are being solicited for materials, advice and funding.

 

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Dinner presentations summarized by Sandro Cupillari of Hallsall Associates 

 

In 2013 the Ontario Ministry of Energy launched the Municipal Energy Plan (MEP) program.  Municipalities can receive 50% of eligible costs; up to a maximum of $90,000 for developing a new municipal energy plan; and up to maximum of $25,000 for enhancing an existing energy plan.  The plans include local energy needs, energy efficiency, and opportunities for clean energy.  This is part of the government's economic plan to support the building of modern infrastructure and vibrant local economies.  So far the following municipalities have been accepted for the program:  Municipality of Chatham-Kent, City of Kingston, Town of Markham, Town of Newmarket, City of Temiskaming Shores, City of Vaughan, Municipality of Wawa and City of Woodstock.  The Ontario Ministry of Energy is still accepting applications from municipalities.  For more information, go to http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/municipal-energy/

 

ASHRAE Society has just posted on its website a draft proclamation that government officials can make in honour of National Engineering Month, which in in March.  A couple of the phrases from the draft proclamation are shown below.  They elegantly convey the importance of ASHRAE to society.

 

"Engineers help solve major technological challenges of our time - from designing efficient building systems to rebuilding towns devastated by natural disasters"

 

"ASHRAE sets standards for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry, in 

addition to certifying and educating people in the industry all across the country."

 

For the full draft proclamation, go to https://www.ashrae.org/government-affairs/grassroots-government-activities/national-engineers-week-materials. 

 

Please send questions, comments, or suggestions for articles to abundgard@nailor.com.

 

Happy November ASHRAErs (maybe a new one for the list)! A new gazette, a new blurb from me. We'll start off with a thank you to all who made it out to our first event of the new year last month. Sadly, I couldn't attend but the feedback from members have been pretty great, especially from the new members who are just getting their feet wet with ASHRAE. However, I will be in attendance for this coming event, so come on over, say hi and let's talk ASHRAE.

Recently, I've been fortunate to be a part of a number of committees here at the Toronto Chapter and have had the pleasure to talk with students at George Brown College about ASHRAE and what are the benefits of becoming a member, and as Virgin Mobile say "It's better to be a member".

But why is it better to be a member? Why should I join ASHRAE? Have been common questions, I've heard over the last little while and quite frankly there is no complete answer. I generally ask "What do you look for in an industry leading organisation?" or "How would you like the industry to help you?" and the answers vary from person to person. So below are some examples that I use when promoting ASHRAE to the masses:

* Networking - If you're new to the industry, the Toronto chapter have over 1,000 members from a variety of backgrounds to which newbies can meet and get a feel for who is out there be potential employers, clients or even colleagues.

* Professional Development - Access to meetings, conference, certification as well as a variety of education programs. Toronto gets cold in the winter time, so why not head down to HQ in Atlanta where temperatures generally stay positive.

* Industry Participation - Some organisations that I've been a part of in the past seemed to have their motives in the right place, but sadly don't have the clout nor resources to really make a difference in guiding the industry. ASHRAE have been at this a while now and can say they have been involved.

* Industry Contributions - Tied in with having the resources as mentioned above, ASHRAE has contributed to the industry and lead the way for a number of years now. Some contributions include:

o The US' first energy standard - 90.1

o Online access to reports from over 700 research projects from the last 50 years

o Approximately 100 technical committees and 120 standards and guidelines, just to name a few.

Personally speaking, all the above are important aspects that I look for when looking at organisations that can help benefit me as both a person and professional. However, for you, it may be different. And if so, why not let me know because the more reasons we have, the stronger the chapter...and society will be and in the end it all comes down to this, ASHRAE is what it is thanks to you.

So maybe it's better to be a member afterall.

Membership Committee Chair 2014-2015

This year the Toronto ASHRAE Chapter has a goal of $ 34,000.00 to raise for the Research Promotion Campaign that is a part of the ASHRAE Society total worldwide goals.

This is a very big number for our chapter to achieve, yet we have met our goals for the Research Promotion for many years in a row. This year we will facilitate a bunch of events like we always do that raise a lot of money for the campaign. These include the golf tournament which is a huge part of our ultimate success as we raise a big amount at the golf event. I will also work with all you so we can realize what the dollars raised go towards and how the contributions will help all of us moving forward with advancing our industry.

There are many donations we have received last year from supporting firms that include; Building Innovation, Carrier Enterprise, Gorski, Plener & Associates, Hidi Rae Consulting, HTS Engineering, Kilmer Environmental, Klimatrol Environmental Systems, The Mitchell Partnership and Yorkland Controls. A shout goes out to the above firms that donated to the Research Promotion campaign in 2013-2014.

There are many individuals from within our chapter that will also be recognized at our Research Promotion Night, which is part of the theme on November 3rd at Spirales. I will be recognizing these firms and individuals at our meeting with Alan Porter our President Elect and Past Research Promotion Chair.

I would ask all of you receiving this gazette to think about contributing to the campaign this year as there is great value in doing so. ASHRAE Society does so much with the money raised and it is all used in order to further the movement with better technology and guidelines for the better of all.

Please if you are a firm that is involved with our industry and can contribute to the overall success of the campaign I would love to hear from you. On my cell at 416-571-0046 or dbenedetti@deltacontrols.com

Thanks and look forward to seeing you on November 3rd.

David Benedetti
Research Promotion Chair 2014-2015

President-Elect 2014-2015

ASHRAE Toronto Chapter

ASHRAE Toronto Chapter