A new year, a new you!  That's all I've been hearing throughout January.  Now a new you could mean anything; a new job, like me it's signing up to the gym (too much food over the holidays back in the UK), or it could be a new you in the sense of who you are professionally.  When I returned to Canada in 2009, it was a tough time finding work.  In 2010, I decided the "new you" or me in this case would be to network, join industry associations, and make myself known.  I can honestly say that it has worked out for me and I can only that this will be the case for our new members of 2015. 

These new members are coming into a strong chapter of just over 1,100 members. That is a large support network for professionals and students.  We've welcomed over 150 new members into the chapter in the first six months of our ASHRAE year and I'd like to see that grow to keep the chapter strong in numbers.  One way I would like to do that is by BAFTA (maybe another acronym for the list).  Not the British Academy of Film and Television Awards, but Bring A Friend To ASHRAE.  If you have had a great experience with the chapter and want to share that to new people, bring a friend along, maybe bring a new work colleague or student intern to introduce them to the chapter.

While meeting with current students to talk about ASHRAE, I like to promote the presidential theme of People, Passion and Performance, because without people who are passionate about their trade, about their career, their industry, the chapter and society cannot perform how it was intended.  Without the passionate people dedicating their time both during and outside of work to the chapter, region and/or society, we would not be able to have the kind of impact ASHRAE have had on the industry.  And that alone was one reason I got involved.  I want to make an impact, not just on my career, but as an industry.  I want to look back in 40 years time and feel proud of what we have achieved as a collective and all it took was one member (who was actually my teacher last year at Seneca College) to ignite that flame. 

To make a donation, go to  torontoashrae.com  Click on Donate/Pay Invoice Tab on the upper toolbar. Click on Donation: ASHRAE Research Canada. You can make your payment by credit card or Paypal just as you do for meeting and event registration. Be sure to add your or your company's name to the list of donors for 2013-2014.Honor Roll status starts at $100.00 per individual and $150.00 for companies, but any level of support is truly appreciated.

100% of your donated dollar goes into ASHRAE Research in Canada. That is, your donation is completely utilized for research in Canada, free of any overhead costs. ASHRAE's handbook series, technical programs, standards and special publications all utilize the results of Research. Return on investment in ASHRAE Research can be measured in an improved quality of life through its support for continuous advancement in the sciences of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning.

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 at dbenedetti@deltacontrols.com 

Energy Conservation Demand Management Program Report (2014-2019)

For more than a decade the City of Toronto has been investing in energy conservation and renewable energy projects, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and in improved energy efficiency.    In 2012, the facilities under the City's Energy Conservation Demand Management plan consumed over 53 million dollars' worth of electricity and natural gas.  It is estimated that there will be opportunities for improvement in energy efficiency which could result in 17 million dollars in annual savings and an average payback period of less than 8 years.   The City of Toronto Energy Conservation Demand Management Program (2014-2019) report is available online and covers 528 city facilities.   47 of these buildings will undergo full building-level energy audits.  The 25% most energy efficient buildings, as determined by data, are used to set performance targets for the remaining 75% of buildings in the same category.    Measurement and verification of actual savings is an important part of the process.  For more information, please click here.