Hello and welcome to the March edition of the MN ASHRAE Newsletter!

Each year the ASHRAE Technology Award program recognizes ASHRAE members and projects that utilize innovative HVAC/R systems in new buildings, existing buildings, and existing building commissioning.

The Society presents awards in seven categories: Commercial Buildings, Institutional Buildings – Educational Facilities, Institutional Facilities – Other, Health Care Facilities, Industrial Facilities or Processes, Public Assembly Facilities, and Residential Buildings.

Applications are due next Friday March 16, 2018.

Following is a link to the ASHRAE website that contains specific information on the application process (just scroll down to the Technology Awards Program): https://www.ashrae.org/membership--conferences/honors--awards/technology-awards-program-overview

Don't be overwhelmed by the application process, even if you have never been involved before! The application is basically a 2 or 3 page description of the project (short form), and if the project wins an award at regional level, a more complete submittal (long form) is required for the project to be forwarded to Society. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email the CTT committee at ctt@mnashrae.org

There are a couple of presentations of state funded research coming up in the next month.  They are "Improiving Energy Code Compliance" and "Increasing Residential Boiler Efficiency."

Improving energy code compliance

Webinar: Wednesday, March 14

11:00 am - 12:00 pm (CT)

This project provided tools and technical assistance to building design, construction, and code enforcement professionals to help improve energy code compliance. Researchers piloted two approaches to improve compliance:

1. Support design teams working on small to mid-sized buildings to minimize rework after plans are submitted to the city.

2. Provide technical assistance to city plan review staff.

Russ Landry, P.E., senior mechanical engineer, will give an overview of this study, including scope and energy impact findings of each approach.

Increasing residential boiler efficiency

Webinar: Tuesday, March 27

11:00 am - 12:00 pm (CT)

CEE researchers characterized existing condensing boilers and determined practical, cost-effective steps to improve performance through retrocommissioning and improved installation.

Together Rebecca Olson, residential programs director, and Ben Schoenbauer, senior research engineer, will dive deeper into project findings and discuss best practices for installation and retrocommissioning that can be integrated into utility conservation improvement programs.

This research supported in part by grants from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources, through the Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) program. And with co-funding by CEE in support of its nonprofit mission to advance research, knowledge dissemination, and program design in the field of energy efficiency.

Education Seminar

The 2018 MNASHRAE Education Seminar is scheduled for April 10, 2018.  This year's theme is "Expanding our Community"

It will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Roseville from 7:30am-1:30pm with continental breakfast and lunch provided. 

Registration will be $100 and will include 4 possible PDH's

Hearts and Hammers

Hearts and Hammers helps homeowners with limited physical abilities who lack the financial means to make needed exterior repairs and improvements to their homes. On June 2nd simultaneous events will take place across the Twin Cities Metro where over 500 volunteers from businesses and organizations will gather to refurbish approximately 25 homes. ASHRAE and ASPE have teamed up to participate and will be working on one property. Activate may include: painting, caulking, landscaping. All Skill Levels are welcome.

Spring Event Date: Saturday, June 2nd, 2018

Event Time: 8:00am-3:00pm (Donuts and Coffee to be served at 8:00am)

RSVP Contact: Laurensweeney112@gmail.com

Event Location: Minneapolis or St. Paul Metro Area (exact address to be defined at a later date)

RSVP Deadline: Friday, May 11th