RACA Journal April 2020 | Page 72

ASHRAE Column ASHRAE and REHVA have had a relationship for close to 13 years. The relationship was formalised through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ASHRAE 2007 Winter Conference. The memorandum called for increased cooperation between the two associations. Past REHVA president, Olli Seppannen, during the official signing, said “ASHRAE and REHVA must work together to find the best sustainable technology for superior indoor environment for buildings. Coordination and cooperation is needed so that duplication of efforts is avoided and that the limited resources are used most efficiently.” Entrance lobby for the venue of the President’s luncheon. Seminar 30: Fire safety challenges for green building features This session provided an overview on the impart of the various green building implementations as it affects fire services and life safety. The unintended consequences in our quest for sustainability must balance the safety of the occupants at the same time. The AHR Expo was opened on this day. The Orange County Convention Centre where the AHR Expo was held. Society President. ROUND-UP The conference and show were concluded on 5 February and below is an excerpt of the press release from the Society: This year’s conference attracted nearly 2 800 buildings-related engineers, architects, contractors, students, and other industry professionals. ASHRAE celebrated its 125th anniversary with paper sessions chronicling the progress of key industries and the evolution of energy modelling. An updated edition of the Society book, Proclaiming the Truth, was released at the conference in addition to a composite video highlighting ASHRAE’s history which debuted at the plenary session. AHR Expo Entrance. WINTER CONFERENCE UPDATE The ASHRAE President’s Luncheon was held on the third day where the president provided feedback on the presidential Theme, the new global head office building as well as the names of the new incoming officers. The key take out from this session is the operational excellence and maintenance. We cannot afford to be slack in protecting the investment. 70 RACA Journal I April 2020 The Winter Conference technical programme featured more than 300 presentations, with interest surrounding this year’s new track, Big Data and Smart Controls, where session topics included smart sensor technologies, occupant behaviour in buildings and cost- based control of supply air temperature. The AHR Expo offered more than 1 900 exhibitors, with 300 companies exhibiting for the first time. The three-day show occupying 506 000 net square feet (47 009m 2 ) of exhibit space, attracted attendees from more than 160 counties. www.hvacronline.co.za