RACA Journal May 2020 | Page 68

ASHRAE Column zero carbon. The part of a buildings energy matrix that has the most potential for significant energy saving is the HVAC system. Net zero carbon is a very difficult but necessary environmental goal. The ASHRAE simulations committee is currently planning a ‘hackathon’ in April. This will be an interactive session where engineers and students can try their hand at designing a net-zero building. The event will be called ‘Net-zero Hero’. It will be a series of modelling challenges based on scenarios in the built environment. Integrated teams of students and industrial professionals will go head-to-head and test their knowledge and skills against one another. The aim is to bring the correct methodology when designing and identifying all possible areas of energy saving before the renewable energy technology is selected. The event hopes to improve and inspire the design and construction of net zero buildings. As the C40 cities initiative is currently underway the ‘Net Zero Hero’ hopes to provide a platform for industry professionals and students to collaborate and achieve this very ambitious goal. Such an event will be the first in South Africa and we hope with enough support we can make this an annual event thereby increasing the number of soldiers in the war against climate change. RACA QUOTE OF THE MONTH I learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours – Henry David Thoreau, poet 68 RACA Journal I May 2020 www.hvacronline.co.za