RPA Newsletter | Second Quarter 2024

Q2 2024

OUR PURPOSE

The RPA is established for the purpose of providing superior leadership and fostering the awareness of innovative technology through comprehensive educational activities, products, codes and standards, and public awareness initiatives. In addition, the RPA will serve as a clearinghouse of experience, ideas, and information to further the objectives and sustain interest on behalf of the RPA membership.

FROM THE TECHNICAL DESK

Dear Radiant Professionals,

With the first quarter of 2024 behind us, we have an exciting year coming up chock full of publication projects, policy-related efforts and events lined up to help showcase our vision. Last year we decided to get “the band” back together and start moving the needle on decarbonization through radiant systems and those more specifically using water as energy transfer.

It’s never been a better time to join the RPA, as we are revamping committees and future project goals with our Advisory Committee. With the team at IAPMO, the RPA has gained a whole new breadth of resources as it relates to our visual education-based content and it’s starting to show itself on our social media channels. No longer should anyone in our industry be unaware of where we are and what we are doing, thanks to an increase in communications and a direct channel to staff with our new digital tools.

The times they are a-changin', and so are we when it comes to our digital footprint. Next month our KAVI system will be updated to a newer, more robust application, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Expect some future communications related to this upgrade and tutorials on how to best utilize it for your RPA membership category. Also, make sure you find us on all the social media platforms to help us spread our message. We appreciate all your likes, shares and creative ideas dedicated to increasing the group's volume in the industry.

RPA - LIVE from AHR.

In January the RPA experienced a whirlwind exhibiting and lecturing at the AHR Expo and ASHRAE winter conference in Chicago. With an estimated 50,000 attendees, I’d say we made some new friends. Members attended education sessions, business meetings and a little bit of chilly fun out in the downtown Chicago area.

We as a collective are lucky to say that we had SIX of our most active RPA members speak and educate the industry on numerous topics related to our mission. Again, I would like to thank our volunteer speakers: Rick Bostian, Greg Cunniff, Jay Egg, Will Geise, Lance MacNevin and Hailey Mick. Please take some time and watch their talks on the “LIVE from AHR” series on the Radiant Professionals Alliance’s YouTube channel – LINKS BELOW

Mark your calendars for our RPA Q2 Virtual Meeting at noon EDT April 5, 2024.

Click here to sign up for committee positions. Your active participation will help us shape our industry's future and positively impact the world. Our kickoff meeting for the RPA Advisory Committee is scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday March 27^th, 2024, via Microsoft Teams. The first of many Advisory Committee meetings will include a chairperson nomination and project schedule release for a brand-new publication, which is being written by RPA members for a release later this year.

Available committee positions include:

Advisory Committee – Volunteer Member(s)

Policy Committee – Volunteer Member(s)

We encourage you to seize this opportunity to connect with fellow members, industry leaders, and experts. Utilize your member benefits by registering at a discounted member rate and becoming part of the vibrant discussions and networking opportunities.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication!

John A. Mullen

RPA Technical Liaison

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BECOME A MEMBER

Do you or someone you know want to make a difference and become part of the Alliance?

Contact Tricia Megee at tricia.megee@iapmo.org or John Mullen at john.mullen@iapmo.org to learn more about becoming a member of RPA or the HIA-C

MEMBER BENEFITS

EDUCATION & TRAINING

RPA offers complete education on radiant and hydronics available anywhere in the industry. From contractors, installers, engineers or distributors who are installing and designing the systems, RPA provides engaging and practical courses taught by experts who will help all become better radiant and hydronics professionals. Turn to RPA for training that is cost effective, interactive, and presents the most up-to-date information. For more information on how to contract a seminar or any other education-related inquiries, please contact RPAeducation@radiantprofessionalsalliance.org.

The RPA held this year's first in-person business meeting during the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago. The focus of the group's efforts was discussed in the presentation “The State of the Alliance” presented by John A. Mullen, followed by a Hydronics Industry Alliance Committee (HIA-C) business meeting, hosted by HIA-C chair Rick Bostian.

The RPA hosted six educational sessions during the AHR Expo which can be viewed below and saved to watch later when you “like” and “subscribe” to the Radiant Pros Channel on YouTube.

View Session

Decarbonization to Use Less Electricity, in Budget — presented by Rick Bostian (WaterFurnace)

Description: This session will explore the intricacies of a comprehensive decarbonization strategy that leverages the thermal potential of buildings and properties to slash energy use, enhance occupant comfort, and streamline budgeting. Rick delves into the utilization of FREE software to synchronize the design team through fundamental thermal dynamics principles. Highlighting the synergy between mechanical designers, contractors and plumbers, the presentation aims to showcase a collaborative approach to combating climate change with a plan that is both financially viable and resilient.

Unlock the secrets of decarbonization with Rick Bostian at AHR 2024. Dive into a sustainable plan that marries energy efficiency with budget savvy.

View Session

Leveraging Radiant & Hydronics to Achieve Decarbonization Goals — presented by Hailey Mick (Uponor)

Description: In this enlightening session, Hailey delves into the pivotal role of radiant and hydronic heating systems in the decarbonization of buildings. With the built environment responsible for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, the push for decarbonization is more urgent than ever. This presentation covers the essentials of reducing carbon footprints through innovative heating solutions, focusing on key learning objectives such as average uncontrolled surface temperature, mean radiant temperature, and operative temperature, to pave the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Join Hailey Mick at AHR 2024 for a deep dive into how radiant and hydronics are key to hitting decarbonization targets and transforming buildings into beacons of sustainability.

View Session

How Cities Can Use Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) to Cut Pollution - Presented by, Jay Egg (Egg Geo) LIVE from AHR 2024.

Description: Dive into the transformative potential of Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) in reducing urban pollution in this comprehensive session. Jay Egg will guide attendees through the critical aspects of heat pump technology with clean geothermal systems, emphasizing its significance for modern infrastructure and sustainable building practices. The presentation aims to equip participants with a deep understanding of the technology's impact on health, safety, and industry objectives, alongside strategies to overcome barriers to geothermal adoption. Attendees will be inspired to embrace their role in driving change, armed with the knowledge to effectively implement heat pump and thermal energy network technologies in future projects.

Explore how Thermal Energy Networks can be a game-changer for cities with Jay Egg at AHR 2024 and discover the future of clean heating and cooling.

View Session

Design of Hydronic Snow & Ice Melting Systems to Optimize Performance and Energy — presented by Lance MacNevin (Plastics Pipe Institute) LIVE from AHR 2024.

Description: Winter's unpredictability brings challenges in snow and ice management, with traditional removal methods often proving inefficient, labor intensive, or environmentally harmful. This presentation introduces the advanced solution of hydronic Snow and Ice Melting systems, which offer a seamless, eco-friendly alternative to conventional practices. By circulating a heat transfer fluid through flexible outdoor tubing, systems efficiently melt away snow and ice on various surfaces, from residential driveways to commercial helipads. With more than 75 years of application in North America, these systems combine modern piping technology with reliability, enhancing performance across the board. Participants will learn to optimize system design and installation for peak efficiency, covering installation types, control strategies, and cost impact.

Say goodbye to traditional snow removal woes with hydronic snow and ice melting systems. Dive into efficient, eco-friendly winter maintenance solutions with Lance MacNevin at AHR 2024.

View Session

BEST Net the Energy — presented by Greg Cunniff (Egg Geo) LIVE from AHR.

Description: Discover the power of BEST, the Building Efficiency System Tool, designed to revolutionize early-stage energy modeling for buildings. This comprehensive tool provides an initial snapshot of a building's net energy consumption, setting the stage for informed project planning. With the latest enhancements, BEST now accurately models cascading heat pump systems for various applications, including heat recovery for space heating and domestic water heating. This session will delve into how BEST software can be utilized to predict and improve building energy efficiency from the outset, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective design approach.

Unlock early energy modeling insights with BEST, the Building Efficiency System Tool. Learn how it shapes sustainable building design from the start with Greg Cunniff at AHR 2024.

View Session

Some Like it Hot, an Overview & Analysis of Market Opportunities for Solar Thermal — presented by Will Giese (The Solaray Corp) LIVE from AHR 2024.

Description: Join Will Giese for a pivotal discussion on how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is reshaping the landscape for solar heating and cooling technologies across diverse market segments. This presentation will highlight real-world applications of solar thermal technology in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, emphasizing its transformative effects on rural, low-income, and at-risk communities. Discover the growth trajectory for America's solar technology and delve into a comparative analysis of solar thermal's cost-effectiveness against other heating/cooling solutions and PV systems paired with energy storage. Will Giese will also uncover the latest innovations in system and program design that enhance flexibility, resilience, and options for consumers and energy providers alike.

Unpack the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on solar heating & cooling with Will Giese at AHR 2024. See how solar thermal is powering communities and setting the stage for a sustainable future.

Hydronics University

Personnel Qualifications

Certification to ASSE 19110 and/or 19210 shows that you are knowledgeable of industry best practices, state of the art installation techniques, and compliance with applicable codes and standards has been tested and certified – helping you stand out in a growing workforce. Increase your skills, credibility, and marketability within the hydronics heating and cooling industry by becoming a ASSE 19110 Solar Water Heating System Installer and/or ASSE 19210 Hydronic Heating and Cooling System Installer – a credential that demonstrates your expertise, professionalism, and dedication to clients and employers.

Click here for more information on ASSE Personnel Qualification.