HPAC Engineering

In a newly challenging environment, healthy buildings advocates are still riding post-pandemic momentum to push indoor air quality initiatives that will improve occupant health and productivity. In a challenging environment, U.S. healthy buildings advocates are still riding post-pandemic momentum to push indoor air quality initiatives, especially at the state and local level, that will improve occupant health and productivity.

ATLANTA (April 13, 2026) – A groundbreaking new study from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), for the first time, has quantified the global climate impact of BACnet®, ASHRAE announced today. BACnet is the global data communication protocol for Building Automation and Control networks.

By RICHARD HALSALL, CEO, Exhale Fans When it comes to energy use, data centers aren’t shy to consume. As true data guardians, these centers run 24/7 and are highly secure, designed specifically to house IT infrastructure, including servers, network equipment, and storage systems. These centers are truly mission-critical, as even a minor glitch, such as a software bug or a server component failure, can cause significant problems.

ATLANTA (April 2026) – Abstract submissions are now being accepted for the 2027 ASHRAE Winter Conference to be held in Chicago, IL, January 23 – 27, 2027. "Our technical program explores the full breadth of innovation across the HVAC&R industry, including thermal network modeling, energy storage and AI-supported building operations," said Technical Conference Chair Li Song.

WASHINGTON, April 3 — The construction industry added 26,000 jobs in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 57,000 jobs, an increase of 0.7%. Nonresidential construction employment increased by 12,200 positions, with gains in all three subcategories. Nonresidential building added the most jobs, increasing by 4,500 positions.

*NEW PODCAST* Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence is part of this industry now and its impact is being felt more and more each day. Where is your firm on this journey? Listen to HPAC Engineering's latest take on this game-changing technology. To read along, click here.

By SHAUNICA JAYSON, VP of Membership & Marketing, ABMA Without a doubt, the boiler industry is a foundational pillar of our global infrastructure. Over the centuries, boilers have evolved from coal-fired giants to the digitally optimized, high-efficiency systems that shape our energy future today. At the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), we believe that understanding this evolution is vital for understanding the industry's role in current and future energy landscapes.

On April 28th, HPAC Engineering will host a 'live' editorial webinar on Engineering Ethics, presented in the form of case studies by two experienced engineers and popular ASHRAE speakers. In preparation, this quiz looks at the roots and current content of the National Society of Professional Engineers' (NSPE) Code of Ethics for Engineers. Feeling ethical? Take our quiz for a chance to win $25.

SAN FRANCISCO & NEW YORK CITY, March 25, 2026 -- The enthusiasm around U.S. growth momentum that prevailed as recently as February has been tempered by the escalation of the Middle East conflict, S&P Global Ratings said today in "Economic Outlook U.S. Q2 2026: Curb Your Enthusiasm." As a result, S&P now forecasts 2.2% GDP growth for the U.S. in 2026, followed by an average of 1.9% in 2027-2029. This assumes a temporary, supply-driven oil shock that recovers inside the year.

By RICHARD LONG, PE, and ALEKSANDAR MILENKOV, PE, LEED AP, KAI Engineering The careful integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems is essential to the reliable performance of any storm shelter. The 2023 ANSI/ICC 500/NSSA Standard establishes the design criteria for various shelter types and their intended uses. This article presents several design strategies informed by KAI Enterprises’s experience developing community storm shelters intended for tornado protection.