What have we done for each other in the past year? So glad you asked...
In
January, we met at the AHR Expo in New York City, where you were part of an
all-time attendance record of 39,000+ registered visitors (excluding
exhibitors) for the event. Your in-person feedback gave us key direction as we
planned our hydronics topics for the year.
February saw the beginning of the MEC ’08 Webinar series, where yours truly had
the chance to provide presenter John Siegenthaler with many tough questions
from attendees.
In March, we reported in ourPMEEnewsletter that
engineering is not in decline, according to the National Science Board’sScience
and Engineering Indicators 2008 report. Within the pages ofPME,
Publisher Bob Miodonski discussed why you need to design plumbing systems that
help building owners meet their green goals.
This past April, for the second consecutive year, I got to meet with members of
the Chicago ASPE chapter and take in technical presentations at their local
product show.
In May, GreenWest Expo (held in Los Angeles) got our attention – as well as
that of your engineering colleagues from across North America interested in the
latest in green design concepts.
We kicked off summer (June) by redesigning our Web site and starting a new
column inPMEcalled “Solar Design Notebook.”
As a result of your strong interest in waterless urinals, in July I wrote an
overview article of several well-known units - with a focus on how the trap
seal is maintained in each one.
In August, we provided immediate online coverage of the IAPMO Emerging
Technology Symposium in order to tell you about the top five new and innovative
water-saving products, as selected by researchers John Koeller and Bill Gauley.
Their picks included dual-flush toilets, one-pint urinals and high-efficiency
pre-rinse spray valves.
History took place at the ICC Final Action hearings in September when RB64
(which requires residential fire sprinklers for all new one- and two-family
homes and townhouses) passed overwhelmingly. History also occurred onPMEngineer.com, which began posting daily updates, including
blogs.
In October, many of you found time to chat with me at the ASPE Engineered
Plumbing Exposition, held in Long Beach, CA. It was there where we showcased
that month’sPME, which featured a fascinating article on
the feasibility of making FOG a viable alternate domestic fuel.
Last month we reported on two important events - GreenBuild and the NFPA Fire
Protection Research Foundation’s two-day symposium on The Future of Fire
Protection and Safety - both of which were well attended by our engineer
readers.
And this month the year closes with another major green event - EcoBuild, which
focuses on the intersection of technology and ecology. I await your feedback in
the coming weeks.
In the meantime, let me say “thank you” for an awesome
year.
“You’re welcome” to another one in 2009.