The processes and systems in place for designing and installing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems have largely remained the same for decades. Sure, there have been many improvements, from CAD and Revit to press fittings, and hundreds of innovations and systemic improvements.

Building codes and standards are the foundation of safe and sustainable communities. But what exactly are building codes built on?

For more than two decades, computer-aided design (CAD) has been widely used in a variety of industries, from architecture and engineering to product design and manufacturing. The purpose of this technology is to create or modify digital models of three-dimensional objects, making the design process more efficient and accurate.

Innovation often starts within research facilities, which is certainly the case for a large university in the mountain region of the USA. When this facility needed to install a new piping system to support research and development efforts at its food and water laboratory, they looked to a local distribution company for expertise. Shyne & Associates, based out of Colorado, has serviced the plumbing industry for over 60 years by providing products that meet the needs of engineers and design firms across their region.  

It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict that demand for Air Handling Units (AHUs) for new builds and retrofits will skyrocket over the next decade. Climate change will drive the need for more and more efficient new HVAC systems. 

Many of us may not be aware of this because it has received so little attention in North America, but Turkey is currently fighting some of the worst fires in decades.