A Look From Afar

Typically, the content and topics covered in here in Heating Up touch on all things HVACR. They may delve toward green building, the HCFC refrigerant phaseout or even why climate-change legislation is important for the average technician to stay on top of (and believe me, it is).

But the dramatic images and the sheer magnitude of what has happened in the aftermath of the earthquake that rocked Haiti has given me pause to think about what matters most. I'm guessing that for a lot of you out there, it's done the same. Haiti truly is a third-world country located not that far from the southern tip of Florida (incidentally, the same place I'll be next week for the AHR Expo). From corruption and dictators to an almost constant string of natural disasters, this island nation has been beset by some of the most difficult conditions on Earth.

And yet you hear stories of perseverence and hope, of people surviving and trying to make sense of it all (as if THAT is even possible). And amidst those ghastly images of bodies being removed by heavy equipment (certainly one of the most chilling "60 Minutes" episodes I've ever seen), you hear about children hopeful when they see U.S. troops helping to dispense food, or doctors seeing a woman smile when they can help their child.

And at the end of the day, it is those small things, those little triumphs, that all of us can relate to because they make us all human. Take a moment to think about what those little successes are for you, and share them with your friends, family and colleagues. Then take a minute (if you haven't already) to text "Haiti" to 90999 on your mobile phone. You'll donate $10 to the American Red Cross to help in the relief effort - and instead of looking from afar, you'll be helping neighbors in your own backyard.

New Year, New Regulations, Same Focus on Green

With 2010 finally here, the HVACR industry is perhaps breathing a collective sigh of relief. After the difficult economic conditions of 2009, many in the industry are looking forward to a better start to this decade. In addition, the final rules approved by the EPA regarding HCFC allocation and equipment at least have clarified to a degree just what direction the industry is headed.


But just where ARE we headed here as we start the second decade of the 21st Century? We all know about the "green" revolution, to the point where it's discussion might well be nauseating. But the trend is not only going to continue, but grow as job creation and earning potential continues to boost the green sector. In fact, a recent article in the Chicago Tribune pointed out just how job titles such as "national director of sustainability" and "sustainability officer" are finding their way into a growing number of companies. Check out what columnist Tiffany Hsu wrote about in her feature "Climate ripe for green execs."


Well, the individuals finding their way into those roles don't necessarily know everything they need to about sustainabilty. And they certainly don't know everything they need to about HVACR systems. So the question becomes, who can tell them about it? Well, qualified HVACR service professionals who are trained on the latest equipment and energy-efficiency techniques are in high demand. The next time you're out on a service call and you see an office building installing a green roof or adding solar panels, find out just what they are doing to reduce their costs on the most expensive component of almost any building - it's heating and cooling costs.


Have a thought on this or an idea on how to reach more of these kinds of green execs? E-mail me at jiwanski@rses.org and let me know.