eVeNt ashraE summEr confErEncE MaKiNG coNNectioNS New ASHRAE president David Underwood underlined the Societys plans to expand overseas in his address at the summer conference in Atlanta. Tim Dwyer reports A SHRAE CEO Jeff Littleton could be forgiven high spirits when addressing members at the Societys summer conference in Atlanta, Georgia. He told delegates that ASHRAE had grown 20% in size over the last year to 54,000 members, and had achieved a near-record net financial surplus. Littleton said growth mirrored that of the local economy in ASHRAEs home city, where Hotlantas economic growth was parallel to the growth of air conditioning. Littleton told delegates that volunteers, staff and consultants had been looking at strategies to increase global activity. He said a key issue was adjusting the $28m (18m) ASHRAE society model to meet the needs of professionals in the rest of the world. The summer meeting is where presidents pass the baton of office, and outgoing president Tom Phoenix reported a swathe of new ASHRAE chapters and sections around the world including one in the UK. He updated the audience of several hundred members on the push into the developing economies that started under the presidential initiatives of Tom Watson. There are now five subcommittees actively considering the cold (refrigeration) and food chain; outreach and education; government interaction and resource; construction industry needs; and transition. These are working with governments, NGOs, and ASHRAE members to develop ASHRAEs presence. The theme for new president David Underwood is making connections. He said that ASHRAE had to reach out beyond its existing membership to industry, communities, governments and the public. The Canadian said the days were ASHRAE president David Underwood Littleton announced that Standard 188 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems had been released gone when North Americas technical knowledge was thought sufficiently developed for all overseas markets, by applying minor localised tweaks. He cited lessons learned from applying standards in Kuwait. They were adopted but the hotter climate, different building materials and construction techniques triggered the need for significant modification. He reflected on his younger years where his enthusiastic questioning of a site engineer was rewarded with patient responses. His experience has taught him that mentoring is part of the DNA for engineers. He noted that Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem specifically for Canadian engineers The ritual of the calling of an engineer that is still recited at graduations across Canada where a ceremonial ring is presented. This reminds long-time engineers of their responsibilities in receiving, welcoming and supporting young engineers. Strong links with employers are seen as a key means of developing and maintaining a strong membership. He spoke of the ASHRAE Vital programme (Value to industry of technical ASHRAE leadership) engaging with employers by highlighting ASHRAEs value is based on volunteerism and standardising of industry practices. cJ toP SPeaKerS reVeaLeD for 2015 ciBSe BuiLDiNG PerforMaNce coNfereNce The first speakers have been announced for the 2015 Building Performance Conference and Exhibition, which returns to the QEII Centre, in London, on 3 and 4 November. The speakers come from academia and industry, and include two technologists from Innovate UK, who will be discussing ongoing work on the Building Performance Evaluation programme. Confirmed speakers include: Matt Colmer,lead technologist, built environment, Innovate UK Michael Dixey,principal consultant, GGR Associates David Fisk,past president, CIBSE Mark Hawker,senior engineering design manager property, Sainsburys Rick Holland,lead technologist, built environment, Innovate UK Cathy Noakes,professor, Leeds University Ashraf Patel,energy and environment manager, Arcus | Facilities Management Nina Reid,director, responsible property investment, M&G Real Estate Mike Simpson,technical and design director UK, Philips Lighting Speakers will address the impact of legislative change on industry, present research studies to improve building performance, and demonstrate innovative business case studies. The theme of the conference is working together for resilient, efficient and healthy buildings. It is a chance for key decision makers from the building services and built environment sectors to meet, learn and debate critical issues facing industry, from building security issues to maintenance and operational performance. Following on from CIBSE President Nick Meads call for closer working between the many building services disciplines, this years conference will centre on the question of how collaboration can more effectively deliver better building performance. Attendees will be able to meet and network with more than 300 likeminded professionals, clients and suppliers from around the world. The programme is suitable for anybody working to improve performance from design through to operation. The conference offers extra value for delegates who book early. Register before 7 September 2015 and save up to 20% at www.cibse.org/conference CONFERENCE PROGRAMME Day 1: November 3 Security of Building systems and networks; Using BIM in building operations; Lighting, wellbeing and comfort in buildings; Reliability centred maintenance Drinks reception: Building Performance Awards 2016 shortlist announcement Day 2: November 4 Adapting the UK building stock to a changing climate; Legislation and building performance; Building Performance Evaluation - Learning from the Innovate UK programme; Innovation and collaboration in building performance.