ASHRAE’s Community Sustainability Project program is designed to share the engineering knowledge of our members to improve the world around them. The program was launched as part of the presidential theme, “Broadening ASHRAE’s Horizons,” of 2012-13 President Thomas E. Watson, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member.
ASHRAE Community Sustainability Projects typically involve three distinct tasks: Planning, Fund Raising & Project Completion (Design, Construction & Commissioning). In most cases, there will be overlap between all three tasks. However, projects ideally flow from Task 1 to Task 2 to Task 3.
The Southern Alberta Chapter (SAC) of ASHRAE had identified and spoken with numerous charitable (local non-profit) organizations throughout the planning phase of this past year (2019/2020), and each organization needed some level of assistance regarding their HVAC/R operations within their respective facilities.
After many meetings and assessing the priorities of the various organizations needs, the Sustainable Community Committee identified a number of projects that should enable the Southern Alberta Chapter to carry out charitable work for the foreseeable future. Thankfully with the support of the local chapter members and the organizations they represent (consultants, contractors, rep agencies and manufacturers), we will be able to collaborate and meet the various project needs in the months and years ahead.
As many of you know, these projects are not possible without you and your support of the Southern Alberta Chapter of ASHRAE. The chapter hosts monthly meetings were a variety of fund-raising campaigns are held, to support these and other needs throughout our local ASHRAE community. However, with regards to fundraising, if you or any organizations you know are looking for opportunities to support local charities, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of the chapter chairs. The chapter would be happy to assist with the potential partnering of these charitable organizations with suitable donors for their HVAC/R project needs.
Lastly, the final task of the Sustainability Projects is the project completion (Design, Construction & Commissioning). This task is conducted similar to a design-build project where all three teams (design, construction & commissioning) work in parallel with each other to successfully complete the project. This is possible utilizing chapter membership and committee resources, and is by far the most enjoyable part of any Community Sustainability Project. Thankfully due to a handful of organizations each year, we’re able to successfully meet the project needs of our communities throughout Southern Alberta.
2019/2020 Project Description
All of that being said, the 2019/2020 Community Sustainability Project allowed us the opportunity to partner with the Alex located in Calgary, Alberta. The Alex had recently moved into a renovated warehouse, where the HVAC/R equipment and duct work was repurposed to meet the renovated needs of this facility. Unfortunately, the repurposed facility resulted in dozens of hot/cold spots, ineffective equipment operation/utilization and additional HVAC needs without available ducting or equipment.
Together the members of the Southern Alberta Chapter worked to optimize systems at the Alex. The chapter funded the testing and balancing of the duct work and equipment onsite. Funds were raised via the local chapters monthly meeting to address the additional HVAC needs. With growing needs throughout our communities, project and fundraising opportunities are frequently being developed. Please reach out if you know of any charitable organizations requiring assistance and/or with any donors looking to support the charitable (HVAC/R) needs throughout Southern Alberta.
Raymond Nattress, LEED AP
Sustainable Communities Chair