Did you know coffee was developed as an insect poison? Or that people used to drink beer for breakfast because the water was bad? Discover more interesting facts and history about the world’s love affair with coffee from Max Rohr.

A geo-exchange system either extracts energy from the ground for heating or pumps it back into the ground for cooling. Energy companies and large construction firms can use this technology to help decarbonize our buildings and remain profitable. BF Nagy describes a few such North American projects in this month’s column.

The competitions recognize the exceptional talents and problem-solving skills of students in HVAC&R, building sciences, and engineering.

Ecodistricts, sometimes called sustainable neighborhoods, can offer a shared energy system to deliver heating, cooling and power when and where needed. Read on to discover how central energy plants share thermal energy throughout an ecodistrict.

Recycling is very confusing to most people, especially when news reports say that most plastic put in recycling bins ends up in landfills. Max Rohr recalls a recycling event he attended where he got into a heated discussion — about composting!  

A geo-exchange system either extracts energy from the ground for heating or pumps it back into the ground for cooling. Energy companies and large construction firms can use this technology to help decarbonize our buildings and remain profitable. BF Nagy describes a few such North American projects in this month’s column.

The Gen Z generation may be more open to hands-on careers in hydronics than millennials or Gen X. However, the industry must create an appealing application process and a change in job expectations. Read on as the author explains how to recruit these young people.

The discovery of fire began a long history of inventions and innovations to improve human life. Read on for some of the energy and engineering feats that we count on today.

An alternative energy solution is needed for rural communities where fossil-fuel plants are not practical. A renewable energy microgrid could solve that problem while reducing carbon emissions. Read on to discover how Hot Springs, N.C., is using this energy technology.

Builders in New York City are taking the lessons from Hurricane Sandy to construct more resilient buildings, including the Beach Green Dunes II project in Queens. NYC also is taking a hard line on building retrofits to ensure low emissions, making heat pumps more appealing.