Max Rohr

Max Rohr is a graduate of the University of Utah and manager of REHAU Academy in Leesburg, Virginia. He has worked in installation, sales and marketing in the hydronics and solar industries since 1998 and writes this column in his personal capacity. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company he works for. He can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @maxjrohr.

Articles

ARTICLES

Alternative Energy

Blue Energy

Where does the road end?

June 1, 2020

Max Rohr

In this industry, we spend our lives moving water and energy around. Some things that use a lot of energy are easy to identify, such as heavy machinery or air-conditioned buildings with open external doors.

Alternative Energy

First Day Back After the ‘Great Reflection’

This opportunity to step back and reflect on your career may not come up again in your lifetime.

May 5, 2020

Max Rohr

I’m writing today from a setting that may be familiar to many readers right now. I’m fortunate to be working from home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alternative Energy

Baby Rohr

What will the state of hydronics be in 2038? I hope our daughters will feel welcome and thrive in this industry.

March 31, 2020

Max Rohr

What will the state of hydronics be in 2038? I hope our daughters will feel welcome and thrive in this industry that has meant so much to my family.

Alternative Energy

Finding Carbon Neutral

Purchasing renewable energy certificates may not be the best way to address the issue.

February 5, 2020

Max Rohr

Is a carbon-neutral city possible? What would a city have to do to achieve the lofty building standards? How much would it have to rely on purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) to get there?

Alternative Energy

Puerto Rico: Complicated Path to Utility Recovery

The island will not need to import infrastructure to harvest more solar, wind and ocean energy.

February 3, 2020

Max Rohr

Fossil-fuel imports could provide quick relief in the wake of disasters, but they will always put Puerto Rico at the mercy of the import energy market. No import infrastructure is needed to harvest more solar, wind and ocean energy.

Alternative Energy

Now What?

How do we repurpose our wastelands?

January 7, 2020

Max Rohr

From illegal dumping areas to retired mining operations, brownfields aren’t ideal for redevelopment. What could we do with our wasteland sites other than fence them off forever?

Altnerative Energy

Construction Waste

How do we streamline this mess?

December 5, 2019

Max Rohr

About two-thirds of the waste generated in the United States comes from construction and demolition dumpsters. These large-scale projects create an enormous amount of waste in a short amount of time.

Alternative Energy

Science!

The plumbing and heating world has been too quiet about the incredible challenges we can solve.

November 25, 2019

Max Rohr

Generally speaking, all scientists should be required to pursue a minor in marketing while in school. Research and recommendations are lost if someone can’t explain why the average person should care.

Alternative Energy

The Politics of the Arctic

Many nations are ready to plant a flag at the top of the world. But why?

October 9, 2019

Max Rohr

The Arctic could be the next geopolitical land grab, as the warming world uncovers the seabed below. Is there anything valuable up there for U.S. citizens?