The decarbonization of buildings is no longer an aspirational idea. The biggest cities and most progressive states in America, and in the world, have begun to finalize concrete plans to phase out fossil fuels in building systems and on the electricity grid. 

Although the private sector is the primary landscape for economic and cultural disruption, we are becoming less naïve about the role of governments, especially local governments, as catalysts for the needed changes.

Crazy weather has become the norm everywhere, which is part of the reason for the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, under which nations have agreed to move toward natural, global-warming-friendly refrigerants. 

We may soon hear a great deal more about geothermal heating and cooling systems than ever before. For the people working in this part of our business, the ups and downs of the last decade can only be described as a roller coaster ride.

There are two good reasons readers should be asking if our drinking water is safe. The obvious one is the responsibility we share to create healthy communities for our families and ourselves.

The technology is used in projects all over the country for reduced energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Advanced controls can provide a contemporary path to energy savings, better comfort and reduced carbon emissions.

The technology’s use is increasing around the world in more innovative ways to save on heating and cooling costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality.

We now live in a world where the mainstream media and social media are serving up daily news less distinguishable from entertainment than ever before.

Happy 2019 and welcome to a time when it’s difficult to tell fact from fancy, “messaging” from reality and results from wish lists — especially for those still in a celebratory haze following New Year festivities. It might be my only opportunity to find a few believers for some of the more creative among my industry predictions.