December Meeting Review

ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer Larry Spielvogel, PE’s presentation on December 10, 2009 was educational, thought provoking and borderline controversial.

Firstly from an educational standpoint his topic “Overview of ASHRAE/ANSI/IESNA Standard 90.1” provided a technical insight into ASHRAE’s most widely known standard. Larry’s presentation covered organization, appendices, purpose, scope, scope limitations, administration, enforcement and compliance.  What I personally found most intriguing was the present controversies that have mired this standard and what the end user can do to ensure a better standard.

Secondly, Larry’s choice of examples and anecdotes made engineers rethink what we over the years have considered to be the norm. He is truly an engineer’s engineer, probing you to think outside the box.

Finally, Larry’s unique but potent combination of technical expertise and thought provoking ideas is bound to be controversial.  Under fire were some of the very pillars of our trade – energy modeling, commissioning, green initiatives and programs, the current standard committee and even the overall direction of the ASHRAE society.

Attendee reviews were equally varied. From “Best lecture in 5 years at an ASHRAE meeting”, to “Very controversial” and one attendee describing the tone of the meeting as downright “negative”. Larry’s meeting was truly a mixed bag.

On a separate note, I would like to thank Wade Conlan, PE for doing a great job with the YEA Tech Topic.  True to his simplistic and effective style Wade delivered a fantastic program. Thank you Wade!

The night also belonged to our History Chair, Tim Citek. Carefully drawing from ASHRAE Central Florida’s rich history Tim put together a light, fun filled presentation in the form of multiple picture slides. It was a nostalgic moment for those members who are so much a part of our chapter’s history.

And finally my gratitude and sincere thanks to the Past Presidents that made December’s meeting. The chapter Past President’s night had the best past president attendance in years. The oldest attending past president (by election) was Wiley M. Cauthen (1972-73). Wiley – It was an honor to have you attend.

With half the year in our pocket we look forward to a great 2010.  I would like to wish you all Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.  See you all in 2010!