HPAC On The Air

EDITOR'S NOTE: From wildfires and data centers to A.I. and IEQ, engineers have that rare opportunity in today's complex society to actually be part of the solution.

The executive director of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) sits down to tell us how the boiler industry is handling new technologies, pushing for broader certifications and recruiting its next generation of inspectors.

HPAC On The Air welcomes Elise Kiland, Liz Jedrlinic, and Drew Samuels, the top three leaders of Young Engineers in ASHRAE. Join us for this lively discussion of the unprecedented challenges and opportunities now facing our industry's next generation as they navigate truly extraordinary times both nationally and globally. 

As we approach this momentous 4th of July at this extraordinarily fractious time, let us rededicate ourselves to serving this industry, and each other, with "integrity, civility, and courage." And let the problem-solving collaboration that is the hallmark of our industry help ALL of our neighbors to find common ground and common purpose.

Lots are going on this spring at the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), and President and CEO Scott Lynch returns to 'HPAC On The Air' to update us on all of them. From BOILER Expo 2026, held earlier this spring in Nashville, to ABMA's new online Resource Center and its fascinating new History Timeline, Lynch conveys at least some of the energy driving the growing international organization in 2026.

As global conflicts and domestic political dysfunction continue to roil markets with tariffs, inflation and overall uncertainty, industry economists still see strength and resilience among the chaos. But for how long? 

In a challenging environment, healthy buildings advocates are still riding post-pandemic momentum to push indoor air quality initiatives, especially at the state and local level, that will improve occupant health and productivity. Dr. Jason Hartke, EVP of external affairs at the International WELL Building Institute, offers an uplifting update on where such efforts currently stand, both in the U.S. and abroad. 

*PODCAST* Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence is part of this industry now and its impact is being felt more and more each day. Where is your firm on this journey? Listen to HPAC Engineering's latest take on this game-changing technology.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last spring that it was considering ending or privatizing its popular, 30-year-old program for promoting energy efficiency in buildings and products across the U.S. But industry pushed back with so much bipartisan support for maintaining ENERGY STAR as is that Congress decided to keep the program in its FY2026 budget.

This month, however, EPA restarted debate and speculation when it announced that it would be transferring primary administration of the program to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Engineering technology is now at a "watershed moment," says the Smart Cities guru. Artificial intelligence is already performing more than just administrative tasks at design firms, notes Doherty. The last remaining hurdle may be convincing clients that new designs generated in hours are just as reliable as the ones that used to take weeks to complete.