Danfoss Symposium: Transformation and Volatility Mark the Future of Building Efficiency

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Jul 24, 2013) - Danfoss (www.danfoss.us), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration and motion systems, recently held its 19^th EnVisioneering(SM) Symposium, "Building and Energy Infrastructure," at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

The symposium, which convened 50 leaders from HVAC equipment manufacturers, building consultancies and contractors, utilities, advocacy groups and experts in research and policy, explored new opportunities in next generation energy technology for commercial buildings. Specifically, participants focused on the impact of natural gas prices and advances in solar, storage, demand response and micro-grids on the potential of commercial buildings and the implications for a whole-building-systems-based building standards and market value.

Outlining the transformative conditions facing the building community, marked by volatility in electrical power and building markets, as well as opportunity for new paths in equipment design and building delivery, presentations were given by:

• Thomas W. Hicks, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy
• R. Neal Elliott, Associate Director for Research, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
• Dr. James Freihaut, Chief Scientist, U.S. DoE Energy Efficient Buildings Hub
• Mick Schwedler, Manager, Applications Engineering, Trane
• Karen Sweeney, VP for Diversity and Inclusion, Turner Construction Company
• Stephen Selkowitz, Senior Advisor for Building Science, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Drake Erbe, VP of Market Development, Airxchange, Inc.
• Richard Lord, Engineering Fellow, Carrier Corporation

Transformation Requires Integration, Metrics and Communication

From the symposium's discussion emerged a key theme: integrated process and the development of new metrics are critical to progress in whole building efficiency.

By any standard, a systems and sub-systems approach to building energy efficiency offers the greatest opportunity to reach the next level of efficiency targets. The transition will require an entire infrastructure be developed and a building labeling program be implemented to measure and reward performance.

Meeting that goal will require research, innovation and vision, but it will also require a new emphasis on communication -- communicating necessary ideas and opportunities to an industry challenged to meet aspirations for efficiency that will otherwise exceed its grasp.

"The industry is at a critical point in shaping the future. The volatility of energy sources and electricity costs combined with a greater focus on the potential of systems is causing a shift -- and is a significant driver for the building of the future," remarked John Galyen, president of Danfoss North America.

"With improved metrics and performance-based standards for building efficiency, it's easy to see that integration is very much on the horizon."

For a full summary of the symposium's discussion, please visit http://bit.ly/symposium19 to download a copy of the event report.

About the EnVisioneering Symposia Series
The non-commercial EnVisioneering Symposia Series was launched by Danfoss in 2006 to keep stakeholders abreast of developments in policy and industry and present a forum for on-going dialogue among industry thought leaders in research and development and the policy community.

About Danfoss
Danfoss is a world leader in the research, development and production of high efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration and motion control systems -- as well as solutions for renewable energy technologies such as solar power. Our innovative, reliable products and solutions have been used in homes, buildings and industrial plants to help save energy and improve productivity since 1933. Today, we employ approximately 23,000 people worldwide, and operate sales companies in 47 countries and 56 factories in 18 countries.

With sales offices and production facilities located throughout North America, Danfoss has the local support necessary to help our customers solve their greatest challenges. Through EnVisioneering(SM), Danfoss creates engaged partnerships with our customers by combining engineering innovation to develop products and solutions that are energy efficient and environmentally responsible, while also helping to reduce emissions and ensure sustainable business growth.

For more information about Danfoss, visit www.danfoss.us.
For more information about EnVisioneering, visit www.envisioneering.danfoss.com.