Viega recently announced its partnership with the Center for the Built Environment at the University of California, Berkeley. The association will enable CBE and Viega to work together in educating the industry on new and more efficient technologies for commercial integrated hydronics systems.  

CBE is a place where industry leaders and internationally recognized researchers cooperate to produce substantial, holistic and far-sighted research on buildings. Its mission is to improve the environmental quality and energy efficiency of buildings by providing timely, unbiased information on building technologies, design and operation techniques.

Fred Bauman, P.E., a prominent scientist at CBE, is leading a research program on advanced integrated systems with a focus on radiant slab cooling, also known as thermally activated building systems. CBE recently accepted a $3 million grant over the next three years on radiant slab systems to research methods for optimizing radiant systems for energy efficiency and comfort. Research provides more performance data that allows for guidelines for design and controls.

Viega and CBE are collaborating to develop training sessions and use the research for innovative product advancements and design guidelines.

“We are honored to be associated with CBE,” said Mark Parent, director of product management, Viega. “There is a lack of industry knowledge when it comes to radiant heating and cooling. Our hope is to help educate the industry on newer and more efficient technologies when designing commercial integrated hydronics systems.”