There was lots of activity for the RPA in 2023: The RPA met periodically virtually and in person to discuss updates, the membership expanded with new and returning members, new partnerships were formed, newsletters were created to better communicate with the industry, call for abstracts were published to present during the ASHRAE/AHR Expo, and the Building Efficiency System Tool (BEST) was updated to reflect the latest engineering tools and methods.

RPA members can take advantage of the great benefits the alliance has to offer, such as codes and standards advocacy, job center network, obtaining and creating valuable education, the annual Radiant Flooring Guide, newsletter subscription, discounts for IAPMO products and services, access to webinars and much more. RPA members include professionals from all facets of the radiant profession, including manufacturers, installers, engineers, architects, students, apprentices, inspectors and more.

New and returning members

The RPA would like to welcome Design-Aire Engineering, JB Plumbing and Energy Environmental Corp., which joined the association in 2023. We would also like to welcome the following returning members: All Island Radiant, Heatmeister Group, and Radiant Floor. Thank you to all the RPA and Premium members. Because of your dedication, the radiant industry has an advocate and a voice to speak on important matters that affect the industry for a better tomorrow.

Partnerships

A new partnership was formed with the signing of an MoU with the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). Both organizations will support the geothermal industry on providing opportunities to participate in codes and standards development, guidelines, policies and position statements developed on technical subjects as they relate to geothermal and radiant/hydronic developments. The RPA and IGSHPA will collaborate in the development of research related to the design and construction of radiant systems for geothermal applications and promote research in areas where results will add to the body of knowledge in the conservation of natural resources, increasing energy efficiencies and sustainability and improving public health and safety.

RPA newsletter

In 2023, the RPA initiated a quarterly newsletter where relevant information is provided such as education and training, upcoming codes and standards deadlines, upcoming events and a member soapbox where RPA members can address the industry on a specific topic, technology or novel product.

RPA discussions

RPA discussions varied throughout the year, covering topics ranging from the RPA structures and guidelines, along with discussions on issues affecting the industry. The RPA also met in person during IAPMO’s 94th annual Education and Business Conference in San Antonio, which was co-located with the ASSE International and the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA). At the San Antonio meeting, the state of the alliance, industry trends and the AHR Expo were discussed. The RPA membership considered the formation of an Advisory Committee that will report to the overall RPA membership on the status and future ventures of the RPA.

The RPA and IGSHPA will collaborate in the development of research related to the design and construction of radiant systems for geothermal applications and promote research in areas where results will add to the body of knowledge in the conservation of natural resources, increasing energy efficiencies and sustainability and improving public health and safety.

ASHRAE/AHR Expo

The RPA will sponsor five abstracts during the ASHRAE Winter Conference in Chicago. The RPA will also meet during the ASHRAE/AHR Expo, so please stop by to listen in or say hello. We encourage the industry to attend the RPA presentations and meeting to hear from RPA members on the latest trends and technologies impacting the radiant, hydronics and geothermal industry. More details on the abstract being presented will be provided soon.

Building Efficiency System Tool

The latest software, “BEST 6.2,” was released in 2023, providing utility cost based on system choice by looking at the cost to operate based on the utility rate. This software is free to download, and every engineering and installer should take advantage of this service to model the system and calculate the energy consumption and operating cost. BEST 6.2 includes a Demand Energy Efficiency Ratio (DEER) tab that makes it easier than ever to compare energy demand to existing efficiency ratings. The BEST Software can be downloaded at https://www.iapmo.org/HIAC.

There has never been a better time to be part of the RPA. If you are not a member, you should join. I look forward to seeing you at events or at the next RPA meeting. Thank you, RPA members, for taking part in this great alliance. Please visit the RPA member page to join: https://iapmo.org/media/1815/rpa_generalmembershipform.pdf.

If you would like to know more about becoming part of the RPA, please feel free to contact Tricia Megee at tricia.megee@iapmo.orgor John Mullen at john.mullen@iapmo.org.