At the forefront of innovation and sustainability, the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) is leading the charge in advancing intelligent hydronic heating and cooling systems. Our mission is clear, harness the power of water as an energy source to transform how we heat and cool buildings, create energy-efficient systems and provide a sustainable future for our communities. Water holds the potential to be the key to a carbon-neutral built environment, and the RPA is committed to driving this revolution forward.

Since 1994, RPA has been committed to promoting the comfort, efficiency and health benefits of radiant heating and cooling, moving the needle with education, standards development and strategic partnerships. At the heart of the mission is the idea that water is energy. By embracing this principle, we can move closer to a future where buildings aren’t just consumers of energy, they are active participants in energy conservation and efficiency, all while delivering a higher level of comfort to their occupants.

Hydronic systems that move water to capture, transfer and redistribute heat are continuing to prove to be far more efficient than traditional methods, allowing us to create spaces that are both comfortable, with low to no emissions and are environmentally responsible.

With geothermal and thermal energy networks, we see buildings as sinks and sources with the unique ability to share wasted energy by connected piping networks. These systems, integrated with technologies like heat pumps and heat exchangers, create an ideal design capable of delivering energy where it's needed most, by an array of different available logics. We at the RPA are convinced that water-based energy solutions offer unmatched efficiency performance and we are focused on an effort to advance this sustainable technology.

As this technology continues to evolve, its applications are expanding beyond traditional residential and commercial systems. In high-tech sectors like data centers or fabrication plants, where heat management is crucial, water’s ability to efficiently transfer heat is revolutionizing how we think about energy use. As we integrate water-based district systems utilizing hydronics, we are paving the way for lower peak electricity demands and creating assets that are part of a community’s energy management program.  

At the RPA, we believe that collaboration is the key to achieving these ambitious goals. By working together, we can build a future where water is at the heart of energy management, creating spaces that are undeniably efficient.

Empowering Collaboration through Partnerships

This year marks significant leadership changes within the RPA with the nomination of Jim Kendzel as chair of the RPA Advisory Committee. With Kendzel’s help, the RPA advisory committees have been meeting regularly to discuss member initiatives, such as competitions, contractor spotlights and forming task groups, like the education task group focused on RPA publications and The Hydronics University courses, available on our new website: Radiantpros.org

The work doesn’t end there, as The Hydronics Industry Alliance Committee (HIA) and its technology task group remain critical to ensuring that the RPA continues to lead in promoting water based district systems, through the advancement of educational tools and software. Driving our mission forward is the Building Efficiency System Tool (BEST). This tool created by Taco Comfort Solutions empowers our members to model, analyze, and compare up to four building heating and cooling system options at once, for free. Using this tool during the pre-design phase can ensure that every project is as efficient and sustainable as possible, considering all available options. Whether you’re designing a new system or retrofitting an existing one, BEST allows you to make informed decisions that align with energy efficiency goals and sustainable design.

Though in the infancy of the RPA Policy Committee, we have managed to form some incredible relationships this year. We’ve expanded our alliance with organizations like The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSPHA) and in 2024, the RPA penned another historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This time with Geothermal Rising (GR), one of the oldest geothermal advocacy groups symbolizing our commitment to building strategic partnerships that drive awareness.

Our RPA members and advocates work tirelessly to ensure that hydronics, geothermal and radiant systems are represented in the development of new standards and codes and are instrumental to the success of the sector growth. These committees are where ideas become actions and partnership drives progress. As our members collaborate to solve industry challenges and push the boundaries of what’s possible, we remain committed to the idea of collaboration and unity in our industry.

So, please consider signing up for an RPA committee today!

The RPA Digital Experience

By joining the RPA, you gain access to a growing network of professionals from across industries. You’ll rub elbows with individuals who are as committed to sustainable building practices as you are. Here’s a few things we’ve been working on:

Since 1994, RPA has been committed to promoting the comfort, efficiency and health benefits of radiant heating and cooling, moving the needle with education, standards development and strategic partnerships. At the heart of the mission is the idea that water is energy. By embracing this principle, we can move closer to a future where buildings aren’t just consumers of energy, they are active participants in energy conservation and efficiency, all while delivering a higher level of comfort to their occupants.

Virtual Sessions: Live Webinar Series. In 2024, the RPA Virtual Sessions on YouTube have become a vital part of our educational outreach. These sessions, which cover critical topics such as decarbonization, geothermal systems and hydronics, are designed to keep our members informed and equipped with the knowledge needed to lead in this evolving landscape. Incredible guest speakers have shared their insights on how water source heating and cooling systems can drive the future of energy efficiency. These sessions are just one example of the RPA’s commitment to education, offering all members the tools and resources needed to stay ahead in an industry that is constantly innovating.

Hydronics University: Online Courses & Professional Qualifications. Stay ahead of industry trends with access to certifications like the ASSE 19000 Hydronic Heating and Cooling System Professional Qualification, a mark of excellence in the field and a badge worth displaying. These programs offered on through IAPMOlearn.org provide a deeper understanding of how to design, install, and optimize water-based systems and are only available on Hydronics University.

BEST Software: The Ultimate Pre-Design Tool. Engage with cutting-edge tools like the Building Efficiency System Tool (BEST), which empowers decision-makers to model and optimize their systems for maximum efficiency and sustainability. BEST is more than just a tool, it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of water as an energy resource. The application is available for free download from our website. Reach out for specialized training and tailored demonstrations for you and your team.

Communication Stations: Newsletters, Magazines and Books. The RPA puts out a quarterly newsletter with all the most up to date information, links and ways to connect. When you join the RPA, you have a voice. We share that voice by putting you and your businesses in the spotlight. By sharing stories, we grow as business owners and colleagues and what better way to do it than through print.

In 2025, the RPA education task group will publish a brand new “Installations Guideline Manual for the design and installation of hydronic heating and cooling systems” a classic RPA publication that has been completely revamped by industry legends and will be available soon digitally and in print.

Join the RPA Today

The Radiant Professionals Alliance is more than just a trade association, it’s a movement dedicated to creating a more sustainable future through intelligent system innovations. By becoming a member, you not only gain access to cutting-edge tools, and become part of the IAPMO family, but you become part of a network of professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of plumbing and mechanical systems.

By getting involved in our task groups and committees, your expertise and ideas can help shape the future of the built environment. Whether it’s contributing to the development of a new industry standard, participating in an educational webinar or attending our in-person events, your involvement will strengthen the “Alliance” and move our mission forward.

Join the Radiant Professionals Alliance today and together, we can build a sustainable future.

Contact John A. Mullen at John.Mullen@Iapmo.org for more information and check out our website: www.radiantpros.org to learn more.