Five advanced nuclear companies have received conditional commitments for early supplies of high-assay, low-enriched uranium from the U.S. Department of Energy’s HALEU Availability Program. Many advanced nuclear technology companies have designed their reactors to run on HALEU, a more potent form of uranium than the low-enriched uranium used by the 94 commercial nuclear reactors in operation today. Read more
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While traditional refrigerants rely on change of state from liquid to gas and visa versa to power cooling, solid materials like a nickel-titanium alloy only require mechanical stress to do so, offering a sustainable alternative. Scientists at University of Ljubljana’s faculty of mechanical engineering in Slovenia are testing a technology that is aimed at replacing toxic refrigerants with metal tubes. Read more
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A bill in the California Senate aims to streamline the California’s permitting process for heat pumps and create a certification program for contractors who install heat pumps and heat pump heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Sen. Scott Wiener (D) said streamlining permitting for heat pumps will help ensure California meets its goal to install 6 million heat pumps by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Read more
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In a move aimed at combating the fierce Texas heat, the city of Austin has mandated air conditioning in all residential properties. As per the newly adopted 2024 Technical Building Code, it is now a requirement that no habitable space within apartments, houses or rental homes exceeds 85°F (29°C). This change, heralded by tenant advocates and health professionals alike, emphasizes the essential need for cooling systems in an environment where heat waves are commonplace. Read more
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By Ron Bernstein
“Single pane of glass” (SPoG) is a term that has been floating around the building automation world for the last few years. What is it? Why do I need it (or not)? What are the benefits and drawbacks? This column will address these questions and more. Download here
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ASHRAE is accepting abstract submissions for the 2026 Winter Conference to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 31 – February 4, 2026, at Caesars Palace. Abstracts (400 words or less) are due May 28, 2025. Final conference papers are due September 3, 2025. Technical papers are also due May 28, 2025. All accepted papers will be considered for publication in Science and Technology for the Built Environment, ASHRAE’s research journal. For additional details on abstract submissions and updates on the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference, visit ashrae.org/2026Winter.
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The tariffs the Trump administration announced on April 2, will lead to higher costs on building materials and HVAC, plumbing and electrical equipment—all sectors of the economy integral to facilities operations, according to industry analyst estimates. Building material companies have either already raised prices in anticipation of the tariffs or are slated to do so, and appliance makers are doing the same, Bank of America analysts Rafe Jadrosich and Shaun Calnan say in a client note reported by Fortune. Read more
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