REHVA 50th Anniversary. 50th Anniversary of REHVA in Prague
It was in the early sixties that the idea of some form of co-operation between technical associations in the field of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning would be extremely useful was recognized by leading professionals who met each other in international meetings and conferences. On 27 September 1963 representatives of technical associations of nine European countries met in The Hague, The Netherlands, at the invitation of the Dutch associations TVVL. These associations were ATIC (Belgium), AICVF (France), VDI TGA (Germany), IHVE (United Kingdom), CARR (Italy), TVVL (The Netherlands), Norsk VVS (Norway), SWKI (Switzerland) and Swedish VVS (Sweden).
An impressive list of subjects about which further co-operation was essential, was brought for discussion. Ways of exchanging technical knowledge was at the top of the list, together with the promotion of European standardization and regulations, education and co-ordination of congress and conferences. In this first meeting it was decided that it was unnecessary to draft written rules for these activities. The only organizational arrangements were that the meetings would take place twice a year, hosted in turn by the participating countries. The host country would chair the meeting and organize the technical and social part. Consequently the second meeting took place in London on 21 April 1964. It is not surprising that REHVA present honorary members, Henry Meijer, Neville Billington, Erik Erichsen and Mario Costantino took an active part in these first meetings. Gradually the number of participating countries increased. In 1990 Russian Association of HVAC Engineers was admitted to the member of REHVA.
The original name of REHVA, «Representatives of European Heating and Ventilating Associations» was changed to «Federation of European Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning Associations». From a public relations point of view, it was decided to maintain the acronym «REHVA».
At this moment REHVA has 26 associations’ members from Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom. Looking back on the past, REHVA through its activities, improved the contacts between the European Technical HVAC associations and with many related organizations and institutions, such as ASHRAE, IIR, Eurovent, AIVC, CEN, etc. Since 2007, REHVA a new category of membership was created to include the industrial players in REHVA as well. About 50 private companies and other organisations have joined REHVA as «Supporters» in 2007 and many more are expected to join in the coming years, given the success already experienced. By becoming REHVA Supporters, private companies also join the «reHVAClub», which is a meeting place between the industry and European HVAC experts, enabling networking and the exchange of experience and knowledge between market and R&D.
To celebrate this important event, a festive Gala Dinner was organized on Saturday June 15th in a prestigious venue of high quality cuisine and service, the Art Nouveau Francouzska restaurant located in Prague Municipal house. The 200 guests enjoyed a pleasant evening enriched by live piano or jazz music. Large poster boards with pictures of all the most important events of the last 50 years were displayed in the restaurant. During this evening the REHVA former President, Michael Schmidt gave a short overview of these 50 years. Karel Kabele as a new REHVA president received nice plaques from Bill Bahnfleth (ASHRAE) and Pawel Wargocki (ISIAQ), a wise owl was given by Marianna Brodach and Yuri Tabunschikov from ABOK to commemorate this golden anniversary.
On this occasion, the following members of REHVA national associations received a REHVA Award: Mrs Lisje Schellen (TVVL – The Netherlands) and Mr Miroslav Urban (STP – Czech republic) received a REHVA Young Scientist Award; Mrs Otilia Lulkovicova (SSTP – Slovakia) was recognized for her outstanding achievements in design and for her contribution to improve energy efficiency and the indoor environment of buildings; Mr Miroslav Kotrbaty (STP – Czech Republic) was recognized for his outstanding achievements in technology and for his contribution to improve energy efficiency and the indoor environment of buildings; Mr Teet Kõiv (EKVÜ – Estonia) and former REHVA President Prof. Michel Schmidt (VDI – Germany) were recognized for their outstanding achievements in science and for their contributions to improve energy efficiency and the indoor environment of buildings.
During the evening, the Organization of National Societies of Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning in the Northern countries (SCANVAC) honored two of the most prominent characters in the Scandinavian HVAC industry, Mr. Jorma Railio and Mr. Risto Kosonen with an award.
This completed a memorable anniversary party together with good music, good food and amongst good friends. With a little candle as a gift, REHVA underlined its appreciation for the efforts of so many volunteers. REHVA hop!
Russian magazine «Sustainable Building Technologies» conducted an interview with leading industry experts Michael Schmidt, Yury Tabunschikov, William P. Bahnfleth, Bjarne W. Olesen, Olli Seppänen, Steve Comstock, Per Rasmussen. You can see the interview on the pages 77–80. ●
You can see the interview here:
What construction and engineering technologies / materials, in your opinion, to date, are the most promising and will allow to go to the construction of NZEB buildings in the near future?
PCM technology (phase changing materials) is known for a long time. The first time I’ve heard about PCM in use was the ducts in EKONO building in Finland (it was Prof Gabrielsen 1973). After 40 years this technology doesn’t became available in series. Even in FOLD project only the simulation based on experiment with one small module was done. It is interesting to get your view on the nearest future of PCM. When can we expect a series of PCM application in construction?
Geothermal energy, geothermal systems: modeling shows that the average temperature of the earth is changing. Do you know about the studies regarding possible negative aspects associated with this process, such as impact on the flora / fauna or something else?
Heat pumps – what are their prospects of development? Do you know about technologies which can increase efficiency of heat pumps and reduce their LCC (life cycle costs) in the nearest future?
Our president tells that Russia should be careful with RES, cause wind farms (which are quite popular in EU), for example, killing birds, worms and moles. What do you think about this issue?
What factors except construction technologies can affect energy saving?
How do you think, what factors influenced EU’s decision to start energy saving programs and construction practice of Zero Energy Buildings?
Do you believe in Net Zero Energy Buildings?
What steps in science and production industry should be done to make nearly net zero energy buildings being typical solution in construction?
Russia's extensive mineral and energy resources makes internal energy price cheaper that in EU. What other reasons can influence Russia’s decision to join EU in energy saving trend and sustainable development.
What do you consider to be the main achievement in construction industry over the last thirty years?
What changes in the last thirty years impact most on construction industry?
Our days plenty of construction and HVAC technologies widely used to save energy in buildings. What else can give us additional energy savings?
What changes take place in construction industry in the last thirty years?
What are the main problems construction industry faced in the last thirty years?
