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Setting a New Standard: A world-renowned engineering society builds a cutting-edge home on Technology Parkway

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ashrae
Photos courtesy of Ashrae

You may not know what ASHRAE is, but you know its work: the clean and comfortable air we all take for granted inside many modern buildings.

The international professional society’s standards are behind everything from the filtering of airplane cabin air to the energy efficiency of office buildings that mitigates climate change and dependence on foreign oil. Today, it’s a major authority in the COVID-19 fight, penning standards for halting the coronavirus’s spread through HVAC systems that are promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And now ASHRAE is your neighbor, having recently moved into a new $20 million global headquarters on Technology Parkway meant to be a living laboratory for “walking the talk” on energy efficiency.

“We harness the collective wisdom of the world’s experts and bring that wisdom to bear on some of these challenges,” said Jeff Littleton, ASHRAE’s executive vice president, in a recent interview.

Jeff Littleton

ASHRAE (pronounced “ash-ray”) is the easier-on-the-tongue version of the group’s full name, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The society traces its history back to 1894, when a group of heating and air-conditioning engineers convened in New York City. A merger with a society of refrigeration engineers in 1959 produced the current organization.

Today, ASHRAE has more than 55,000 members in around 130 countries. It offers training and professional certifications for those in the HVAC and refrigeration industries, and stages conferences that attract up to 75,000 attendees. It funds research at universities and specialty labs to the tune of $5 million a year.

But ASHRAE’s most influential role is writing industry standards that are taken so seriously, some of them become law. ASHRAE isn’t a trade association designed to promote its industry; it’s a professional society with a nonprofit mission of promoting the public good. ASHRAE’s priority is not what might make your HVAC contractor the biggest paycheck, Littleton said, but what will best ensure “health and human comfort.”

“We have an obligation to serve the public trust,” said Littleton. “… We are a true-blue professional society, and that drives a lot of what we do.”

The energy efficiency of buildings is a major standard set by ASHRAE, whose word has been federal law for decades.

“Back in the 1970s, when the oil embargoes caused oil and gas shortages in the U.S. and lines at gas stations and all that, the U.S. Department of Energy came to ASHRAE and said…, ‘The built environment in the United States is burning too much energy and we need to cut back on that,’” said Littleton.

The result was a regularly updated code for commercial buildings in federal law that has been adopted by many state and local jurisdictions as well. On such standards, ASHRAE goes beyond heating and cooling to virtually every “building technology” related to energy usage.

It’s one of the ways, Littleton said, that ASHRAE is a “really big player in trying to mitigate climate change.” He noted that while motor vehicles are often depicted as the villains of climate change, buildings are major factors: 35% of the world’s final-customer energy use and 40% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to ASHRAE.

Last year, ASHRAE responded to another national crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic. “People started calling us [asking], ‘What do we do? What do we do when we find out someone in our 10-story office building had COVID?’” Littleton recalled.

ASHRAE quickly formed a pandemic task force and subcommittees with more than 100 members, including not only industry experts, but also medical doctors and epidemiologists. In some ways, it’s familiar turf for the society, which writes standards for hospital ventilation systems and how to prevent outbreaks of some specific bugs, like the air-conditioning-loving bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.

For COVID, the society is regularly devising best practices and rules for preventing the coronavirus from blowing around inside buildings, with everything from air filters to virus-zapping ultraviolet systems addressed. “Right now, we’re developing a … guidance document on outdoor dining because we’re getting requests from jurisdictions that want to get those open as soon as possible,” said Littleton.

While ASHRAE always develops its standards and practices with public input and review, one way it makes money is keeping the final documents exclusive and selling them to authorities and organizations. But not with COVID guidance. All pandemic-related material is free to view and download from the society’s website.

“We certainly don’t want to profit from the fact that the pandemic is going on,” said Littleton. The society finds it rewarding enough that its task force experts “have really risen to that challenge. It’s really had a big impact. … We’re really proud of that work as an organization.”

ASHRAE aims to live up to its own standards. It did so when it moved in 1984 from New York to metro Atlanta, building a high-efficiency headquarters in DeKalb County near I-85 and North Druid Hills Road. That site is now in the young city of Brookhaven and neighboring Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which has a $1 billion hospital project that made it clear it was time to move again. The society looked around for a site to set a new standard with its headquarters — and found it in Peachtree Corners.

Littleton said the attractions were plentiful. Hotels, green space and restaurants for the many visiting students and experts. A “high-tech look” and fellow cutting-edge infrastructure enthusiasts, like the Technology Parkway autonomous vehicle test track.

ASHRAE now calls home an old office building at 130 Technology Parkway that dates to 1978. Instead of tearing it down, the society retrofitted it into a futuristic, hyper-efficient HQ. Its interior is heated and cooled with a “hydronic” system of fluid-filled panels instead of duct-blown air, and by the end of April the site will be studded with solar panels. The goal is a “net-zero-energy” building, meaning it will create as much energy as it burns. In short, ASHRAE is doing what it tells everyone else to do.

“If we, as a society, are really going to reduce the energy consumption in the built environment that contributes to climate change and all of that, we have to deal with existing buildings,” said Littleton. “… So ASHRAE is walking the talk.”

In the society’s public spirit, the building is also an experiment, “a learning lab, a showcase to demonstrate what’s possible.” Eventually the building will have an online dashboard publicly displaying its energy performance to see if it’s living up to its promise.

“A lot of building experts around the world are watching very closely,” said Littleton. “You throw enough money at any building, you can get there. But can we demonstrate that we can do it in an economical way?”

Much of that experiment is on temporary hold in the pandemic, which has already taken the wind out of what was supposed to be a banner year for ASHRAE. In 2020, the society planned to celebrate its 125th anniversary — counting from an 1895 debut annual meeting of its ancestor organization — and to have a major grand opening celebration at the new headquarters. Now health concerns have the society shying away from even a ribbon-cutting, and most of the 110 staff members remain working from home to avoid COVID.

But that, too, shall pass, and ASHRAE is looking forward to enjoying its new home and setting new standards.

“We’re excited to be here in Peachtree Corners. It’s a cool place. It’s got hotels and restaurants and everything close by,” said Littleton. “Working with the folks from the city of Peachtree Corners has been great. They’re very responsive.

“It’s just ironic that we’re not really using the building right now, but it’s going to be really neat.”

For more about ASHRAE and its work, see ashrae.org.

John Ruch is a journalist with SaportaReport and Buckhead.com in metro Atlanta. His freelance work has appeared in such publications as the Washington Post and the Seattle Times. In his spare time, he writes fantasy novels.

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Business

PCBA Continues Charitable Giving at November Event

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Members of the PCBA and United Way of Greater Atlanta standing together holding an oversized donation check for $500

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 to the United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County) at their Business After Hours networking event in November.

The local organization was chosen by PCBA’s Outreach Committee because of their commitment to providing assistance and bettering the lives of children within the community.

United Way of Greater Atlanta

The mission of United Way of Greater Atlanta is to engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families and individuals in local communities.

“Greater Atlanta is one of the most vibrant regions in the country, but the region has significant barriers to realizing its potential in the future because of its continued ranking at the bottom of the list of metro areas in income mobility,” stated Vanessa Roussell, United Way senior director of corporate relations.

A short-haired woman in black pants and print top standing in front of a PCBA event backdrop
Vanessa Roussell, United Way of Greater Atlanta

“Children born in low-income households have only a 4% chance of getting out of poverty in their lifetime,” she continued. “We at United Way of Greater Atlanta don’t like those odds. Our work is about changing them so that children — regardless of where they’re born — have the chance to realize their potential and build lives that sustain themselves, their families and their communities.

Assessing needs within the county

The organization’s goal is to help every child unlock their full potential, by improving education, healthcare, resources and economic mobility in the communities where they live. Their “every child program” includes every child in Gwinnett. 

Based on the 2023 census track for Gwinnett County, 94,308 people living in Gwinnett County are at risk, particularly in and around Sugar Hill/Buford, Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Lilburn and Snellville. The highest-need residents are located in the I-85 corridor, mainly around Duluth, Norcross and Lilburn.

Giving back to support the community

“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County),” said PCBA President, Lisa Proctor. “Our outreach committee and board are committed to supporting our community, and investing in the well-being of the children in our community aligns with our core principles. We know that our dollars will be targeted to help those at highest risk … We are glad to have the local Gwinnett chapter located right in our community.”

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the community organizations and their programs.

Over the past 12 years, the PCBA has awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors and donated in excess of $165,500 back into the community.

About Peachtree Corners Business Association

“Where businesses come to grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.

The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area. 
 
For more information visit peachtreecornersba.com.

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Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

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A group of award winners in front of a Partnership Gwinnett sign

Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown named Redevelopment Champion of the Year

The Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS), presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, offered an exclusive look at major redevelopment projects shaping the future of the region.

This year’s event not only highlighted emerging trends in the redevelopment industry but also provided valuable networking opportunities for professionals across metro Atlanta. Attendees gained insight into best practices through discussions on successful revitalization projects.

The summit’s marquee moment was the presentation of the annual MARS Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements in redevelopment that are transforming the metro Atlanta landscape.

The keynote address was delivered by Joe Minicozzi, a renowned urban planner and founder of Urban3, who shared his expertise on land use, urban design and economics. In addition to the keynote, the event featured dynamic panel discussions with local leaders and key partners from across the metropolitan area, spotlighting successful projects and innovative strategies in the region.

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson concluded the summit with closing remarks, emphasizing the continued growth of the region and the collective efforts driving its future.

2024 MARS Awards winners

The MARS Awards ceremony celebrated projects that have made significant economic impacts on their communities and honored Tim Perry, an individual who has dedicated his career to advancing successful redevelopment initiatives.

Runner upPaul Radford, Sugar Hill city manager


Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Historic Jones Building

The historic Jones Building, one of the oldest structures in Cherokee County, has been revitalized to meet modern needs while preserving its storied past. This ambitious 28-month restoration culminated in August 2024, breathing new life into this cornerstone of downtown Canton and creating a dynamic space for work, dining, and play.

Runner up: The Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op


Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center is a transformative development in the heart of Snellville. With 33,000 square feet of restaurant space, 10,000 square feet of retail and the new Elizabeth H. Williams Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library, The Grove offers an ideal blend of dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Runner up: Springside Powder Springs


Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Works

The Works is an innovative, 80-acre adaptive reuse community that reimagines a historic warehouse district in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The first phase, spanning 27 acres, introduced a dynamic mix of 218,000 square feet of unique retail and dining spaces, 118,000 square feet of creative office space and Westbound at The Works — a modern 306-unit multi-family residence.

Runner up: The Forum at Peachtree Corners

“Community redevelopment is essential in creating vibrant, thriving spaces that enhance the quality of life and drive sustainable economic growth for the entire region,” said Deven Cason, vice president of economic development for Partnership Gwinnett.

“We proudly congratulate this year’s award winners and finalists for their innovative contributions and tireless efforts in revitalizing our communities. Their work is not only reshaping local landscapes but also fueling long-term economic prosperity in metro Atlanta. We are grateful for their dedication to building a brighter, more prosperous future.”

2024 sponsors

The program was held at the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, Maison6405, and welcomed more than 200 industry attendees.

Sponsors included Evermore CID, Gateway 85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, C2H Air, Hogan Construction, Northside, Primerica, The Forum, Gas South, Jackson EMC, Select Fulton, True North 400, ABEV Power Solutions, City of Suwanee, Curiosity Labs, Geo Hydro Engineers, Georgia Power, Lose Designs, City of Lawrenceville, City of Norcross, City of Peachtree Corners, City of Sugar Hill and Town of Braselton.

For more information on revitalization and redevelopment efforts in the region, visit partnershipgwinnett.com.

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Business

TransPak Acquires Reid Packaging to Expand East Coast Presence

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group of people in a warehouse with two men in front shaking hands

The strategic acquisition strengthens TransPak’s Southeast presence and expands their capabilities in custom packaging for military, aerospace and high-value equipment.

TransPak, a global leader in logistics, packaging and crating services, recently announced the acquisition of Reid Packaging, a long-standing provider of custom packaging solutions based in Peachtree Corners. Both family-owned and operated companies share a deep-rooted commitment to quality craftsmanship, reliability and customer service, making the acquisition a natural fit.

Reid Packaging, founded in 1982, has distinguished itself as the go-to customer industrial packager in the metro Atlanta region, providing corrugated, foam and custom-engineered crating solutions, particularly in the military and aerospace industries. 

two people from Reid Packaging standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse
Ward and Anne Phillips of Reid Packaging

Under the ownership of Ward Phillips since 2008, the company has grown to become one of the largest packaging facilities in the region, with a 60,000-square-foot site. 

The acquisition will allow TransPak to expand its local manufacturing capabilities in the Southeast, while leveraging Reid Packaging’s expertise in specialized and heavy-duty custom crates.

Strategic Atlanta location and enhanced capabilities

The acquisition is part of TransPak’s strategic expansion into the Atlanta market, a critical logistics hub for both the renewable energy and semiconductor industries. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Reid Packaging into the TransPak family,” said Tomas Molet, executive vice president of East and Midwest Operations, TransPak. “With Reid Packaging’s prime location in Peachtree Corners, we are now able to serve customers throughout the Southeast, including direct routes to the Carolinas and beyond. This acquisition strengthens our ability to meet the needs of existing clients, especially those in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors.”

four people at a ribbon cutting as TransPak acquires Reid Packaging
Tomas Molet and Amanda Gautney with Anne and Ward Phillips

In addition to the strategic location, the acquisition brings new manufacturing capabilities to TransPak’s East Coast operations. Reid Packaging’s facility is now the largest of TransPak’s locations in the region. Its offerings include enhanced services, such as heavy-duty and triple-wall corrugated packaging, which will enable TransPak to meet the growing demand for custom-designed packaging solutions for fragile, high-value equipment.

Commitment to employees and leadership appointments

A key focus of the acquisition was ensuring a smooth transition for Reid Packaging’s employees.

 “We made a commitment to Ward Phillips to take care of the staff, and we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Molet. “All employees were retained, and we’ve introduced benefits they previously didn’t have as part of our commitment to making this a positive transition for everyone involved.”

Amanda Gautney, a longtime member of TransPak’s leadership team, has been appointed as the operations manager for the Peachtree Corners facility. “I’m excited to work with the team at Reid and continue the legacy of this respected company,” said Gautney. 

two people from TransPak standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse
Amanda Gautney and Tomas Molet

Looking forward in Atlanta

TransPak plans to continue operating under the Reid Packaging name for the immediate future. However, the facility will gradually transition to full integration under the TransPak brand, reflecting the shared values and commitment to quality of both companies.

About TransPak

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, TransPak has been providing innovative and cost-effective design, crating, packaging and global logistics for over 70 years.

As a customer-focused, women- and family-owned company, TransPak combines the agility of a small business with the reliability of a global powerhouse. TransPak lives by the slogan, “We make it happen,” ensuring that high-value, fragile, and oversized goods reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

For more information about TransPak, visit transpak.com.

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