Traditional approaches, like Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems and 1-to-1 mini splits, can have drawbacks like high embodied carbon, or face challenges with new refrigerant requirements, central system complexities, or space limitations with existing buildings. This webinar explores a series of novel heat pump solutions—large geothermal, window saddle units, packaged terminal heat pumps, and air-to-water hydronic systems—that offer more electrification options. Join us to learn how these applications can transform the way we think about heat pumps, and to explore how applications of these technologies differ in climate zones, building types, and construction markets.

Panelists include:

Peter Pollard, P.E., Principal, kW Engineering
Peter is a seasoned Principal with over 30 years of experience in developing and implementing energy efficiency improvements and expansions across diverse industries and facilities. In 1998, kW Engineering was founded as a two-person firm with a singular vision: to become the leading technical experts at saving money in buildings by saving energy and water. With hundreds of satisfied long-term clients, kW has steadily become a recognized leader in the energy efficiency industry.

Jordan Dentz, Vice President, MaGrann Associates
Jordan is vice president of MaGrann Associates, a consulting firm specializing in building performance and energy efficiency with an active Passive House practice including design and field testing. He has more than 20 years of experience as a consultant and technical advisor to the building industry, including architects, developers, contractors, builders, and building materials manufacturers and suppliers. His work has focused on building energy efficiency, electric demand response, and residential systems building including factory-built housing. In his former capacity at The Levy Partnership, Mr. Dentz was senior project manager for the ARIES Collaborative, one of the research teams of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program; and for the Systems Building Research Alliance, the research arm of the modular and manufactured home industry. He has authored numerous publications and presented research results at conferences and seminars nationwide.

Tristan Grant, Associate Director, Codes & Policy, New Buildings Institute
Tristan brings over a decade of experience in the renewable energy and high-performance design and construction industries. In this work, he has provided oversight of teams providing design consultation, energy modeling, site inspections, testing and verification for new construction, and gut rehabilitation for residential multifamily projects throughout the Northeast region. In addition to managing the technical oversight of project deliverables, he has worked with clients on the scoping and development of comprehensive and strategic approaches to decarbonization, sustainability, and resilience at the portfolio level. Tristan has an educational background in building science with a Master of Design Studies in sustainable design from the Boston Architectural College. This deep education is complemented by practical field experience with inspections, testing and verification, and building performance diagnostics as a HERS Rater and PHIUS Verifier.

Moderator:

Vidhisha Moopnar, Project Analyst, New Buildings Institute
Vidhisha supports NBI efforts with technical research, policy analysis, data analysis, and data visualization. She aids project initiatives by creating roadmaps and helping colleagues with technical convenings. Project work includes the Advanced Water Heating Initiative and GridOptimal Building Initiative in addition to supporting other NBI program areas and divisions. Vidhisha holds a Ph.D. and brings a wealth of research experience in policy analysis, socioeconomic research, sustainable development, and climate change studies. She has worked on different research projects and served as a visiting faculty member at a university in India, where she advised post-graduate students on their dissertation projects and taught urban sustainability courses. She is also a qualified environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact analyst.

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Top photo by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash