April 21, 2014: Interest in Renewable Energy Is Growing, Says AHR Expo Survey

Steady Growth in the Number of Exhibitors Showcasing Renewable Energy Products

WESTPORT, Conn. — According to a 2014 AHR Expo post-show survey of attendees, 41 percent of the more than 2,000 respondents said they came to the show seeking products related to “renewable energy resources” (geothermal, solar, etc.). When these sample results are projected across the 42,000-plus visitors, more than 17,000 HVACR professionals attended to find products and solutions related to renewable energy.

“We’re not surprised,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Co., which produces and manages the AHR Expo. “We know the interest in renewable energy resources is growing rapidly, so it is especially encouraging to see such a widespread interest across all segments of HVACR professionals at the show.”

Stevens added that there has also been a steady growth in the number of exhibitors showcasing renewable energy products in their booths. “This is an area where we’ve seen many long-time exhibiting companies expand their lines, as well as many newer exhibitors with more dedicated product offerings. For example, since we were last in New York in 2008, the number of exhibitors showcasing solar-related products more than doubled to 66 from 29.”

In addition to a growing presence on the show floor, renewable energy has also gained traction in the AHR Expo and ASHRAE educational programs. “Numerous sessions were either dedicated to geothermal or addressed sustainable technologies as part of their curriculum. They were all well attended,” Stevens said.

Of course, most visitors to the 2014 AHR Expo came with an interest in multiple HVACR product categories. Other areas attendees said they were interested in seeing were:

• Cooling – 77 percent

• Heating – 73 percent

• Ventilation – 57 percent

• Hydronic Heating – 49 percent

• Building Automation & Control – 45 percent

• Tools & Instruments – 45 percent

• Renewable Resources – 41 percent

• Refrigeration – 40 percent

• Plumbing Products – 31 percent

• Components – 27 percent

• Software – 24 percent

The 2015 AHR Expo will be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Jan. 26-28. For more information, visit www.ahrexpo.com.