ST. LOUIS — Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., a business of Emerson, hosted its fourth E360 Forum in Atlanta in February to collaborate on and discuss some of the biggest challenges facing the industry as regulations, technology, and solutions continue to evolve.

The E360 Forum featured a keynote session from Drusilla Hufford, director of the EPA’s stratospheric protection division, who highlighted the many EPA-related regulatory developments in response to the president’s Climate Action Plan. Hufford also discussed how U.S. policy fits into global initiatives to protect the environment.

“As we navigate the next few years, ongoing industry participation in regulatory decisions will continue to be critical,” said Dr. Rajan Rajendran, vice president of system innovation center and sustainability at Emerson Climate Technologies.

Rajendran’s session focused on the latest EPA regulatory updates and their national and global impacts as well as other refrigerant-related activities underway that also impact the industry.

“The most meaningful takeaway from today is the fact that the industry is changing, and with the EPA and changes in refrigerants, how that affects all of us from different levels and different parts of the industry and how we have to collaborate to make sure that we find the right solution,” said Derek Gosselin, systems product manager, Hillphoenix.

Kyle Gargaro, editor-in-chief for The ACHR NEWS, moderated a panel discussion entitled Addressing the Challenges of the Qualified Technician Shortage, centered on the current demand for HVACR technicians. Other sessions covered leak detection and implementing effective programs, system upgrades that impact sustainable energy efficiency and cost savings, and applications for alternate refrigerants.

Fina Vicari, VP, refrigeration sales management, ABCO HVACR Supply + Solutions, commented on the value of attending the event, stating that “it is a changing industry, the dynamics of it, there are so many uncertainties, so being here at this meeting today allows us to get that information and communicate it out to our customers.”  

The E360 Forum is part of the company’s broader initiative to create a meaningful HVACR industry dialogue. The E360 platform provides a number of resources designed to offer interested parties a 360-degree view of commercial refrigeration issues and advancements by addressing energy efficiency, equipment reliability and safety, environmental protection and economic considerations.

To access materials from the forum, visit http://bit.ly/22ikotD.