The benefits of building information modeling (BIM) and other technology advancements that allow the exchange of information on design and construction projects, including improving labor productivity and reducing costs for construction companies, are just the beginning of what can be achieved, according to a new study.

HVACR industry input is being sought into a proposal to modify portions of ASHRAE’s refrigeration safety standard to incorporate subclass 2L flammability classifications. Addendum d to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2013, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, is open for public comment until Jan. 18, 2016.

Comfort Systems USA Inc., a leading provider of commercial, industrial, and institutional HVAC services, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 40 percent noncontrolling interest in Environmental Air Systems (EAS), headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, effective Jan. 1, 2016.

The ZigBee Alliance, an association creating open standards that define the Internet of Things (IoT), announced with the EnOcean Alliance, a consortium for battery-less, wireless smart buildings and homes, that the organizations will cooperate on combining the benefits of EnOcean energy harvesting wireless solutions with ZigBee 3.0.

Ingersoll-Rand plc announced it will sell its remaining equity interest in its Hussmann refrigeration business as part of a transaction in which Panasonic Corp. is acquiring 100 percent of Hussmann’s shares.

COBRA Contractors Software, a provider of contractor business software solutions, announced that it has selected ProTechnology’s JetTrac to integrate within COBRA’s suite of business management software solutions. COBRA said it was looking to add next-generation mobile data capture to its software.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) forecasts a continued steady economic recovery for the U.S. commercial and industrial construction industries in 2016. Despite a weak global economy, the industry’s solid economic recovery in 2015 should continue in 2016, led by strong consumer spending.

Rinnai America announced it is introducing a wireless module and app for its gas tankless water heaters. By integrating Wi-Fi connectivity, new and existing residential and commercial tankless water heaters can be monitored and controlled via smart devices for water heating management, control, and maintenance.

Earth Networks announced that the WeatherBug Home portion of its WeatherBug® mobile app now includes an integration with the Honeywell Lyric smart thermostat — enabling Honeywell customers to see how the latest weather conditions impact their personal energy use, costs, and comfort.

The global HVAC market is forecast to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 percent from 2016 to 2020, according to a new report available from ReportsnReports. Rapid growth in the construction and real estate markets worldwide is having a positive impact on the HVAC market.