ASHRAE has announced a newly published user’s manual that clarifies the intent and implementation of the ASHRAE/USGBC/IES green building standard by explaining its requirements and providing example applications.

The Wendy’s Co. announced it has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Better Buildings Challenge with a commitment to reduce energy consumption in U.S. company-owned restaurants by 20 percent per transaction by 2025.

The University of Nottingham announced it has developed a new and easy-to-use test for measuring the airtightness of buildings in order to help eliminate drafts, improve energy efficiency, and reduce heating bills.

ASHRAE has announced a new web application that automates the calculations needed to show a building project’s compliance with Standard 90.1-2010. The 90.1 ECB web application is a tool for modeling compliance using the Energy Cost Budget (ECB) method in the standard.

Emerson has announced the appointment of Robert T. (Bob) Sharp as executive vice president for its newly-formed, combined Commercial and Residential Solutions business segment announced last year as part of Emerson’s strategic portfolio repositioning of its core businesses.

Daikin Industries Ltd., through its subsidiary American Air Filter Co. Inc., has announced the acquisition of U.S. air filter manufacturer Flanders Holdings LLC, Washington, North Carolina. The acquisition price is $430 million.

Panasonic Canada Inc. announced the launch of its Home + Building Solutions division, which will offer a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of the Canadian home building and renovation industry.

The Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International announced it has opened a new online store for its members and the public. The AMCA Store can be accessed at www.amca.org/store.

Consumers who integrated WeatherBug Home’s HVAC control and optimization capabilities with their connected thermostat saved 16.5 percent when cooling their home as compared to 5.1 percent HVAC savings using a connected thermostat –– saving 11.4 percent more in HVAC energy use — according to results from a pilot study.

The Taco Group announced it has completed its acquisition of Askoll® SEI SrL of Sandrigo, Italy. Askoll SEI, a manufacturer of advanced technology pumps for use in indoor heating, was formerly a subsidiary of Askoll Holding SrL.