Following the release of the Thread 1.0 technical specification for the connected home, the Thread Group has launched the first phase of its product certification program. Led by the group in conjunction with UL, the program provides testing for products that use Thread to help ensure that they work together securely out of the box.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the JUMP initiative is seeking to connect innovators with industry to make the most creative building efficiency ideas a reality. DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and industry partners want to collaborate to solve some of the challenges facing the building energy efficiency industry.

Guidance on how to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease via a recently published ASHRAE standard will be shared in a new course at the 2016 ASHRAE Winter Conference. The course is one of 20 being presented at the conference and the 2016 AHR Expo.

Parks Associates has released new industry research reports on the smart home and connected devices indicating that security is leading the way in this market area followed by connected lighting and smart thermostats. The new reports provide in-depth analysis of industry trends and consumer research.

Trane Supply announced that, just in time for Black Friday, it is now offering its HVAC contractor customers a special “Heat up for the Holidays” promotion at more than 180 participating Trane Supply locations nationwide.

Dexter + Chaney, providers of Spectrum® Construction Software, has announced a technology partnership agreement with Irvine, Calif.-based FieldConnect Inc. to provide a complete mobile service management solution.

Daikin Applied Americas announced it is acquiring a minority ownership stake in Riptide IO, a Santa Barbara, California-based software company that focuses on helping building owners connect, manage, and automate building equipment by bringing the benefit of the Internet of Things (IoT) to commercial buildings.

Through devices such as smart thermostats that allow users to remotely control household temperatures or LED lights that can be switched on and off from a smartphone, the much-hyped Internet of Things (IoT) concept has arrived in the residential setting, says Navigant Research.