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Contractors around the country say that green building requirements are changing the way they are currently doing business, and will continue to become a part of the changing built environment. On the other hand, almost an even number of contractors around the country have told me that most building owners are taking a wait-and-see approach to adopting green technologies.

Are you whiling away the time just kicking stones? I don’t doubt that some of you are feeling the effects of an economic slowdown and you’d like to be busier. There are plenty of things to do during the slow times - productive things that could keep you or your staff busy as you prepare for a busy fall season.

It’s the details that make the difference. Name from the past. Fave fives have called Kentucky home.

The refrigerant mandate that will become effective January 2010 is the next big thing on the HVACR radar screen, but this time, it’s actually a much bigger blip. It affects not only residential, but also commercial and refrigeration contractors.

Sometimes a flurry of activities and actions surface quickly and then die down almost as fast. Such was the case in late spring - over at least one round - regarding legislation that calls for cutting carbon dioxide and other so-called greenhouse gases by about 70 percent.

McCain nor Obama know about business. Smooth talkers won’t solve problems.

Yes, I am still pushing for getting an HVACR-related TV show on the air. I believe it is still possible, but I also realize it will not happen overnight. It’s going to take time, but it must be attempted. I’m encouraged by some of the comments and suggestions that keep coming from readers.

We should be spending our time debating something that HVAC contractors are really at odds over, John. There is no way that taking “a temporary hit on your margins” is good advice from a business management expert, such as you, and I doubt any of our readers are going to support you on this one.

Yes, it is time for another spirited debate between my mean-spirited boss, Murph the goof, and me. He seems to think that HVACR contractors should continue to sell systems based on life-cycle costs and they should also pick and choose the right customers to sell to. Hogwash.

It occurred to me that there must be hundreds of HVAC people who wear other hats away from work, and are probably quite adept at making everything from soda pop to cherry pie. Here is my proposition to you: The NEWS will host a Best Makers in HVAC contest to determine who makes the best grub and grog.