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Ductless Mini-Splits and Their Kin: The Revolution in Variable-Refrigerant-Flow Air Conditioning

What's Happening

Autodesk, Bentley Continue to Expand, Agree to Collaborate
Design software giants Autodesk and Bentley Systems have announced plans to support each other’s software as both companies continue to push towards real-time performance feedback during the design process by acquiring and partnering with software companies that offer energy and other green design analyses.

Mazria Publishes Code Equivalents for 2030 Challenge
Architecture 2030 has published a white paper showing the amount by which buildings have to beat various codes to meet the 50% energy reductions called for by the 2030 Challenge. More than a dozen codes and standards are presented, with 20%-30% improvement required for most.

Solar Water Heating Required in New Homes in Hawaii
A new law in Hawaii requires solar water heaters for new houses, but several groups, including a solar energy organization, see problems with the legislation.

Jones Lang LaSalle Gives Green Globes a Boost
Property management and brokerage giant Jones Lang LaSalle now owns the creator of the Green Globes rating system, which it hopes to leverage into enhanced capabilities for assessing the environmental responsibility of clients’ buildings and entire real estate portfolios.