Briefly …

ASHRAE's thermal comfort standard is currently open for a second public review. The standard specifies thermal environmental factors, such as temperature, thermal radiation, humidity and air speed, with personal factors—activity and clothing—to achieve the most favorable environmental conditions.

The U.S. Dept. of Energy and the American Institute of Architects recently signed an agreement to partner in the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy through the utilization of architectural design and education. Included in the plan is designing more resource efficient buildings, improving IAQ and occupant productivity, and working to reduce the impact of buildings on the environment.

Marketing expenditures as a percentage of revenue has continued to decrease among design firms, concludes the Newton, Mass.-based market research firm, PSMJ Resources. At the same time, investment in presentations has increased, indicating that firms are spending less on promotion and advertising, and more on direct client contact.

Consultant contracts have recently been suspended in the state of Minnesota, thereby reducing state work for M/E engineers.