An interview with Robert Bean and Lance MacNevin

Welcome to an insightful episode where we unpack the invigorated and rapidly transforming world of hydronic heating and cooling. We are joined by two seasoned veterans of the industry, Robert Bean and Lance MacNevin. With many decades of real-world experience and hard-earned perspective between them, they offer a thoughtful and engaging look into why hydronics is at the forefront of modern, highly efficient building practices. Robert is (attempting to be) a retired engineering technology professional and ASHRAE Fellow, while Lance brings his extensive background serving as the Director of Engineering at the Plastics Pipe Institute.

This episode is packed with sound-bite worthy moments as our guests cut through the noise to discuss the realities of hydronic-based thermal comfort. Whether you are a homeowner, architect, or builder, you will find their independent, expert perspectives well worth listening to and holding on to. This is definitely an episode you will want to bookmark and share with anyone interested in the future of the HVAC industry!

This episode is packed with sound-bite worthy moments and powerful ideas, including the striking observation that "We spend more time researching a new phone purchase than we do for the quality of our indoor environment." Our guests cut through the noise to discuss the realities of hydronic-based thermal comfort systems. Whether you are a homeowner, architect, or builder, you will find their independent, expert perspectives well worth knowing. This is definitely an episode you will want to bookmark and share with anyone interested in the future of the HVAC industry.

Robert Bean

Robert Bean is a retired engineering technology professional who specialized in the design of indoor environments and high-performance building systems. Mr. Bean is an ASHRAE Fellow and ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, recipient of the Lou Flagg Award, Distinguished Service Award, and instructor for the ASHRAE Learning Institute. He has authored many papers, articles, and course curricula, and has served on numerous technical committees related to indoor environmental quality, building, and energy systems.

Lance MacNevin

Lance MacNevin, P.Eng. is the senior director of engineering for the Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division, with expertise on pressure pipes such as CPVC, HDPE, PEX, PE-RT, and PP. Lance has been in the plastic pipe industry since 1993, working as an R&D engineer, codes and standards specialist, and trainer for a major piping manufacturer for over twenty years before joining PPI in 2015. In this role, he focuses on plumbing and mechanical systems, coordinating research, education, and advocacy activities. He is an active member of ASHRAE, ASPE, ASTM, AWWA, CSA, IAPMO, ICC, IGSHPA, NSF, and RPA.

Team

Hosted by Kristof Irwin

Edited by Nico Mignardi

Produced by M. Walker

An interview with Dr. Eva King

Our homes are indoor environments of our own making. These environments exist to make our lives better but often unintentionally expose us to contaminants—chemical and microbial—that harm our health and wellbeing. For genetically susceptible individuals, these routine exposures can trigger a breakdown in the body's natural tolerance, leading to chronic inflammatory and neurological symptoms such as CIRS, TILT, and PANS/PANDAS. In a sadly apt metaphor, we are the canaries and our home is the coal mine.

Today, we are joined by a frontline expert in this field, Dr. Eva King. Eva holds a Masters in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Immunology/Epidemiology from the University of Oxford. She has dedicated more than two decades investigating the intersection of indoor environments and human health. Her focus is helping clients with underlying medical conditions identify and address building-related issues that contribute to their health problems. This interview is fuel for the journey to flip our indoor environments from being a major contributor to chronic disease to becoming a primary solution. This is a central and sobering topic for all of us with agency in the AEC. Please listen and share.

Eva King

Dr. Eva King, principal and founder of AURA EnviroScience, has been involved in investigations and research into indoor environments and health, allergens, asthma and immunology for about 20 years. Her work has been published in many peer-reviewed scientific publications, and she regularly presents at conferences and workshops.

Her focus is helping clients with underlying medical conditions identify building-related problems that contribute to their health issues, often by direct physician referral.

Dr. King received her Master in Biochemistry in her native Germany, and her Doctorate in Immunology/Epidemiology from the University of Oxford, UK, and is a Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC, ACAC #180311).

She is a member of ASHRAE, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ), and previously served on the Board of Directors and as Technical Conference Chair of the Indoor Air Quality Association.

Team

Hosted by Kristof Irwin

Edited by Nico Mignardi

Produced by M. Walker

The Humid Climate Conference (HCC) is officially back in Austin this May 4th & 5th, and we have a fantastic line up of speakers and topics for our 10th anniversary. It’s time to step away from the Zoom screen and have some live 3D human interaction!

Today’s episode is a public service announcement to join us in Austin to recharge our collective motivation and determination. We often talk about the system lens of building science, but we tend to forget that we ourselves are part of a larger system. This conference is an energy boost that charges us up with understanding, perspective and enthusiasm that only get generated when we’re in the same room.

This year, The Humid Climate Conferences dives into the intersection of Risks, Realities, and Rewards and how they guide and motivate appropriate design and construction in humid climates.

Whether you're here for the Phius passive house technical deep dives, to reconnect with friends and colleagues at the famous after party happy hours, or just to soak up some Austin energy, this is one event you simply cannot miss. Check the link in the show notes to learn more and secure your spot.

Team

Hosted by Kristof Irwin

Edited by Nico Mignardi

Produced by M. Walker