The first winner of the Greenovation Award (2006) is VRTX Technologies LLC for the VRTX Systems, which relies on kinetic energy, hydrodynamic cavitation, and chemical equilibrium to control scale, corrosion, and biofouling without hazardous chemicals. The system's installation reduces water usage, operating costs, environmental impact and improves worker safety. It treats industrial cooling water from condensers and cooling towers.

"We are very excited about this new category in the awards competition," said Clay Stevens, President of International Exposition Company (IEC), producers and managers of the AHR Expo. "Green building is playing an increasingly more influential role in the HVAC&R industry and we want to recognize products that are leading that change."

The products that received Honorable Mention in this category include:

The SONOXIDE® Ultrasonic Water Treatment from Ashland Specialty Chemical, Drew Industrial, combines low-power, high-frequency ultrasound and a microbubble aeration to kill microorganisms without hazardous chemicals.

The GAHP-W from Robur Corp. simultaneously produces hot and cold water for hydronic HVAC systems and geothermal applications using natural gas as the primary heating source. Its nominal heating efficiency is 139% (on HHV) and nominal cooling efficiency is 66% (on HHV).

The most innovative product submissions from among the thousands on display at the AHR Expo have been selected as winners in nine specific categories: Building Automation, Cooling, Heating, Indoor Air Quality, Refrigeration, Software, Tools, Ventilation, and the newest category, Greenovation (Green Building). The Greenovation category was added this year to recognize the increasing number of products and technology that make buildings "green" favoring the environment, conservation of natural resources, and the reduction of energy consumption and pollution.

Owners can learn about how intelligent buildings offer lower operating costs and a superior indoor environment, resulting in improved occupant satisfaction, cash flow, and financial returns. Contractors, designers, and suppliers can learn about how intelligent building projects provide more satisfied clients and result in improved sales and returns.

This event includes national speakers, a complete workbook, meals, and a networking reception. Registration is $350 in advance and $400 at the door. Attendance is limited and filling fast, so visit www.buildingintelligencetour.com today or call 1-877-207-5264 for more information and to register.

According to show management, more than 1,900 companies have already reserved 409,555 net sq ft of exhibit space. These numbers would make AHR Chicago 2006 the biggest show on record, surpassing 400,416 net sq ft of space at AHR Expo 2003 in Chicago and 1,871 exhibiting companies at AHR Expo 2005 in Orlando.

"The growth of the show can be traced to many factors including the new industry segments and show features that have been added during the last couple of years," said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company. "We've added a new ‘green' emphasis to the show, several new associations have joined the growing number of endorsing organizations, there is a much larger international presence, new education sessions have been created, as well as industry certification programs."

Stevens also mentioned that there is no other event in the world, focused strictly on HVACR, which exceeds the size and scope of the AHR Expo. The international presence at the show has also grown. According to show management, 314 companies from 39 countries will be displaying their products at the Show in Chicago.

The exposition is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and ARI, and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is an honorary sponsor. ASHRAE's winter meeting is held concurrently with the AHR Expo. In addition, 24 other leading HVACR industry associations endorse AHR Expo.

For more information, visit www.ahrexpo.com.