This is my thirteenth December editor’s note, yet I just did something I never thought to do before: Go back through the entire year’s worth of tables of contents. The exercise illustrates how much the magazine relies on so many people to pile a little more on their own professional plates to write something for your benefit. As we wrap up 2011, let me thank everyone who contributed features for us this year. And I extend a special thank you to our columnists, who have found fresh ways to deliver good information to you, month after month, for quite a long time now. They are a big part of the core identity of the magazine that you’ve come to know.

(Speaking of longevity, Howard McKew is finishing his 20th year of writing a column for us! A special tip of the hat from all of us to Howard for his continuing role in helping to shape the industry’s conversation about itself. Have a look at his column on this milestone in the usual spot, and join me in looking forward to a good many more to come.)

FEATURE PRESENTATIONS

But as for looking at all these tables of contents, I thought I’d look back and pull out some favorite features from the past twelve months. This list skips project articles, instead focusing only on articles that gave some insights or instruction about particular types of equipment or applications. Some had slightly contrary perspectives that I thought were especially useful or especially entertaining writing, while others handled fast-growing technologies. Yet others were especially timely.

If you go to our website, you’ll find the web version of this list (more convenient, with links) on my blog. You might also find a companion list with a selection of the project articles that we pride ourselves on. Join me in this little year-end study there, and more immediately, here (in no particular order):

 

• “Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings” by Carl C. Schultz and Scott Gray

• “Practical Implementation Of Chilled Beams For Offices” by Peter Rumsey and John Weale

• “When Does Efficiency Not Save Energy?” by Andrew Rudin

• “Better Off Without Us (Is The Biggest Obstacle To Better BAS The People?)” by Ron Caffrey

• “Seismic And Wind Concerns” by Steve Liescheidt

• “Thermal Energy Storage Benefits And Sensible Systems” by Lucas B. Hyman and Shaw Gentry

• “Plenum Requirements For Egress Corridors In Health Care Environments” by Bob Trotter

• “Low-Hanging Fruit In The Data Center Orchard” by Kevin Dickens

• “Large-Scale Geothermal Heat Pump Systems” by Stephen Hamstra

 

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, START YOUR CALENDARS

Turning our eyes to the future, has everyone gotten their 2012 calendars yet? What, you’re waiting for when they get discounted in January? (Hmm, that raises a different question: do people even buy paper calendars for work anymore, or is it all electronic now? I don’t have a paper one.)

Well, here’s an excuse to start getting next year organized: We’re getting in gear for next year’s High-Performance Buildings event. The conference will return to the Westin Tysons Corner (Falls Church, VA) on September 12-13, 2012.

This year’s event got its best-ever reviews (no, really) from both attendees and sponsors, but we’ve already discussed some tweaks and improvements to create an even better experience. I’ll spare you the pitch until we have more specifics and a refreshed URL to pass along. But in the meantime, expect some limited-time earlybird specials, and feel free to drop me a line at beverlyr@bnpmedia.comif you think you or your firm would make addition to the roster of presenters.

Oh, and write that date down on your new calendar, put it in your phone, or write it on your hand, whatever works.

Have a great holiday season, and we’ll see you next year. ES