executive’s column
What’s on the horizon for the Radiant Professionals Alliance
There has never been a better time to join RPA.
By HUGO AGUILAR, P.E.
Ever since the RPA was formed, members have taken advantage of the great benefits the alliance has to offer, such as codes and standards advocacy, a job center network, obtaining and creating valuable education, the annual Radiant Flooring Guide, newsletter subscription, discounts for IAPMO products and services, access to webinars and more. RPA members are professionals from all facets of the radiant profession, including manufacturers, installers, engineers, architects, students, apprentices and inspectors.
In the coming months, the RPA will keep highlighting the existing benefits and continue having conversations on how the alliance can expand, promote and protect the radiant profession. During the discussion, members can exchange ideas and lessons learned for a successful outcome. We have seen the fast-paced technological changes, and RPA members are proactively on the forefront when it comes to the latest technology, so their businesses and stakeholders are prepared. One technological advancement that is quickly expanding is geothermal district systems. Because of this advancement, RPA members have been leading the way through discussions, exchanging ideas, submission of code changes, training material and standards development.
Hugo Aguilar, P.E.
oversees the day-to-day operation of the RPA and is the senior vice president of Codes and Standards for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
The latest BEST 6.1 software provides the utility cost based on system choice, which looks at the cost to operate based on the utility rate. This software is free to download, and every engineer and installer should take advantage of this service to model the system to calculate the energy consumption and operating cost. The BEST software may be downloaded at https://www.iapmo.org/HIAC.
Among the improvements RPA members will see in the coming months is the communication between its members with the incorporation of a platform that allows quick access to member-only material such as contact information and training materials. The RPA will have a more direct involvement in the review and submission of code changes that better improve provisions for the protection of the public’s health and safety. The RPA will be tackling some of the toughest issues surrounding the radiant profession. The development cycle is completed for the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) and the important changes added will be discussed, along with preparing for the 2027 UMC code development cycle, which is set to start right away. The 2024 development of the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC) is underway and RPA members will maintain an active role along with preparing for the 2027 edition of this code.
The RPA has also added John Mullen to its technical arsenal. John brings new energy to the plumbing and mechanical industry, with nearly two decades of unique leadership experience and vision for more intelligent and sustainable systems. As director of technical services at IAPMO, John engages with industry professionals throughout the world, bringing together the best and brightest minds to work together on safety initiatives, code-related topics and create technical content for education and advocacy, continuing the tradition of helping to provide safe plumbing and mechanical systems to the public. John will be coordinating all of the RPA’s technical efforts and activities to provide its members with the best possible solutions to issues the radiant profession is facing.
The RPA will have a more direct involvement in the review and submission of code changes that better improve provisions for the protection of the public’s health and safety. The RPA will be tackling some of the toughest issues surrounding the radiant profession.
It has never been a better time to be part of the RPA; if you are not a member, you should join. I look forward to seeing you at events or at the next RPA meeting. Thank you, RPA members, for taking part in this great alliance. Please visit the RPA member page to join the alliance: https://rpa.iapmomembership.org/join/intro.html?action=join.
If you would like to know more about becoming part of the RPA, please feel free to contact Tricia Megee at tricia.megee@iapmo.org or John Mullen at john.mullen@iapmo.org.
Hugo Aguilar, P.E., oversees the day-to-day operation of the RPA and is the senior vice president of Codes and Standards for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). His responsibilities with IAPMO include overseeing the activities and development process for the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC) , Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC); IAPMO Industry Standards (IGC, PS, IS and TS Standards), IAPMO ANSI standards and the National Standards of Canada (NSC). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.
