Western Michigan University Students Learn the Key to 'Greening' Our Communities

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- In the United States, where buildings account for 40 percent of primary energy use and 72 percent of electricity consumption, the key to green communities is energy efficient buildings.

Chris Comperchio, business leader of the Hussmann and Trane commercial business in Chicago and West Michigan, will discuss this opportunity as part of Western Michigan University's Custer Workplace Lecture Series.

The Custer Workplace Lecture Series brings in leaders of the top engineering organizations in the nation to discuss how to become a leader, how to work in a global environment and how to have a successful career.

On Feb. 15, Comperchio will discuss the importance of green building in today's economic and physical environment and the role of engineering students. Comperchio will provide engineering students with an overview of current green building technologies and renewable energy. He will share real building examples that illustrate the benefits of green technologies on the environment and businesses' bottom line.

Last October, Comperchio met with Western Michigan University students to discuss sales engineering as another way to apply their technical and scientific knowledge to real world building, system and process challenges. Comperchio's visits to the university are part of the Trane Engineering Better Careers. Engineering Better Environments. program.

About Engineering Better Careers, Engineering Better Environments.

Through the "Engineering Better Careers. Engineering Better Environments." program, Trane senior executives collaborate with faculty and administrators to inspire the next generation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) engineers. Executives visit campuses in person to share information and insights with students about real world engineering and business issues and the impact that students can have today.

Along with these visits, Trane supports students and faculty by enriching engineering curriculum and creating clubs that encourage hands-on and experiential learning. Trane often offers software and lab equipment at a low and reduced cost; guides classroom curriculum, student projects and clubs; sponsors field trips to sales and manufacturing locations; and offers student internships.

About Comperchio

With more than 30 years of experience, Comperchio delivers economically- and environmentally-responsible solutions to colleges and universities, K-12 schools, industrials and other businesses throughout Chicago and West Michigan. He leads more than 400 sales, service and aftermarket parts and supply associates in providing building owners and their influencers with energy efficient HVAC-R systems and services

Comperchio is active in the industry through several associations, including 33 years with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) where he has served on various code committees. He is also an active member and presenter for the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), American Institute of Plant Engineers (AIPE) and Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).  Comperchio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Mich.

About Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a dynamic, student-centered research university with an enrollment of nearly 25,000. WMU is focused on delivering high-quality undergraduate instruction, advancing its growing graduate division and fostering significant research activities.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching places WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity. U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of American colleges and universities includes WMU as one of the nation's top-100 public universities.

Undergraduate students at WMU may choose from 140 program offerings while graduate students may select from 67 masters, one specialist and 29 doctoral programs. A number of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have attained national recognition. Also enriching the quality of campus life are some 275 registered student organizations and a full array of NCAA Division IA intercollegiate athletic teams.

About Trane

Trane, a business of Ingersoll Rand - the world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and energy efficient environments - improves the performance of homes and buildings around the world. Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced controls for homes and commercial buildings.  For more information, visit www.Trane.com.

SOURCE Trane