Ed. note: Prior to the cancellation of the January 2021 AHR Exposition in Chicago, manufacturers had submitted products for consideration as 2021 AHR Innovation Award winners. Although the live event has been cancelled, show management realized these innovations are nonetheless worthy of commendation. And as has been done in prior years, awards entry fees will be donated to a Chicago-area charity.
The AHR Expo Innovation Awards is an annual competition that honors the most inventive and original products, systems and technologies showcased at each year’s AHR Expo. Products go head-to-head in the following categories: building automation; cooling; green building; heating; indoor air quality; plumbing; refrigeration; software; tools & instruments; and ventilation. Winners are selected by a panel of third-party ASHRAE member judges who evaluate all award entries based on innovative design, creativity, application, value and market impact.
The Judging Process
All of the AHR Expo Innovation Awards judges are members of ASHRAE with over 20 years of professional engineering experience. Many of them have multiple degrees, certifications and credentials, and have long-term service records on ASHRAE technical committees and research projects. The judges have worked in all facets of the industry, including but not limited to: education/instruction, research, engineering management, design engineering, product development and manufacturing. Each category is assigned four judges who thoroughly evaluate all submissions to determine the winners. Judges individually review and score each submission.
Entry Fees Donated to Local Charity
The AHR Expo and its exhibitors are pleased to give back to the community by donating the Innovation Awards entry fees to an organization in the region where the show is being held. A selection committee chooses a deserving organization that is in need of HVACR repairs, upgrades or installations. Past recipients include the Atlanta Police Athletic League, the Chicago Lighthouse, and Opportunity Village in Las Vegas.