Gordon V.R. Holness

Gordon V.R. Holness, P.E. is Chairman Emeritus of Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. Architects and Engineers, in Detroit, MI.  He retired from the firm in 2001 having served for over 30 years including roles as Chief Mechanical Engineer, Treasurer, Board Member, President and CEO. Gordon has more than 40 years experience in design and construction, specifically in mechanical engineering services for industrial, health care and institutional buildings in England, Canada and the United States.

He is a Professional Engineer, registered in 42 States and 5 Provinces, and is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom.  He has been active in professional societies for most of his career including service as a director for the Economic Club of Detroit, the American Consulting Engineers Council and the Engineering Society of Detroit. He was recognized as a Fellow in the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers for services to that society. 

He joined The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in 1965 and served in most of the Detroit Chapter positions including Chapter President. Nationally, he served as Regional Vice Chairman for energy management for three years, and chaired the Energy Management Committee, the Government Affairs Committee and the Journal and Insights Committee.  Named a Fellow in 1990, he is currently a Director at Large, serving on the Publishing Council, Finance Committee and the President Elect Advisory Committee. He currently chairs the Board Policy Committee on Standards. He is also active on several Technical Committees including TC 6.9 Thermal Storage, on which he has been a member since 1983, and TC 5.8 Industrial Ventilation. He has won 12 Regional and National Awards for Technology and Energy Conservation.

Mr. Holness is considered a specialist in HVAC Systems, Central Power Plant design including major Compressed Air, Steam and Hot Water Boiler Plants, Chilled Water Refrigeration Plants and Thermal Storage.  He is the author of numerous publications and technical articles and serves on the Board of Consulting Editors for HPAC Magazine. He is a frequent speaker in areas of his expertise and has provided consulting services on a wide range of topics from energy conservation to business management. A sampling of articles include:

• Analysis and Impact of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings - What’s Next?
• Evaluation of ASHRAE Standard 62,  Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
• Sustainable Building Design and LEED® Green Building Rating System
• Integrating Thermal Storage into your HVAC System