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May 2026 Newsletter ASHRAE Rochester Chapter
ASHRAE Rochester Newsletter
Statements made in this publication are not expressions of the Society or of the chapter and may not be reproduced without special permission of the chapter.
Monthly Meeting Info
DATE: Tuesday, May 19th
EVENT: Please consider sponsoring this event, signing up for golf as a single or foursome, or simply join us for the picnic dinner!!! Registration for this event fills up fast. Don’t miss out, sign-up today!
SCHEDULE:
- 10:15 AM Golf Registration and Lunch
- 11:30 AM Golf Shotgun Start
- 5:00 PM Cocktail Hour
- 6:00 PM Awards & Picnic Dinner (catered by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que)
LOCATION: Ravenwood Golf Club, 929 Lynaugh Rd Victor, NY 14564
Here's how the tickets work:
- The Golf and Picnic Tickets can be purchased in any quantity, for yourself and for your group. If you don't have all the names for your group yet, please enter 'TBD' and we'll follow-up as the event approaches. Purchase the Golf & Picnic ticket, save $10 each.
- The Sponsorship Tickets are Sponsorship Only and don't include golf or picnic entry. Golf & Picnic Tickets need to be purchased separately. When registering for these, the "Guest Name" entered provides us with a contact person for the sponsorship. Refer to the Sponsorship form for additional sponsorship opportunities - reach out to Nate Kurash with interest.
Please consider sponsoring this event, signing up for golf as a single or foursome, or simply join us for the picnic dinner! Registration for this event fills up fast. Don’t miss out, sign-up today! Event registration deadline is Tuesday May 12th!
Want to pay by Check or Cash??
- Registration FORMS can be found on the Event website, filled out and delivered to:
- Please make checks payable to ASHRAE Rochester Chapter
- Questions - Contact Nate @ 216-577-9178 OR [email protected]
We are soliciting donations for the picnic giveaways (i.e. shirts, hats, mugs, accessories, etc.). If you would like to make a donation for giveaway, please contact Nate Kurash at [email protected]. Giveaway items must be dropped off to the Trane office by Tuesday May 12th, or pickup can be arranged as needed.
Your support for this ASHRAE Rochester Chapter event is greatly appreciated!
Highlights from recent ASHRAE Meeting
On Monday, April 6th, Meier Supply sponsored a tour of the new chilled water system at the University of Rochester Central Plant.
Technical presentation started first and a tour of the University of Rochester Medical Center Central Plant followed shortly after. The tour included a view of the new electric driven 2,700 ton chiller installed to accompany existing chillers, new cooling tower with four 12,500 GPM cells, 42” water piping, and an enclosed space under the towers outside of the central plant which houses the pumps and other equipment.
Membership Application
Application is also available on the website:
https://www.ashrae.org/membership/join
Government Advocacy
Federal
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the rescission of the “Final Determination: Adoption of Energy Efficiency for New Construction of HUD- and USDA Financed Housing.” In April 2024, the Biden administration issued this determination that required HUD- and USDA-assisted and federally insured housing to comply with the minimum energy efficiency standards in the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 2019. This recession reverts minimum energy efficiency standards for federal housing to 2009 standards. In August 2025, ASHRAE submitted a public comment letter to HUD and USDA highlighting the affordability of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 and urging them to implement the 2024 final determination. Read more at “Federal Register :: Rescission of Final Determination: Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA Financed Housing”.
State
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul/NYSERDA announced $100M+ in funding now available for clean energy upgrades in P–12 public schools (Clean Green Schools Initiative) plus $41M awarded to five Priority Districts—supporting efficiency retrofits, electrification readiness, and clean heating/cooling conversions (e.g., heat pumps) to cut energy use and improve air quality. New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050 across the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors. The State is also working to disburse the $1 billion Sustainable Future Program to lower emissions, reduce household energy costs, and spur green job growth. Read more at “Over $100 Million Is Now Available To Make Clean Energy Upgrades In Public Schools in New York State | NYSERDA”.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul/NYSERDA announced a $17.5M investment through Clean Heat for All: Room Heat Pump—$10M for field demos of cold-climate packaged window heat pumps in multifamily buildings and $7.5M to five manufacturers to accelerate through-wall heat pump development, supporting plug-and-play solutions that boost efficiency and reduce building energy use.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced $50 million in new funding for clean energy workforce development across the state. The funding supports two programs—Clean Energy Career Pathways Training and Technical Skills Training and Upskilling—which will provide grants to organizations for training in areas like energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, energy storage, and EV infrastructure. This initiative is part of a broader $320 million state investment aimed at expanding and strengthening New York’s clean energy workforce. Read more at “Clean Energy Workforce Development and Training | NYSERDA”.
Miscellaneous
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The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released an Efficient New Homes code overlay to strengthen residential energy codes when used with the 2024 IECC. The overlay aligns with the Department of Energy’s Efficient New Homes program and adds stricter requirements for insulation, air sealing, and equipment efficiency, along with electric-ready provisions for future technologies like heat pumps and EV chargers. It was developed with the Next Generation Codes Coalition, including several states and cities, to help jurisdictions adopt more advanced, forward-looking building standards. Read more at “Efficient New Homes Code Overlay | ACEEE”.
ASHRAE Diversity Equity and Inclusion
ASHRAE Diversity in ASHRAE Committee - Call for Members!
Did you know that:
- 67% of engineers in the US are white?
- The average age of an engineer in the US is 40 years old?
- Only about 5% of engineers in the US are LGBTQIA+?
These numbers have improved over the last few years as the culture that surrounds us has continued to raise the voices of minorities. The growing diversity in the industry encourages people to go into whichever field or career of their choosing, no matter their gender, race, age, or orientation. There is a delayed return in the process, though; changing the culture enough to empower more people to become engineers takes time, so there is no better time to start contributing to the culture change than right now.
Do you have a unique perspective or story about being an engineer as a minority? Do you want to contribute to the culture of empowerment of minorities in this field? Do you want to encourage diversity in a new generation of future engineers?
Please reach out to me if you have any interest in participating in the growth of diversity in our community. There’s handful of events and activities I’ve considered, but one person alone cannot accurately portray or represent diversity. The success of any ideas that come from this committee will depend on a resourceful and diverse group of committed engineers that want to see the field improve and grow.
Jordan Morin
ASHRAE Diversity in ASHRAE Chair
Region I CRC
Come join us at the 2026 ASHRAE Region I CRC in Boston at the Westin Boston Seaport District from August 19th, 2026 - August 22nd, 2026.
ASHRAE Training
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ASHRAE Learning Institute |
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There is no better place to enhance your HVAC design skills than ASHRAE Global Headquarters in Atlanta. Attendees receive an exclusive tour of ASHRAE’s net-zero energy headquarters building. 8 AM–5 PM EDT Advance your HVAC&R expertise this May with ASHRAE’s Live Virtual Training options, designed for consulting engineers, design/build firms, facility managers, contractors, and more. Each course includes free ASHRAE publications (valued up to $198) and offers PDHs/CEUs. Strengthen design decisions, manage risk, and stay aligned with current standards. |
Certification
NEW! 25% Application Discount
Apply by May 31
Exciting news! Apply by May 31 and use the discount code CERT2026 to receive a 25% discount on application for any of ASHRAE’s seven (7) building design or building performance certifications.
Here’s how the discount works:
1. Apply anytime by May 31 using the Discount Code: CERT2026
2. Take your certification exam at any of ASHRAE’s 1,000+ test center locations worldwide.
ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference
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ASHRAE has announced a call for presentations for the 2026 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference to be held September 23-25, 2026 in Seattle. This year's theme is: "Decarbonization That Delivers: From Policy to Projects to Performance". The conference will be an information and idea exchange between stakeholders in the built environment industry concerning the improvement of energy efficiency, health, comfort, and reduction of GHG emissions in new and existing buildings and systems. This is ASHRAE's 6th building decarbonization conference and will feature a significant focus on projects from policy to performance. The scope of the conference will cover a range of building types and include topics on data centers, municipalities, airports/transportation, hospitals, laboratories, higher education and school districts. The conference will bring together engineering and technical solution providers with building owners, utility program managers, local governments and financial services providers who are increasingly challenged to meet stringent building decarbonization goals, policies and regulations in a practical, cost-effective manner. Potential presenters are invited to submit proposals for panel and seminar sessions (60 or 90 min). The conference is only accepting abstracts for full sessions.
Submit your proposals, selecting a main track and subtopics and desired session length. Special consideration will be given to project submissions that pair both engineer and owner, financier, or policymakers as speakers. Case studies should include highly technical details as well as cost ranges, performance outcomes, and financial rationale including tax rebates or incentives. Tracks and subtopics include: |
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Business Strategy, Finance & Accountability (For executives, investors, owners, real-estate leaders) |
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Technical Solutions, Retrofit Delivery & Emerging Technology (For engineers, designers, sustainability and operations practitioners) |
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Policy, Standards & Public-Sector Infrastructure (For government, civic agencies, code officials, policy advisors) |
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Portfolio Planning, Archetypes & Real-World Case Studies (For portfolio managers, planners, and cross-functional leadership teams) |
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Presentation proposals are due February 27, 2026 and acceptance notifications will be sent in March. Submit a proposal HERE. For more information on the conference, visit: www.ashrae.org/2026decarb. We hope to see you in Seattle! Steering Committee Ginger Scoggins, Chair Carrie Brown, Vice-Chair Ghina Annan Fiona McCarthy Nancy Kohout |
ASHRAE Annual Conference
Join us in Austin this June 27-July 1 for the 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference at the JW Marriott and Marriott Downtown Austin. The schedule is now online and in ASHRAE 365 so you can start building your itinerary today.
Check out the technical sessions in these 8 tracks:
Fundamentals and Applications
HVAC&R Systems and Equipment
Research Summit
Workforce Development
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Hot Climate Building System Design, Operation and Resilience
AI in Building Design and Construction
Building Decarbonization
Need approval to attend? Use the pre-written email and expense sheet available here.
https://www.ashrae.org/conferences/2026-annual-conference-austin
Join us in the AI in Building Design and Construction Track at the 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference in Austin, Texas.
As sensor systems, building connectivity, and data platforms become more sophisticated and widespread, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to make buildings, HVAC systems, equipment, and construction processes smarter and more responsive. This dedicated track explores how AI can be applied throughout the building lifecycle—delivering measurable improvements in performance, efficiency, and resilience.
What you’ll explore in this track:
• Using AI during design and construction to improve decision making, coordination, and project outcomes
• Integrating AI into building automation and control systems to enhance operational energy efficiency and occupant comfort
• Applying AI to improve security, maintenance, and system reliability
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of intelligent buildings in Austin.
ASHRAE News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Karen Buckley Washington
Associate Manager, Public Relations
[email protected]
ASHRAE Announces Call for Abstracts for 2027 Winter Conference in Chicago
Abstracts due May 27, 2026
ATLANTA (April 1, 2026) — Abstract submissions are now being accepted for the 2027 ASHRAE Winter Conference to be held in Chicago, Illinois, January 23 – 27, 2027.
"Our technical program explores the full breadth of innovation across the HVAC&R industry, including thermal network modeling, energy storage and AI-supported building operations," said Technical Conference Chair Li Song. "Additionally, the conference highlights the growing importance of residential HVAC research through real world performance studies, advanced heat pump technologies, smart controls, and strategies that enhance comfort, resilience and energy efficiency across diverse housing types. We anticipate a lively event in Chicago where new ideas and forward-looking research help shape the future of our built environment."
Conference papers are requested for the following tracks:
The “Residential HVAC Research and Demonstration” track explores technologies and strategies that improve energy efficiency and climate resilience while still prioritizing occupant comfort, indoor environmental quality and cost for diverse residential housing types.
The “Thermal Network Systems and Energy Storage” track focuses on the applications such as networked building energy modeling, district heating and cooling, and advanced control architecture that optimizes energy systems across varying operating conditions.
The “Nexus of Real and Artificial Intelligence” track explores the relationship between human insight and AI-enabled controls to elevate building operations, with a focus on data center environments, building and campus design strategies, and power-delivery systems.
The "Decarbonization Retrofits" track focuses on reducing emissions from existing buildings through improvements to control modifications, commissioning, system or equipment replacements, and others.
The "Research Summit" track features active research, and the exchange of research findings, critical to the development of the HVAC&R industry and built environment. The track includes a partnership with ASHRAE's archival journal, Science and Technology for the Built Environment.
The “Refrigerants and Refrigeration” track explores refrigeration systems, which generate and use cold for a range of processes, from food preparation and conservation to vaccine preservation, to long-term protection of fragile ancient inks of historical documents and others.
The "Fundamentals and Applications" track will provide opportunities for papers of varying levels across a large topic base. Concepts, design elements and shared experiences for theoretical and applied concepts of HVAC&R design are included.
Finally, the "HVAC&R Systems and Equipment" track will focus on the development of new systems and equipment, improvements to existing systems and equipment and the proper application and operation of systems and equipment.
Abstracts (400 words or less) are due May 27, 2026. If accepted, final conference papers (8-page maximum) are due September 2, 2026.
Accepted papers will be considered for publication in Science and Technology for the Built Environment, ASHRAE’s research journal.
For more information on the call for abstracts and the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference, visit ashrae.org/2027Winter.
ASHRAE Announces New Study Quantifying Global CO2 Reduction Enabled by BACnet Building Automation
ATLANTA (April 13, 2026) — ASHRAE announced the release of a new groundbreaking study from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), for the first time, quantified the global climate impact of BACnet®.
BACnet is the global data communication protocol for Building Automation and Control networks. Developed under the auspices of ASHRAE, it allows building systems including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, lighting, life-safety and other systems to communicate and cooperate, driving the efficiency of the modern built environment.
The study reveals that BACnet-enabled building automation systems have mitigated 1.4 billion tons of CO₂ since 1995. This is equivalent to removing 300 million cars from the road for one year or offsetting the entire annual emissions of Japan. The research highlights BACnet’s role as a catalyst for smart building adoption worldwide.
"This study clearly shows the power of smart buildings and the critical role BACnet plays in reducing global carbon emissions," said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. "For nearly three decades, BACnet’s open, interoperable framework has enabled building owners and operators to optimize energy use, improve efficiency and deliver measurable climate impact. ASHRAE is proud that our standards and technologies are helping drive the transition to a low-carbon future, proving that the built environment can be a true leader in sustainability."
Looking ahead, projections indicate that BACnet systems could help avoid 2.06 billion tons of CO₂ by 2030, underscoring the critical role of smart, connected building technologies in achieving global sustainability goals.
The full study is available for download at on the ASHRAE Free Resources page: ashrae.org/freeresources. For BACnet technical resources, visit ashrae.org/bacnet.
ASHRAE Highlights Industry Priorities in 2026 Annual Conference Technical Program
Comprehensive sessions in Austin to address system performance, workforce needs and evolving building technologies
ATLANTA (April 15, 2026) — ASHRAE released its technical program for its 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 27–July 1 in Austin, Texas. The conference will bring together industry professionals, researchers and practitioners from around the world for a week of knowledge-sharing, technical exploration, professional development and peer engagement.
The complete schedule is now available online and through ASHRAE 365, enabling attendees to build personalized conference itineraries in advance.
This year’s technical program features a comprehensive range of sessions across eight distinct tracks, highlighting both foundational principles and emerging directions in the HVAC&R industry:
• Fundamentals and Applications
• HVAC&R Systems and Equipment
• Research Summit
• Workforce Development
• Ground Source Heat Pumps
• Hot Climate Building System Design, Operation and Resilience
• AI in Building Design and Construction
• Building Decarbonization
“The ASHRAE Annual Conference brings together established practices and new ideas that are reshaping how we design, build and operate buildings,” said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “Attendees will find opportunities to deepen their expertise, discover innovative approaches and connect with peers tackling similar challenges.”
With sessions led by subject matter experts from around the globe, the program offers a mix of research-driven presentations, interactive discussions and collaborative opportunities designed to support professionals at every stage of their careers.
Key sessions include:
• AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity: Why Do They Matter for Smart Building Design?
• Integrated Modeling and Optimization of Data Center Cooling and Waste Heat Reuse
• Minding Your Business: Preparing for Tomorrow's Workforce Today
• Resilience, Affordability, and Regulation: The Future of Community Energy Systems
• Achieving Healthier Buildings with Lower Cost and Energy Use
• Engineering the Backbone of AI Cooling: TCS Design and Commissioning
The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) will also offer 10 continuing education courses, all approved for continuing education credits toward maintaining P.E. licensure.
New and updated courses being offered are:
• Laboratory Controls - Devices and Strategies for Proper Airflow
• Basic Concepts for Demystifying Dehumidification
• Understanding Design and Installation Requirements for A2L Refrigerant Systems
• Advanced Dehumidification System Design
• Decarbonization Tactics: Making Buildings Grid-Interactive
• Starting the Path to Net Zero Buildings Using ASHRAE 90.1 – Featuring 2025 Updates
The conference will feature a plenary session with Society updates and the farewell address from President McQuade. During the President’s Luncheon, ASHRAE will install its new officers and directors, and incoming 2026–27 ASHRAE President Sarah Maston will deliver her inaugural address on the Society’s new theme: “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.”
Attendees are encouraged to register by April 27 to take advantage of early bird rates. In-person rates start at $885 for ASHRAE members and $1,160 for non-members, which includes a complimentary one-year ASHRAE membership. Virtual attendance options are also available for individuals and organizations. Additional pricing details can be found on the conference website.
For more information and to view the full schedule, visit ashrae.org/2026annual.
Announces Retirement of Executive Vice President Jeff Littleton
Atlanta (April 27, 2026) — ASHRAE today announced that Jeff Littleton will retire as Executive Vice President in early 2027.
Littleton has served as ASHRAE’s chief staff officer since 2004, overseeing a period of sustained organizational growth, global expansion and increased technical impact. During his tenure, ASHRAE strengthened its position as a worldwide authority in building technology, sustainability and the development of critical standards for the built environment. He also successfully led the Society through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining consistent operational continuity through one of the most disruptive economic and social periods of recent history.
“Jeff’s leadership has played a central role in navigating ASHRAE through decades of industry evolution, while advancing our global mission to serve humanity,” said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “His steady guidance and strategic vision has helped to ensure that ASHRAE remains a trusted resource and leader in the building services industry. We are grateful for his service and the strong foundation he leaves for the future.”
Littleton’s legacy is defined by a focus on organizational alignment, collaboration between staff and volunteer leadership and continued advancement of ASHRAE’s technical and educational programs. Among his many accomplishments, Littleton was instrumental in supporting the Society’s selection, renovation and relocation to its net-zero energy global headquarters building in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.
The ASHRAE Board of Directors has established a selection committee to guide the search for the Society’s next Executive Vice President. ASHRAE will share additional details regarding the leadership transition in the coming months.
ASHRAE Data Center and AI Integration Conference
Save the Date!!
Join us in Dallas, TX March 3-5, 2027, for ASHRAE’s first Data Center and AI Integration Conference.
This conference will serve as a global platform for professionals in the data center and IT infrastructure sectors to exchange knowledge and strategies on designing, operating and optimizing facilities for the era of artificial intelligence. With AI workloads driving unprecedented demands for power density, cooling efficiency, and sustainability, this event will focus on bridging the gap between advanced computing requirements and resilient, energy-efficient data center design.
Whether you’re shaping research, policy, standards, or on-the-ground execution, this conference offers forward-looking perspectives and actionable knowledge you won’t want to miss.
Conference Tracks Include:
• Track 1: Roadmap + Research + Emerging Technology
• Track 2: Codes + Standards + Guidelines
• Track 3: Resources + Sustainability + Impact
• Track 4: Applied Execution + Best Practices + Case Studies
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on the 2027 ASHRAE Data Center and AI Integration Conference!
More details including a call for presentations, coming soon!
We look forward to seeing you in Dallas!
