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October 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
Designing Building Ventilation to Exceed Codes and Standards
DATE: Monday, October 5
LOCATION: Strathallan, 9th Floor, 550 East Ave, Rochester, NY
TIME: 1130p to 1p
DETAILS: The indoor environment significantly impacts the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants. A well-designed ventilation system is essential for maintaining high indoor air quality. Building codes and standards are developed to ensure that ventilation designs meet certain minimum requirements for various design and operating parameters. Most codes and standards represent the consensus of industry experts and provide only prescriptive guidance for ventilation designs. However, to ensure optimal thermal comfort and a healthy indoor environment for all occupants, it's crucial to go beyond these high-level prescriptive guidelines and adopt a human-centric HVAC design approach. This presentation demonstrates the impact of airflow patterns on indoor air quality and thermal comfort of occupants and emphasize the crucial role that the HVAC layouts play in controlling the spread of airborne contaminants. This presentation will help design engineers, facility managers, and building owners understand the limitations of codes and standards and demonstrate how to design human-centric HVAC systems.
PRESENTED BY: Dr. Kishor Khankari, Ph.D - ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer
PRESENTER BIO: Dr. Kishor Khankari, Ph.D. is President at AnSight LLC in Ann Arbor, MI. He provides engineering solutions and insights through Physics based simulations and CFD analysis. Kishor has several years of experience in providing optimized HVAC solutions to a wide variety of applications involving external wind engineering, plume dispersion, smoke exhaust, displacement ventilation, natural ventilation, radiant heating and cooling, and indoor air quality and thermal comfort optimization for office spaces, patient rooms, operating rooms, cleanrooms, justice facilities, data centers, and warehouses. Dr. Khankari has developed a patented technology of a wind band design of exhaust fan assembly systems. He has developed several easy-to-use analytical software tools which are regularly used by design engineers in a variety companies including those in HVAC industry, critical facilities, and automotive industries.
A noted expert in his field, he has a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and has been regularly published in several technical journals and trade magazines. Dr. Khankari has delivered more than 125 DL presentations worldwide on topics related to design and optimization of HVAC systems and made several presentation at various technical conferences and professional meetings.
Dr. Kishor Khankari is a Fellow member of ASHRAE. He served on ASHRAE Board as a Director-at Large. He is a recipient of Louise & Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, ASHRAE Exceptional and Distinguished Service Awards. He is the past President of Detroit ASHRAE Chapter, past Chair of ASHRAE Technical Committee TC9.11 Clean Spaces, and past Chair of Research Administration Committee (RAC). He is a voting member of Technical Committee TC9.10 Laboratory Systems and TC5.3 Air Distribution. He is a voting member of Standards committees SPC241: Control of Infectious Aerosols and SPC129: Air Change Effectiveness. He is also leading a Multi Task Group (MTG) on Air Change Rates.
President's Message
Hello Rochester ASHRAE Family,
Hope you are all having a great start to Fall! Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our kickoff clam bake with the Rochester Plant Engineers. It was a great event with over 90 people in attendance. We are looking forward to doing more social events this year with other Rochester organizations so please be on the lookout for upcoming events.
We will be kicking off our monthly lunch meetings on October 5th with Distinguished Lecturer Dr. Kishor Khankari. He will be presenting on “Designing Building Ventilation to Exceed Codes and Standards” which has been a huge point of emphasis for ASHRAE over the past few years. Dr. Khankari is a Fellow Member of ASHRAE and has gotten great reviews on his presentations throughout his time as an ASHARE Distinguished Lecturer. This is a PDH approved presentation, so we hope to see everyone there. Taking a look ahead in the 2026-2027 year, we still have some available spots for presenters at our monthly meetings. If you have a topic or specific presentation that you think would be a good fit, please reach out and we will get something set up. Thank you for all of your support and I can’t wait to see everyone at our upcoming events!
Brian Heffernan
ASHRAE Rochester Chapter President, 2026-2027
Membership Application
Application is also available on the website:
https://www.ashrae.org/membership/join
Government Advocacy
Local
1. October is recognized as ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Awareness Month, raising awareness of the importance of clean indoor air and promoting strategies that create healthier and safer indoor environments throughout the City of Rochester. Indoor air quality plays a vital role in protecting public health, enhancing occupant comfort, improving productivity, and supporting overall well-being. Because people spend most of their time indoors, maintaining healthy air quality in schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities, and public buildings is essential. Recognition of IAQ Awareness Month encourages building owners, facility managers, and occupants to adopt best practices that improve indoor environmental quality and support healthier communities. Read more at “https://asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/kicking-off-indoor-air-quality-awareness-month-a-focus-on-healthier-indoor-environments/”.
2. October 7 is recognized as ASHRAE Energy Efficiency Day (EE), highlighting the critical role of energy efficiency in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening energy resilience, and supporting the sustainability goals of the City of Rochester/Monroe County. Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective strategies for lowering energy consumption, reducing utility costs, enhancing building performance, and promoting environmental stewardship. Recognition of Energy Efficiency Day encourages residents, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to adopt energy-saving practices that benefit both the local economy and the environment. Read more at “https://energyefficiencyday.org”.
State
1. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced awards for eight new bulk energy storage projects and 13 large-scale renewable energy projects. Together, the projects are expected to provide 1.7 gigawatts (GW) of new large-scale energy resources, create more than 1,000 family-supporting jobs, and generate over $3.7 billion in private investment. The awards reinforce New York’s commitment to locally produced clean energy, energy storage, grid resilience, and economic development. Read more at “Awards Announced for New Bulk Energy Storage and Large-Scale Renewable Projects | NYSERDA”.
2. The New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans for the second installment of New York State’s Sustainable Future Program. The nearly $1 billion direct investment is intended to lower home energy costs, reduce building emissions, improve air quality statewide—particularly in schools—and expand renewable energy generation and infrastructure. The funding is part of the Governor’s Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable, Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda. The agenda also includes an Energy Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP), a new approach to energy planning designed to address rising demand from manufacturing, electrification, and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. Read more at “Programs Expanded To Help New Yorkers Lower Home Heating Costs, Increase Energy Supply, and Strengthen Sustainable Infrastructure | NYSERDA”.
Federal
1. The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a legislative hearing on several bills intended to modernize the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), including Sen. Mike Lee’s (R-UT) S. 5338, the Energy Efficiency Reform Act of 2026. The legislation would make several changes to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Appliance Standards Program, including codifying DOE’s Process Rule, on which ASHRAE submitted comments in August 2026. Committee Democrats expressed concern that the bill could weaken federal energy-efficiency standards and constrain DOE’s ability to update appliance standards, potentially increasing consumer costs. Witnesses included representatives from DOE and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Read more at “Full Committee Hearing to Receive Testimony on Pending Legislation – U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources”.
Miscellaneous
1. A recently published study in PLOS Global Public Health examines the rise in Legionnaires’ disease in the United States. Researchers found a strong correlation between legionellosis rates—which increased sixfold from 1999 to 2021—and changes in temperature and precipitation relative to historical baselines. The findings suggest that rising temperatures and increased precipitation in recent decades may have created conditions that allow Legionella bacteria to proliferate. The study also identified a correlation between increased infections and growth in motor vehicle miles traveled, potentially because Legionella can accumulate in roadside puddles and become aerosolized through vehicle ventilation systems. Read more about this at “Evolution and main causes of the rising legionellosis incidence in the United States | PLOS Global Public Health”.
2. The nonprofit New Buildings Institute (NBI) recently released the Data Center Energy Performance Evaluation Framework, which provides metrics, targets, and recommendations for data center development. Designed to complement existing standards and rating systems, the framework offers a holistic assessment of facility performance across four areas: energy, water, and emissions metrics; grid stress and demand flexibility; load flexibility and technological adaptability; and tiered requirements ranging from minimum performance levels to more ambitious targets. Read more at “Data Center Energy Performance Evaluation Framework (DC-EPEF) - New Buildings Institute”.
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Highlights from recent ASHRAE Meeting
2026-2027 ASHRAE year kicked off with a clam bake with the Rochester Plant Engineers, at Black Creek Park in Chili. The event had over 90 people in attendance!
Highlighted was the presentation of the Realto Cherne award to Jim Parks. This award is presented to a member who has attained distinction in their field of HVAC&R and educating others in the applied arts and sciences through teaching, research, invention, design and/or supervision of projects of unusual or important scopes. Congrats Jim!
ASHRAE News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Karen Buckley Washington
Senior Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
ASHRAE, UNEP Renew Environmental Partnership
ATLANTA (September 10, 2026) — ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have renewed their longstanding partnership to advance sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding that strengthens cooperation on lifecycle refrigerant management, energy efficiency, technology, safety and capacity building in developing countries.
UNEP OzonAction and ASHRAE have cooperated strategically since 2007 to advance sustainable, lower-GWP technologies and best practices in the Refrigeration Servicing Sector (RSS).
The new agreement establishes a two-year framework to support the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment. Priorities include strengthening the refrigeration and air-conditioning workforce in developing countries, advancing international standards and technical guidance, promoting energy-efficient cooling, and exploring digital and artificial intelligence (AI)- enabled tools to improve refrigerant management and system performance.
The partnership will be implemented through the 2026–2027 Work Plan, the seventh in a series of joint work plans. Under the theme “Lifecycle Refrigerant Management,” activities will address refrigerants from manufacture and importation through equipment selection and use, servicing and leak prevention, and ultimately end-of-life management. Projects include an AI-powered mobile field companion for RAC technicians, new fact sheets on safe handling of flammable refrigerants, continued promotion and evaluation of ASHRAE-UNEP educational products, and stronger connections between ASHRAE chapters and National Ozone Units.
The 2026–2027 Work Plan is available through the ASHRAE-UNEP Portal at ashrae.org/ashrae-unep-portal. The portal also provides information on joint ASHRAE-UNEP products available to ASHRAE members and National Ozone Units, including a free technical guide with operational checklists for assessing the sustainability of RAC plants.
The collaboration combines ASHRAE’s technical expertise and global professional network with UNEP OzonAction’s international mandate to assist developing countries in meeting their Montreal Protocol obligations.
For more information about the partnership and how ASHRAE chapters and National Ozone Units can use the jointly developed resources, contact [email protected].
ASHRAE Opens Abstract Submissions for 2027 Annual Conference in New Orleans
ATLANTA (September 24, 2026) — ASHRAE is accepting abstracts for conference papers for the 2027 ASHRAE Annual Conference, taking place June 12-16, 2027, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The conference will bring together HVAC&R professionals, researchers, practitioners, building owners and industry leaders to share research, innovations and practical approaches addressing challenges across the built environment.
Authors are invited to submit abstracts for consideration within one of eight conference tracks:
Fundamentals and Applications
Covers foundational HVAC&R engineering principles, including thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer and fluid flow, as well as theoretical and applied concepts, design approaches and real-world experiences.
HVAC&R Systems and Equipment
Focuses on the development, application and operation of HVAC&R systems and equipment, including innovation, reliability, maintainability, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency.
Refrigeration and Refrigerants
Addresses advancements in refrigeration systems and refrigerant applications across industrial, commercial and specialty uses, including system performance, environmental impacts, refrigerant management and emerging technologies.
Research Summit
Highlights research that advances HVAC&R and the built environment. Submissions may include conference papers, seminars, forums, panel discussions and ASHRAE-sponsored research. The track also includes collaboration with ASHRAE’s archival research journal, Science and Technology for the Built Environment.
Explores strategies to reduce building carbon emissions through energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy integration, embodied carbon reduction and net-zero design.
Indoor Environmental Quality for Healthy Buildings
Examines indoor environmental quality and its relationship to occupant comfort, health, productivity and safety. Topics include ventilation, filtration, humidity control, air distribution, fire and smoke control, lighting, acoustics, hazardous spaces and the interaction between IEQ and building performance.
Owners and Operators
Focuses on practical approaches to optimizing building performance throughout the facility lifecycle, including commissioning, recommissioning, retro-commissioning, operations and maintenance, building analytics, fault detection, benchmarking, workforce development, resilience and total cost of ownership.
Mini-Tracks
Mini-tracks offer an opportunity to organize six to eight focused sessions around emerging or specialized topics that may not fit within an existing conference track. Individual sessions are submitted under the most appropriate conference track while contributing to a cohesive attendee experience.
Authors interested in proposing a mini-track can learn more about the requirements and submit their contact information for follow-up.
Authors whose abstracts are accepted will be invited to submit a full eight-page conference paper by February 17, 2027. Accepted papers will be included in the conference program and proceedings and may be considered for publication in Science and Technology for the Built Environment.
For more information and to submit an abstract, visit ashrae.org/2027Annual
ASHRAE Professional Development
ASHRAE offers a range of learning opportunities to keep you up to date with the latest innovations, helping you strengthen your expertise and demonstrate your value to your employer.
New HVAC Hero Game
Test your HVAC problem solving skills by playing the new HVAC Hero game! See how many kWh you can save as you navigate the building with your new friend, Muggy.
Certification
40% Application Discount: BCxP
Apply by Sept. 30
Use Code BCxP2026
Following an industry-wide job task analysis for the Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP) Certification, beginning Oct. 12 BCxP exam blueprint updates will take effect.
Here’s how the 40% discount works:
1. Apply by Sept. 30 using the Discount Code BCxP2026
2. The first 100 applicants will receive a 40% discount
3. Test during an Oct. 12 – Nov. 8 window against the updated exam blueprint
4. Take your certification exam at any of ASHRAE’s 1,000+ test center locations worldwide
5. Results released Dec. 18
*Note: BCxP candidates may still apply through Sept. 14 to sit for the current exam form at the undiscounted application fee; however, this exam must be taken by Oct. 8. Results will be released immediately.
eLearning
Electric Controls – Newly Updated
Looking to strengthen your understanding of electric controls and how they function in HVAC applications?
Our newly updated Electric Controls course provides a practical introduction to electric controls, control diagrams, and control logic, incorporating current industry practices and information. Available in both I-P and SI units, the course offers flexibility for working on your own schedule.
You’ll learn how to:
• Recognize how bridge circuits are used to provide modulating electric control
• Understand the range of actuators and auxiliary devices available to drive valves and dampers
• Trace and interpret simple control drawings with confidence Through interactive learning and real-world examples, you’ll build a solid foundation in the principles that underpin effective electric control systems. Electric Controls is also available at a discount as part of our HVAC Control Systems Course Package (I-P and SI).
Group Discounts available.
ASHRAE Learning Institute
An exciting update!
HVAC Design Level II has been completely revamped! Experience enhanced course content, new real-world examples, updated standards, and improved learning experiences designed to help you tackle today's HVAC design challenges with confidence.
October HVAC Design Training Opportunities!
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Level I: Essentials |
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5-9 October 2026 | 12:30 – 4:30pm EDT (Virtual) |
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Level II: Application |
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19-21 October 2026 | 12:30 – 4:30pm EDT (Virtual) |
(Virtual trainings are shown in Eastern Time.)
ASHRAE Training
Live Virtual Training
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Strengthen your technical expertise and stay current with ASHRAE guidance this September by attending a series of instructor-led virtual courses designed for engineers, contractors, facility managers, and design/build professionals. Select courses also include valuable ASHRAE publications at no additional cost. |
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Strengthen your technical expertise and stay current with ASHRAE guidance this October by attending a series of instructor-led virtual courses designed for engineers, contractors, facility managers, and design/build professionals. Select courses also include valuable ASHRAE publications at no additional cost. |
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All courses are taught by industry experts and are eligible for PDHs/CEUs, making them ideal for both professional development and licensing requirements.
New Scholarship Available!
ASHRAE Members can now get 35% off one course.
Apply at least 3 weeks before your course date.
Funds are limited, so don’t wait!
ASHRAE Certification
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ASHRAE Annual Conference
Register now for the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference and AHR Expo taking place Jan. 31-Feb 4 in Las Vegas. Immerse yourself in a world of HVAC&R with 100+ technical sessions and 1700+ exhibitors at the AHR Expo. Your paid ASHRAE Conference badge provides entry to the AHR Expo.
Early Bird Pricing Ends Oct. 28.
At the 2027 ASHRAE Winter Conference and AHR Expo in Chicago, you’ll join engineers, architects, designers, researchers, manufacturers, contractors, and emerging professionals from around the world to connect and learn the latest tech.
Register today to deepen your expertise and expand your network. Early Bird Pricing Ends Oct. 28.
Technical Tracks
Nine tracks offer 100+ technical sessions with PDHs. Tracks include Artificial Intelligence, Energy Storage & Grid Resilience, Research Summit, and more. The preliminary program will be online in October.
AHR Expo
Use your (paid) conference badge to get into the Show and see cutting-edge products and technologies, gain insights from industry leaders, and drive business and career growth.
Social Events
Meet new friends and connect with old ones at the Welcome Party, Members Night Out, Women in ASHRAE Breakfast, Member Resource Groups, and more.
ALI Courses
New! The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) schedule for the winter conference features a MENA-focused course, District Cooling. Delivered in dual I-P and SI units, this course is tailored to regional and global needs.
Looking to get ASHRAE Certified?
Apply by Jan. 16 and sit for the ASHRAE Certification Exam taking place Feb. 3 in Las Vegas. Check out the Certifications>
