February 2026 Newsletter ASHRAE Rochester Chapter Print

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.

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Monthly Meeting Info

DATE: Monday, February 9th, 11:45am - 1:30pm

EVENT: Please join us on Monday for our February lunch meeting at Strathallan, City View Ballroom at 550 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607. Our February event topic, speaker & details can be found below.

TOPIC: Cleanroom Design, Form and Function (PDH Approved)

PRESENTED BY: Roger Zaccur – Guckian

This presentation will dive into the cleanroom design and will give a better understanding of how it differs from standard MEP design approaches. We will explore different types of spaces and design criteria while using real life examples of large-scale cleanroom projects happening in upstate NY.

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Membership

Page 1

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Membership Application

Application is also available on the website: 

https://www.ashrae.org/membership/join

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Membership - Ski Event

10th Annual Joe Harding Ski Event

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Welcome New Members

We have (2) new member this month! Rochester ASHRAE welcomes:

  • Sean Guckian, Guckian Energy
  • Chuck White, CW Engineering

WELCOME and THANK YOU for being a part of the ASHRAE - Rochester Chapter community!

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Government Advocacy

Federal

1.      House passes energy efficiency legislation.

The U.S. House passed H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act, which would repeal current energy‑efficiency standards for manufactured homes and gives Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD full authority over setting new standards. The bill passed with bipartisan support, but it is uncertain whether the Senate will take it up. Read more about this at https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5184 .

 

State

1.      New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill 8417 on, ending the long‑standing “100‑foot rule,” which had required utilities to provide free natural gas hookups for new homes located within 100 feet of an existing gas line. The change shifts costs for new gas hookups to individual customers and encourages electric construction. RMI estimates the new law could save ratepayers statewide about $200 million annually. Read more about this at “https://rmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/new_york_subsidized_gasline_extensions.pdf”.

 

Miscellaneous

1.      ASHRAE will celebrate National Engineers Week (EWeek) from February 22nd –28th, 2026, highlighting the contributions of engineers—especially in the HVAC&R field—and promoting STEM education. Activities during the week include chapter‑level events, public proclamations, and outreach efforts designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.

2.      ASHRAE President Bill McQuade submitted comments on a proposed New York City Department of Buildings rule that would update mechanical code requirements for refrigeration systems. The proposal currently references ASHRAE Standards 15‑2022, 15.2‑2022, and 34‑2022. ASHRAE’s letter recommends that the city instead adopt the updated 2024 editions of these standards to ensure the most current safety and classification guidance is used. Read more about this at “https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/about/government%20affairs/public%20policy%20resources/ashrae-comment-letter-on-nyc-proposed-refrigeration-rules.pdf”.

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Calendar of Events

Please check our website for recent updates!

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February Valentine's Dinner Dance

Event Details
Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 6:00–11:00 PM
Location: The Strathallan Hotel
550 East Avenue, Rochester, NY

Menu Highlights

Beverages

  • Premium open bar from 6:00–10:00 PM (beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails)
  • Premium cash bar from 10:00–11:00 PM

Hand-Passed Hors d’oeuvres (6:00–7:00 PM)

Cheese and Charcuterie Grazing Station

Two-Course Plated Dinner

  • Fresh mixed greens salad with house-made creamy and vinaigrette dressings
  • 6 oz filet mignon with bordelaise sauce AND Atlantic salmon en persillade with roasted artichoke velouté (no choice required!)
  • Seasonal vegetable medley and herb-roasted fingerling potatoes
  • Chef’s choice vegetarian option available

Coffee Station (8:30–10:30 PM)

Tickets are $110 each and can be purchased directly on our website (Click_Here).  There is a discount available for YEA and Lifetime Members.

 

We hope you’ll join us for a fun and memorable evening in support of our Rochester ASHRAE Chapter!

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ASHRAE Diversity Equity and Inclusion

ASHRAE Diversity in ASHRAE Committee - Call for Members!

Did you know that:

  • 87% of engineers in the US are male?
  • 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

[email protected]

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Chapter Officers

President: Gannon Dubay, (585) 435-0250, [email protected]

President Elec: Brian Heffernan, (585) 490-1409, [email protected]

Treasurer: Zoe Benson, (585) 210-8758, [email protected]

Secretary: Sameer Bhise, (585) 427-8888, [email protected]

Past President: Bret Fryover, (585) 427-8888, [email protected]

Board of Governors (3): Adam Roeder, (585) 880-3860, [email protected]

Board of Governors (2): Joe Cappotelli, (585) 991-9723, [email protected]

Board of Governors (2): Rachel Stuckey, (585) 217-3294, [email protected]

Board of Governors (1): Nate Kurash, (216) 577-9178, [email protected]

Board of Governors (1): Joseph Maioli, [email protected]

Board of Governors (1): Nicholas Pegoli, (585) 576-4587, [email protected]

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Committee Chairs

Attendance: Nik Jaremka, (585) 360-7891, [email protected]

Awards and Recognition: Matt Kremers, [email protected]

CTTC: Jeff Wiedrick, (585) 325-8354, [email protected]

Diversity and Inclusion: Jordan Morin, [email protected]

Education: Bill Murray, (585) 641-7121, [email protected]

Government Advocacy: Sameer Bhise, [email protected]

Historian: Allen Mort, [email protected]

Membership: George Herman, (585) 219-5908, [email protected]

Newsletter Editor: Scott Edwards, (585) 301-6591, [email protected]

Nominating: Bret Fryover, (585) 427-8888, [email protected]

Refrigeration: Sam Scorsone, [email protected]

Research Promotion: Dan Diaz, [email protected]

Social Media: Orson Lyons, [email protected]

Student Activities: Rob Hudson, (585) 341-3187, [email protected]

Sustainability: Zoe Benson, (585) 210-8758, [email protected] 

Webmaster: Bill Ernst, (585) 872-7472, [email protected] 

YEA: Joe Cappotelli, (585) 991-9723, [email protected]

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Job Postings and Help Wanted

This section of the newsletter is reserved for those firms wishing to advertise their desires to hire from the Chapters Membership. If you are interested in utilizing this FREE service provided by the Rochester Chapter, please contact our Chapter President, Gannon Dubay at (585) 435-0250 or by email [email protected]. This service is available to ASHRAE members for any local firm in our industry looking for knowledgeable persons in the HVAC&R industry.

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BOG Minutes (Pg 1)

BOG Minutes (Pg 1)

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BOG Minutes (Pg 2)

BOG Minutes (Pg 2)

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BOG Minutes (Pg 3)

BOG Minutes (Pg 3)

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BOG Minutes (Pg 4)

BOG Minutes (Pg 4)

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Current PAOE Points

Current PAOE Points

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ASHRAE News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Media Contact:

Karen Buckley Washington
Associate Manager, Public Relations
[email protected]

2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium to Feature Dynamic Speakers and Sessions

ATLANTA (January 12, 2026) – ASHRAE announced a dynamic technical program for the 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium, taking place April 13-14, 2026, in Los Angles, California. Following a sold-out inaugural event in 2025, the symposium returns with an expanded agenda designed to empower women and allies across the HVAC&R and built environment industries.

“This event offers professionals at every career stage, from students and early-career practitioners to seasoned executives, the opportunity to enhance leadership skills, grow their professional networks, and explore inclusive strategies for advancing women in the industry,” said Karine Leblanc, Symposium Chair.

Featured keynotes include:

• Gail Brager, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley. Brager will share insights from her leadership in building science and sustainability research and mentorship of emerging leaders.

• Sara Safari, Ph.D., Empowerment Activist and Author. Safari will speak from her own personal experiences in overcoming challenges and how those principles can inspire peak performance in technical teams.

Key breakout sessions include:

Building Future Makers: How to Inspire the Next Generation into the Trades: Explores strategies to empower young talent and expand pathways into HVAC&R and related technical careers.

Smarter Buildings Start with You: AI and IoT in HVAC: Provides practical insights into how artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things technologies are being applied to improve building performance and commissioning.

Executive Presence Without Pretending: Focuses on developing authentic confidence, clear communication and personal influence in both technical and leadership roles.

Inside the Walls of Net-Zero: Women Designing the Future: Highlights real-world case studies showcasing women leading decarbonization, electrification and net-zero building projects.

Managing Technical Teams with Emotional Intelligence: Offers tools and approaches for effective leadership across varying backgrounds, roles and experience levels.

In-person early bird registration to attend the 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium is $495 for ASHRAE members ($545 for non-members). Early bird registration discounts are available thru February 6.

For the full technical program, registration and additional information, visit ashrae.org/2026WIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Media Contact:

Karen Buckley Washington
Associate Manager, Public Relations
[email protected]
 

ASHRAE Celebrates Outstanding Member Contributions at 2026 Winter Conference 

ATLANTA (February 1, 2026) — ASHRAE honored members whose leadership, innovation and service have made a lasting impact on the Society and the built environment during its 2026 Winter Conference, held in Las Vegas. The recognitions highlight the distinct ways ASHRAE members advance building performance, sustainability and the HVAC&R profession worldwide. A list of the awards and recipients are below.

F. Paul Anderson Award: Chandra Sekhar, Fellow Life Member ASHRAE, received the F. Paul Anderson Award. The award is ASHRAE's highest technical achievement given for notable achievement of outstanding services performed in the HVAC&R field. Sekhar is a professor, National University of Singapore, College of Design and Engineering, Department of the Built Environment, Singapore.

ASHRAE Hall of Fame: Ron Jarnagin, Presidential Fellow Life Member ASHRAE (1946-2024) and Kenneth Loudermilk, Life Member ASHRAE (1954-2023) were inducted into the ASHRAE Hall of Fame. The ASHRAE Hall of Fame honors deceased members of the Society who have made milestone contributions to the growth of ASHRAE-related technology or the development of ASHRAE as a society.

ASHRAE Distinguished Public Service Award: Darryl Boyce, P.Eng., Presidential Fellow Life Member ASHRAE, received the ASHRAE Distinguished Public Service Award. The award recognizes a member of Society who has performed outstanding public service in their community, and in doing so, has helped to improve the public image of the engineer. Boyce is owner, Boyce Consulting Services, Kemptville, Ontario, Canada.

Fellow ASHRAE: Fellow ASHRAE is a membership grade that recognizes members who have attained distinction and made substantial contributions in HVAC&R and the built environment such as education, research, engineering design and consultation, publications, presentations and mentoring. The Society elevated 24 members to the grade of Fellow:

• Omar Abdelaziz, Ph.D., Associate Professor, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.

• Amanda Bogner, BEMP, Vice President, Catalyst Partners, Omaha, Neb.

• Lianne Cockerton, P.Eng. Director of Sustainable Development, Martin Roy and Associates, Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Canada.

• Lorenzo Cremaschi, Professor & Director Undergraduate Research, Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.

• Abdel Kader Darwich, HFDP, Principal, Guttmann and Blaevoet Consulting Engineers, Sacramento, Calif.

• Steven J. DiFlora, P.E., Life Member ASHRAE, Senior Executive Director, MG Engineering, D.P.C., New York, N.Y.

• Mahroo Eftekhari, Professor, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom

• Kenneth M. Fulk, P.E., Life Member ASHRAE, Principal Emeritus, RWB Consulting Engineers, Dallas, Texas

• Christopher Gray, Ph.D., P.E., CDP, CEO, EcoSmart Solution, Atlanta, Ga.

• Gregor P. Henze, Ph.D., P.E., Professor of Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colo.

• Satish N. Iyengar, Proprietor, Services Consultants, Bangalore, India

• Amir Jokar, Ph.D., P.E., Principal Engineer, Exponent, Inc., Irvine, Calif.

• Tracey Jumper, Global Director of Data Center Commissioning, Microsoft, Palm Springs, Calif.

• Michael J. Langton, P.E., Life Member ASHRAE, Langton Energy Engineering Services, LLC, Montgomery, Texas.

• Phil Naughton, Life Member ASHRAE, Principal/Owner, Eco Cleanroom HVAC Consulting, Austin, Texas.

• Alan Neely, Senior Regional Sales Manager, Owens Corning-FOAMGLAS® Insulation, Texas.

• Bruce I. Nelson, Life Member ASHRAE, CEO, Bruce V. Nelson Engineering LLC, Colville, Wash.

• Clay Nesler, Life Member ASHRAE, Founder, The Nesler Group, Fort Myers, Fla.

• Daniel C. Pettway, Life Member ASHRAE, Retired, Chesapeake, Va.

• Carsten Rode, Professor, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.

• Richard W. Trent, Life Member ASHRAE, Chairman of the Board, Carolina Heat Pipe Inc., Johns Island, S.C.

• Thanos Tzempelikos, Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.

 • James W. VanGilder, Data Center CFD Senior Expert, Schneider Electric, Andover, Mass.

• Mack Wallace, Life Member ASHRAE, Global Practice Director-Federal Mechanical, Jacobs, Fort Worth, Texas

YEA Inspirational Leader Award: Alekhya Kaianathbhatta, received the YEA Inspirational Leader Award. The award recognizes a Young Engineer in ASHRAE (YEA) member who has gone above and beyond to make considerable contributions to the industry and community. Kaianathbhatta is an associate, The HIDI Group, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Milton W. Garland Refrigeration Award: Nasser A. Karimzadeh received the Milton W. Garland Refrigeration Award. The award recognizes the designer and owner of a commercial or industrial refrigeration application that demonstrates innovation and advancement in the field. The award may consider innovation and excellence in technology, application, advanced design, project practices and operation. Karimzadeh is Chief Industrial Refrigeration Engineer, VaCom Technology, Oakwood, Ga.

John F. James International Award: John Constantinide received the John F. James International Award. The award recognizes an ASHRAE member who has done the most to enhance the Society's international presence or posture. Constantinide is a Range Mechanical Engineer, U.S. Space Force, Patrick Space Force Base, Fla.

E.K. Campbell Award of Merit: Carey Simonson received the E.K. Campbell Award of Merit. The award honors an individual for outstanding service and achievement in teaching and is presented by the Life Members Club. Simonson is with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Award of Engineering Excellence: The Award of Engineering Excellence was created in 1989 to recognize a first-place winner of the Society-level Technology Award competition for an outstanding application of innovative design and effective energy utilization. The recipient of the Award of Engineering Excellence will have demonstrated the best overall compliance with the judging criteria.

• Kunita Shindo, P.E. and Shun Kawakubo, Dr.Eng., new industrial facilities or process category, OKI Honjo Plant H1 Factory, Saitama, Japan. The building is owned by OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

The ASHRAE Technology Awards: The ASHRAE Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements by ASHRAE members who have successfully applied innovative building designs. Their designs incorporate ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality and serve to communicate innovative systems design. Winning projects are selected from entries earning regional awards.

• Barry Lau, EBCx commercial buildings category, Citygate Outlets, Hong Kong. The building is owned by Swire Properties Limited.

• Eikichi Ono, Takamasa Hasama, Toby Cheung and Yuichi Takemasa, new commercial buildings category, The GEAR, Singapore. The building is owned by Kajima Development.

• Ben Kleine-Kracht and Jess Farber, existing educational facilities category, Buckley Elementary School, Manchester, Conn. The building is owned by the Town of Manchester.

• Grayson Woods, Ben Hobbs and Kyle Sprague, new educational facilities category, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, Washington, D.C. The building is owned by the Department of General Services.

• Nolan Amos and Bill Sharp, new institutional category, Centre College Champions Hall, Danville, Ky. The building is owned by Centre College.

• Jess Farber, Ben Kleine-Kracht, Thom Anderson and Kyle Smith, EBCx health care facilities, Boston Medical Center: Brockton Behavioral Health Center, Boston, Mass. The building is owned by Boston Medical Center.

• Kevin Sharples, P.Eng., Kurt Monteiro, P.Eng., HFDP, HBDP and Peter Kastelic, P.Eng., new health care facilities, New Western Memorial Regional Hospital, Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada. The building is owned by the Government of Newfoundland.

• Austin Boone, P.E. and Brice Watson, existing public assembly, Stead Park Recreation Center, Washington, D.C. The building is owned by DGS.

• Spencer Howell, Shruti Borle, BEMP and David W. Griffin, II, BEMP new public assembly, Salt Lake County Daybreak Library, South Jordan, Utah. The building is owned by Salt Lake City County Facilities Management.

Student Design Competition: The Student Design Competition focused on a new medical office building in Manchester, England. The final HVAC system selection and design for the building needed to address energy efficiency, occupant health and safety, occupant comfort, functionality, and future flexibility.

First place in the HVAC Design Calculations category was awarded to Ain Shams University. Team members are Yasmin Tarek Saeed, Yasmin Omar Hanafi, Habiba Khaled Sayed, Rawan Walid Mohmed, Ahd Roshdy Abd-Elkhalek and Fatma Hatem Mohamed.

First place in the HVAC System Selection category was awarded to Ain Shams University. Team members are Abdallah Emad, Mohamed Mohsen, Omar Abdallah, Mohamed Hany, Omar Akram and Youssry Medhat. 

First place in the Setty Family Foundation Net Zero Energy Design category was awarded to New Jersey Institute of Technology. Team members are Jacob Swanson, Austin Chen, Jeongseo Lee, Minkyeong Park and Mingzhe Li.

The Setty Family Foundation Applied Engineering Challenge: The Setty Family Foundation Applied Engineering Challenge focused on the development of a specific component – a carbon capture and utilization module—that not only reduces the carbon footprint of HVAC&R systems but also transforms captured CO2 into a valuable resource, aligning with the goals of sustainability and decarbonization.

The first place student team was awarded to Simon Fraser University. Team members are Michael La Grange, Megan Lucille Zelasky, Erin Flood and Jasleen Sandhu.

Building EQ Competition: In the Building EQ Competition students had the opportunity to evaluate and audit building energy consumption for buildings in operation to give the building a Building EQ score. This competition takes theory into practice. It will give students the hands-on experience with operational settings while working collaboratively with building owners.

The first place student team was awarded to University of Washington. Team members are Tyler Kalkwarf, Colin Shea, Carmen Le, Jon Erik Tolo and Carmen Anderson.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Media Contact:

Karen Buckley Washington
Associate Manager, Public Relations
[email protected].

ASHRAE Announces Nominees for 2026-27 Slate of Officers and Directors

ATLANTA (February 2, 2026) — ASHRAE is pleased to announce its nominees for the 2026-27 slate of officers and directors.

Nominations for officers and directors were made by the ASHRAE Nominating Committee from a list recommended by individual members and from Chapters Regional Conferences.

The 2026-27 nominees are as follows:

President-Elect:

Ashish Rakheja, B.E., M.Tech, Fellow ASHRAE

Treasurer:

Wade Conlan, P.E., BCxP, Fellow ASHRAE, CxA, LEED AP BD+C

Vice Presidents:

Blake Ellis, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE

Mahroo Eftekhari, C.Eng., CDPhil, Member ASHRAE, SFHEA 

Directors and Regional Chairs:

Carrie Kelty, P.E., Member ASHRAE – Region VII

Keith Reihl, P.E., Member ASHRAE – Region VIII

Daniel Russell, Member ASHRAE – Region IX

Colin Laisure-Pool, P.E., Member ASHRAE, LEED AP, CEM – Region X

Eduardo Maldonado, Life Member ASHRAE – Region XIV

Directors-at-Large:

Martin Dieryckx, Member ASHRAE

Krishnan Gowri, Ph.D., Member ASHRAE

Filza Walters, Member ASHRAE

Alternate Director-at-Large:

Doug Fick, P.E., Member ASHRAE 

ASHRAE members will vote on the nominees via electronic ballot in May. Sarah Maston, P.E., BCxP, Member ASHRAE, LEED AP will serve as ASHRAE President for the 2026-27 Society Year.

For more information on the 2026-27 slate of officers and directors, visit ashrae.org/2026-2027slate.

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ASHRAE Training

ASHRAE's popular HVAC Design Training is coming to Hartford, CT

 

March 9-13, 2026 | 8 AM-5 PM EST

Early Registration Discount is available!

 

Register now to save on ASHRAE HVAC Design Training

 

Essentials | 9 – 11 March 2026

 

Applications | 12 – 13 March 2026

 

ASHRAE industry experts will provide a comprehensive curriculum and learning experience. Engage with like-minded professionals, expand your network, and immerse yourself in a vibrant community dedicated to sustainability and innovation in the HVAC&R industry.

 

In-person attendees receive:

Act now to reserve your seat and take advantage of early bird discount pricing.

 

 

For an even deeper discount, email [email protected] to ask about our group rates for three or more attendees.

 

Scholarships are available: ASHRAE Members can get 35% off the registration fee! Apply here.

Can't make it in person? Check out the virtual options

 

________________________________________________________________

LIVE VIRTUAL TRAINING

Strengthen your technical expertise and stay aligned with current ASHRAE guidance this March through a series of instructor-led virtual courses designed for engineers, contractors, facility managers, and design/build professionals. Each course includes valuable ASHRAE publications at no additional cost.

Course

Date

Time

*Free Bonus Publications

Fundamentals of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) for Air and Surface Disinfection

Thursday, March 5, 2026

12:00 PM – 

3:00 PM EST   

2024 HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook Chapter 17 Germicidal Ultraviolet Lamp Systems (I-P)

Value: $55

Building Energy Modeling Fundamentals and Applications

Tuesday, March 17 –

Wednesday, March 18

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential

Value: $198

Successfully Managing the Risk of Legionellosis Using ASHRAE Standard 188

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

ASHRAE Standard 188-2021, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems

Value: $105

All courses are taught by industry experts and are eligible for PDHs/CEUs, making them ideal for both professional development and licensing requirements.

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ASHRAE WIA Symposium

After a sold-out debut, the Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium returns—bigger, bolder, and more empowering than ever!

 

Join us for two full days of connection, inspiration, and leadership growth with women from across the HVACR industry—from students and early-career professionals to seasoned veterans.

 

This isn’t just for engineers—it’s for every woman making an impact on the built environment. Whether you’re here to build your network, develop your leadership skills, or cheer on the next generation through the Young Women in ASHRAE EmpowerHERment Award competition—YOU BELONG HERE!

  • Inspiring Keynotes, Workshops
  • Expanded Networking, Mentorship
  • EmpowerHERment Award Competition

Interested in sponsoring?

We have a sponsorship packet ready—contact us to learn more [email protected].

Visit the conference website for more program and registration details

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ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference

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.

  • Panel: 3-4 industry experts, including one moderator, on a current topic of interest or team case study.
  • Seminar: 2-4 speakers to present on one of the conference topics, and a session chair.

 

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:

Business Strategy, Finance & Accountability

(For executives, investors, owners, real-estate leaders)

  • ROI, valuation, and performance disclosure requirements
  • Investor confidence & access to capital
  • Enterprise risk, grid reliability, resiliency, liability considerations
  • Business cases for decarbonization IEQ and resilience
  • Decarbonization stakeholder engagement and change management
  • Market drivers (Net Zero Carbon Events, disclosure rules, standards)

Technical Solutions, Retrofit Delivery & Emerging Technology

(For engineers, designers, sustainability and operations practitioners)

  • Retrocommissioning (RCx)
  • Fuel switching & beneficial electrification
  • Thermal comfort & PNW climate change and cooling needs (Seattle focus)
  • Data centers & waste heat recovery
  • District energy and system integration
  • Whole life carbon and Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA)
  • Workforce, commissioning, and operational readiness challenges

Policy, Standards & Public-Sector Infrastructure

(For government, civic agencies, code officials, policy advisors)

  • Public sector & civic infrastructure decarbonization
  • Infrastructure that supports decarbonization (grid, thermal, district)
  • Accountability & reporting frameworks
  • Translating high level mandates into project pathways
  • Building performance standards and codes for building decarbonization

Portfolio Planning, Archetypes & Real-World Case Studies

(For portfolio managers, planners, and cross-functional leadership teams)

  • District energy and infrastructure
  • Archetypes: data centers, municipalities, airports/transportation, hospitals, laboratories, higher education and school districts
  • Route to implementation strategies across a portfolio
  • Implementation Showcase - projects in progress with real results and next phase solutions
  • Incentives, tax credits, and capital-stacking strategies

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

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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.

ASHRAE Global Training

2026 Live Virtual Training – Attend from wherever you are.

Register your group & save up to 20%!

The online program will cover critical topics shaping today’s built environment, including District Cooling Systems Design, Commissioning, the New Refrigerants Landscape, and in-depth applications of ASHRAE’s IAQ Standard 62.1, ASHRAE’s Energy Efficiency Standard 90.1 and Building Energy Modeling, supporting better design decisions, compliance, and energy performance outcomes. Get your Special Discounts on Popular ASHRAE Publications!

Register Now

Bring ASHRAE training to your city

Whether you are an ASHRAE chapter, company or event organizer, ASHRAE courses can be delivered locally to support your members, teams, or audiences with high-quality, standard-based professional development. Learn More.

eLearning

New eLearning Course Package Alert!

Our new Course Package Standard 90.1-2022 contains five courses brand new courses at a discounted rate. Get an in-depth exploration of the most up-to-date techniques and guidelines for ventilation, air quality, thermal bridging, and other topics.

The course package includes:

• Standard 90.1: (2022): First Steps to Net Zero

• Standard 90.1: (2022) ComCheck Compliance (2019)

• Standard 90.1 (2022): Performance Modeling with Appendix G

• Standard 90.1 (2022): The Year of the Bridge

• Standard 90.1 (2022): Changes Over Time

Sharpen your expertise and stay ahead of the evolving requirements shaping building design.

Group Discounts available. Click here to learn more.

ASHRAE Learning Institute

New scholarship available!

Apply here

ASHRAE members can now receive 35% off one ALI course.

Apply at least three weeks before your course date, funds are limited!

The 2026 HVAC Design Schedule has been announced!

Plan Ahead & Save! Early Bird Discount Pricing is currently available for all training.

Choose from a variety of in-person and virtual options.

Visit exciting cities like Hartford, Toronto and Atlanta!

Not able to travel? Join us virtually, there are options almost every month.


The 2026 ASHRAE Live Virtual Training schedule is now available!

Check out the full year of instructor-led courses designed to support engineers, students, contractors, facility managers, and HVAC&R professionals at every career stage.

Participants can earn PDHs/CEUs, learn directly from industry experts, and gain practical, standards-based knowledge they can apply immediately. Many courses also include free ASHRAE publications, adding even more value.

Explore the 2026 schedule and plan your professional development for the year ahead.

Certification

Survey Results: “Value of ASHRAE Certification”

ASHRAE certification signals to colleagues, supervisors and clients competence to do a job. Apart from this benefit are there any additional benefits of certification which accrue to the certification earner?

Here’s what ASHRAE-certified professionals had to say when surveyed this past fall:

My credibility in the eyes of my colleagues and supervisor has increased (75%)

In my field, ASHRAE Certification has provided me with greater recognition (74%)

My ASHRAE certification has helped improve my career opportunities (65%)

My earning power has increased (51%)

Make an ASHRAE Certification your 2026 professional development goal!

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