March 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, March 9th, 11:45am - 1:30pm

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

TOPIC: Anchored Against the Elements: Evolution of Wind and Seismic Tie-Down Requirements in IBC and ASCE (PDH Approved)

PRESENTED BY: Travis Pelletier – Novia Corp

Understanding how evolving building codes shape rooftop HVAC equipment anchorage design.

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Highlights from recent ASHRAE Meeting

The Rochester Chapter was pleased to welcome Roger Zacour on Monday, February 9th for an engaging presentation on “Cleanroom Design: Form and Function.” We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout. Thank you to all who attended!

 

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Membership

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Membership Application

Application is also available on the website: 

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

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Welcome New Members

We have (3) new member this month! Rochester ASHRAE welcomes:

  • Jim Grillo, Modular Comfort
  • Jonathan Suhre, EMCOR-Betlem
  • David Craig, Trane

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

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Government Advocacy

Federal

1.      The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its rescission of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. The endangerment finding concluded that greenhouse gas pollution endangers human health and requires regulation. The finding became the legal foundation for federal climate policy, including regulating carbon emissions and treating climate change as a public health issue under the EPA’s authority. Repealing this authority could have implications for federal efforts to pursue building decarbonization. Read more at “Federal Register :: Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and Motor Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards Under the Clean Air Act”.

2.      The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final determination for energy conservation standards for small electric motors (SEM), as required under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975. DOE determined energy conservation standards for SEMs should not be amended because more stringent energy conservation standards for SEMs would not be cost effective. The current SEM standards took effect in 2015. DOE also determined not to amend the SEM standards in 2023. Read more at “Federal Register :: Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Small Electric Motors”.

 

State

1.      Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of mayors who demonstrate climate leadership and represent cities in 48 states, recently released a report which is focused on assisting mayors with balancing the energy and resource demands created by data center development with cities’ existing climate and emissions reduction goals. It includes guidance for setting limits on the zoning and siting of data centers, along with energy use, water use, air quality, and noise impacts. It was developed in response to the major acceleration in the number and size of data centers across the U.S. and the subsequent local opposition of data center siting in multiple cities. Read more at “Data Centers and the Climate Landscape: An Actionable Resource for U.S. Mayors”.

 

Miscellaneous

1.      On February 9th, City of Rochester Gov. Evan D. Malik signed a proclamation declaring the week of February 22-28, 2026, Engineers Week. The Government Affairs Committee of ASHRAE’s Rochester Chapter, coordinated the proclamation signing with the governor’s office. National Engineers Week, established in 1951, is an annual celebration of the engineering workforce focused on increasing interest in engineering careers. This year’s theme, Transform Your Future, is a powerful reminder that engineering doesn’t just shape our world—it shapes our opportunities, our communities, and the futures we can imagine for ourselves and our children.

2.      the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) released its 2026 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook which provides updated data and analysis about the performance of energy sectors by tracking year-on-year in addition to long-term trends for the U.S. energy economy. The factbook reported that in 2025, U.S. power generation reached its highest volume in two decades, driven by growth in renewable energy technologies and natural gas generation capacity, coupled with energy demand driven largely by data centers. Read more at “2026 Top Six Trends - Business Council for Sustainable Energy

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National Engineer's Week

🌟 Happy National Engineers Week! 🌟

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible engineers whose dedication, creativity, and problem‑solving shape our world every single day.

This year, February 22-28 was officially recognized as National Engineers Week—a time to celebrate the extraordinary impact engineers make in our communities and across the planet.

We work in a dynamic and challenging industry where innovation is constant and solutions are critical. Over the past few years, engineers have been at the forefront of addressing some of the world’s toughest challenges—and the years ahead will bring even more opportunities to lead and make a difference.

I’m also proud to share that our local government and community have formally acknowledged this last week. The City of Rochester and Monroe County have issued a joint proclamation declaring last week as National Engineers Week.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you for your passion, resilience, and countless contributions. Your work truly matters—now more than ever.

#EngineersWeek #NationalEngineersWeek #Eweek2026

Sincerely,

Sameer N. Bhise

ASHRAE Rochester - Chair, Government Affairs Committee and Secretary

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Calendar of Events

Please check our website for recent updates!

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February Valentine's Dinner Dance

Thank you to this year's sponsors!

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February Valentine's Dinner Dance Highlights

February Valentine's Dinner Dance Highlights

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Picnic & Golf Announcement

Save the Date! The ASHRAE Rochester annual golf outing returns on May 19th. Block your calendar now—details to follow!

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Charles Lynch Scholarship

Charles Lynch Scholarship recipient Gina Fourney

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Jack Betlem Scholarship

The HVAC Team at MCC has nominated Nathan Mueller for the recipient of the Jack Belem Scholarship.

On behalf of Monroe Community College, I sincerely thank all of the members of the ASHRAE Rochester region and the Betlem family for thinking of our HVAC program with this generous scholarship for our students!

Bill Horton, HVAC/R Assistant Professor, Applied Technologies Monroe Community College

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Technology Awards

Technology Awards

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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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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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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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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]

ASHRAE Concludes 2026 Winter Conference and AHR Expo with Strong Momentum for Indoor Environmental Quality and Healthy Buildings

ATLANTA (February 6, 2026) — ASHRAE concluded its 2026 Winter Conference in Las Vegas with renewed momentum around indoor environmental quality (IEQ), healthy buildings and the evolving role of HVAC&R professionals in shaping the future of the built environment.

Held February 2–4, the Winter Conference convened HVAC&R leaders, engineers, policymakers and researchers from around the world to examine the intersection of technology, sustainability, health and human experience in buildings. Across hundreds of sessions and committee meetings, attendees explored emerging trends including artificial intelligence, low-global-warming-potential refrigerants, energy storage, geothermal systems and occupant-centered design.

The conference drew 3,825 registrants and featured more than 400 committee meetings, over 100 technical sessions and a robust slate of networking and professional development opportunities.

Running concurrently, the AHR Expo transformed the Las Vegas Convention Center into a global showcase for HVAC&R innovation. The Expo hosted 1,945 exhibitors, including 601 international companies and 186 first-time exhibitors, across 565,000 net square feet of exhibit space, welcoming an estimated 50,000 attendees over three days.

Technical Focus Reflects Industry Priorities

Among the most highly attended Winter Conference sessions were:

• The Liquid Revolution: Best Practices in Cooling for Tomorrow’s Data Centers

• AI in Action: A Real World Application of AI for Campus Energy Optimization

• Demystifying GenAI: What HVAC Professionals Need to Know

• Can We Eliminate VAV Zone Reheat During Cooling? Real-World Results Using ASHRAE Guideline 36 Sequences

• AI Optimization and Control of Chiller Plants: Reducing Energy Consumption and Improving Comfort Levels

President Highlights Progress on Healthy Buildings and IEQ Leadership

During his State of the Society Address, 2025–26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade shared progress on the Society’s focus on healthy buildings and indoor environmental quality, emphasizing the transition from vision to sustained action.

“Six months into this Society year, we are seeing real progress,” said McQuade. “To ensure this work translates into lasting impact, we established the IEQ Center of Excellence – a dedicated platform to advance a coordinated roadmap, strengthen collaboration, and support ASHRAE’s leadership in policy, advocacy and global engagement.”

McQuade also highlighted advances in water safety, pathogen mitigation and integrated approaches to health-focused building design. His full State of the Society presentation is available at ashrae.org/president.

Presidential Initiative Challenge Advances Local Impact

At the conference, McQuade announced the recipients of the 2025–26 Presidential Initiative Challenge, a grant program supporting chapter-led projects that advance energy efficiency, emissions reduction and indoor environmental quality at the local level.

Supported by the Gordon Holness Presidential Fund and administered by the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) committee, the program received 21 submissions and awarded six projects, with grants totaling $46,350:

• Regina ChapterBlanket of Warmth Project ($5,500)

Nigeria ChapterProject BREATHE: Building Resilient Environments for Air, Thermal, Health and Efficiency ($7,150)

Falcon ChapterHealthy Classroom for a Low-Carbon Future ($9,200)

Ghana ChapterIEQ Improvements at Ayeduase Health Center ($10,000)

Cedar Valley ChapterAir Quality, Lighting and Plumbing Upgrades for Ullo Kindergarten Center, Ghana ($9,500)

Monterrey ChapterHealthy Learning Environments: Bright Futures Initiative ($5,000)

Expanding Global Collaboration

In the months leading up to the Winter Conference, ASHRAE strengthened its global and industry-aligned partnerships by renewing memoranda of understanding with 17 organizations across engineering, architecture, public health, energy and standards development.

• AFE, Association for Facilities Engineering

• AIA, American Institute of Architects

• AMCA, Air Movement and Control Association

• ASHE, American Society of Healthcare Engineers

• ASPE, American Society of Plumbing Engineers

• DKV, Deutscher Kälte-und Klimatechnischer Verein

• IAPMO, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Inc.

• IDEA, International District Energy Association

• IUVA, International Ultraviolet Association

• JSRAE, Japan Society of Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers

• NAFA, National Air Filtration Association

• NASEO, National Association of State Energy Officials

• NSF, National Sanitation Foundation International

• PHVACRS, Pakistan HVACR Society

• SAREK, Society of Air-conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers of Korea

• VISRAE, Vietnam Society of Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Engineers

• BCxA, Building Commissioning Association (New)

Honors, Membership Growth and Policy Impact

ASHRAE recognized outstanding member contributions during its Honors and Awards Program. Executive Vice President and Secretary Jeff Littleton also provided an update on the Society’s growth and influence.

Littleton announced the approval of two new chapters in Region XIV, the Benelux Chapter and the DACH Chapter, along with the addition of 13 new student branches. ASHRAE now includes 202 chapters, 42 sections and 342 active student branches worldwide.

He also highlighted ASHRAE’s expanding role in public policy, noting that during the past year the Society submitted letters or testimony on 22 IEQ-related bills. Legislation referencing ASHRAE standards was signed into law in Virginia, Colorado and New Jersey, with additional indoor air quality legislation under development in several other states.

Education and Professional Development

The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) offered 21 courses during the conference, with top attendance for:

• Guideline 36: Best in Class HVAC Control Sequences

• Advanced Concepts in Designing and Retrofitting Energy Efficient Data Centers

• Demystifying Dehumidification: Designing Efficient and Effective HVAC Moisture Removal Systems

For the first time, ALI also delivered a Fundamentals of District Cooling System Design (MENA) course, providing region-specific instruction led by local experts to better serve practitioners across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

All registered attendees, both in-person and virtual, will have access to the conference platform during the event and for 12 months following.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference will take place June 27 – July 1 in Austin, Texas. The 2027 Winter Conference will take place January 23 – 27, 2027, and the AHR Expo, January 25 – 27, 2027 in Chicago, Illinois.

Download additional conference photos: https://www.ezeventphotography.com/f557120637

_______________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Media Contact:

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

ASHRAE and UNEP Approve Two-Year Work Plan Focused on Life Cycle Refrigerant Management

ATLANTA (February 19, 2026) — ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have approved a new two-year work plan titled Life Cycle Refrigerant Management (LCRM), reinforcing their long-standing partnership to advance sustainable refrigerant practices worldwide. The plan was adopted during the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference in Las Vegas.

As the refrigerating and air-conditioning (RAC) industry transitions to alternative refrigerants, comprehensive management across the full refrigerant life cycle, from production and installation to recovery, reuse and disposal, has become increasingly critical. Some legacy refrigerants can deplete the ozone layer if released, while certain alternatives introduced to replace them have high global warming potential (GWP). Effective life cycle refrigerant management helps reduce emissions, improve system efficiency and enhance safety for technicians and communities.

Since 2007, ASHRAE and UNEP have collaborated to support developing countries in transitioning to non-ozone-depleting refrigerants. Biennial work plans guide the development of joint technical resources and educational products to assist engineers, technicians, policymakers and National Ozone Units in meeting obligations under the Montreal Protocol while advancing energy efficiency goals.

The newly approved work plan includes:

RAC Technicians Field Companion – An AI-powered, multilingual mobile application based on the Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability technical guide. The tool will provide real-time, context-aware guidance and automated documentation to support safe, practical implementation of life cycle refrigerant management practices.

Fact Sheets on Life Cycle Refrigerant Management and Energy-Efficient RAC – A series of briefing documents covering topics such as the benefits of LCRM, conducting energy audits, safe use and handling of flammable refrigerants, and understanding regulatory requirements.

Updates to ASHRAE–UNEP OzonAction Joint Products – Evaluation and enhancement of existing educational resources to incorporate life cycle refrigerant management guidance, including:

Energy Efficiency Literacy online learning modules

Refrigerants Literacy online learning modules

University Course Pack for engineering instructors

Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability checklists and guidance sheets

Refrigerant Update Factsheet listing refrigerants with ASHRAE R designations, safety classifications and GWP

Lower GWP Award case studies highlighting replicable, cost-effective projects in developing countries

“Life cycle refrigerant management is essential to achieving global climate goals,” said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “Even small refrigerant leaks reduce system efficiency and increase emissions. By emphasizing proper design, installation, maintenance and monitoring, LCRM improves safety, lowers energy use and reduces both direct and indirect emissions. It also strengthens local economies by supporting skilled jobs in refrigerant recovery, recycling and compliance.”

Jim Curlin, Head of UNEP’s OzonAction Branch, noted that the partnership bridges global environmental policy with technical standards and industry practice. “The collaboration provides specialized tools and services that help developing countries manage refrigerants responsibly, meet Montreal Protocol obligations and advance energy efficiency,” Curlin said. “ASHRAE contributes technical expertise in codes, standards and guidance for refrigerant use, while UNEP supports deployment aligned with global environmental goals.”

Jim Wolf, Presidential Member ASHRAE and co-chair of the ASHRAE–UNEP Liaison Group, emphasized the importance of safety during the refrigerant transition. “Some next-generation refrigerants are mildly flammable and require updated system design and handling practices,” Wolf said. “Life cycle refrigerant management helps ensure safe installation, operation, recovery and disposal under evolving standards.”

The work plan and access to joint ASHRAE–UNEP resources are available at ashrae.org/ashrae-unep-portal.

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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

 

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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.

See Full Schedule


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ASHRAE's popular HVAC Design Training is coming to Toronto, ON 

May 4-8, 2026 | 8 AM-5 PM EDT

Early Registration Discount is available!

 

Register now to save on ASHRAE HVAC Design Training

 

Essentials | 4 – 6 May 2026

 

Applications | 7 – 8 May 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:

Duct Size Calculator

HVAC Fast Facts

• Catered Lunch and Snacks Daily

• Hands-on learning

 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: Apply here 

ASHRAE Members will receive 5% off the registration fee!

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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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Engineering Symposium in Rochester

April 16, 2026  |  8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
RIT Inn and Conference Center
5257 W Henrietta Road, West Henrietta, NY, 14467

The annual Engineering Symposium in Rochester, NY 

An opportunity for Professional Engineers to earn up to 7 PDH credits.

Registration link: https://monroepes.org/engineering-symposium-rochester/

NSPE-NY's Engineering Symposium in Rochester 2026

April 16, 2026 | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | RIT Inn and Conference Center
The Engineering Symposium Rochester (ESR) is an annual event to provide licensed professional engineers with continuing education credits or Professional Development Hours (PDH). Earn up to 7 PDH Credits.

Early Registration: $175
Registration after 3/10/26: $200

We hope to see you there! 

David C. Roberts, P.E.

Area Vice President, NYSSPE

President-Elect, Monroe Chapter of NYSSPE 

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