In this issue
April 2026 Newsletter ASHRAE Rochester Chapter 
ASHRAE Rochester Newsletter
Statements made in this publication are not expressions of the Society or of the chapter and may not be reproduced without special permission of the chapter.
Monthly Meeting Info
DATE: Monday, April 6th, 4:30pm
EVENT: Technical presentation and tour of the University of Rochester Medical Center Central Plant. The tour includes a new electric driven 2,700 ton chiller installed to accompany existing chillers, new cooling tower with four 12,500 GPM cells, 42” water piping, and an enclosed space under the towers outside of the central plant which houses the pumps and other equipment.
TOPIC: Tour of the New Chiller System at the University of Rochester Central Plant
SCHEDULE:
4:30-5:00pm – Registration and sign in at Flaum Atrium
5:00-5:45 – Technical presentation in the Class of ’62 Auditorium.
5:45-6:30 – Dinner in Flaum Atrium / DiBella's
6:30-7:00 – Relocate to tour at central plant
7:00-8:00 – Tour of central plant
LOCATION: U of R Medical Research Building, 415 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642.
This event will require closed toe shoes, hard hats and safety glasses. Please plan to bring your own if possible; some PPE equipment will be available on-site if you need to borrow equipment.
Highlights from recent ASHRAE Meeting
On Monday, March 9th, Travis Pelletier of Novia Corp led an engaging and informative discussion on how evolving building codes are shaping rooftop HVAC equipment anchorage design. The session sparked great questions and offered valuable insight into both current requirements and emerging considerations.
We truly appreciate Travis for sharing his expertise, and we were excited to see such a strong turnout. Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to a great discussion.
Membership Application
Application is also available on the website:
Welcome New Members
We have (1) new member this month! Rochester ASHRAE welcomes:
- Mike Tomarchio, LaBella
WELCOME and THANK YOU for being a part of the ASHRAE - Rochester Chapter community!
Government Advocacy
Federal
State
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed major revisions to the state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The proposed plan would delay the deadline for developing greenhouse gas regulations from 2026 to 2030 and change the methodology New York uses to calculate emissions. The state currently applies a 20‑year global warming timeframe—unlike most states that use a 100‑year metric—resulting in higher weighting of short‑lived pollutants like methane. Gov. Hochul proposes keeping the CLCPA’s 2050 emissions reduction target and establishing a new 2040 target, still to be determined. She also introduced a “ratepayer protection plan” aimed at lowering utility bills by reforming how regulators evaluate electricity rate increases. If approved by the legislature, these changes would be included in the current year’s state budget.
Miscellaneous
- A team of seven (7) Government Affairs Committee members from ASHRAE’s New York State chapter traveled to Albany, NY to meet lawmakers at State Capitol for Government Outreach Day - Day on the Hill (DOTH). The members: Sameer Bhise (Chair GAC Rochester Chapter), Ryan Kilgore (Member GAC Rochester Chapter), Charles Bertuch (Region I Director/Regional Chair), Mathew Catan (Regional Vice Chair), Rich Smith (Long Island Chapter), and Joe Lettko (Albany Chapter), were scheduled to meet with twenty two (22) elected officials throughout the day. More than a dozen meetings took place, with the team introducing lawmakers to ASHRAE, sharing the society’s public policy priorities, and beginning the work of finding legislative champions.
Picnic & Golf Announcement
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]
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]
ASHRAE Diversity Equity and Inclusion
ASHRAE Diversity in ASHRAE Committee - Call for Members!
Did you know that:
- 67% of engineers in the US are white?
- The average age of an engineer in the US is 40 years old?
- Only about 5% of engineers in the US are LGBTQIA+?
These numbers have improved over the last few years as the culture that surrounds us has continued to raise the voices of minorities. The growing diversity in the industry encourages people to go into whichever field or career of their choosing, no matter their gender, race, age, or orientation. There is a delayed return in the process, though; changing the culture enough to empower more people to become engineers takes time, so there is no better time to start contributing to the culture change than right now.
Do you have a unique perspective or story about being an engineer as a minority? Do you want to contribute to the culture of empowerment of minorities in this field? Do you want to encourage diversity in a new generation of future engineers?
Please reach out to me if you have any interest in participating in the growth of diversity in our community. There’s handful of events and activities I’ve considered, but one person alone cannot accurately portray or represent diversity. The success of any ideas that come from this committee will depend on a resourceful and diverse group of committed engineers that want to see the field improve and grow.
Jordan Morin
ASHRAE Diversity in ASHRAE Chair
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.
Region I CRC
Come join us at the 2026 ASHRAE Region I CRC in Boston at the Westin Boston Seaport District from August 19th, 2026 - August 22nd, 2026.
ASHRAE Training
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ASHRAE's popular HVAC Design Training is coming to Toronto, ON
May 4-8, 2026 | 8 AM-5 PM EDT
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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: • Catered Lunch and Snacks Daily • Hands-on learning 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! |
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
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
ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference
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ASHRAE has announced a call for presentations for the 2026 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference to be held September 23-25, 2026 in Seattle. This year's theme is: "Decarbonization That Delivers: From Policy to Projects to Performance". The conference will be an information and idea exchange between stakeholders in the built environment industry concerning the improvement of energy efficiency, health, comfort, and reduction of GHG emissions in new and existing buildings and systems. This is ASHRAE's 6th building decarbonization conference and will feature a significant focus on projects from policy to performance. The scope of the conference will cover a range of building types and include topics on data centers, municipalities, airports/transportation, hospitals, laboratories, higher education and school districts. The conference will bring together engineering and technical solution providers with building owners, utility program managers, local governments and financial services providers who are increasingly challenged to meet stringent building decarbonization goals, policies and regulations in a practical, cost-effective manner. Potential presenters are invited to submit proposals for panel and seminar sessions (60 or 90 min). The conference is only accepting abstracts for full sessions.
Submit your proposals, selecting a main track and subtopics and desired session length. Special consideration will be given to project submissions that pair both engineer and owner, financier, or policymakers as speakers. Case studies should include highly technical details as well as cost ranges, performance outcomes, and financial rationale including tax rebates or incentives. Tracks and subtopics include: |
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Business Strategy, Finance & Accountability (For executives, investors, owners, real-estate leaders) |
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Technical Solutions, Retrofit Delivery & Emerging Technology (For engineers, designers, sustainability and operations practitioners) |
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Policy, Standards & Public-Sector Infrastructure (For government, civic agencies, code officials, policy advisors) |
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Portfolio Planning, Archetypes & Real-World Case Studies (For portfolio managers, planners, and cross-functional leadership teams) |
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Presentation proposals are due February 27, 2026 and acceptance notifications will be sent in March. Submit a proposal HERE. For more information on the conference, visit: www.ashrae.org/2026decarb. We hope to see you in Seattle! Steering Committee Ginger Scoggins, Chair Carrie Brown, Vice-Chair Ghina Annan Fiona McCarthy Nancy Kohout |
ASHRAE 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.
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!
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!
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
ASHRAE Annual Conference
Have y’all been to Austin, Texas? ASHRAE will be there June 27-July 1 for the 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference at the JW Marriott and Marriott Downtown Austin. It’ll be a hootin’ hollerin’ good time!
Get registered by April 27 and save with early bird rates.
https://www.ashrae.org/conferences/2026-annual-conference-austin
