ASHRAE Society Theme
2026-2027 ASHRAE Society Theme: Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution or game plan for retrofitting buildings. Every building has its own constraints – mechanical systems, budgets and operational needs. Also, financial constraints, or utility infrastructure, plays a part in deciding the game plan or resilience strategy of a building. That’s why teamwork is absolutely essential.”
Her theme focuses on how the building industry can work together to improve the efficiency, performance and resilience of existing buildings in the face of growing climate and infrastructure challenges. She compares retrofitting buildings to developing a winning “game plan,” highlighting the importance of modern building codes, retro-commissioning and cross-functional collaboration among owners, operators, engineers, manufacturers, code officials and commissioning providers.
“We need to figure out how Team ASHRAE, with its wealth of knowledge and educational offerings, can help create a game plan to make existing buildings more efficient, healthy and resilient. This year we are going to focus on codes, technical guidance and building our team.” Sarah notes that it won’t always be easy, but encourages everyone to meet our building industry partners where they are- listen, collaborate, and try new approaches, to meet the challenges ahead, together.
-Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP, 2026-27 ASHRAE President
