2024 ASHRAE Winter Conference to focus on decarbonization, climate change, and AI

ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, unveiled the preliminary technical program for its highly anticipated 2024 Winter Conference. Scheduled to take place from January 20 to January 24, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, this event promises to be a comprehensive exploration of key issues such as decarbonization, climate change, artificial intelligence, and more. The conference program is available online and through the ASHRAE 365 app.

With a dedicated focus on addressing the pressing challenges of decarbonization and climate change, the conference will feature 11 technical tracks and over 100 sessions, providing attendees with a wealth of knowledge and insights. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) while delving into various tracks, including Decarbonization and Climate Change, Clean Spaces and Mission Critical Facilities, Tall Buildings Design, Artificial Intelligence, Refrigeration and Refrigerants, and more.

Suzanne LeViseur, the Chair of the 2024 ASHRAE Winter Conference, emphasized the event’s significance, saying, “The conference gives attendees an unparalleled opportunity to discover practical and timely solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing the built environment. ASHRAE’s decarbonization focus is included within all of the technical tracks, so that we can provide effective strategies on a variety of topics through the conference sessions.”

Some examples of decarbonization-related sessions include:

• “Decarbonization in Cold Chain Process” (Refrigeration and Refrigerants Track)
• “The Logical Way to Tap Into Decarbonization: Hydronic District Energy Systems” (Hydronic Systems Track)
• “Beneficial Electrification” (HVAC&R Systems and Equipment Track)
• “Grid-Interactive Buildings for a Decarbonized World” (Decarbonization and Climate Change Track)

The conference will also feature additional trending sessions, such as discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), cybersecurity for BAS control systems, and the pursuit of net-zero building solutions.

The Plenary session will host a keynote presentation by Canadian climate change solutions expert Chris Turner, who will discuss the global shift towards clean energy. ASHRAE Executive Vice President and Secretary Jeff Littleton will provide Society updates in his report, and the accomplishments of ASHRAE’s members will be recognized during the Honors and Awards ceremony.

During the President’s Luncheon, 2023-24 ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins will deliver her State of the Society address, marking progress toward initiatives outlined in the current Society theme, “Challenge Accepted: Tackling the Climate Crisis.”

The ASHRAE Learning Institute will offer 18 courses during the conference, all approved for continuing education credits for maintaining P.E. licensure. Four new courses will be offered, covering topics like net-zero buildings, infectious aerosol control, indoor air quality procedures, and facility assessment for controlling infectious aerosols.

ASHRAE certification exams will be administered during the week, and various business, committee, and technical meetings will be conducted in the weeks leading up to and during the conference.

The cost to attend the conference in person is $755 for ASHRAE members ($1,010 for non-members, which includes an ASHRAE membership for one year). Early bird discounts are available for registrations completed before November 26. Company packages are available for virtual registrants. Conference registration includes free entry to the co-sponsored 2024 AHR Expo, taking place from January 22 to January 24, 2024. Members of the media may receive a complimentary press registration to attend the conference and AHR Expo, with a special invitation to join President Scoggins at a press coffee event.

To register, visit ashrae.org/2024winter.