September 2026 Newsletter
As we move into September, I continue to be energized by the momentum and engagement across our chapter. We have some awesome ideas in mind for the chapter, and I can’t wait to see them in action. One of the highlights of the past month was attending the joint Region X and Region XI Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) in Hawaii. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with ASHRAE volunteers and leaders from across the western United States and Canada, share ideas, exchange best practices, and learn from one another. CRC is always a reminder that while every chapter faces unique challenges, we all benefit from openly sharing successes and lessons learned. I am especially proud to report that the Puget Sound Chapter was recognized at CRC with the Richard Perry Award, signifying the overall best chapter in the region. In addition to this prestigious honor, our chapter brought home 12 additional awards and recognitions, reflecting the outstanding efforts of our committee chairs and volunteers, YEA members, student branches, and countless members who dedicate their time to advancing our chapter’s mission. These accomplishments are a direct reflection of the passion, leadership, and commitment that make our chapter exceptional. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success. Later this month, we are honored to welcome ASHRAE Society President Sarah Maston to Seattle. Sarah’s presidential theme, “Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life,” highlights the critical role our industry plays in creating indoor environments that support human health, well-being, and productivity. Her visit provides a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about Society initiatives, the future direction of ASHRAE, and the ways our members can contribute to advancing healthier, more sustainable buildings. I encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be an engaging and inspiring evening with one of ASHRAE’s most influential leaders. We also have the Decarbonization Conference following Sarah’s visit. As our industry continues to focus on reducing building emissions, improving resiliency, and accelerating the transition to high-performance buildings, this event offers valuable opportunities to hear from industry leaders and learn about real-world applications happening throughout our region. Whether you are a designer, owner, contractor, manufacturer, operator, or student, there will be meaningful discussions and actionable takeaways for everyone. Our chapter’s success has always been built on the willingness of members to volunteer, share knowledge, mentor others, and stay engaged. The recognition we received at CRC demonstrates what can be accomplished when passionate professionals work together toward a common goal. I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events. A reminder that this chapter’s success is based wholly on the efforts of our volunteers. If you are looking to participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the Puget Sound volunteers, fill out the Participation Survey in the punch list, or email info@pugetsoundashrae.org. Thank you for your continued involvement and support of the Puget Sound Chapter. |
| September 2026 Chapter Meeting |
Presentation Abstract: “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience” highlights the critical role existing buildings play in creating a more sustainable and resilient future. Using the concepts of teamwork, strategy and execution, this theme explores how retrofitting, retro-commissioning and modern building practices can improve building performance, efficiency and resilience. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration among building owners, operators, engineers, code officials and commissioning providers, while advancing innovative workforce development strategies to prepare the next generation of HVAC&R professionals. By working together, the industry can transform existing buildings into high-performing assets that are better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Register Now |
Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP is ASHRAE’s President for the 2026-27 Society Year. Maston previously served on the ASHRAE Board of Directors as president-elect, treasurer, vice president and director-at-large. Throughout her Society service, Maston has held numerous leadership and volunteer roles across ASHRAE’s membership, technical and communications initiatives. Prior to her term as President, Maston was chair of the Appointments Roadmap Committee, Members Council, Technology Council, and vice chair of the President-Elect Advisory Committee. Maston also served as chair of the Conferences and Exhibitions Committee, Planning Committee, Finance Committee, and Technical Committee 7.9, Building Commissioning. She was also a member of ASHRAE Standing Standards Project Committee 300, Commissioning. She currently serves as president of the ASHRAE/REHVA Committee, chair of the Charter Institution of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE)/ASHRAE Liaison Subcommittee, and ASHRAE Representative to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), the International Well Building Institute (IWBI), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the International Code Council (ICC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). |
| 2026 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference |
2026 Theme: Decarbonization That Delivers: From Policy to Projects to Performance Register Now |
| Region X & Region XI Joint CRC 2026 in Hawaii Recap |
Awards won: Chapter Service Award – Rae Anne Rushing Region XI Technology Award – First Place Existing Commercial Buildings – Metropole by Ecotope Richard Perry Award (the BIG one) recognizing excellence in total performance of the chapters in Region XI Presidential Award of Excellence with Star Award and Special Citation – Krishnan Gowri RP Certificate of Achievement for exceeding Goal with endorsements for Chapter Endowment Research Fund and Chapter Endowment Scholarship fund J Donald Koreker Award for Outstanding Chapter Newsletter YEA AWARD for Exceptional YEA Chair – Alex Amimoto and Jack Roberts Region XI DEI Award – Kharma Garcia L.O. Crooks Refrigeration Award – Alex Thorson and Brandon Canedo Most Outstanding Student Branch – University of Washington Seattle Blue Ribbon Award – Miriam Miller DEI RVC Certificate of Appreciation – Sierra Spitulski Government Affairs Award for Outstanding Efforts with all levels of the Government – Brad Lentz Read more |
| Volunteering Opportunity – ACE Mentoring |
| ACE is looking for mentors to participate in the 2026-2027 ACE Mentoring school year! They anticipate serving close to 500 students in Seattle, Tacoma, the Eastside, and possibly other parts of Washington this year. Since 2001, the ACE Mentor Program of Washington has helped 5,000+ high school students learn about the architecture, engineering, and construction professions. Yes, ACE is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in the Seattle Area (including the Eastside and Tacoma)! ACE is always in need of mentors in the MEP engineering fields and would love to have your support for their teams! Reach out to your friends and co-workers, and come and enjoy the fun! The time commitment is a few hours after work, generally every other week. Disclaimer: ASHRAE Puget Sound is not affiliated with ACE and is sharing this opportunity for informational purposes only. |
| ASHRAE Puget Sound is always looking for new volunteers for our various committees. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please fill out the Volunteer Interest Survey. |
| ASHRAE Puget Sound Chapter Website |
| Our website is an excellent resource for HVAC&R engineers in the Puget Sound region. Visit to pugetsoundashrae.org or check out these useful links: Punch List Past event recordings, news and society updates. Events Calendar Chapter meetings, as well as other relevant HVAC&R events Job Postings If you are looking for a job, or looking for somewhere to post a job listing, this is the place for you! Sponsorship Opportunities Is your business or employer interested in sponsoring ASHRAE Puget Sound? Check out this page to learn more! |
| Chapter May Not Act for Society | ASHRAE Puget Sound Chapter Email info@pugetsoundashrae.org P.O. BOX 1294 Seattle, WA 98111 United States |