NEWS & Announcements

ASHRAE President Sarah e. maston’s theme for the 2026-27 ASHRAE Society Year is "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."

"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.”

Maston’s 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.

Learn more about this year's theme here: https://www.ashrae.org/about/leadership/ashrae-president

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Three Student Scholarship Opportunities

Attention students and emerging professionals in the HVAC&R field! The ASHRAE Rocky Mountains Chapter is excited to announce that applications for the 2026-2027 academic year scholarships are now open. This is a fantastic opportunity to further your education and advance your career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

ASHRAE's scholarships aim to inspire students worldwide to pursue careers in engineering or technology within the HVAC&R industry, part of the broader STEM field. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also help educate and prepare future engineers to contribute to the HVAC&R profession.

Beyond financial assistance, these scholarships offer incredible opportunities to stay updated with the latest industry developments. You'll explore cutting-edge topics such as energy storage technologies, strategies for controlling airborne diseases in buildings, and the challenges related to decarbonizing the building sector.

By applying, you'll gain more than just funds—you'll gain access to exclusive expos, student events, and a network of industry professionals. Engage with experts, exchange ideas with thought leaders, and dive into the future of HVAC&R!

1)     Rocky Mountain ASHRAE Chapter Scholarship:

Financial scholarships offered by the local Rocky Mountain Chapter will be awarded at Student Night on February 3, 2027. Scholarships will be awarded to full-time or part-time students attending the spring semester. The selection process will focus on interest, goals, need, and academic performance. While ASHRAE membership is highly recommended, active participation in a student chapter, if applicable, is also favored.

• Deadline: January 15, 2027
• Application Link: Student Scholarship Applications
• Eligibility Criteria:
1. Signed general application form.
2. A cover letter (two pages max) outlining your interests, goals, internship experience, and financial need.
3. A one-page resume.
4. A one-page summary of scholastic achievements and involvement in ASHRAE.

2)    ASHRAE Winter Conference Scholarship

Offering up to $1,500 to cover expenses for the conference held in Chicago, IL, in January 2027.

• Deadline: November 20th, 2026
• Application Link: Student Scholarship Applications
• Eligibility Criteria:
1. Be an ASHRAE member.
2. Not be a previous recipient of a Rocky Mountain ASHRAE scholarship for a society conference.
3. Attend at least five sessions and one networking event at the conference.
4. Attend a regular chapter meeting for an introduction before or after the conference.
5. Write an article about your experience for the Rocky Mountain ASHRAE Newsletter (due within two months post-conference).

Don’t miss this chance to boost your academic and professional journey! Apply today, and take the next big step toward your career goals. For more details and to access applications, visit our website or contact Steve Ferguson @ [email protected]. We look forward to supporting your growth and seeing you at our upcoming events!

3)    National Scholarship Details:

• Deadline: April 1st, 2027 (for Fall 2027 scholarships)
• Application Link: ASHRAE Scholarship Program
• Eligibility Criteria:
1. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (or top 30% of class) evidenced by transcripts.
2. Three letters of recommendation (from an instructor, employer, and character reference).
3. Demonstrated interest in the HVAC or refrigeration profession.
4. Financial need.
5. Excellence, character, and leadership qualities.
6. Community service or extracurricular activities, such as participation in the arts, music, athletics, volunteerism, or humanitarian groups.

Colorado building performance standards

The State of Colorado is facilitating a task force that will make broad recommendations regarding Colorado’s Building Performance Standard (BPS). The Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) will then decide on the more detailed rules of the BPS. The State would like to gather input from the community on these recommendations. Please take the survey here. There is an accompanying presentation that explains the BPS recommendations and process in greater detail here.

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To donate to ASHRAE Research please follow this link: www.ashrae.org/contribute and be sure to indicated you are from the Rocky Mountain Chapter. Thank you for your donation 100% of the donated funds go to research projects in the HVAC industry!

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Help make our meetings more Sustainable – Ride Green

Click Here to figure out the best Public Transportation Route to our meeting.  In the upper left corner click on Get Directions and enter your starting point, location of our meeting (500 16th Street, Denver, CO) .  Be sure to specify “by public transit” in the drop down and click on “show options” to enter the times you want to travel.