The 2026 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference, set for September 23-25 in Seattle, has released its full technical program. The event targets engineers, architects, and building owners with sessions on real-world case studies, portfolio-scale electrification, and the business case for carbon reduction. Keynotes include Stet Sanborn of SmithGroup and Erin McConahey of Arup, focusing on resilience and whole-life carbon thinking. A major panel will address how states can harmonize Building Performance Standards to reduce compliance burdens while maintaining local flexibility. Interactive workshops and sessions on California's 15,000-building public-sector decarbonization effort are also on the agenda. The conference emphasizes practical implementation over theory, with examples like the Empire State Building retrofit and net-zero community health clinics.
