2025 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference

Chicago, IL

2025 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference

October 22-24, 2025

Chicago, IL

About Conference
Register now!Technical Program

The 2025 Building Decarbonization Conference will be an information and idea exchange between stakeholders in the built environment industry concerning the reduction of GHG emissions in new and existing buildings and systems. This is ASHRAE’s 4th building decarbonization conference and will feature a significant focus on strategies and solutions for scaling up building decarbonization. The scope of the conference will cover a range of buildings from residential to small, medium and large commercial buildings to campus and portfolio buildings. The conference will bring together engineering and technical solution providers with building owners, utility program managers, local governments and financial services providers who are increasingly challenged to meet stringent building decarbonization goals, policies and regulations in a practical, cost-effective manner.

The conference program will cover the topics below and more:
- Scaling decarbonized new construction of buildings;
- Scaling building decarbonization retrofits;
- Scaling across multiple buildings (campus, portfolio) and systems, such as district heating energy system;
- Special considerations in scaling building decarbonization in rural and underserved communities;
- Whole-life carbon and embodied carbon best practices, resources, tools and case studies;
- Pairing decarbonization with resiliency and enhanced IEQ;
- Policies and Standards, including building energy codes and Building Performance Standards;
- Cold climate design, construction and operational considerations including hybrid heating solutions;
- Managing peak electric loads from building electrification – demand reduction, thermal storage, DER integration, demand flexibility;
- Building decarbonization through utility programs – new construction, retrofits;
- Financing solutions for building decarbonization in new construction and retrofits – net zero as a service, ESPC, PACE, green mortgages.
Conference News
01-17-2025 2025 Building Decarbonization Conference Call for Presentations

12-13-2024 ASHRAE Announces Dates for 2025 Building Decarbonization Conference
Deadlines
- Presentation Upload deadline: September 10^th
- Commercialism Reviews Complete by: September 24^th
- Revised Presentations Due: October 8^th

Tehnical Program

The technical program for the 2025 Building Decarbonization Conference is a mix of invited speakers and accepted submissions to an open call for abstracts. The program will cover but is not limited to the following topics:

Topic categories include:

Scaling Decarbonization: Transitioning from Bespoke Solutions to Broad Implementation

Scaling decarbonized new construction (residential and commercial)
Scaling building decarbonization retrofits
Scaling at the regional level or across multiple buildings (campus, portfolio) and systems
Special considerations in scaling building decarbonization in rural and underserved communities

Innovators' Showcase: Success Stories and Cutting-Edge Tech (Best Practices, Case Studies, and Evolving Technologies)

Whole-life carbon best practices, resources, tools, and case studies
Cold climate design, construction, operation, and end of life considerations including hybrid heating solutions
Evolving heat pump technology roll-up, new refrigerants, new capabilities, etc.
Retrocommissioning with low-cost and scalable solutions

Beyond Decarbonization: Flattening Utility Demand, Considering Resilience, and More

Managing peak electric loads from building electrification – demand reduction, thermal storage, DER integration, demand flexibility
Pairing decarbonization with resiliency and enhanced IEQ
Critical facility challenges
Equity considerations in decarbonization

Blueprints for Change: Policies, Standards, and Programs

Building decarbonization through utility programs – new construction, retrofits
Policies and Standards, including building energy codes and Building Performance Standards
Financing solutions for building decarbonization in new construction and retrofits – net zero as a service, ESPC, PACE, green mortgages

Registration

Registration Opens May 26^th 2025

Early Bird Registration: (Ends August 22nd)	Rate
Member	$ 700.00
Non-Member	$ 750.00
Regular Registration: (Starts August 23rd)	Rate
Member	$ 750.00
Non-Member	$ 800.00
Other Registration:	Rate
Speaker	$ 400.00
Student Member & Non Member	$ 100.00
One Day Member (Available Onsite Only)	$ 350.00
One Day Non Member (Available Onsite Only)	$ 400.00
OnDemand Session Recording Access (Virtual Option)	Rate
Member	$ 350.00
Non-Member	$ 400.00
Student	$ 50.00

In-person Conference registration includes the following:

On-site Access to Technical Program from October 22-24, 2025.
Interactive Conference App: ASHRAE 365.
Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening, October 21, 2025.
Networking Reception on Thursday evening, October 23, 2025.
Light Breakfast, Lunch and Coffee Breaks Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23.
Light Breakfast and Coffee Breaks on Friday, October 24.
12-month access to ALL recordings of conference sessions including Keynote Presentations.

On-demand (Virtual) Conference registration includes the following:

12-month access to ALL recordings of conference sessions including Keynote Presentations.
Interactive Conference App: ASHRAE 365.

ASHRAE 2025 Building Decarbonization Conference Student and Emerging Professional Travel Grant
ASHRAE is pleased to offer travel grants for students and emerging professionals to attend the 2025 Building Decarbonization Conference. The conference will be held October 22-24, 2025 in Chicago, IL.

The awards will cover:
- The cost of registration for all awardees
- $1,000 USD to subsidize airfare, ground travel, and lodging for awardees traveling from out of town
Applications are due June 30, 2025.

The travel grants will be awarded in partnership with the ASHRAE Illinois Chapter.

Eligibility

Recipients must be either:
- a full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited college or university during the Fall 2025 term, in a course of study that traditionally has been a preparatory curriculum for the HVAC&R profession
- a practicing professional in the built environment industry, who graduated from an accredited college or university in 2022 or later.
What’s Covered
- Free conference registration, and
- For recipients requiring travel to attend the conference: Up to $1,000 USD to subsidize the costs of:
  - Hotel room costs for the duration of the conference.
  - Travel: airfare and ground transportation to the conference.
How to Apply
- Fill out our APPLICATION FORM HERE
- You will be asked to provide:
  - ASHRAE membership number (membership is not required but provide if you have one)
  - A letter describing your background and motivation for attending the conference (up to one page)
  - CV or Resume
  - Title of your conference presentation or paper (if applicable)
  - Contact information for a faculty sponsor or employer (faculty sponsors or employers may be contacted to confirm eligibility).
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Professional Relevance: How relevant is the conference to the applicant’s background, current work, and future career goals?
- Engagement and Leadership Potential: Has the applicant demonstrated prior involvement or leadership in ASHRAE or another organization?
- Conference Involvement: Is the applicant a presenter for an accepted presentation, or, a major contributor to a presentation, at the ASHRAE 2025 Building Decarbonization Conference? If not, has the applicant attended or presented at a previous ASHRAE Conferences?
Earlier application submissions will receive priority.

What Happens if You Receive an Award?

Successful applicants will be notified by July 28, 2025. Awardees will be expected to attend the full conference and participate in conference activities supporting students and emerging professionals.

Timing
- June 30, 2025 – Applications due by 11:59 pm PDT
- July 28, 2025 – Awards announced
- October 22-24, 2025 – Conference Dates
Questions

Direct questions to: Amanda Webb (amanda.webb@uc.edu) and Nancy Kohout (nancy.kohout@smithgroup.com)
Technical Tours

GTI Energy R&D Tour of Emerging Decarbonization Technologies

1700 S. Mount Prospect Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60018
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: $25
Capacity: 40

The R&D Tour of Emerging Decarbonization Technologies at GTI Energy promises to be an insightful off-site experience. This adventure will showcase some of the latest developments in decarbonization technologies for both residential and commercial buildings, with a particular focus on distributed power generation, mechanical systems, building enclosures, and water heating. We'll delve into how GTI Energy is accelerating technology adoption by performing load-based testing for heat pumps and characterizing equipment in real-world conditions, which helps advance industry understanding of equipment performance on quicker timelines. The tour will begin with a brief presentation on GTI Energy’s research activities aimed at decarbonizing building envelope and mechanical systems, industrial energy, and data centers. Following this, attendees will embark on a targeted tour highlighting active technology development projects. Key tour stops will include work with hydrogen blending, advanced heat pumps with alternative refrigerants, gas-fired heat pumps, dual-fuel systems, a distributed energy and microgrid testbed, advanced commercial water heating, separate sensible and latent cooling systems, envelope-integrated heating and cooling systems, and post-combustion carbon capture and sequestration.

Cooler by the Lake: Loyola Campus Decarbonization Tour

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 1:00PM – 4:30 PM
Cost: $25
Capacity: 25

Since adopting their Climate Action Plan in 2015, Loyola University Chicago has reduced Scope 1&2 emissions by 85%. Deep energy efficiency measures, high-performing buildings, and a mission-driven approach to sustainability has led to Loyola being recognized as one of the leaders in higher education for campus sustainability. This tour, led by Loyola’s Capital Planning and Sustainability Staff as well as consulting engineers and architects, will feature steps that Loyola University Chicago has taken to modernize and decarbonize its Lake Shore Campus. Loyola purchased this property in 1900 and the oldest buildings are from 1907, including art deco masterpieces such as Madonna della Strada Chapel and the Mundelein Center. During this time the campus has transitioned from coal to oil, oil to gas, steam to hot water, and in some areas ground-source heat pumps, heat-recovery, and passive ventilation. The lakefront location allows for innovative stormwater management and nature-friendly green infrastructure including the most green roofs of any university in the Midwest. The School of Environmental Sustainability is a living laboratory including an urban agriculture program, sustainable student living, and a unique biodiesel lab producing fuel and other products for campus use. The tour will also feature an accessible “earth duct”, multiple natural ventilation strategies - both manual and automated, heat-recovery, and the largest geothermal system at a Chicago university.

Salesforce Tower Tour

333 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Cost: $25
Capacity: 20

Salesforce Tower Chicago, a 60-story landmark at the meeting point of the Chicago River’s three branches, is designed with energy efficiency and sustainability at its core. Completed in 2023, the tower incorporates high-performance glazing, locally sourced low-carbon materials, and systems that significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional office buildings. Inside, flexible workspaces maximize natural light and airflow, while wellness features like fitness facilities, bike storage, and riverfront access support a healthy, low-impact lifestyle. From its river-inspired architecture to its community-focused top-floor gathering space, the tower reflects a modern commitment to environmental responsibility and thoughtful urban integration. The building is all-electric; there is no on-site use of fossil fuels. This allows 100% of the energy to be matched by Salesforce’s Renewable Energy commitment while enabling the building to fully benefit from the City of Chicago’s clean energy transition. Salesforce Tower Chicago has achieved LEED v4 Gold Certification for the exterior of the building, while the interiors have achieved LEED v4 Platinum Certification, the highest rating level offered by the U.S. Green Building Council. The tower is also on track to achieve Zero Carbon Certification, offered by the International Living Future Institute. The tour will include a visit to the central plant, as well as unbeatable views from the 57th floor of the Tower.

Evolving the Icon: Willis Tower Retrofit Tour

232 South Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60606
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 2:00PM – 3:30PM
Cost: $25
Capacity: 25

Discover how one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers is setting a new standard for sustainability and resilience. Evolving the Icon takes you behind the scenes of Willis Tower’s ambitious retrofit—a multi-year transformation that’s redefining what’s possible for existing high-rise buildings.
Led by members of the project and operations teams, this guided tour will explore how Willis Tower is modernizing to improve energy performance, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance occupant experience. From upgraded HVAC systems and high-efficiency lighting to envelope improvements and smart building technologies, you'll see how legacy infrastructure is being reimagined for the future. Gain exclusive access to mechanical spaces, system upgrades, and operational strategies that support long-term performance. The tour will also spotlight the role of tenant engagement, real-time energy data, and green leasing in achieving deep energy savings in a complex, multi-tenant environment.
Ideal for building professionals, policymakers, and sustainability leaders, this tour offers practical takeaways and bold inspiration from a project that proves even the most iconic structures can evolve for a lower-carbon future.

District Energy System Tour

300 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60606
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Cost: $25
Capacity: 20

The CenTrio district cooling system in Chicago provides chilled water service to over 110 buildings in the Loop and adjacent neighborhoods. Five cooling plants serve the system through a common distribution network comprised of 8.5 trench miles of buried pipe. Plant 2 (P2) is located at the corner of Franklin and Van Buren Streets in downtown Chicago. The plant started commercial operation in July 1996 and was partially renovated in 2021. The plant has a total of 23,000 tons of peak chilled water capacity produced from four screw compressors, three two-stage centrifugal chillers and an ice storage tank with a capacity of 125,000 ton-hours. The CenTrio district cooling system is 100% electrically driven using carbon free power. CenTrio appreciates the energy-water nexus and is using river water cooling at three of its plants to eliminate cooling tower water consumption. CenTrio is invested in their decarbonization strategy and is looking for new ways to secure a carbon free power supply and reduce their total carbon footprint.
Sponsorship

The conference organizers are pleased to offer several sponsorship opportunities to engage industry participation. All sponsors will have their company logo and name on the event flyer, the conference web site and recognition during the conference. A summary of the specific benefits of each sponsorship level is included. If you have questions or are interesting in being a sponsor, please contact Staci Loeffler sloeffler@ashrae.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Hotel + Travel

Conference Hotel

Hotel reservations can be made at the conference hotel

The Westin Chicago River North,
320 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60654

ASHRAE has a block of rooms available at the negotiated group rate of $309 + tax per night.

To make reservations at the group rate click below:

Make Reservations

Room reservations must be made by Tuesday, September 30, 2025 to guarantee availability and the negotiated room rate.

Visa Letter

Click the button below to fill out the form and have a visa letter generated for you.

VISA Letter

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to check the processing times calculator for guidance, but generally we recommend applying approximately 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Gold Level

Silver Level

Bronze Level

Lanyard Level
Steering Committee

Steering Committee:

Luke Leung, Chair

Carrie Brown, Vice-Chair

Bing Liu

Chris Gray

Amanda Webb

Nancy Kohout

Fiona Martin

Lawrence Kotewa

Benjamin Skelton

Katie Kaluzny

Craig Bradshaw