Event Description

Join USGBC California for a practical discussion on electrifying large commercial building systems, featuring perspectives from an engineering firm, a sustainability advisor, and a leading HVAC manufacturer. Together, our panel will explore today's market-ready technologies, the realities of retrofitting existing buildings, and the key considerations for planning successful projects.

Topics will include evaluating heat pump technologies for large commercial applications, understanding project costs and operational impacts, integrating efficiency with electrification strategies, and lessons learned from projects already underway. Attendees will gain practical insights to help inform capital planning, improve building performance, and prepare for the future of commercial building operations.

Learning Objectives - 

• Evaluate commercially available electrification technologies—including heat pump boilers and rooftop HVAC systems—and understand where they are most appropriate for large commercial buildings.
• Understand the engineering, financial, and operational considerations involved in replacing existing gas-fired HVAC equipment with efficient electric alternatives.
• Identify strategies for combining energy efficiency improvements with electrification to optimize system performance, reduce operating costs, and improve long-term building performance.
• Learn best practices and lessons from recent retrofit projects, including design considerations, installation challenges, commissioning, operations and maintenance, and occupant satisfaction.
• Develop a roadmap for incorporating electrification into long-term capital planning while supporting organizational sustainability goals and preparing for California's evolving building performance requirements.