December HRATEC Summit

Decarbonization and the Future of HVAC Design

WHEN: December 8, 2025, 8:30 AM - 3:30PM

** !! REGISTRATION CLOSES DECEMBER 1ST @NOON !! **

WHERE: In Person, Basso's at the Cheshire Inn, 7036 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63117

FEE $75 for ASHRAE St. Louis Members, Past Presidents, and full-time students; $150 for Non-members

Location: Basso's at the Cheshire Inn, 7036 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63117

EVENT SCHEDULE:

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM - Registration & Breakfast

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM - Presentation 1

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM - Presentation 2

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM - Break

11:15 AM - 12:15 AM - Presentation 3

12:15 AM - 1:15PM - Presentation 4 & Lunch

1:15 PM- 1:30 PM - Break

1:30 PM- 2:30 PM - Presentation 5

2:30 PM– 3:30 PM - Presentation 6

SPEAKERS:

Presenter #1 – Larry Gelin

• How Much Does Air Distribution Affect IEQ, Actually?
• Room air distribution has a direct impact on the comfort and air quality of indoor spaces. Through video demonstration and CFD images, our speaker will introduce the fundamental concepts in room air distribution design and then apply those concepts to answer five (very) practical design questions to consider when making air device and equipment selections for projects. The videos and images in the presentation will help audience members visualize the impact of seemingly minor choices in diffuser selection and location and show large potential impacts of those choices.

• Decoupled DOAS Systems with Hydronic Cooling
• Decoupled hydronic HVAC systems are some of the most efficient available today, using proven technologies and commercially available (non-custom) terminal equipment such as chilled beams, DOAS terminals and fan coil units. Our speaker will show the energy efficiency opportunities that a DOAS + hydronic system can offer, help engineers make capital equipment choices based on cost and efficiency, and share best practices when choosing among terminal options for individual spaces. Finally, the speaker will offer several case studies in buildings where these systems were installed.
• Biography:
• Our speaker is Larry Gelin, BSME Mechanical Engineering from UW-Madison, MSME from UT-Austin, Area Manager for Price Industries. Prior to being an Area Manager for Price, Larry was the Director of Engineering Sales for a manufacturer’s rep firm in Colorado and is a past Director of Rocky Mountain ASHRAE. Larry has presented in the past on sound and vibration control, pumping systems, terminal units and fan coils, and is well known for his past “Don’t Let This Happen to You!” seminars.

Presenter #2 – Tom Kolsun

• Breaking Barriers: A Strategic Blueprint for Decarbonizing Laboratory Buildings
• Decarbonizing laboratory facilities presents unique challenges, from stringent safety requirements and complex mechanical systems to financial constraints and aggressive sustainability goals. In this session, Tom Kolsun will present a real-world case study from a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer that illustrates how traditional airflow optimization methods fall short when applied to complex retrofit projects. Attendees will explore a new, strategic framework for achieving meaningful carbon reductions in lab environments. One that goes beyond technology adoption to include innovative financing models, strategic use of rebate and incentive programs, and integrated project delivery approaches. This presentation will equip building professionals with actionable strategies to overcome common barriers and accelerate progress toward net-zero lab operations.
• Presentation Invitation: Data-Driven Exhaust Fan Optimization for Labs and Vivariums
• Laboratories and vivariums present unique challenges for ventilation design—balancing safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Recent updates to ANSI Z9.5 (2022) have opened the door to a performance-based approach, enabling smarter, data-informed control strategies that reduce energy use without compromising safety. This presentation explores how real-time air quality data, digital chemical inventory systems, and adaptive exhaust control can transform exhaust fan operation. Attendees will learn how these strategies achieve significant energy savings, enhance occupant safety, and extend equipment life—all while maintaining compliance with evolving ventilation standards. Join us to discover how data-driven exhaust optimization is reshaping lab design and delivering measurable results in both new construction and retrofit applications.
• Biography:
• Tom has 25+ years of experience in the building industry focused on systems serving commercial and government facilities. He also has wide-ranging entrepreneurial experience in the commercial construction field as a prior founder and president of two technology related companies. Tom is currently the Vice President of Sales for Thrive Buildings. Thrive is a specialty turnkey contractor, delivering intelligent decarbonization to Life Science, Manufacturing, Higher-Ed and Government clients.

Presenter #3 – Sam McGlone

• Topics:
• Data Centers 101 – An Introduction
• How did we get here?
• Power requirements
• Trends in Power Supply and Sourcing
• Trends in Cooling
• Opportunities for Architects and Engineers
• Data Centers 102 – Stewards of the Built Environment
• Collective Delivery
• Engaging Stake Holders
• Design and Engineering
• Biography:
• Sam was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He is a third-generation graduate of Kansas State University, earning bachelor’s degree with honors in Architecture in 2010. After college he lived and worked in Seattle and San Antonio before moving to Houston with his wife in 2013. An active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), he has volunteered often with AIA Houston and previously chaired the Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program. In addition to his work with the AIA, he serves on the Board of Director’s at St. Catherine’s Montessori and chairs their Building and Grounds Committee. Fueled by the challenge and complexity of architecture, Sam brings his passion for design to every project. His adept problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help clients make informed decisions resulting in successful projects. Sam's extensive experience in the specialized multi-family residential sector has given him the opportunity to experience the effective power of design. His diverse portfolio also includes work on mixed-use projects, bespoke custom homes, commercial office buildings, and tenant build-outs. Most recently, he has led project teams in the development and execution of large-scale data center, industrial, and advanced manufacturing facilities across the United States. These fast-paced and technically focused projects have provided Sam a vehicle to explore new building technologies, challenge project delivery methods, and mentor the next generation of Architect’s at Gensler.