Each new ASHRAE Society Year brings with it a theme that challenges our industry to think differently about the built environment. For 2026–27, ASHRAE President Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP, has introduced “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.” The theme focuses on developing a stronger game plan for improving the efficiency, performance and resilience of the buildings that already surround us.
The ASHRAE Ozarks Chapter is proud to support this important initiative.
For decades, conversations about sustainability and high-performance buildings often focused heavily on what we could accomplish with new construction. But the path toward a more sustainable and resilient future cannot be built with new buildings alone. Existing buildings represent an enormous opportunity to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor environmental quality, modernize aging infrastructure and prepare facilities for the demands of the future. ASHRAE is placing increasing emphasis on retrofitting, retro-commissioning and decarbonization strategies that turn ambitious sustainability goals into measurable improvements in existing facilities.
As communities, organizations and the building industry work toward long-term goals such as net-zero operation and substantial carbon reductions by mid-century, we must find practical ways to improve the buildings we already have. In many cases, that does not mean replacing everything. It means understanding how a building currently operates, identifying opportunities for improvement and developing a thoughtful strategy that may include equipment upgrades, improved controls, better sequences of operation, envelope improvements, electrification, retro-commissioning and ongoing performance monitoring.
That message is especially relevant here in Southwest Missouri.
Our region is rich with architectural history. From historic downtown buildings and schools to churches, universities, municipal facilities, commercial properties and longtime community landmarks, many of the buildings that define our communities were constructed generations ago. Springfield alone has multiple National Register properties and historic districts, including Commercial Street, where buildings dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain an important part of the community today.
Preserving that history and improving building performance do not have to be competing goals.
In fact, retrofitting gives us an opportunity to protect what makes our communities unique while preparing those buildings for another generation of use. A well-planned retrofit can extend equipment life, reduce operating costs, improve occupant comfort, enhance indoor air quality, strengthen resilience and make existing facilities easier to operate and maintain.
The challenge is that every building is different. There is no single retrofit solution that applies universally. Buildings have different mechanical systems, envelopes, controls, budgets, occupancy patterns and operational priorities. That makes collaboration among owners, engineers, contractors, facility professionals, architects, manufacturers and other building-industry partners essential.
That spirit of collaboration is at the heart of ASHRAE.
As the Ozarks Chapter supports Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience, we look forward to continuing conversations throughout the year about how our industry can help Southwest Missouri’s existing buildings become more efficient, sustainable, healthy and resilient—without losing the history and character that make our communities special.
The buildings of the future are not all waiting to be constructed.
Many of them are already here. Our job is to help make them ready for what comes next.
To learn more about ASHRAE President Sarah Maston’s “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience” theme and the Society’s vision for improving existing buildings, visit the ASHRAE Journal featured article.
